Aftermath

Regarding Maitreya Buddha's reply, Su Qing didn't find it particularly strange—it was somewhat expected. After all, if three seniors had come together just to give her a reminder, it would be making a mountain out of a molehill. What merit did she possess to have three seniors make a special trip for such a minor matter? Therefore, since the seniors had arrived with such fanfare, they must surely have another purpose.

Su Qing looked at Senior Maitreya and the others, smiling slightly as she said, "Seniors, please speak freely. If this junior can help, I will certainly do my best."

Su Qing didn't rush to agree, nor did she rush to refuse. If it was a simple matter, she would help, earning a favor. If it was too troublesome or beyond her capabilities, Su Qing would decisively refuse. After all, her own abilities had their limits!

Maitreya Buddha chuckled upon hearing this, saying, "Little friend, rest assured, it's nothing difficult..."

Su Qing listened without comment. She didn't even know what the matter was! How could she know if it was difficult? So Su Qing still intended to listen first before deciding.

Maitreya Buddha also understood Su Qing's intentions, so he didn't beat around the bush. Instead, he began to explain the matter in detail.

The task Maitreya Buddha entrusted to her, while seemingly complex, was actually just an extension of that previous matter. It wouldn't be too troublesome to carry out...

"So, besides hoping I can look after that disciple's reincarnation, Senior also wishes for me to take that disciple to Spirit Mountain to retrieve the scriptures??"

"Precisely." Maitreya Buddha smiled upon hearing this, saying, "This monk understands that this might be a bit troublesome. However, little friend needn't worry; since we are troubling you, we will naturally offer you appropriate compensation."

Su Qing's mouth twitched slightly at this. She didn't rush to agree, but instead said:

"Trouble isn't really the issue; it's just that this junior has a few things she doesn't understand."

"What troubles you, little friend? Please speak freely." Maitreya Buddha said, still wearing a smiling expression.

Facing Maitreya Buddha, Su Qing wasn't nervous at all, and she took the opportunity to voice her doubts.

"Senior, why must this junior take that disciple's reincarnation to Spirit Mountain? And on foot, no less?"

"This isn't to trouble you, little friend, but merely to temper that disciple's reincarnation. After all, she bears a very important mission, and without any trials... it might be difficult for her to complete it."

Maitreya Buddha remained silent for a moment after hearing Su Qing's question, then replied:

"Furthermore, having you, little friend, bring that disciple here is also an opportunity to present you with a copy of the Buddhist scriptures!"

"A copy for me?"

"Precisely. Little friend, have you forgotten? You promised us that you would help preserve the Buddhist scriptures." Maitreya Buddha smiled upon hearing this, saying.

Su Qing was slightly stunned at this, then lowered her head to recall. She realized that she had indeed agreed to this matter back then. Thus, Su Qing could only nod helplessly, saying, "It seems... the seniors have made two sets of plans, a double insurance!"

Although Su Qing could understand Maitreya Buddha's words, she still felt a slight illusion of being tricked into going on a scripture-seeking journey. If Wukong's fate in this life wasn't the same as in her memories, and if it wasn't yet time for the scripture journey... Su Qing might really have thought she was taking ‘Tang Sanzang’ to retrieve scriptures.

Maitreya Buddha chuckled upon hearing this, saying, "After all, it concerns the future of Buddhism, so naturally, more preparations are needed."

"But... Senior, are you so certain that I can preserve the scriptures for Buddhism?" Su Qing couldn't help but ask after pondering for a moment.

Hearing this, the three Buddhas all smiled and said, "Of course, we believe you! If we didn't, why would we come to you, little friend?"

"......" Su Qing's mouth twitched slightly at this. She always felt that these great Buddhas hadn't quite understood her meaning.

"Seniors, what I mean is..." Su Qing, feeling helpless, prepared to explain again. However, just as Su Qing's explanation reached her lips, the Buddha interrupted her. He said:

"We naturally know what you wish to say, little friend, but since we have sought you out, it is because we trust you. Therefore, little friend, you need not say anything more... If we truly put our trust in the wrong person, then that is merely our problem. We will not blame you for anything..."

Su Qing's mouth twitched slightly as she listened to the Buddha's words. Although she still felt that the Buddha hadn't understood what she was saying, since he had spoken to this extent, she could only close her mouth. In any case, she would do her best, and if it truly didn't work out, she couldn't be blamed.

Su Qing nodded, saying, "This junior understands... I will do my best in this matter."

"We appreciate your efforts, little friend." The Buddha smiled slightly, nodded, and said.

With that, the matter was settled. And after the matter was agreed upon, the Buddha and the others also began to discuss Su Qing's compensation. Regarding compensation, there was naturally no possibility of the Buddha and the others shortchanging Su Qing; they offered her extremely generous rewards. It was even to the extent that Su Qing felt a little embarrassed to accept them. After all, for many matters, the Buddha and the others had already paid her compensation. However, despite her embarrassment, freebies were not to be refused, so Su Qing shamelessly accepted the items.

Once all matters were settled, the Buddha and the others did not linger long on Changbai Mountain; they found a casual excuse and returned to Spirit Mountain. After all, the Buddha and the others were the leaders of the Buddhist sect on Spirit Mountain... They were extremely busy on a daily basis. Their special trip to Changbai Mountain for the disciple's reincarnation indeed showed great respect to Su Qing, and it also demonstrated how important this matter was to them.

After seeing off the Buddhas, Su Qing's courtyard returned to its usual tranquility. However, though the courtyard was peaceful, Su Qing's mood remained somewhat complex. After all, she also needed to carefully consider some matters regarding the future.

"No matter what, it's certainly time to start preparing." Su Qing gazed at the clouds in the sky, and after a moment of thought, she muttered to herself. Although it would still be some time before the reincarnation Su Qing needed to look after appeared, it was very necessary to make some preparations in advance. After all, while the matter seemed uncomplicated, the tasks Su Qing actually needed to perform were quite numerous. Furthermore... If Su Qing was to undertake this matter, she would inevitably have to leave Changbai Mountain. Therefore, Su Qing also needed to arrange some affairs on Changbai Mountain beforehand.

Time passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, it was evening. And Su Qing took the opportunity during dinner to explain the matter to Leng Xiang and Ao Ying. Su Qing naturally couldn't hide the fact of her departure from Ao Ying and the others... Moreover, Su Qing estimated that this time, she would likely be unable to take them with her either. Just like when she went to avoid the Three Calamities. After all, Changbai Mountain still needed someone to watch over it. Although she had tamed many of the mountain demons over the years, without her... they would likely revert.

"So, Big Green Sister will be leaving Changbai Mountain later to live in the mortal world for a while?" Ao Ying remained silent for a long time after listening to Su Qing's plans for the future, before finally speaking: "And this time, you can't take us with you?"

Su Qing heard Ao Ying's slightly displeased tone and nodded helplessly, saying: "That's right... Changbai Mountain is my foundation, so even if I leave, the matters on Changbai Mountain cannot be left unattended. And the only ones I can entrust with this... are you and Leng Xiang."

Hearing Su Qing's words, Ao Ying pouted and said: "Simply put, Big Green Sister wants Leng Xiang and me to stay on Changbai Mountain? Just like that time with the Three Calamities?"

Su Qing nodded, saying, "Yes! I can only ask this sacrifice of you..."

"Oh, it's not really a sacrifice, but the thought of being separated from you for so long makes me feel a bit lonely." Ao Ying wasn't a child, so she naturally understood that Changbai Mountain couldn't be left unguarded. The demons on Changbai Mountain were so obedient now not because they were inherently kind, but merely out of fear of Su Qing's methods and a desire for the benefits she offered.

Su Qing heard this and gave a helpless smile, saying, "However, you needn't worry; I will return periodically. After all, Changbai Mountain is my home!"

Ao Ying pouted upon hearing this but didn't say anything further. She turned to Leng Xiang and asked, "I don't mind, but what are your plans, Big Sister Leng Xiang?"

Leng Xiang was slightly startled when the topic was thrown to her. She smiled faintly and said, "I obey my master! Whatever my master tells me to do, I will do. However, if possible, I naturally wish to stay with my master! After all, when master travels, she shouldn't be without a weapon by her side."

Su Qing heard this and gave a helpless smile. She shook her head slightly and said:

"Leng Xiang, you and Ao Ying will stay on the mountain... Yudie will come with me, that will be enough."

"Yudie?"

Leng Xiang felt a slight pang of disappointment upon hearing this, but she didn't say much more, merely nodding and saying: "Can Yudie ensure Master's safety? She's still not mature enough, is she?"

"Actually, you don't need to worry too much about my safety. I am, after all, a Heavenly Immortal stage cultivator. How many in this mortal world can be my match?" Su Qing shook her head and said: "Therefore, bringing Yudie is perfectly sufficient."

Leng Xiang nodded helplessly at this, saying, "I understand, Master..."

Seeing Leng Xiang's disappointed expression, Su Qing felt a slight pang of guilt. Leaving Leng Xiang on Changbai Mountain wasn't because Su Qing deliberately wanted to bully her or not take her along; it was simply because Leng Xiang's strength was sufficient, and together with Ao Ying, she could better deter those unruly demons. If she were on the mountain, there would naturally be no need for Leng Xiang and Ao Ying to deter them together, but without her... some demons who didn't know their place would inevitably cause trouble. Thus, having two people there would better deter those demons.

As Su Qing and the others discussed future matters, the atmosphere gradually grew a little tense. And just then, Su Ying'er, who was nearby, suddenly asked, "So, Mother is going on a long journey soon?"

"Yes? Why do you ask?" Su Qing felt no displeasure at Su Ying'er interrupting her thoughts, merely looking at her curiously and inquiring.

"Then... can I go on the long journey with Mother? I've never been on a long journey before!" Su Ying'er asked with a grin: "And the Little Sparrows seem to really want to go on a long journey too! Big Sister Zhixue also wants to go out with Mother!"

Hearing this, Gongsun Zhixue glanced at Su Ying'er, unsure what she was thinking. However, seeing her suggestive look, she also spoke up, "Actually, I'd like to go out with you too."

Su Qing rolled her eyes upon hearing their words and said, "Don't even think about it... This time, I'm only taking Yudie with me." Even Ao Ying and Leng Xiang had to stay on the mountain, so how could she possibly take these little ones out? Therefore, Su Qing unhesitatingly refused the little ones' requests.

"Then... if I don't go out with Mother and stay on Changbai Mountain, can I skip cultivation?" Su Ying'er's eyes darted, and she asked with a grin. Su Qing rolled her eyes at this; she knew this girl's objective would be exactly this. She said, "Then you'll have to ask your mother. After all, once I leave Changbai Mountain, you'll still be under your mother's supervision! Whether to cultivate or not is your mother's decision."

Hearing Su Qing's words, Su Ying'er looked at Ao Ying with expectant eyes. However, Ao Ying's reply was still cold. "Impossible!" Ao Ying said faintly, "Even if Big Green isn't here, you still have to cultivate diligently."

Hearing this... Su Ying'er pouted, nodded, and said, "Understood..." Su Ying'er sighed deeply, and at the same time, exhaled a long breath. Although she was indeed very mischievous, it was undeniable that she also possessed some emotional intelligence. She keenly sensed the wrong atmosphere and promptly diverted the conflict... Although she ended up taking the hit, she would only get scolded a couple of times.

"But... Mother is leaving Changbai Mountain. I truly can't bear it..." Su Ying'er thought wistfully, looking at Su Qing.