"Food and lodging provided, wages negotiated separately—deal?" Ning Daoran asked with a smile.
"Deal!"
True Monarch Wanhua nodded with a grin, then gazed at the Divine Leaf Sect, which had been cleaved in half by the Chaotic Heaven Star Monarch, his expression distant as he murmured, "In truth, if I could guard this mountain, it would at least honor the trust placed in me by my master back then…"
"Fellow Daoist, please rest assured."
Ning Daoran said solemnly, "A new sect will undoubtedly rise upon this Divine Leaf Mountain, but it will never again be the Divine Leaf Sect. If you choose to stay, I am willing to entrust this sect to you, for I, Ning Daoran, will inevitably leave Jade Bottle Continent someday."
"Fellow Daoist Ning…"
True Monarch Wanhua was moved but hesitated, unsure of what to say.
...
Thus, Ning Daoran and Big Stupid Deer spent an entire afternoon carving out a new cave mansion atop Bi Yi Peak for True Monarch Wanhua, who would remain behind as its steward.
