Chapter 68: Cartoon Wukong

Long Seventh Young Master was being chased by a mob of paper people from this bizarre residential compound; it seemed as if every single paper resident had poured out in pursuit. Among them was a young man wielding a computer monitor, a woman brandishing a spatula, and even children driving toy cars. Most astonishing of all, a group of elderly folks with white hair, each hoisting a therapeutic massage bed, surged to the front, clearly intent on using them as weapons to hurl at Long Seventh Young Master. The whole scene was an uproar—everyone was putting forth their best efforts in furious unity.

At that moment, Long Seventh Young Master was like a rat crossing the street, pursued relentlessly by men, women, and children alike, scrambling down the winding paths of the complex in a desperate bid to evade them.

In fact, Long Seventh Young Master had noticed the strangeness of this place the moment he set foot in the compound. Unlike Li Changluo, who had wisely chosen to escape, Long Seventh Young Master had faced the onslaught head-on, showing no mercy; he had struck down every paper person, regardless of age or gender.

Yet, as he was putting on a show and dazzling the crowd, he suddenly realized that these paper people only seemed to grow more frenzied and unyielding, no matter how many he dispatched. Defeating one Old Wang from next door only summoned a flock of Old Lis in his place. What vexed him most, however, was not their overwhelming numbers but the fact that every time a paper person was knocked down, new weapons would inexplicably appear in their hands. For instance, after he easily flattened a child in split pants, that same child suddenly found himself hefting a Green Dragon Crescent Blade taller than he was. Was this a challenge to the prince at the wine-warming table?

Of course, Long Seventh Young Master’s strength was more than a match for these creatures. But even the most skilled fighter cannot withstand countless hands—and who knew how many hands and feet there were in this place?

Everything abnormal has a source. Finding that source was the key to solving the problem. So, Long Seventh Young Master searched for it, and happened to bump into Li Changluo. That shameless little demon had managed to track him down, even after being shaken off. For a lone wolf like Long Seventh Young Master, who needed teammates? Were they edible? Should he keep him around for the holidays?

But the noble blood of a great demon clan flowed in Long Seventh Young Master’s veins, and unlike Li Changluo, he could not stoop to base deeds whenever he pleased. So, though he was a thousand times unwilling, he found himself compelled to save Li Changluo. Li Changluo was saved, but he did so with great reluctance.

What happened next left him bewildered. Just moments before, the aunt with the “Qilin Arm” had had that very arm severed by Long Seventh Young Master. Li Changluo thought at worst she’d just grow a pair of “Qilin Legs,” or perhaps sprout three heads and six arms—he could stomach all that. But now, even her appearance had completely changed. Was this even scientifically possible? She vanished bit by bit into the paper that had imprisoned her, fading like a sketch erased at the head.

Just as Li Changluo thought he was out of danger, lines began appearing on the sheet of paper, as if an invisible artist were at work. In moments, line after line took shape, and before long, a figure emerged from the page—someone Li Changluo knew all too well. He nearly burst out laughing in disbelief. Truly, this was a comic-book monster.

There—stepping on rainbow clouds, wielding a golden staff—was the Monkey King, Sun Wukong. The aunt had become Wukong? Did it all begin with a blank page, the content conjured by the illustrator’s hand? Li Changluo wondered if he was dreaming, that such fantastical events could happen before his very eyes. Then again, in an era overrun by monsters and demons, what was truly impossible?

What irked him most was Long Seventh Young Master. Just a moment ago, this was merely an aunt with a Qilin Arm, and she was even about to invite him to lunch. He’d been considering seducing her with his stunning good looks—or, if that failed, pulling a classic ploy with a tragic backstory. There was always hope for a comeback. But now, thanks to his teammate’s betrayal, he was left facing the most formidable staff-wielder ever summoned. How was he supposed to compete?

As these thoughts raced through his mind, Sun Wukong—the one now existing only within the paper—bared his fangs at Li Changluo, eyes blazing with golden fire, ready to bring down the cudgel and smash the impudent demon before him.

“Brother Monkey, the demon has taken Master away.”

“Brother Monkey, the second brother’s been captured too.”

“Brother Monkey, do you want a banana…”

“Brother Monkey, perhaps we could have a battle of wits instead?” Li Changluo tried to negotiate with the staff-wielding big brother, but it was all in vain.

“Is there a problem?” came a familiar voice at Li Changluo’s ear. At some point, Long Seventh Young Master had reappeared behind him. Li Changluo turned to see that cold, contemptuous face glaring down at him, which only made him more irritable. Yet the paper people who had been pursuing Long Seventh Young Master seemed to have vanished—whether he’d dealt with them or they’d simply disappeared, not a one remained.

Only the distant squabbles of some residents could still be faintly heard.

Heh… Was this bastard here just to watch him make a fool of himself? Was he, Li Changluo, supposed to let someone look down on him? Was he supposed to grovel for help? Never… Even if he died here, he would never beg for assistance from Long Seventh Young Master.

Li Changluo, incensed by the other’s expression, shot back a disdainful look, his eyes resolute and brimming with confidence. Long Seventh Young Master, though not a mind-reading demon, knew well that Li Changluo was no match for this Monkey King. That was why he had returned—if Li Changluo asked for help, he would not stand by and watch him die.

But now, it seemed he had underestimated this inconspicuous little demon. There was no fear in Li Changluo’s eyes, only a defiant spirit. Where did all that confidence come from, given his level of power?

Long Seventh Young Master folded his arms, prepared to observe coldly from the sidelines.

The Sun Wukong drawn from the comic was fierce and menacing, nothing like the handsome Monkey King from Li Changluo’s childhood memories of Journey to the West. His staff was enormous and intimidating.

“Come on, bring it! If you don’t go all out, you’re no idol of mine. Don’t hold back—otherwise, I’ll lose all respect for you. I’m telling you, if you lose, I’ll send you straight to the zoo!” Li Changluo glared fearlessly at him, hurling challenge after challenge, goading him with every word.

“Get lost.”

“I won’t.”

Long Seventh Young Master’s face turned ashen, and he was filled with conflicting emotions. Just a moment ago, Li Changluo had been the picture of confidence; now, without a shred of shame, he darted behind Long Seventh Young Master, shouting taunts and challenges at the comic-book Monkey King from the safety of his shadow.

Where had all that bravado gone?

As expected, the comic-book Sun Wukong flew into a rage, raising his staff high as he charged at Long Seventh Young Master and Li Changluo.