"Little fellow, what is your name?" As if to conceal his own embarrassment, Jade Slip Xiao Hua asked casually. The moment the words left his mouth, he secretly laughed at himself. Right—today was the first time the fire ape had emerged from the spirit storage pouch. Previously, he could not even speak. How could he possibly have a name?
Sure enough, the fire ape blushed and bowed. "I have never seen my parents since childhood. Where would I get a name? If Master does not disdain me, please bestow one upon me!"
"Bestow a name?" Jade Slip Xiao Hua did not know whether to laugh or cry. With his half-baked literary talent, how could he come up with any name? But then his heart stirred, and he nodded. "You are an ape who gained spirit, so take the surname Yuan. And since you wish to possess the power to reach Heaven and pierce Earth, call yourself Tongtian. How does that sound?"
"Yuan Tongtian!! Yuan Tongtian!! A good name, a good name!!" The fire ape scratched his ears and cheeks in delight, then dropped to his knees. "Many thanks, Master, for bestowing this name! Many thanks, Master, for bestowing this name!"
Seeing the fire ape like this, Jade Slip Xiao Hua felt rather pleased as well. Raising his hand, he said, "Do not bow yet! My tribulation is fast approaching, and I have long since dismissed all my disciples. Now that I have encountered you, although I cannot accept you into my sect, seeing how sincerely you seek instruction, I can teach you a thing or two!"
"Thank you, Master, thank you, Master!" The fire ape Yuan Tongtian was overjoyed, but then he became worried. "Master, what tribulation are you facing? Can I shield Master from disaster?"
Jade Slip Xiao Hua