Chapter Twenty-Six: Sworn Brotherhood

Although your cultivation level hasn't advanced, I can sense you've gained much," Yuan Wuji remarked as he emerged from seclusion, spotting Black Moon at the cave entrance.

"I suppose you have something to discuss with me?" If Black Moon harbored any ill intent, she could have made her move while he was injured, then fabricated a report to King Yurong a few years later, claiming his injuries had flared up and he died in the cave. Yet, she did nothing, exchanged only a few words, and then departed. Judging by her demeanor, she seemed aware he would be leaving seclusion soon and had waited here for some time.

"While you were cultivating, I went to report to my master. My master hopes you will take good care of the king," Black Moon said, bowing deeply to Yuan Wuji.

"Might I know who your master is?"

"Forgive me, but I cannot reveal that."

"Just a casual question, then. But does King Yurong know about your true role?"

"He knows nothing. In the king's presence, I'm just a minor demon who recently formed a demon core. Officially, I’m the steward of Five Camphor Cave, but in secret, I serve as the king's attendant." Black Moon’s words seemed contradictory, but to Yuan Wuji, they made perfect sense.

Among the five elements, at least one of the great perfection-level Taiyi Loose Immortals was by King Yurong’s side, yet he remained undetected—this, too, was a form of covert protection for the king.

The life force deep within Five Camphor Cave was overwhelmingly abundant, making it a rare treasure trove. Yet externally, nothing gave it away; it resembled an ordinary mountain, only discernible to those with profound cultivation.

"Brother, you’ve come out at last! Your years in seclusion nearly scared me to death," King Yurong exclaimed in delight as a solitary figure emerged from the cave’s depths. Never had he been so happy—not even when he first acquired Five Camphor Cave. Today, seeing his brother safe and sound surpassed centuries of past joys.

"Brother Yurong, I have left seclusion." Yuan Wuji could sense King Yurong's genuine emotion—was this what it meant to have a brother?

When had Yuan Wuji ever had a brother? Never. He didn’t know what brotherhood felt like.

In his previous life, the only one who cared for him was the Old Man of the Lonely Nest. In this life, he had the familial love of Lady Golden Spirit, part mentor and part mother, the ambiguous affection of Xiaoyu, and the half-teacher, half-friendship with Lord Jiuyou. Having tasted loneliness in his past life, Yuan Wuji cherished his loved ones all the more, allowing no one to trample upon them.

"Brother, I wish to truly call you my elder brother," King Yurong said, his earlier joy tinged with hesitation—he feared that Yuan Wuji might look down on his strength.

"I have always regarded you as my younger brother," Yuan Wuji replied. Since they were to be sworn brothers, he would not let his brother lose face.

King Yurong had never truly believed Yuan Wuji saw him as a brother. During the years of Yuan Wuji’s seclusion, King Yurong worried about nothing but his injuries and how to broach the subject of becoming sworn brothers. He even considered gifting Five Camphor Cave to Yuan Wuji if he refused, hoping it might persuade him to accept a younger brother. But each time the thought arose, King Yurong dismissed it—if things were settled that way, it would not be true brotherhood.

"Alright, brother! Servants, bring the wine!" King Yurong’s joy was unconcealed. A group of little demons carried over two cups of wine and presented them to the two brothers. King Yurong cut his own fingertip, dripping a drop of blood into Yuan Wuji’s cup; Yuan Wuji did the same.

The two apes drained their cups in one go—no elaborate ceremony was needed. Brotherhood forged through life and death was the purest of all.

King Yurong then led Yuan Wuji to the center of Five Camphor Cave’s great hall.

"Everyone, this is my elder brother Yuan Wuji. From now on, he is the great king of Five Camphor Cave, and I willingly serve as the second lord," King Yurong declared loudly to the assembled demons.

Unlike the demons of Firecloud Cave, those of Five Camphor Cave were diverse, with all manner of lesser demons, not just one kind.

"Since my younger brother honors me so, I shall take up the mantle of Five Camphor Cave’s king." Between brothers, excessive modesty only bred hypocrisy—accepting openly was best.

"Great King!"

"Great King!"

Voices echoed one after another.

"Great King, what title shall you use?" A demon from below piped up—it was true, a title was needed. Should a major conflict erupt between caves, they couldn’t simply announce Yuan Wuji’s name.

"Yes, brother, do you have a title in mind? My title, Yurong King, is both my name and my title. Perhaps you could choose one as well?" King Yurong whispered beside him.

"I am worshipped in the mortal world as the Divine Ape General, so my title cannot be changed lightly," Yuan Wuji murmured to King Yurong. Yet, suddenly inspired, he called down to the gathered demons:

"You may call me King Divine Ape!"

"King Divine Ape!"

"King Divine Ape!"

The shouts reverberated through the hall. This was Yuan Wuji’s first time being crowned a king in the lower realm. As for Firecloud Cave—if not for the needs of the Journey to the West, he would never have given it a second glance.

When the crowd dispersed, Yuan Wuji handed a small box to King Yurong.

"Brother, what is this?" King Yurong took the box and opened it, and the rich spiritual energy of a single pill inside filled the hall with fragrance. Startled, he quickly shut the box, afraid even a wisp might escape.

"This is a gift from your elder brother—be sure to accept it," Yuan Wuji said, seeing King Yurong's conflicted expression. It was a pill extracted from Shuiyu, and since King Yurong’s bloodline was half ancient water ape, it would surely benefit him.

"Brother, I will keep it safe." King Yurong clutched the box, bid Yuan Wuji farewell, and dashed off to seclusion to refine the pill. Just a whiff of its fragrance had caused the cultivation barrier that had held him back for years to tremble—how could he not be elated? Yuan Wuji understood his brother’s excitement, and felt happy for him.

As King Yurong left the hall, Black Moon appeared before Yuan Wuji.

"Your background is truly extraordinary. My master spent countless rare treasures to help the king attain the rank of Celestial Immortal, yet the path to Taiyi Loose Immortal remains distant. The single pill you gave made the king so ecstatic—its effects must be remarkable."

"In the years I spent in seclusion, weren’t there more… things around Five Camphor Cave than before?" Yuan Wuji asked, his tone pointed. He believed Black Moon would understand his implication.

"I know it was you who killed Shuiyu, but the king was involved as well. My master has already suppressed the matter, and Shuiyu’s lineage, fearing my master’s power, dares not retaliate openly. Still, you should be cautious in secret," Black Moon said, appearing confident. Yet, her next words were delivered in panic:

"I meant, the pill was extracted from Shuiyu’s body."