While the sisters were joking among themselves, Old Pig picked up a bowl of wine and grinned at Axel.
"Brother, don't tell me you're not greedy.
In my opinion, you're definitely greedy for something. If not power, then pleasure!
You call yourself free of greed, but I think you're the greediest of all, hahaha!
Still, your desires don't force innocent people to suffer, and they don't demand sacrifices or bloodshed. Even if your greed reached the heavens, it would still be far better than the filth sitting above us right now."
After speaking, Old Pig took a long, satisfied drink.
Setting the bowl down, he let out a deep breath before turning his gaze toward the group of spider sisters.
Seeing the thoughtful look on his face, the sisters quickly understood that something important was about to happen.
They exchanged glances before lowering their heads in unison, suddenly becoming far more obedient than before.
At a moment like this, none of them dared make a fuss.
After all, they could already sense that a decision affecting their futures was approaching.
As for whether Old Pig had the authority to decide such matters, nobody questioned it.
In the past, when the family had no man, Zi Zhuer had naturally been the one in charge.
But now, after she and Old Pig had accepted one another, he had become the head of the household.
No one knew exactly what had happened between the two during their private moments together, but whatever it was, their relationship had clearly become genuine.
Old Pig remained silent for a moment before suddenly grabbing Axel's wrist.
His usual carefree expression faded as he spoke earnestly.
"Brother, truth be told, I haven't done anything worthy enough to ask you for favors.
But now I have a wife and a whole group of daughters. As a father, I have to think about their future.
The formation around Spider Silk Ridge is easy enough to deal with, but changing how the immortals and Buddhas view my children is much harder.
Great Sage Brother, your strength is unmatched. Naturally, you're as steady as a mountain.
But those of us following behind you may not be so fortunate once the coming storm truly begins.
My life is worthless. I've been a Heavenly Marshal, suffered disgrace, fallen from grace, and even been reborn as a pig.
Death doesn't frighten me.
But these daughters of mine...
Brother, I hope you'll look after them for Zi Zhuer and me.
So today, I'll shamelessly ask for a favor.
Please grant four attendant positions to my daughters.
With your status and strength, even if we can't overthrow the Tathagata and the Jade Emperor immediately, you're already a ruler equal to them.
Look at how respectfully Taiyin Xingjun treats you. In the future, countless immortals and Buddhas will do the same.
If I don't secure a place for my daughters now, they won't be able to compete with the future stars of the Heavenly Court or the Bodhisattvas of Spirit Mountain.
And don't even get me started on the Women's Kingdom. I've been there before, and believe me, it's terrifying.
In short, if Brother agrees today, then Old Pig will truly have benefited from staying close to greatness."
The moment he finished speaking, Old Pig and Zi Zhuer stood up together and bowed deeply toward Axel.
Seeing their parents bow, the spider sisters hurriedly stood and followed suit.
A trace of uncertainty appeared in their eyes.
Only moments ago, some of them had been dreaming about becoming Axel's wives.
Now they were discussing becoming attendants instead.
The sudden shift left their emotions in complete disarray.
Nearby, Taiyin Xingjun tightened her grip on her wine jar.
The dignified ruler of the Moon Palace suddenly found herself competing with a group of spider demons for the position of attendant.
The thought was almost unbelievable.
Yet the current situation was unlike anything she had ever seen.
The Three Realms were approaching chaos.
A third force had emerged from the shadows, disrupting the balance that had existed for ages.
The last time heaven and earth had descended into a three-sided conflict was during the founding of the Heavenly Court.
Countless immortals had died in that war.
Many had been forced through repeated cycles of death and resurrection.
Only a handful, figures like Yang Jian, had ultimately achieved true greatness.
As for herself, life in the Heavenly Court had never been as glamorous as outsiders imagined.
Since Sun Wukong's rampage had disrupted many of Heaven's foundations, resources had become increasingly scarce.
The Moon Palace was merely a shadow of its former glory.
To the immortals of Heaven, she was little more than an ornament.
A beautiful figure to be admired, displayed, and utilized.
Even when the Jade Emperor treated her with courtesy, she knew her true value in his eyes.
She was merely the face of Heaven's entertainment, the leader of Guanghan Palace's social circle.
Nothing more.
Yet Axel was different.
Though lazy, sharp-tongued, and often impossible to predict, she understood one thing.
He genuinely valued those he considered his own.
People who earned his trust were treated like family.
That was why Old Pig could casually call him Brother.
Such treatment was something Taiyin Xingjun had never experienced in all her years in Heaven.
With that thought, she leaned closer to Axel and smiled.
"True Lord, Marshal Tianpeng isn't wrong.
A great ruler should naturally have attendants serving by his side.
The Jade Emperor keeps countless attendants within his palace.
Even the Tathagata travels with trusted followers wherever he goes.
Your status is no lower than theirs."
She paused briefly before glancing toward the spider sisters.
Her gaze lingered on the four younger sisters standing together.
A playful smile appeared on her face.
"Besides, these girls aren't bad at all.
Sister Zhuer has raised them well.
They're honest, disciplined, and far more respectable than many immortals I've met.
If you trust me, I can accept them as my goddaughters and personally guide them.
I guarantee they'll surpass many of Heaven's female immortals."
Before she could continue, Axel smacked the top of her head.
"Ouch!"
Taiyin Xingjun covered her forehead immediately.
"Stop calling yourself my servant.
Your ambitions are practically visible from a mile away.
Anyone looking at you now would think you've stumbled upon the greatest opportunity in the world.
You really want to move up in life, don't you?"
Despite the scolding, Taiyin Xingjun merely rubbed her forehead and smiled.
Axel then waved a hand toward Old Pig and the others.
"Idiot, this isn't some major issue.
I'm always moving around. Attendants wouldn't be able to keep up with me anyway.
Whether I have them or not makes little difference.
Still, if you want to use the title to protect your daughters, then fine.
I'll give them the positions.
Four is enough.
You can't send your entire family away.
Let the girls decide for themselves.
Two of them should stay behind and help care for their younger siblings."
The six sisters immediately exchanged looks.
Taiyin Xingjun watched closely.
Having spent countless years among immortal women, she expected arguments to break out instantly.
Surely they would start competing for the positions.
The possibility entertained her greatly.
When Second Sister looked ready to speak, Eldest Sister suddenly reached out and grabbed her wrist.
Taiyin Xingjun's eyes lit up.
It was starting.
Or so she thought.
Instead, Eldest Sister smiled gently.
"I've always been the eldest sister, so I'll make the decision.
As the oldest, it's my responsibility to remain with Mother and help care for the family.
I'll stay behind.
As for the second person, Sixth Sister is still too young and far too impulsive.
She'll remain here with me."
She looked at the others warmly.
"Don't argue with me, especially you, Fourth Sister.
You've spent your whole life dreaming about the world beyond these mountains.
Now that such an opportunity has arrived, you must seize it.
All of you should go.
I'll stay here and wait for the day my sisters become successful enough to take care of me instead."
A warm silence settled over the table.
The decision had been made.
===
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