Within the blessed grotto of Water Curtain Cave, Zhang Chen sat in the Monster King's seat at the very center of the main hall.
Looking around the cave residence, the other seats were occupied by demon beasts of considerable strength as well. Zhang Chen spotted an old acquaintance, Lu Sheng. He had not expected Little Nirvana, who had been unheard from for so long, to be here as well. She had presumably followed Lu Sheng to the Monster Realm.
The Peach Banquet proceeded smoothly. Although the main course consisted of peaches as large as washbasins, most demon beasts were carnivores, so there was no shortage of meat dishes. Besides, the delicacies served one after another suited Zhang Chen's tastes particularly well.
"Great Roc King, I have long admired your name."
Since Zhang Chen had decided to remain here for a while, he naturally needed to build good relations with the Monster Kings present. Seeing how Sun Wukong sat on equal footing with the other Monster Kings, Zhang Chen assumed that, given Sun Wukong's playful nature, management of the entire Monster Realm must have fallen into the hands of several Monster Kings. This Golden-Winged Great Peng King was clearly one of the main authorities.
Faced with Zhang Chen's toast, the Monster King with an eagle's head suddenly withdrew his feathers and changed his appearance, transforming into a thin Indian man clad in black eagle-feather garments. Clearly, this gesture was out of courtesy toward Zhang Chen.
"Mm. A human acknowledged by the Monkey King is indeed not bad."
"Thank you for your appreciation, Great Roc King."
Zhang Chen drained the immortal wine in his cup in one gulp. To his surprise, several soft white fox tails curled around his body. The Nine-Tailed Fox beside him seemed to have become curious about this