"Horse, where are we going this time?"
Riding through the clouds with the wind in his face, Chen Yi had been frightened at first. But no matter how fast the White Horse galloped, he sat steady as Mount Tai. A barrier kept out even the fierce wind rushing toward him, leaving only a gentle breeze against his skin. Gradually, he calmed down. Within a few breaths, he even had the presence of mind to study the scenery below, his curiosity growing.
Then a rather shrill voice sounded beside him—
"You've got a carefree heart, kid! With so many people after you, you still have the leisure to enjoy the sights?"
"Who's there!?"
Chen Yi jolted and turned. A ferocious ape was right beside him, baring its teeth! He was so startled he nearly fell from the horse. The talking monkey reached out a sharp-clawed hand and caught him, keeping him from tumbling off.
"Y-you..." With Mind Monkey gripping his wrist, Chen Yi stared in bewilderment, his words coming out in a jumble. "You're... How are you here?"
"Why wouldn't I be?" The monkey pulled him upright, crouched on the horse's rump, and bit into a glowing golden fruit it had gotten from who knew where.
"I know you're an immortal monkey!" Chen Yi steadied himself. "But... you were fighting someone earlier, and then you disappeared. Why have you shown up here?" As he spoke, he remembered just how fierce the creature was, and his tone grew more respectful.
"Why am I here? Because you're a handful, that's why! Someone was afraid you'd be tricked away the moment they let their guard down, so they forced me to come. Tch!" Mind Monkey bared its teeth, sounding thoroughly impatient. "Stop asking! Stop asking! What a nuisance! You wouldn't understand even if I