Venting his feelings, Tongfeng also sighed and said, "Both of us brothers are penniless. If we had the spiritual pill that could heal wounds, why would we need to bother Wuzhiqi with this effort?"

Upon hearing the mention of "spiritual pill," Wukong was overjoyed. He remembered the three spiritual pills gifted to him by his master Subhuti, one of which he had not yet used. This was the perfect moment to use it.

He leaped up and shouted, "I have a spiritual pill, I have a spiritual pill! You didn't mention it, and I almost forgot! Quick, let's find Wuzhiqi!"

Tongfeng, delighted, said, "You have a spiritual pill, why didn't you say so earlier?"

Wukong, embarrassed, replied, "My time practicing the Dao has been short, and I forgot about this spiritual pill."

Tongfeng gave a bitter smile, "This is a life-saving thing, how can you forget? Those who practice the Dao must always be aware of the dangerous situations they may find themselves in, and must clearly know what treasures and medicinal pills they possess. With your current level of cultivation, forgetting such a thing really shouldn't happen."

After Tongfeng lectured him, Wukong felt greatly enlightened. He had thought the world was just a playground and hadn't realized that he might need to fight for his life at any moment. Tongfeng led the way, sensing Wuzhiqi's presence and dived deep into the sea to find him.

At this time, Wuzhiqi, having regained his original size of fifty zhang, sat quietly in the sea. The emerald-green water swirled around him, occasionally merging and then separating in a cycle. The essence of the water seeped into his body, healing the burns caused by the three-flavor true fire, although two holes on his shoulders still bore scars.

Wukong took out the golden pill and flashed it in front of Wuzhiqi, whose eyes immediately fixed on it, exclaiming, "This is the Nine Turn Golden Pill of the Supreme Old Lord. Where did you get this?"

Wukong was startled, surprised that Wuzhiqi knew the name of the Supreme Old Lord and even more that he recognized the pill. He wondered if Subhuti, his master, was actually the Supreme Old Lord in disguise. Why would he teach him martial arts?

Pondering this, Wukong did not answer but simply said, "It was a fortunate coincidence. Take this pill, and if it heals you, well and good; if not, there's nothing more I can do."

Wuzhiqi laughed heartily, "With this mature pill, my cultivation will be even more abundant than before!" He swallowed the pill and closed his eyes, his breathing undetectable.

Wukong and Tongfeng waited. On the fourth day, Wuzhiqi opened his eyes, shooting out beams of golden light that illuminated the seabed, scattering the fish and shrimp.

He stood up, laughing loudly, "Indeed a marvelous pill, extremely satisfying!"

Seeing Wuzhiqi so full of life, Wukong inquired, "Are your injuries completely healed?" Wuzhiqi moved his arms, "I couldn't be better!"

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Wukong then detailed the battle with the malicious Loong, but before he could finish, Wuzhiqi, burning with unnamed rage, declared, "Such a reckless fool, I shall capture him to apologize to you, brother!" and disappeared into the water.

Wukong was stunned; movement in water is not like in air, only water-avoidance techniques are applicable. Yet Wuzhiqi's speed was unmatched. Tongfeng explained, "Wuzhiqi thrives in water, moving as if in air, with a teleportation skill unlearnable by others."

Astonished, Wukong realized the advantage of such skill, especially against the Loong that merely took advantage of circumstances without possessing such abilities.

Tongfeng said to wait quietly; within three days, Wuzhiqi would surely capture the Loong. Wang Yu interjected impatiently, "Two days."

Doubtful but patient, Wukong waited. The next day, they felt underwater currents stir from afar, accompanied by Wuzhiqi's shouts. Using their exceptional vision, they saw Wuzhiqi approach, capturing the malicious Loong that had fought with Wukong.

Seeing the Loong's resentful look, Wukong didn't bother with him and inquired about the fight. Wuzhiqi laughed, "Nothing special, we made a bet: the loser would serve as a slave."

Wukong was speechless, admiring Wuzhiqi's cunning in deciding the battle in a single fight, unlike his own prolonged battles that left future troubles.

As the Loong remained defiant, claiming he'd win if not in water, Wukong scorned, "Born a Loong, thriving in water, yet defeated by a land monkey, what face do you have to argue?"

Realizing the truth, the Loong glared at Wukong and fell silent.

Wukong said, "Since you've lost, leave this place and move to the Eastern Sea. How about it?"

The Loong, surprised, retorted, "I lost to him, not you. Why should I listen to you?"

Wukong helplessly spread his hands, looking at Wuzhiqi.

Wuzhiqi laughed and said, "Alright, from today onwards, you will reside in the Eastern Sea!"

Wukong curled his lips and responded, "When under someone's roof, one has to bow their head. Why make an unnecessary fuss?"

The malicious Loong sneered, "Who do you think I am? Kill or maim me as you wish. It's just that I lost to this monster, and I will only heed his commands. The rest of you have no such right! If you're going to boss me around, you might as well take my life with a single strike."

Wukong replied with a laugh, "You do have some backbone. Very well, I'll fulfill your wish. Come here and let me end you." These words shocked everyone.

Wukong looked around at the crowd and solemnly said, "We brothers are not ordinary cultivators. If I'm not mistaken, we will face many hardships ahead. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that we have enemies all over the world. Even now, we have unresolved enmities with the Heavenly Court. If one day we have to confront powerful foes, we must unite and stand together as one. This malicious Loong may have some abilities, but if he cannot be commanded, what use is there in keeping him?"

Listening to Wukong's earnest words, everyone's expressions grew solemn. If things were to develop as Wukong predicted, indeed, the malicious Loong, though subdued for now, remained a questionable ally or enemy. If there were any ties with the Heavenly Court, wouldn't he be a significant threat?

Upon hearing the words "Heavenly Court," the malicious Loong asked in surprise, "What enmity do you have with the Heavenly Court?"

Wukong coldly replied, "It's nothing more than killing a few Heavenly Generals. You find that strange? Why ask such a question when death is imminent?"

The malicious Loong said fiercely, "To tell you the truth, I also have a deep-seated hatred against the Heavenly Court. You and I share the same enemy. My words are not to beg for my life but the truth."

Wukong was pleased inside. It seemed the malicious Loong harbored deep resentment against the Heavenly Court. He then said, "Oh? What kind of grudge do you have with the Heavenly Court?"

The arrogant gaze of the malicious Loong was gone, replaced by a distant look as if he was recalling painful memories. He slowly said, "It's a long story..."

The malicious Loong looked at Wukong and the others, asking, "You all know I belong to the Loong race, but do you know what kind of Loong I am?"

Wukong shook his head. Tongfeng, seeming to remember something, said, "Chi Loongs lack horns, Pan Loongs don't fly, Qiu Loongs have wings, and Jiao Loongs have scales. You should belong to the Jiao Loong category. But whether it's a Jiao or a Loong, they all have four claws. Why do you have five?"

The malicious Loong was surprised by Tongfeng's extensive knowledge but then gave a wistful smile, "It's because of this fifth claw that disaster befell my family, leading to its decline and the death of my parents."

Wukong, puzzled, asked, "Humans sometimes have six fingers or seven toes, which is considered normal. How could an extra claw be such a big deal?"

The malicious Loong retorted, "You don't understand the reason behind it. Haven't you heard 'A Loong with five claws is true, a Jiao with five claws brings disaster'? If this fifth claw were on a Loong, it would signify great wealth and honor, perhaps even ruling the four seas wouldn't be surprising. But I was born a Jiao, and this fifth claw is a huge misfortune."

Wukong thought to himself, so there was such a story behind the five-clawed true Loong. No wonder the emperor's robe is embroidered with five-clawed golden Loongs, symbolizing the mandate of the true Loong emperor.