Lin Qiye's consciousness returned to reality, and he slowly opened his eyes.
"What did you draw?" Monkey King asked.
"...Life-Saving Hairs."
"What the hell is that?"
"Life-Saving Hairs." Lin Qiye repeated himself. "The thing Guanyin Bodhisattva gave you back then."
Monkey King: ...
Monkey King's expression became exceedingly strange. After a moment, he reluctantly nodded. "Fine... at least they can save your life a few times."
The two fell silent.
"Lin Qiye." After hesitating for a moment, Monkey King finally spoke.
"What is it, Monkey Brother?"
"Thank you for taking care of me during my time in the hospital.
"If it weren't for you, I might never have walked out of those hospital doors in my life... I'm not Nyx, nor am I that old man Merlin. I have no family fortune or foundation. I've been alone all these years, so even after being discharged, I have nothing to give you as a gift."
Monkey King paused for a moment, then said seriously,
"But I can give you a promise.
"As long as I live, as long as you remain within my sight, no one will be able to kill you... not even a Supreme God."
Monkey King gazed into the distance, his tone calm, yet filled with an indescribable resolve and confidence.
Lin Qiye was stunned for a moment, then smiled bitterly. "Monkey Brother, we're on the same side. There's no need for this. I haven't made it this far by being as fragile as you think."
"It's different." Monkey King shook his head.
"Back then, you were too weak and could only operate within Great Xia. The dangers in the fog could hardly threaten you.
"But the stronger you become, the more people will set their sights on you. The secret of the Psychiatric Hospital of the Gods