Shi Hou hung the Black Pot back on his ear and walked over to Yu Fengjun.
"We have to go. Handle the remaining meat yourselves. The hide armor and horns are all yours."
Yu Fengjun straightened his back and had just opened his mouth.
"Bene-"
"Stop."
Shi Hou raised a hand, cutting off the rest.
"Don't call me benefactor. Call me Brother Monkey."
Shi Hao was gnawing on a bone nearby and didn't even look up.
"Just call him Brother Monkey. He likes that."
Yu Fengjun's Adam's apple bobbed.
"Brother... Brother Monkey."
"That's right!"
Shi Hou patted his shoulder, then turned and left.
Yu Fengjun stood rooted to the spot, his lips pressed into a thin line. Behind him, the man carrying a Bone Spear muttered, "A moment ago, I thought he was a divine envoy descended from heaven, but that name..."
"Shut up."
Yu Fengjun twisted his head around.
"Whatever Brother Monkey says goes."
Shi Hou walked toward Hai Lao and his son.
"Hai Lao, what are your plans now?"
Hai Lao cupped his hands, his walking staff planted beside him. He was still reasonably hale.
"This old man has a distant relative in Wu Town. We'll go there and find somewhere to settle."
Shi Qingfeng turned toward Shi Hao and Shi Hou and bowed. "Little Brother, Brother Monkey, thank you."
Shi Hao wiped the grease off his hands. "You're coming with us. I promised your grandfather."
Shi Qingfeng froze, then turned toward Hai Lao.
"Grandpa Hai, Uncle Hai."
He bent down and gave them a firm kowtow.
Hai Lao reached out to help him up and patted his shoulder without saying a word.
Hai Da cracked a grin. The two turned and headed north along the main road.
The group prepared to leave.
Shi Hao, Furball, and Shi