Hearing Axel's words, Pigsy froze, staring at him in shock. Those words felt painfully familiar. It was as if something long buried had returned.
Drawn by instinct, Pigsy moved closer. He stumbled through the crowd, bumping into people along the way, nearly losing his footing more than once before finally reaching Axel's back.
"Senior Brother!"
His voice trembled, emotion spilling over.
Both Axel and Kang Jinmei reacted in surprise. Kang's eyes lit up with sudden realization, her gaze fixed on Axel with quiet longing.
Axel, however, looked irritated. He turned and kicked Pigsy without hesitation.
"Are you stupid? I told you already, my name is Axel Dun. 'Great Sage' is just what people call me out of respect. Use that if you must."
He scoffed.
"And open your eyes. Do I look anything like your so-called Senior Brother?"
Pigsy wiped at his face, shaking his head stubbornly.
"Don't lie to me. I'd recognize you anywhere, even if you turned to ash…"
"Get lost."
Before Pigsy could finish, Axel launched him away with another kick, sending him flying far beyond sight.
Axel watched him disappear, a grin tugging at his lips. Then he turned and pulled Kang Jinmei closer.
She quickly adjusted her clothes, clearly flustered, but Axel casually draped an arm over her shoulder.
"Relax. I'm not that monkey you're thinking of," he said lightly. "When I bring him back, you'll see the difference."
His tone hardened.
"He's too cautious, too afraid to break free. If something binds you, then you destroy whoever put it there. If that's not enough, you keep going. Tear through everything until nothing stands in your way."
Kang's lips trembled slightly at his words.
Axel noticed, smirking as he reached up and pinched her cheek.
"You're freezing. Come on, don't just stand here letting the wind hit you."
He looked toward the dragon nearby.
"You, Bue. Lead the way. We're heading to that temple. After that, we tear it down and build something better."
Bue immediately lowered himself.
"Yes, Great Sage."
Axel guided Kang up onto the dragon, settling in as he pointed ahead.
"Move. Straight to Little Leiyin Temple."
Bue surged forward, cutting through the sky with speed and force.
As they approached, the creatures within the temple grounds began to notice. Heads turned upward, confusion spreading among them.
A dragon daring to approach their territory so openly was unheard of.
They expected their master to act, but nothing came.
What they did not realize was that everything had already changed.
The first to discover that truth never had the chance to speak. The rest would understand soon enough, though by then it would no longer matter.
Bue descended with a heavy landing in front of the temple.
Figures gathered quickly. Though they wore the appearance of monks, there was nothing human about them. Their presence felt darker than the beasts they once were.
Axel looked them over and let out a short laugh.
Before he could speak, a strong gust of wind swept through the area.
A strange creature emerged, part bird, part old man, landing before Axel with a respectful bow.
"This humble Earth God of the Western region greets Great Sage—"
"Leave."
Axel struck him before he could finish.
The impact obliterated the creature instantly, sending what remained crashing through the temple gates. The force tore through the entrance, smashing everything in its path.
The gates burst open.
Silence followed for a brief moment.
Bue shifted uneasily, while Kang stiffened beside Axel, staring at him.
Axel glanced at her.
"What? He had it coming. That parasite built traps along the road, robbing travelers under the guise of fortune telling. Anyone who refused didn't make it through alive."
Without warning, Axel smacked her lightly.
She gasped in surprise.
He blinked, then tilted his head slightly.
"…You're not wearing anything underneath?"
Kang's face flushed instantly as he reached out, confirming his suspicion with a casual touch.
Nearby, Bue turned his head away awkwardly.
Moments later, Pigsy returned, landing nearby with a grin.
"Great Sage, impressive kick. I almost thought I'd gone straight to the afterlife."
Axel chuckled.
"Good. At least you learned something."
He withdrew his hand and rested it against Kang's cheek instead.
"No more nonsense like that. Understood?"
Kang nodded quickly, lowering her gaze.
"Yes… I understand."
Her appearance shifted subtly, her features returning to a more composed, refined state.
Pigsy watched with amusement.
"Strange place. Feels like spring despite everything."
"Shut up," Kang snapped, glaring at him.
Pigsy only laughed, then turned back to Axel.
"Great Sage, your operation looks a bit… small. Just two dragons? You could use someone reliable. I can handle work, fight when needed, and even bring in offerings. We split it fairly."
Axel raised two fingers.
"Eighty for me. Twenty for you."
Pigsy frowned.
"You're ruthless. Fine, deal."
He smirked.
"Just make sure I get fed. And if possible, find me a wife."
Axel laughed, clearly entertained as he turned his attention back to the temple ahead.
"First, we deal with this place."
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