"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. Yes, the fire ape had only emerged from the spirit storage pouch today. It had not even known how to speak before this—how could it possibly have a name?
Sure enough, the fire ape's face reddened. It bowed and said, "This little one never saw his parents from childhood. How could I have a name? If Master does not disdain me, please bestow one upon me!"
"Bestow a name!" Jade Slip Xiao Hua was caught between laughter and tears. With his half-baked literary talent, what sort of name could he come up with? But then his heart stirred, and he nodded. "You are an ape who has gained spirit, so let your surname be Yuan. And since you wish to possess the ability to reach the heavens and pierce the earth, let your name be Tongtian. How does that sound?"
"Yuan Tongtian! Yuan Tongtian! A fine name, a fine name!" The fire ape scratched his ears and cheeks in delight, then dropped to his knees and thanked him. "Many thanks to Master for bestowing this name! Many thanks to Master for bestowing this name!"
Seeing the fire ape like this, Jade Slip Xiao Hua felt rather pleased as well. He raised a hand. "Do not bow yet! My tribulation is approaching, and I have long since dismissed all my disciples. Now that I have encountered you, although I cannot formally accept you into my sect, I see that you sincerely seek instruction, so I shall teach you a thing or two!"
"Thank you, Master! Thank you, Master!" The fire ape, Yuan Tongtian, was overjoyed, but his delight was immediately replaced by