Pfft!
Before the Southern Heavenly Gate, a figure fell from the sky. Di Que landed with blood at the corner of his mouth, Imperial Blood splashing onto the ground as Imperial Dao Law circulated around him.
"In the end, it has passed..."
The Fighting Saint Emperor's blurred figure looked once more upon heaven and earth before transforming into a rain of light that scattered down into Sage Prince, Victorious Fighting Buddha, and the others.
"Grandfather, Grandfather..."
A clear cry rang out before the Southern Heavenly Gate. It was Little Holy Ape, the child of Sage Prince and the Six-Eared Macaque. The little fellow had just awakened and, still groggy atop Sage Prince's shoulder, waved and called out to the Holy Emperor's fading phantom.
"Good child..."
A gratified smile appeared on the Fighting Saint Emperor's face as he watched the lively little fellow. The final shower of light descended toward him, and vaguely, it seemed as though a sturdy figure stepped before Sage Prince and gave father and son a deep embrace.
Clang!
Amid a crisp ring, the Mystic Iron Staff crashed down and embedded itself before Sage Prince. Its dazzling Immortal Light faded, leaving behind only a pitch-black, gleaming iron staff.
"Father!"
Sage Prince reached out and gripped the Mystic Iron Staff, tears falling without him knowing when they had begun.
The Six-Eared Macaque came up behind Monkey and gently embraced both him and Little Holy Ape.
"I'm fine!"
Sage Prince's voice was somewhat hoarse as he put away the Mystic Iron Staff.
Cough, cough...
A violent fit of coughing sounded. Di Que covered the corner of his mouth, his gaze toward Monkey rather complicated. With every breath he took, the essence of the sun and moon descended from the heavens, rapidly healing his injuries.
"Monkey..."
With a sigh, he