Zhunti's voice reverberated through the East Sea, carrying a Sage's overwhelming might, churning the waters and sending towering waves surging skyward.
His solemn, dignified face had become utterly twisted.
Veins bulged on his forehead, his eyes were blood-red, and the Buddha light around him flickered like a dying candle in the wind, ready to go out at any moment.
He stared fixedly at Gu Changqing, waiting for that damned drunkard to speak.
Yet.
Gu Changqing still stood unsteadily in the void, cradling the Wine God Gourd, his face flushed and his drunken eyes hazy.
He heard Zhunti's declaration, delivered through gritted teeth in near-mad hatred and fury, but remained utterly unmoved.
In fact.
He did not even glance at Zhunti.
He merely tilted his head back and took a great gulp of wine.
Gulp... gulp...
The fine wine slid down his throat, its rich fragrance spreading through his mouth before flowing into his body, relaxing him completely.
Then he let out a wine burp, tilted his head, and looked past Zhunti at the stone monkey whose entire body was golden.
Sun Wukong.
His golden eyes were filled with bewilderment and wariness as he hid behind Zhunti, secretly sizing up this fellow who reeked of wine.
Gu Changqing glanced at him, the corners of his mouth lifting into a meaningful smile.
That smile was languid, casual, and carried an indescribable hint of... amusement.
It was as though he were looking not at a newly born stone monkey, but at a chess piece already placed on the board.
Then he withdrew his gaze.
And continued drinking.
From beginning to end, he said not a single word to Zhunti.
He did not even spare him another glance.
His leisurely air, as though a Sage were beneath his notice, nearly made Zhunti explode with