"Jiu, you're holding back your laughter too much."
Ye Qinghe's voice rang out.
She walked to Ning Qi's side, then stood with her hands on her hips, took a deep breath, and laughed wildly, her laughter echoing through the sky, startling distant birds into circling around.
"Did you see that? Laugh like this in the future, and the enemy will surely fear you a bit before anything else!"
Ning Qi was speechless.
Laughing so arrogantly, anyone who doesn't know better might think you've achieved enlightenment.
Seeing Ning Qi concede, Ye Qinghe laughed even more wantonly, any previous traces of vexation instantly dissipated.
"When it comes to perception, I'm not as good as you, but in other aspects, Jiu, you're still a bit naive."
Ye Qinghe didn't ask what Stance Skill Ning Qi had comprehended. Although she was curious, she didn't want to be discouraged.
The two lingered on the stone platform for a long time.
Drinking Monkey Wine and enjoying the scenery, there was a unique flavor to it. Ye Qinghe was reluctant to leave, finding that the previous boredom and monotony vanished.
"Jiu, you're really a lucky star. Next time you go out to have fun, make sure to bring your senior sister along."
Ye Qinghe giggled.
She then stopped the White Ape from pouring more wine, stood up, and dusted herself off.
"We probably should head back now."
Ning Qi nodded with a smile.
"Little White Ape, our meeting is fated. I hope next time I see you, you're not being chased by a group of Long-armed Apes."
Ye Qinghe echoed with a laugh:
"Exactly, exactly, it's too embarrassing, little monkey."
However, she felt that this Little White Ape wasn't simple. After eating a few mysterious red fruits, it underwent miraculous changes, which might not yet be fully developed.
The White Ape scratched its head in embarrassment.
The two of them and the ape crossed through the waterfall curtain again, returning to the cave, and then walked through the cave into the woods, where the setting sun was casting increasingly shallow shadows, making the forest appear even more mottled.
The White Ape watched the two with some reluctance.
It waved its arms as if trying to keep them from leaving.
Ning Qi shook his head with a smile and said:
"We have to return to our sect. It's getting late, the forest is dangerous, you should head back sooner."
With those words.
The two waved their hands and walked on.
The White Ape felt dejected, watching the figures of the two disappear into the forest until a sudden jolt made it recall Ning Qi practicing his boxing earlier, the scene of the Golden Monkey asking questions growing more vivid, and its resolve strengthened.
The White Ape, unsure of where it got the strength, screeched twice and sprinted forward.
Ning Qi and Ye Qinghe were chatting and laughing.
Suddenly.
They both paused, eyes filled with astonishment.
They saw the White Ape panting heavily as it leapt to a halt in front of them.
Ye Qinghe chuckled:
"Little monkey, do you want to stick with us?"
The White Ape took a few breaths to calm itself.
Suddenly it knelt down, bowing to Ning Qi with utmost respect, in a manner no different from a human.
Ning Qi and Ye Qinghe's astonishment deepened.
Ye Qinghe exclaimed in wonder.
"Looks like it's not following us, but rather it wants to follow you, Jiu."
Ning Qi asked:
"Do you want to go back with us?"
The White Ape's eyes lit up, nodding repeatedly, gesturing frantically, and finally showing a cautious expression on its face.
Ning Qi was taken aback.
He realized it was mimicking a few of the positions from his own Myriad Phenomena Origin Stance.
Ye Qinghe took a sip of wine:
"This little monkey was secretly learning just now. Now it seems it wants to go back with you to practice that Stance Skill."
Ning Qi chuckled in surprise.
The Myriad Phenomena Origin Stance is incredibly difficult. Even the most talented in the True Martial Sect, Qin Yun, might not be able to learn it, let alone a Little White Ape. Ning Qi understood that the White Ape probably saw some suitable 'figures' within it and thought it could be fitting.
Having said this, Ye Qinghe, feeling somewhat indignant, continued:
"This little monkey has no judgment. I'm much stronger than you, Jiu, yet it chooses you over me, silly monkey!"
The White Ape quickly showed a flattering smile, even giving Ye Qinghe a thumbs up.
Ye Qinghe was immensely amused, feeling overjoyed.
She looked at the pondering Ning Qi and advised:
"Jiu, why not take the little monkey back with us? The True Martial Sect can surely handle raising a little monkey."
This Little White Ape was endearing, for one thing.
Another reason was that she felt Ning Qi was somewhat lonely.
After all, being so young, spending so much time practicing Martial Arts and reading alone, it wouldn't be good if he became withdrawn in character. This Little White Ape was full of spirit, and if it could accompany Ning Qi, it would be a good thing.
This was the main reason she was persuading him.
Ning Qi nodded slightly.
The Myriad Phenomena Origin Stance couldn't be learned by the White Ape, but perhaps he could simplify a part of it to create a stance suitable for the White Ape.
What would happen if an Exotic Beast practiced Human Race martial arts?
Ning Qi suddenly felt a bit curious.
This White Ape, though a bit mischievous, wasn't a fierce creature, and he quite liked it.
He looked over, and the White Ape immediately became nervous.
Ning Qi smiled and said:
"Alright, then you can go back with us."
The White Ape's pupils suddenly dilated, then it rolled and leaped in excitement, swinging through the woods.
Ning Qi and Ye Qinghe exchanged a smile.
...
True Martial Sect.
Fortunately, night had fallen, otherwise their trio of two humans and an ape might have attracted quite a bit of attention.
Ye Qinghe first hid the Monkey Wine she had gathered, then circulated her Inner Strength to remove the scent of alcohol from her body before saying:
"Let's go see the master."
After all, they had brought back an Exotic Beast, the White Ape, into Ning Qi's care, and she felt it necessary to inform her master.
Ning Qi nodded.
Meanwhile, the White Ape was feeling somewhat nervous.
In fact, since it set foot in the True Martial Sect, it had been a bit tense.
Ning Qi reassured:
"Don't worry, the master is kind and benevolent."
The White Ape relaxed slightly, following Ning Qi step by step.
"Disciple greets the master!"
The two respectfully saluted, and the White Ape followed suit.
Taoist Longshan looked at Ning Qi with amiable eyes, as Ning Qi rarely came here, usually only visiting when he encountered a problem. He then glanced at Ye Qinghe, shaking his head slightly, since the scent of wine, though removed, couldn't escape him.
Ye Qinghe blushed instantly, shifting slightly in embarrassment.
Longshan Taoist looked behind them, where the White Ape was hiding most of its body behind Ning Qi. However, Ning Qi was just four years old, and the White Ape was taller than him, making its action slightly redundant, thus a bit amusing.
His gaze slightly sharpened.
Ye Qinghe quickly said:
"I was just about to report to the master!"
With that, she began recounting their story in detail, from encountering the Iron-Armed Ape to the White Ape offering its secret manual, witnessing strange scenes, and finally following them back, leaving no part untold.
"This is the secret manual the Little White Ape gifted us."
Ye Qinghe gestured, and Ning Qi took out the Ice Silkworm Strength from his bosom.
Taoist Longshan listened and gradually fell into deep thought.