Chapter 976
All you do is hide!
The queen's eyes reddened slightly, and her voice trembled with emotion: "Holy monk, do you really not want to stay? I am willing to give up the throne for you and stay with you for the rest of my life. From now on, there will only be the two of us in the Kingdom of Women, and there will be no more worries about state affairs."
Tang Sanzang's brows furrowed even more, his fingers gripping the hem of his monk's robe tightly. He had cultivated for many years and long since seen through the illusions of the world, but how could he remain unmoved by the king's sincere affection? He took a deep breath and slowly said, "Your Majesty, the mortal world may be beautiful, but it is not what this humble monk seeks. My mission lies in the Western Paradise and in all living beings under heaven. I hope Your Majesty will grant my request."
Seeing the resolute look in Tang Sanzang's eyes, the Queen knew that further persuasion was useless, and tears finally streamed down her face. She raised her hand to wipe away her tears and forced a smile, saying, "Very well, since the Holy Monk's mind is made up, I will not force him to stay. I just wonder, when will the Holy Monk return from this journey to the Western Paradise?"
"The journey to the Western Paradise is long and uncertain, and I do not know when I will return," Tang Sanzang said softly. "But I will bring the Buddha's teachings back to the East, and if I have the opportunity, I will definitely come to visit Your Majesty again."
Chu Yang watched from the sidelines, knowing full well that although Tang Sanzang hadn't agreed to the marriage, he had indeed been moved by worldly desires, meaning he had overcome most of this tribulation of love. And now, he needed to arrange the next steps—avoiding the Abortion Spring and ensuring the group of master and disciples could leave the Women's Kingdom safely.
After the banquet, the queen personally escorted Tang Sanzang to the palace. Before leaving, she handed him a brocade box and said softly, "Holy monk, this is a handkerchief that I embroidered myself. It is embroidered with peonies from the Kingdom of Women. If you miss home, take a look at it."
Tang Sanzang accepted the brocade box, clasped his hands together, and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty. This humble monk takes his leave."
Back in the group, Pigsy sidled up to him, winking and saying, "Master, that queen is so infatuated with you, why won't you agree? I think staying in the Women's Kingdom is pretty good too. There's delicious food every day, and so many beautiful women. It's much better than going to the West to get the scriptures!"
"You idiot, what do you know!" Tang Sanzang glared at Zhu Bajie, but a faint blush appeared on his face. "On the path of cultivation, one should prioritize one's mission. How can one let personal feelings interfere with one's duties?"
Sun Wukong chuckled, "Master, your face was all red just now, and you still say you weren't tempted? I think you're just reluctant to part with this king, aren't you?"
"Wukong, stop talking nonsense!" Tang Sanzang's face turned even redder, and he quickly changed the subject, "Chu Yang, what do you think we should do next?"
Chu Yang stepped forward and said to Tang Sanzang, "Master, there is a spring in the capital of the Women's Kingdom that causes miscarriage. It is said that those who drink its water will become pregnant. In the original story, my master and I accidentally drank from the spring and almost delayed our journey. Now that I know the plot, I will avoid it. But just to be on the safe side, we need to bypass that spring and leave the city through the small road on the west side of the capital to avoid encountering trouble again."
He paused, then said, “As for His Majesty’s intentions, Master need not worry. The tribulation of love is a hurdle on the path of cultivation. Master’s ability to uphold his original intention is already a meritorious deed. I think His Majesty is reluctant to part with us, but he will not make things difficult for us. However, it may be necessary for Master to stay in the palace alone for one night to say goodbye to His Majesty. This is the key to the plot and the final test for Master. It is not appropriate for others to interfere.”
Tang Sanzang was taken aback for a moment, then understood Chu Yang's meaning. He nodded and said in a deep voice, "Very well, since it is the path of cultivation, we should face it with equanimity. I will go to the palace alone to bid farewell to His Majesty. You all wait for me at the inn outside the city. Remember not to act on your own, so as to avoid any unforeseen complications."
Sun Wukong scratched his head and said, "Master, won't it be dangerous for you to stay in the palace alone? I'd better go with you!"
"It's alright." Tang Sanzang waved his hand. "The Women's Kingdom is inhabited entirely by women, and there are no monsters. Her Majesty has no intention of harming us. You can wait outside the city. I'll be right back."
Chu Yang patted Sun Wukong on the shoulder and said, "Brother Monkey, don't worry, Master will be fine. This is Master's tribulation of love, and he will have to face it himself in the end. If we interfere too much, it will only make him feel guilty."
Although Sun Wukong was a little worried, he knew that Chu Yang was right, so he could only nod and say, "Alright then, Master, be careful. If anything happens, just call out and I, Old Sun, will rush in to save you!"
"I'm going too!" Pigsy hurriedly said, but Tang Sanzang glared at him and said, "Pigsy, don't be silly! You all wait outside the city and don't cause trouble."
The group agreed and headed towards an inn on the west side of the capital. The inn was run by a woman, and the landlady was exceptionally hospitable upon seeing that they were monks from the East. She specially prepared clean rooms and brought tea and snacks. Chu Yang stayed in a large room with Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie, while Tang Sanzang stayed alone in a small room next door, planning to enter the palace after nightfall.
As night fell, the bright moonlight shone on the walls of the Women's Kingdom, casting a soft, silvery glow. Chu Yang stood by the window of his guest room, gazing towards the palace, where he could vaguely see the lights of the imperial garden. Sun Wukong leaned against the headboard, munching on peanuts, and said, "Brother Chu Yang, do you think Master might really be swayed by that king tonight? I have a feeling that Master is still thinking about that king."
"It's hard to say," Chu Yang said calmly. "The tribulations of love are the most tormenting. Although Master has held firm to his principles, he is not immune to wavering. But that's alright. Once he gets through this ordeal, his path of cultivation will be even more steadfast."
Pigsy leaned over and said, "Brother Chu Yang, I still think it's great to stay in the Women's Kingdom. Look at the women in this city, they're all gentle and beautiful, and there's an endless supply of pastries. It's much better than living a life of hardship outside."
"You idiot, all you know is eating!" Sun Wukong threw a peanut at Zhu Bajie's head. "The journey to the West is a major undertaking. How can we give up just because we crave comfort? Back then, when I, Old Sun, wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Palace, wasn't it because I craved freedom that I ended up being imprisoned under the Five Elements Mountain? Now, the journey to the West is my cultivation and also my master's mission. We absolutely cannot give up halfway."
Chu Yang smiled and said nothing more. He knew that although Zhu Bajie's thoughts were simple, they were also human nature, while Sun Wukong and Tang Sanzang were people who truly put cultivation and mission in their hearts.
Around 9 PM, Tang Sanzang straightened his robes and headed towards the palace. In the moonlight, his figure appeared exceptionally tall and his steps steady. The lights in the imperial garden were still bright; the king sat in a stone pavilion, holding the brocade handkerchief in his hand, lost in thought.
Upon seeing Tang Sanzang approaching, the king quickly stood up, his face showing a hint of fatigue, yet he still managed a smile: "Holy Monk, you've arrived."
Tang Sanzang stepped forward, clasped his hands together, and said, "Your Majesty, the night is deep and the dew is heavy. Has Your Majesty not yet rested?"
"Wait for the Holy Monk," the king said softly, handing the handkerchief back to Tang Sanzang. "Holy Monk, this handkerchief is of no use to me; I'll return it to you. I just wonder, when will we meet again, Holy Monk?"
Tang Sanzang took the handkerchief, placed it in his palm, and said softly, "This humble monk does not know when I will return, but the propagation of Buddhism is my destiny with Your Majesty. Your Majesty, please take care." The queen's tears fell again. She stepped forward, wanting to touch Tang Sanzang's cheek, but withdrew her hand in mid-air and said softly, "Holy monk, I know I cannot keep you here. I only wish you a safe journey to the Western Paradise, that you may obtain the true scriptures soon, and save all sentient beings."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Tang Sanzang's voice was also tinged with emotion. Looking into the king's sincere eyes, he was filled with mixed feelings, but he still turned around and walked towards the exit of the palace. "This humble monk takes his leave."
The king stood in the stone pavilion, watching Tang Sanzang's figure gradually disappear into the moonlight, and finally couldn't help but cry out. The moonlight shone on her, casting a long shadow, and the wind chimes in the royal garden tinkled, as if bidding her farewell.
Tang Sanzang walked out of the palace, his steps somewhat heavy. He looked up at the night sky; the moon was bright, and the stars were dazzling. He gripped the handkerchief in his hand, took a deep breath, and his worldly desires gradually faded away, replaced by a firm belief—to travel west to obtain the scriptures and save all sentient beings; this was his mission, and also his spiritual practice.
Back at the inn, Chu Yang, Sun Wukong, and Zhu Bajie were already waiting at the door. Seeing Tang Sanzang return, Sun Wukong rushed forward and said, "Master, you're back! How did it go? Did the king give you any trouble?"
Tang Sanzang shook his head, a look of relief on his face: "It's alright, His Majesty is just reluctant to part with me, he has no intention of harming me. I have already bid farewell to His Majesty, and we will leave the city early tomorrow morning to continue our journey west."
Chu Yang nodded and said, "That would be best. Tomorrow morning, we will leave the city via the western path, avoid the Abortion Spring, and leave the Women's Kingdom safely."
Pigsy stretched and said, "Finally, we're leaving. I'm really going to miss the osmanthus cakes from the Women's Kingdom. But I'm willing to continue the journey to the West."
Sun Wukong kicked Zhu Bajie and said, "You idiot, all you ever think about is food! Go to sleep, we have to travel early tomorrow morning."
Everyone returned to their rooms, and the night passed without incident.
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking and a light mist still clung to the walls of the Women's Kingdom, Tang Sanzang and his disciples packed their belongings and set off along the western path. The woman who had led the way was already waiting at the city gate. Upon seeing them emerge, she curtsied and said, "Holy Monk, take care on your journey."
Tang Sanzang nodded slightly and said, "Thank you, young lady."
The group left the city along a small path on the west side. Dense forests lined both sides of the path, morning dew clinging to the branches and leaves, dripping onto the ground with a crisp sound. The white dragon horse's hooves left shallow footprints on the damp dirt road. Chu Yang, bringing up the rear, glanced back at the walls of the Women's Kingdom and breathed a sigh of relief—the Women's Kingdom hurdle had finally been overcome.
Sun Wukong, carrying his golden cudgel, walked at the front and laughed, "Master, that's good! The tribulation of love in the Women's Kingdom is over. The road ahead shouldn't be so troublesome!"
Astride his white dragon horse, Tang Sanzang gazed calmly at the mountain path ahead and said softly, "The path of cultivation is fraught with trials, and we must not slacken in the slightest. Although the Women's Kingdom presented temptations of the mortal world, it only strengthened my resolve to obtain the scriptures. We must remain cautious on the road ahead."
Chu Yang nodded and said, "Master is right. After the Women's Kingdom, there is the Lion Camel Ridge area, where there are many powerful monsters. We need to be extra careful. In particular, the three demon kings of Lion Camel Ridge are all powerful monsters and should not be underestimated."
Sun Wukong raised an eyebrow and said, "Monsters? Who have I ever been afraid of? Even if there were a hundred thousand monsters, I could take them all down with my staff and protect my master as we pass through safely!"
"Brother Monkey, don't underestimate them," Chu Yang warned. "Those three demon kings are the Green-haired Lion Monster, the Yellow-toothed Elephant Monster, and the Golden-winged Roc. Among them, the Golden-winged Roc is the most powerful. It is extremely fast and can travel 90,000 miles with a single flap of its wings, which is even faster than my somersault cloud. Moreover, they have 48,000 lesser demons under their command, and they have laid a net that cannot be broken through."
Pigsy scratched his head and said, "So powerful? Then I, Old Pig, have to stay far away, lest that monster swallow me whole."
"You fool, all you do is hide!" Sun Wukong sneered. "With me here, I'll protect you all!"
Chu Yang smiled and said nothing more.
The gates of the Women's Kingdom slowly closed behind them, the heavy wooden doors creaking as if whispering of endless reluctance. Along the official road outside the city, blooming crabapple trees lined both sides, their pink and white petals drifting in the wind, carpeting the path with soft blossoms and casting long, elongated shadows of the four travelers. The air still held the unique scent of the Women's Kingdom's perfume, mingled with the sweet fragrance of the crabapple blossoms, lingering and unforgettable.
Astride the white dragon horse, Tang Sanzang clasped his hands together, his gaze slightly lowered, silently reciting scriptures, a hint of melancholy lingering between his brows. He had just politely declined the Queen of the Women's Kingdom's offer to stay, and watching the queen, her eyes filled with sorrow and her white robes pristine, turn and leave, a sense of melancholy inevitably arose in his heart—worldly love is ultimately an obstacle on the path of spiritual cultivation. Bearing the mission of obtaining the scriptures from the West, he could only sever worldly ties and continue his journey.
The white dragon horse seemed to sense its master's state of mind, slowing its pace. Its hooves pattered softly on the petal-strewn road, as if afraid of disturbing something. A few pink crabapple petals still clung to its mane, swaying gently with each step, adding to its gentle grace.
Pigsy, carrying his rake, walked in the middle of the group, glancing back every now and then at the gates of the Women's Kingdom. His face was full of regret as he muttered to himself, "Ah, what a wonderful Women's Kingdom! The Queen is so gentle and beautiful, and she even treated us to good food and drink. It's such a pity we're leaving like this. If we could stay here a few more days, I, Old Pig, could have shared in the good fortune and maybe even found a wife!"
Sun Wukong, carrying his golden cudgel, walked at the front, his ears constantly perked up, alertly listening to any sounds from all directions. His golden eyes scanned the trees on either side, fearing that some demon might take advantage of the situation. Hearing Zhu Bajie's complaints, he turned around, glared at him, and grinned sneer: "You fool, all you know is lust and comfort! We're on our way to the Western Paradise to obtain the scriptures, not here to indulge in romance! The Queen of the Women's Kingdom may be lovely, but she's not someone you should be thinking about. If you keep having these thoughts, I, Old Sun, will throw you back to the Women's Kingdom and let the Queen take you in as a laborer!"
"I was just saying, Brother Monkey, why are you being so fierce?" Pigsy pouted, feeling wronged, and patted his belly. "Besides, I'm not just thinking about beautiful women. I'm also thinking about the vegetarian food in the Women's Kingdom. Those steamed cakes and vegetarian buns are much tastier than the wild fruits we've eaten along the way. Just thinking about them makes my mouth water." (End of Chapter)