Taishang Laojun shook his head. "What you said is not wrong, but it is only part of the reason. I want to take Red Boy as my disciple not merely to target Ox-King, but to target the entire Demon Clan.
"Now that the Demon Clan has made peace with the Heavenly Court, they can develop peacefully. Although the Demon Clan has greatly reduced its army, its power remains formidable. We must divide and weaken the Demon Clan's forces, so my first step is Ox-King."
Kinkaku nodded, understanding much more now.
"Ox-King of Western Ox-He Continent holds great status and influence throughout the Demon Clan. If we can pull Ox-King away from them, it will be an excellent thing for us. When the time comes, dealing with them will be effortless." After speaking, Taishang Laojun smiled and stroked his beard.
"In that case, if Master wishes to take Red Boy as a disciple, Ox-King and his wife cannot be allowed to find out beforehand. Otherwise, they will stop it and refuse, and Red Boy himself likely will not agree either," Kinkaku said.
"I understand that. How about this? Continue staying by Red Boy's side. When the time comes, the two of you will go to Flame Mountain. I will wait for you there, and I will teach you both inside. Other than the three of us, no one else may know." After thinking it over, Taishang Laojun spoke.
"Yes, this disciple understands." Kinkaku nodded. Though he could not return to the Heavenly Court, he would carry out the task his master had assigned him well.
"Then tonight, I shall wait for the two of you at Flame Mountain." With that, Taishang Laojun left.
"Tonight?" Kinkaku was startled. He had not expected Taishang Laojun to move so quickly; he had thought they