Chapter 971
Reporting to the Princess
He suddenly laughed.
He looked a little silly with his smile.
"Am I, Old Sun... useless?"
Chu Yang shook his head.
"He's promising."
"The most admirable thing in the world is daring to go back."
Sun Wukong was stunned.
Then he laughed out loud.
"Alright! I like what you said!"
He suddenly stood up and grabbed the golden cudgel.
"go!"
"go back!"
"I, Old Sun, will go back and apologize to my master right away!"
Chu Yang also stood up and patted the grass clippings off his clothes.
"Brother Monkey".
"Ok?"
“Go back…don’t argue with Master.”
Sun Wukong chuckled.
"I know. I'm not stupid."
He leaped out of the well.
He turned around and reached out his hand to Chu Yang.
"Come on up!"
Chu Yang grabbed his hand and was pulled up.
The two stood side by side on the top of the wall.
It was already daylight.
A touch of orange-red in the east, like someone spilling a palette of paint.
The town gradually came to life.
Smoke rises from chimneys, roosters crow and dogs bark, and in the distance someone is hawking tofu pudding.
Sun Wukong took a deep breath.
"Let's go."
"I, Old Sun... am going home."
Chu Yang smiled and followed behind him.
The two walked one after the other along the alley toward the inn.
The pace was slow.
But it's very stable.
The backyard of the inn.
Tang Sanzang has already woken up.
He sat by the stone table, a paper fan beside him, having not slept all night, with faint dark circles under his eyes.
Pigsy was still snoring inside the house.
The courtyard gate creaked open.
Sun Wukong strode in.
He carried the golden cudgel on his shoulder, his hair was messy, and he reeked of alcohol.
He walked up to Tang Sanzang and knelt down with a thud.
"Master!"
Tang Sanzang was startled and looked up at him.
"Wukong...you..."
Sun Wukong lowered his head, his voice muffled.
"I was wrong."
“Yesterday… I shouldn’t have lost my temper with my master.”
"You shouldn't have just walked away."
"I...I'm just so angry."
Tang Sanzang looked at him.
After a while, he reached out and gently placed his hand on Sun Wukong's head.
"Get up."
Sun Wukong looked up.
Her eyes were red.
"Master...you're not sending me away anymore?"
Tang Sanzang shook his head.
"This humble monk... never intended to drive you away."
Sun Wukong felt a lump in his throat.
"Master...I...I will listen to you from now on."
Tang Sanzang smiled.
Whether you listen or not... is up to you.
"As long as you come back, that's all that matters."
Sun Wukong suddenly grabbed Tang Sanzang's leg.
"Master!"
Tang Sanzang patted him on the back.
"Alright, alright, get up. You reek of alcohol, it's making this humble monk dizzy."
Sun Wukong chuckled.
“I had a few drinks with Chu Yang last night.”
Tang Sanzang looked up at Chu Yang, who was standing at the courtyard gate.
Chu Yang cupped his hands in greeting to him.
"Good morning, Master."
Tang Sanzang nodded.
"Thank you... for bringing Wukong back."
Chu Yang smiled.
"Brother Monkey wanted to come back on his own."
"I just... had a drink with him."
Tang Sanzang looked at the two of them.
Suddenly I felt... my eyes were getting hot.
He turned around, picked up a paper fan, and gently waved it.
"All right."
"Its daybreak."
"We...should get going."
Pigsy rubbed his eyes and came out of the house.
"Hey... Monkey King, you're back?"
Sun Wukong struck him on the forehead with his staff.
"Nonsense! You think you can have Master all to yourself if I, Old Sun, don't come back?"
Pigsy covered his head and chuckled.
"How could I dare!"
Laughter rang out in the courtyard.
Sunlight streamed in from the top of the wall, illuminating the pomegranate tree.
The last few dried dates on the tree swayed gently in the wind.
It looks like it's nodding.
Chu Yang stood aside, watching them.
A very faint curve appeared at the corner of her mouth.
He looked down at the black dagger at his waist.
The scratch on the scabbard was faintly visible in the morning light.
He reached out and stroked it.
Then he turned and walked toward the stables.
"Master, I'm going to prepare the horses."
Tang Sanzang nodded.
"it is good."
The team quickly got ready.
The white dragon horse snorted and pawed at the ground with its hooves.
Sun Wukong carried his staff and walked at the very front.
Pigsy followed behind, humming a little tune.
Tang Sanzang rode on his horse, gently waving his paper fan.
Chu Yang walked last.
The team set off again.
The city gates of Baoxiang Kingdom were even more magnificent than I had imagined.
The gray-blue city walls were built of massive stones, each taller than a person, their surfaces covered in dark green moss, like a layer of aged patina. The city gate was deep and dark, allowing sunlight to penetrate only a few feet in before the rest was swallowed by shadow, leaving only the hollow echo of horses' hooves on the bluestone slabs. Above the gate tower hung three large gilded characters, "Baoxiang Kingdom," the characters already somewhat worn from wind and sun, with scattered gold dust, like someone had scattered a handful of gold fragments from a high place.
The guards' armor gleamed, and the tips of their spears flashed coldly in the sunlight. Seeing that they were a group of monks, they were quite amiable, asking only a few simple questions before letting them pass.
"Are you masters on your way to the Western Paradise to retrieve the scriptures?" The head of the squad bowed. "The country has been quite unsettled lately, with a strong demonic atmosphere. It's best not to go out at night."
Tang Sanzang put his hands together in prayer.
"Thank you for the reminder, benefactor. This humble monk and his disciples will be careful."
Once inside the city, the streets suddenly became wider.
The main street was paved with blue bricks, and restaurants and teahouses lined both sides, their signs fluttering in the wind—red, blue, and yellow—like a row of colorful flags. The air was filled with the aroma of roast duck, the sweetness of osmanthus cake, and the fishy smell wafting from the distant river. Pedestrians flowed endlessly: peddlers carrying loads, mounted bodyguards, women wrapped in thick cotton-padded coats leading children, and several young men in brocade robes, jade pendants at their waists, and servants following behind, swaggering through the crowd.
Pigsy's nose twitched, and his eyes were wide open.
"Oh Master! This city is so lively! I, Old Pig, smell the aroma of a restaurant!"
Tang Sanzang coughed lightly.
"Bajie, a person who cultivates himself, abstains from greed, anger, and ignorance."
Pigsy scratched his head and chuckled.
"I know, I know... but my stomach won't listen to me."
Sun Wukong carried his staff at the front, his ears constantly perking up to listen to the sounds coming from all directions.
“Master, there’s a strong demonic aura in this city.” He lowered his voice. “I smell... a sweet, fishy smell, like a snake, or a fox.”
Chu Yang walked at the back, his gaze sweeping over a sugar figurine stall on the street corner, and then over a veiled woman at the alley entrance.
"Brother Monkey, we'll investigate again tonight. Let's find a place to stay for the night."
They asked at several inns, but all said they were full. Finally, they found an inconspicuous little shop in a secluded alley in the east of the city—"Ping An Inn." The storefront was narrow, the characters on the signboard were almost illegible, and the innkeeper was a hunchbacked old man with a face full of wrinkles when he smiled.
"Masters, there's only one superior room left. Would you mind making do?"
Tang Sanzang nodded.
"It's alright. Having a house to shelter you from the wind and rain is already a blessing."
There are three side rooms in the backyard, barely enough to squeeze into. Two old locust trees grow in the yard, their branches and leaves dense, cutting the sunlight into fine dappled patterns. Under the locust trees sits a stone table, covered with a thin layer of yellow leaves, like old letters that someone forgot to put away.
After settling in, it was nearly dusk.
Pigsy complained of hunger, and Tang Sanzang, having no other choice, ordered the waiter to bring several bowls of vegetarian noodles and a dish of pickled radishes. The noodles were wide and chewy, the broth was clear and watery, and the radishes were crisp and slightly spicy. The group ate quietly around the stone table, the only sound the soft clinking of chopsticks against bowls. Halfway through the meal, Monkey King suddenly stopped eating.
"coming."
Before he could finish speaking, a loud "boom" resounded outside the courtyard wall.
Half of the wall collapsed, bricks and stones flew everywhere, and the dust was so thick that people couldn't open their eyes.
A tall figure in a yellow robe, standing eight feet tall, stepped out from the smoke and dust.
He wore a bright yellow robe with intricate cloud patterns embroidered on the hem, a gold sash around his waist, and a towering crown adorned with crimson gemstones. He was handsome with sharply defined features, but his eyes were vertical pupils, golden in color, like two burning lamps.
He was carrying a three-pointed, double-edged knife, the blade still stained with fresh blood.
“Tang Sanzang!” His voice was deep, with a metallic tremor. “I have been waiting for you for a long time.”
Tang Sanzang put down the bowl and slowly stood up.
"The benefactor is..."
The yellow-robed monster grinned, revealing two rows of sharp teeth.
"The Prince Consort of Baoxiang Kingdom, Kui Mulang."
"Also called... the Yellow Robe Monster."
Sun Wukong had already stood up, and the golden cudgel had spun half a circle in his palm.
"Kui Mulang? One of the Twenty-Eight Mansions? Tsk, you know how to pick a place to hide."
The Yellow-Robed Monster's gaze swept over Sun Wukong, his pupils slightly contracting.
"The Great Sage Equal to Heaven... is indeed here."
He suddenly burst into laughter.
"Very well! It saves me the trouble of searching for them one by one!"
Before he finished speaking, he moved swiftly and appeared in front of Tang Sanzang.
The three-pointed, double-edged sword cleaved straight down.
Sun Wukong was prepared. He somersaulted in front of Tang Sanzang and blocked him with his golden cudgel.
"clang--"
A loud bang, sparks flying everywhere.
Both of them took three steps back at the same time.
The yellow-robed monster steadied himself and licked the blood off his blade.
"Great technique! Let's do it again!"
Sun Wukong grinned.
"I, Old Sun, am happy to oblige!"
The two instantly engaged in a fierce battle.
The courtyard was too small, limiting their movements. The Yellow-Robed Monster's swordsmanship was fierce, each strike accompanied by a whistling wind, the blade cutting through the air with a sharp whistling sound. Sun Wukong's staff techniques were even more ruthless; the golden cudgel sometimes lengthened, sometimes shortened, sometimes smashing down on the head, sometimes sweeping towards the waist and ribs. The shadows of the staff and the flash of the blade intertwined, the sounds of impact causing dust to fall from the roof beams.
Pigsy grabbed the rake, ready to help.
Chu Yang grabbed him and pressed him down.
"Bajie, don't get involved."
Pigsy got anxious.
"Brother! Brother Monkey is all alone..."
“Brother Monkey can handle it.” Chu Yang’s eyes were fixed on the battle. “Look.”
really.
Although the yellow-robed monster's swordsmanship was fierce, he gradually showed signs of fatigue.
He was originally a celestial star, but after many years in the mortal realm, although his cultivation hadn't declined, he ultimately lacked the nourishment of the celestial realm's spiritual energy. In contrast, Sun Wukong, having followed Tang Sanzang on his westward journey, though bound by the golden headband, had gained immense combat experience. His staff techniques became increasingly cunning, specifically targeting openings in the Yellow Robe Monster's sword strikes.
"clang!"
Another crisp sound.
The yellow-robed monster's sword was deflected, revealing an opening in his chest.
Sun Wukong's eyes lit up.
"Go!"
The golden cudgel instantly grew to three zhang in length, its head striking the yellow-robed monster's chest.
The yellow-robed monster reacted extremely quickly, leaning back to narrowly avoid the attack.
But the gust of wind still struck his left shoulder.
With a "crack," the shoulder bone shattered.
He grunted, staggered backward, and crashed into half of the side room.
Amidst the swirling dust, he abruptly looked up, his golden eyes filled with resentment and malice.
"Well done... well done, Monkey King!"
He suddenly looked up at the sky and let out a long roar.
The whistling sound was sharp and piercing, like countless steel needles piercing the eardrums at the same time.
The locust tree leaves in the yard fell off instantly, and the branches cracked.
The whistling sound carried far away.
A moment later, the sound of hurried footsteps came from the direction of the city wall in the distance.
Hundreds of soldiers in bright armor poured into the alley, their swords and spears gleaming, completely surrounding the inn.
The leading general was a man with a thick beard, a red tassel on his helmet, and a long spear in his hand.
"Who dares to make a scene! How dare you take action within the territory of Baoxiang Kingdom!"
The yellow-robed monster clutched his shoulder and sneered.
"General, you've come at the perfect time! These wicked monks injured me and tried to kidnap the princess!"
Tang Sanzang's expression changed.
"Amitabha! This humble monk had absolutely no such intention!"
The general's gaze swept over the crowd, finally settling on Sun Wukong.
"Monkey demon! Did you injure the prince consort?"
Sun Wukong slammed his staff into the ground.
"He's the one who got hurt! That scoundrel started it!"
The general snorted coldly.
"Men! Seize them!"
The soldiers swarmed forward.
Just as Sun Wukong was about to make a move, Tang Sanzang suddenly spoke up.
"Wukong! Stop!"
Sun Wukong was taken aback.
"Master?"
Tang Sanzang looked at the general and put his hands together in prayer.
"General, my master and I are monks from the Great Tang Dynasty in the East. We were ordered to travel west to obtain Buddhist scriptures and had no ill intentions. The prince consort suddenly attacked and injured my disciple. My disciple had no choice but to act in self-defense."
The general squinted.
What evidence do you have?
Tang Sanzang looked serious.
"This humble monk wishes to accompany the general to the palace to meet the emperor and let the king decide."
The general hesitated for a moment, glancing at the Yellow-Robed Monster and then at Tang Sanzang and his group.
"Okay. Take it with you!"
Soldiers stepped forward and tied up Tang Sanzang, Zhu Bajie, and Chu Yang with ropes.
Sun Wukong swung his staff horizontally.
"Who dares to touch my master!"
Tang Sanzang shook his head.
"Wukong, don't attack again."
"Let them be."
Sun Wukong gritted his teeth.
"Master..."
"Go," Tang Sanzang said softly. "This humble monk believes... the king will be able to distinguish right from wrong."
Sun Wukong's chest heaved violently.
Finally, he shoved the golden cudgel into his ear.
"it is good."
"I, Old Sun, will go with you."
The Yellow-Robed Monster sneered.
"Even the Monkey King has moments of weakness?"
Sun Wukong turned his head, his gaze icy.
"You wait."
"I, Old Sun, will strip you of your yellow robe sooner or later."
The yellow-robed monster's pupils contracted.
But he didn't say anything more.
The group was escorted through the long street.
Night had fallen, and the streets were deserted, leaving only lanterns swaying in the wind. The sounds of horses' hooves, footsteps, and clashing armor mingled together, like a somber march.
Chu Yang walked at the back of the group, his hands tied behind his back, but his gaze remained fixed on the yellow-robed monster.
The hem of that yellow robe fluttered gently in the night breeze.
Beneath the hem of the robe, a glimpse of a fluffy wolf tail was faintly visible.
He lowered his head and smiled.
Extremely pale.
Extremely light.
The palace gates are in sight.
The vermilion gate was tall and imposing.
Two stone lions stand in front of the gate, their eyes wide open, as if silently watching everyone who comes in and out.
The line stopped.
The yellow-robed monster clutched his shoulder and bowed to the general.
"General, first take Tang Sanzang to the Heavenly Prison. I will go to the palace to report to the princess."
The general nodded.
"it is good."
The Yellow-Robed Monster gave Sun Wukong a deep look.
"Great Sage Equal to Heaven... We'll meet again someday."
He turned around, flicked his sleeves, and entered the palace gate.
Sun Wukong stared at his back, his teeth grinding together.
Chu Yang suddenly spoke, his voice very soft.
"Brother Monkey".
"Ok?"
"Don't rush."
"There's going to be a good show tonight."
Sun Wukong was taken aback.
"What do you know, kid?"
Chu Yang smiled but did not answer.
The palace gates appeared particularly imposing in the night.
The bronze nails on either side of the vermilion gate gleamed a dark red in the torchlight, like countless open eyes. The plaque bearing the inscription "Baoxiang Kingdom" hanging above the gate swayed slightly in the wind, producing a soft, metallic clanging sound. The steps were lined with imperial guards in gleaming armor, their long spears standing like a forest, their tassels trembling gently in the firelight, like rows of red snakes ready to pounce. (End of Chapter)