The Dragon King was truly the greatest social butterfly in the Heavenly Palace.
Even though the major power players of the Heavens hadn't arrived, a significant portion of the mid-level deities had been showing up one after another.
Whether it was the God of Thunder and Goddess of Lightning, or the Earl of Wind and Master of Rain... even the God of Wealth and the Giant Spirit God had arrived.
Beyond just the celestial officials of the Heavenly Court, many of the Western Buddhas had also made an appearance...
The gathering of immortals here today was certainly no less grand than the immortal assembly hosted by the Three Sacred Mother.
Accompanying the Old Dragon King to greet the guests, Su Qing also recognized many familiar faces among the crowd.
After paying their respects to the Old Dragon King, these acquaintances would come forward to exchange a few words with her, asking how she had been or inquiring about her work as the Mountain God of the Changbai Mountains.
In short, most of them were just making small talk for the sake of it.
It felt remarkably similar to visiting relatives and friends during the holidays in her previous life...
"Hahaha, it seems my worthy son-in-law has quite a few friends in the Heavenly Palace as well!"
Seeing so many immortals chatting with Su Qing, the Old Dragon King couldn't help but stroke his beard, laughing heartily.
Hearing this, Su Qing glanced at the Old Dragon King with a slight twitch at the corner of her mouth, silently criticizing his thick-skinned nature.
She finally understood why this Old Dragon King had insisted she join him in greeting the Heavenly officials who came to offer their birthday wishes.
With her standing here, half the deities of the Heavenly Court would know she was the Dragon Palace's son-in-law, effectively making the matter official in the eyes of the public.
However, despite her internal complaints, Su Qing didn't bother arguing with the Old Dragon King.
She was even less inclined to refute him.
On one hand, she technically was considered the Dragon Palace's son-in-law; on the other, this was something everyone would find out sooner or later anyway.
Now, it was just happening a bit earlier than expected.
"Eh? So Azure Spirit Sovereign, you're the Dragon Palace's son-in-law? Tsk tsk tsk, I remember not long ago, wasn't this Old Dragon King filing a petition against you before the Jade Emperor?"
Hearing the Dragon King address Su Qing as his son-in-law, the God of Wealth stroked his beard and asked with a chuckle:
"Didn't he say back then... that you had kidnapped his daughter? Now... how have you suddenly become the son-in-law?"
Su Qing gave a faint smile and nodded. "Many things... happened in between."
The Old Dragon King laughed loudly, clapping the God of Wealth familiarly on the shoulder as he replied:
"Those matters were nothing more than past misunderstandings. Now that the misunderstanding is cleared, we naturally can't hold onto the past! Xiao Qing is a worthy son-in-law who is deeply loved by my daughter. Even my wife is quite satisfied with him. What reason could I possibly have to object?"
The God of Wealth glanced at the Old Dragon King, twisting his beard as a thought crossed his mind, suddenly making sense of everything.
"I see, I see, hahaha! You've certainly gained an extraordinary son-in-law! When the wedding banquet comes, remember to invite me for a drink!" the God of Wealth remarked.
The Old Dragon King smiled knowingly and quickly promised, "Rest assured, rest assured! When the time for the wedding wine comes, how could I forget to invite you, my old friend!"
Su Qing: "..."
Could you two maybe ask for my opinion as the person actually involved while you're chatting?
Su Qing couldn't help but roll her eyes.
She always felt that this Old Dragon King had some very deep schemes!
Sighing inwardly, she stopped paying attention to him and continued to receive the other guests.
Suddenly.
Su Qing saw a young, pot-bellied monk. He wore a constant smile that looked incredibly kind—the sort of smile that would infect anyone who even caught a glimpse of it.
Yet, when Su Qing saw this monk, she was momentarily stunned.
She asked, "Senior Maitreya!? Why have you come?"
While Su Qing knew many monks had arrived, most were Arhats or others of lesser fame.
Thus, she hadn't expected a titan like Maitreya to show up here.
"Hahaha, to offer my birthday wishes to the Old Dragon King, of course!" Maitreya patted his round belly and said with a chuckle, "I tend to be quite free these days. Knowing the Old Dragon King was celebrating a grand birthday, I naturally had to come and congratulate him!"
Su Qing was taken aback for a moment before laughing along with him.
She had made the reason far too complicated.
Indeed, why did there need to be any complex reason?
When seniors did things, they often acted purely on a whim without needing much justification.
"It seems I overthought things," Su Qing said with a smile and an apologetic bow.
"No matter, no matter. I didn't expect to see you here either, and as the Old Dragon King's son-in-law no less. It's a pity I didn't prepare a gift for you; otherwise, I would have had to give you and your spouse something nice," Maitreya said jovially.
Maitreya had lived for so long and seen so much that he was hardly an old-fashioned conservative.
Though he was a bit surprised by the relationship between Su Qing and the Dragon Princess, he didn't find it contrary to custom...
He simply thought it was a wonderful thing worth celebrating.
"Please don't say that, Senior. We haven't even married yet, so we can't be called a couple just yet!" Su Qing shook her head. "Besides, your kind intentions are enough; there's no need for any gifts."
"Oh? Not married yet? Then you must call me when you do get married in the future!"
Maitreya patted his belly and said with a laugh:
"Don't worry, I don't eat much. Hahaha."
Hearing this, Su Qing quickly nodded, agreeing to the request.
Among the three Buddhas—Maitreya, Sakyamuni, and Randeng—the one Su Qing liked most was naturally this Maitreya Buddha, who was informal and perpetually cheerful.
"Eh! By the way, girl, do you want me to have a word with that old fellow Bodhi? I can have him come over for a get-together!"
Maitreya had been worrying about not having a gift, but suddenly remembering Bodhi, he let out a hearty laugh and asked.
Su Qing's interest was piqued, and she hurriedly asked, "Senior Maitreya really has a way to call my Master here?"
"Hehe, it's a simple matter. Besides, I heard that old fellow Laojun is also coming to join the fun. How about I have Laojun help me trick him into coming?" Maitreya said, nodding to himself. "Then it's settled!"
Su Qing wanted to say something, but seeing that Maitreya had already made up his mind, she stayed quiet.
She nodded and said, "Thank you, Senior Maitreya."
"Hahaha, no need for thanks. It's just a small thing within my power."
Maitreya shook his head with a smile and continued:
"Though, that old fellow Bodhi really is something—leaving such a disciple to travel and learn on her own instead of keeping her by his side for proper instruction."
Su Qing gave a helpless smile and said, "Master must have his own considerations."
"You girl, still defending your Master."
As Maitreya spoke, he performed a hand seal and conjured a paper crane.
The crane split into two, then flew out of the East Sea Dragon Palace, breaking through the surface of the water and heading toward the Heavenly Palace and Patriarch Bodhi's location.
"Alright, I'll head inside first," Maitreya said with a beaming smile. "When you're free later, we shall have a private chat. I just thought of a few things I should tell you."
Su Qing nodded slightly and agreed.
The paper crane flew swiftly, soon landing in the hand of an elderly man who was currently instructing his disciples.
The elder unfolded the paper crane, and upon reading its contents, his brow furrowed.
He looked at the disciples below the platform, sighed softly, and shook his head before incinerating the paper crane.
Clearly, he had no intention of attending the banquet at the East Sea Dragon Palace.
"Forgive me, girl, but it is better that we don't meet for the time being."
Patriarch Bodhi shook his head slightly, preparing to resume his teaching.
But just then, a sudden knock sounded at the door.
At the same time, the voice of Taishang Laojun drifted in: "You old fogey, come on! Let's go crash the Old Dragon King's banquet!"
Patriarch Bodhi: "...???"
He was completely bewildered. Why had this old fellow suddenly shown up here!
Laojun could have just gone by himself; why did he have to drag Bodhi along?
Could it be...
Patriarch Bodhi sighed softly, stood up, and addressed the crowd of disciples before him:
"Today's morning class ends here. Return and review what you've learned; do not be lazy. I have a guest to see."
With that, Patriarch Bodhi performed a hand seal, flicked his horsetail whisk, and appeared before Taishang Laojun in an instant.
"You shameless old man, why are you calling me to go crash a dinner?" Patriarch Bodhi said, exasperated.
"Hahaha, to take you to see a young friend, of course! Haven't seen her in years—don't you miss that disciple of yours?" Laojun asked with a grin, seated atop his Green Ox.
"Hmph, I knew you came for this matter." Patriarch Bodhi snorted and shook his head. "I'm not going!"
"Can you really bear to let that girl be disappointed?"
Laojun asked casually:
"You should know, that girl misses her Master very much! Ai, if she knew her Master refused to see her even when I personally asked, how heartbroken would she be? Do you have the heart for that?"
"..." Patriarch Bodhi's brow furrowed as he replied, "Hmph, don't talk nonsense, you old coot. I know my disciple well; she isn't the type to be heartbroken over such a thing."
"Who knows? Don't forget, while she is a snake demon, she is also a woman! Moreover, she has no parents; her only relative is you, her Master..."
Laojun stroked his beard, directly shifting the perspective:
"Think about it—how sad would a daughter be to experience such a thing? Can you bear it? Aren't you usually the one who dotes on your dear disciple the most? Why are you being so cold-hearted now?"
After being cornered by Laojun's words, Patriarch Bodhi began to hesitate.
He wondered if he really should go see her.
But... would meeting now be too early? Would it hinder her growth?
Seeing Patriarch Bodhi's hesitation, Laojun immediately broke into a smile.
He then guided the Green Ox toward Patriarch Bodhi and said:
"Let's go! Stop overthinking it. It's just seeing a disciple; why make it so complicated? If you want to see her, see her. It won't have any negative impact. The trends of the world are already set, so rest assured and go."
Patriarch Bodhi was finally swayed. He sighed and said, "I truly cannot out-argue a shameless man like you."
Seeing Patriarch Bodhi agree, Laojun laughed heartily and said:
"You're quite the old fogey yourself. If I hadn't come to call you personally, you probably wouldn't have stepped out the door."
"Hmph!"
Patriarch Bodhi gave a cold snort, then performed a hand seal and departed on a cloud.
Seeing this, Laojun shook his head helplessly before following on his own cloud, flying alongside him.
"Speaking of which, have you noticed... the spiritual energy of Heaven and Earth has been increasing," Laojun asked after catching up to Patriarch Bodhi.
Patriarch Bodhi nodded slightly and replied, "I felt it, of course. I imagine this increase is but a prelude to the Great Upheaval."
"Indeed. Our time is running out. If you don't seize the moment, you old fogey, you'll have plenty to regret later."
"Hmph, I have my own plans! As for your side, is the plan still proceeding smoothly?"
"Naturally... it's only about two years until the furnace is opened. I expect that once the established fate has run its course, the Great Upheaval will truly manifest."
"That's good then. With a few hundred years left... it should be enough." Patriarch Bodhi nodded slightly.
He then looked down at the Bodhi prayer beads on his wrist.
He couldn't help but give a helpless smile and say, "Why don't you move a bit faster!"
"..." Laojun was speechless.
Who was the one saying they weren't going just a moment ago?
This old fogey was truly infuriating.
But despite his internal complaints, Laojun did have the Green Ox fly a bit faster.
Before long.
The two old men arrived outside the East Sea Dragon Palace.
Laojun glanced at Patriarch Bodhi, who had returned to his usual serious and stern expression at the palace entrance.
He couldn't help but shake his head slightly. "Let's go."
With that, Laojun took the lead and entered the Crystal Palace.
In just a few steps, Laojun saw the birthday celebrant, as well as Su Qing standing beside the Old Dragon King.
Upon seeing them, Laojun laughed and said, "Old Dragon King, here is your birthday gift! I didn't think that after all these years, you'd reach this age."
The Old Dragon King beamed at the sight of Laojun and hurriedly took the gift, saying, "Indeed, time truly does fly!"
"That's right... tens of thousands of years pass in the blink of an eye. We old fogeys have grown old," Laojun said, shaking his head. "The future belongs to these young ones."
He then turned his gaze toward Su Qing and remarked, "Little girl, I heard you've become the Dragon Palace's son-in-law? Well done! The Old Dragon King sued you, so you just kidnapped his daughter in return—truly impressive."
Su Qing: "..."
Is it possible that my 'kidnapping' of his daughter happened before he sued me?
Wait, when exactly did I kidnap anyone's daughter?
"Senior is joking," Su Qing said with a helpless smile. Then, remembering her Master, she couldn't help but ask, "By the way... Senior, did my Master... come with you?"
"Hahaha, I knew you'd be worried about that! He naturally followed along!" Laojun turned to look behind him, but then paused in confusion. "Eh? Where's that old fogey?"
Saying so, he shook his head, turned around, and dragged Patriarch Bodhi in from outside the door, saying:
"You made it to the door and then stopped? You really are a stubborn one. Who was the one urging me to fly faster on the way here?"
"Ahem!" Patriarch Bodhi coughed twice and gave Laojun a fierce glare. "Shut your mouth."
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