Ai Xiaoyu tossed the bag to Ma Lin, who threw it back, saying, "I'm not interested in a dead man's possessions."
A bit annoyed, Ai Xiaoyu replied, "Suit yourself,"
and went to check on her several guards.
Ma Lin slipped out of the forest, eager to have a good time in the mountain.
He was very surprised to find so many masters arriving at Misty Mountain.
The Elder Council of Simian Demons indeed had an impressive presence, with two elderly simian guardians at the mountain gate being of demon king level creatures.
It was too dangerous to try climbing elsewhere on the mountain; there were too many powerful magical beasts and strange occurrences. If one did not take the mountain gate steps and instead tried to sneak in from another place, it generally meant a one-way trip.
The Council had made it clear, if someone could find a way around to the mountain's peak, they were skilled, and no pursuit would follow.