Zhu Ganglie

In the living room, the vegetarian feast was already laid out.

Elder Gao had not yet declared the start of the meal, choosing to wait for his son-in-law’s return. He remained quite satisfied with this son-in-law; even though the man was a matrilocal husband who had married into the family, Elder Gao accorded him a significant amount of respect.

After all, only by treating him as one of their own could the family business eventually be handed over. Elder Gao had lived long enough to understand such things clearly.

Before long, the son-in-law surnamed Zhu finally arrived.

"Father-in-law, I heard we have guests?" the son-in-law asked with a smile as he stepped into the room.

His gaze swept across the living room, quickly identifying who the guests were. Although he hadn't been part of the household for long, he could recognize everyone who lived there. These unfamiliar faces were undoubtedly the guests.

However, for some reason, one of the guests looked somewhat familiar to him... as if he had seen her somewhere before.

"Hahaha, son-in-law, you're back? Indeed, these are our guests. This is Madam Su Qing, and this is her daughter, Yudie. As for this one..." Elder Gao smiled and said to him, "This is Master Xuanqing, a nun from the Eastern Land who is on a pilgrimage to the West to seek scriptures."

Hearing the words "pilgrimage to the West," Zhu Bajie froze for a moment.

He looked at Chen Chaoyan, his brow furrowing.

He thought to himself, "Is this the pilgrim from the Eastern Land? Could there be a mistake? I remember Guanyin Bodhisattva saying it would be a monk. Oh well, they are staying the night; it won't be too late to ask later."

"But... the name Su Qing sounds so familiar. Could it be her?"

"But I heard she was at the peak of the Earthly Immortal realm. Even though I've been reborn and my strength isn't what it used to be, I'm still in a similar realm. Why can't I sense even a hint of magic from her?"

"Am I overthinking it? Is she just an ordinary person?"

Thoughts raced through Zhu Bajie's mind, leaving him dazed for a moment. However, he was certain she wasn't an ordinary person.

After all, if she were truly ordinary, how could she have a sword spirit for a daughter?

Still, even with a sword spirit, he couldn't be sure she was that Su Qing. In his memory, Su Qing had a sword spirit companion, not a daughter.

"I am Zhu Ganglie. Greetings, Madam Su, Miss Su. Greetings, Master Xuanqing."

After a moment of reflection, Zhu Bajie cupped his hands and bowed to them.

Seeing this, Su Qing smiled faintly and said, "You are indeed a man of striking appearance."

The human form Zhu Bajie had assumed was quite handsome. It was no wonder Elder Gao had taken a liking to him and allowed him to marry his daughter. Good looks were indeed important.

"Thank you for the compliment, Madam..." Zhu Bajie looked at Su Qing, his mind still swirling with questions.

However, he felt no lust toward the woman before him. He had learned his lesson once before; how could he possibly make the same mistake twice? If the person before him really was the Su Qing from his memories, and if he spoke out of turn... he would be in massive trouble.

At that point, even Guanyin Bodhisattva wouldn't be able to save him. After all, he knew exactly how much influence this woman wielded. Even the Buddha chatted with her like an old friend.

Su Qing nodded slightly and said, "I have heard that you possess the strength of an ox. Might I see it?"

Seeing that he hadn't recognized her, Su Qing decided to follow her original plan and engage in casual conversation. It was better if he didn't recognize her; it saved her a lot of trouble. She could simply leave quietly when the time came.

Zhu Bajie was momentarily stunned. He scratched his head and said, "Well, I've just finished my work and I'm famished. Could I perform for you after I've eaten?"

Su Qing smiled. "Of course."

Seeing this, Elder Gao stepped in. "Alright, since you're hungry, son-in-law, let the feast begin!"

During the vegetarian feast, the conversation was lively. However, Zhu Bajie did not ask Su Qing about her identity directly. Instead, he made indirect inquiries to Chen Chaoyan about the pilgrimage to the West.

Chen Chaoyan had nothing to hide regarding the pilgrimage. She answered whatever was asked; she had no secrets. Even if there were secrets, they were things she didn't know herself.

As they talked, Zhu Bajie began to lose some of his confidence. He realized that Chen Chaoyan really was from the Great Tang in the Eastern Land and was indeed heading to the West for scriptures. This made him doubt whether he was truly meant to follow this person on the pilgrimage.

While he didn't mind following a few beauties to the West, being around someone whose existence was so ambiguous was somewhat unsettling.

"Perhaps... I can confirm it further." After some thought, Zhu Bajie decided to try and verify Su Qing's identity.

During the meal, Chen Chaoyan was also puzzled. She found that she truly couldn't see anything wrong with this son-in-law. He seemed like an ordinary man who just happened to have a large appetite and great strength. Yet, she felt that a faint, lingering demonic aura was indeed present.

For a moment, she was deeply confused. But seeing that Su Qing and Yudie were both perfectly calm, she didn't dwell on it, though she remained slightly cautious.

Soon, the meal was over.

Zhu Bajie approached Su Qing and said, "Madam, didn't you want to see my strength? There's a large water jar in the courtyard where the water has frozen into ice. I'll go lift it for you."

Su Qing smiled and followed him into the courtyard, intending to play the role to the end. She watched as Zhu Bajie walked to the jar, hoisted it up with both arms, walked around, and then set it down before her.

Then, he whispered, "Immortal, who exactly are you? Are you the True Immortal of the Moon Palace, the Azure Spirit Sovereign?"

Su Qing's lips twitched slightly. She had thought she really hadn't been recognized. But on second thought, Zhu Bajie was a member of the Heavenly Court; how could he truly fail to recognize her? Even the Little White Dragon had known who she was.

Su Qing smiled helplessly and replied via voice transmission, "Oh? You recognize me? If you have something to say, use voice transmission."

Hearing this, Zhu Bajie knew for certain that the person before him was indeed that prominent figure from the heavens. He gasped, and his hands trembled slightly, nearly causing him to 'slip' and fall along with the water jar.

However, once he knew her identity, he felt a massive wave of relief. He was glad he had behaved well today and hadn't provoked her.

"It really is Immortal Su? The Azure Spirit Sovereign?"

"And who are you? I assume you aren't just an ordinary pig demon," Su Qing asked knowingly via voice transmission.

Zhu Bajie hurriedly replied, "I am no pig demon. I was originally Marshal Tianpeng of the Heavenly River. But because I got drunk and trifled with Chang'e, she grew angry and reported me to the Jade Emperor. The Emperor had me struck two thousand times with a hammer and banished me to the mortal realm..."

"Unfortunately, when I was being reborn, I accidentally entered the womb of a sow... and ended up in this shape."

Su Qing remarked, "So you are General Tianpeng of the Heavenly River. No wonder you recognize me. Then why are you acting as a live-in son-in-law for this mortal family?"

"I was originally cultivating in the Yunzhan Cave on Fuling Mountain... but then I encountered Guanyin Bodhisattva. Under her guidance, I came here to wait for the pilgrim heading west."

Zhu Bajie held nothing back, telling Su Qing everything without hesitation. Of course, he omitted the things that shouldn't be said to avoid displeasing her.

Su Qing replied, "So you were guided here by the Bodhisattva."

"Yes, yes! I only hope the Immortal will not tell my father-in-law or my wife about my true nature."

"Mm, I can do that." Su Qing glanced at him. "You are also forbidden from revealing my identity."

"I know... I know, I understand," Zhu Bajie nodded quickly, answering via voice transmission.

He was terrified of being too slow to agree. Although he had seen Su Qing a few times, it was only a few times. He didn't know her personality well, but according to the rumors, she was usually good-tempered, but the consequences of provoking her were usually catastrophic.

He decided to be on his best behavior and avoid crossing her. Although she was traveling with a Buddhist practitioner, she wasn't one herself—there was no rule saying she couldn't kill.

Su Qing nodded slightly, then spoke aloud to praise him, "What incredible strength! I thought Elder Gao was joking at first, but your son-in-law is indeed impressive."

Hearing this, Zhu Bajie played along with a couple of foolish laughs. Elder Gao, truly delighted, laughed and said, "Why would I boast? I have always been a humble man."

Su Qing smiled faintly. "It was my mistake to doubt you."

Watching Su Qing act this way, Zhu Bajie felt she was truly terrifying. Those high and mighty figures who couldn't let go of their status were usually seen through instantly wherever they went. But with her, even though he had already confirmed many things, he still felt uncertain if she was really Su Qing.

Truly frightening. If he had made even a small mistake earlier, the consequences would have been dire.

During their casual chat, Su Qing sent another voice transmission: "Come see me tonight. I have something to say to you."

Zhu Bajie immediately agreed. "Actually, I have some things I'd like to ask the Immortal as well."

"Oh? Very well." Su Qing gave an imperceptible nod. "I will wait for you at Fuling Mountain."

Having received her reply, Zhu Bajie sighed in relief. "As the Immortal commands."

No one else knew of their secret exchange.

Before long, night fell, and Su Qing's group retired to the guest rooms. The Gao Mansion was very large with many rooms, so it was no problem for each of them to have their own.

During the night, when the time was right, Su Qing left a puppet in her room and went to keep the appointment.

Her Somersault Cloud was incredibly fast; in the blink of an eye, she had arrived at Fuling Mountain. As soon as she reached the mountain, Zhu Bajie’s voice called out from the woods.

Su Qing stopped, lowered her cloud, and landed on the mountain. Outside Yunzhan Cave, Zhu Bajie had been waiting for a long time. Seeing her arrive, he hurriedly bowed.

"Zhu Ganglie greets the Azure Spirit Sovereign. Would the Immortal like to come inside and sit?"

Su Qing smiled and shook her head. "I only came out to say a few words and discuss some matters. There's no need to sit."

Zhu Bajie didn't push the matter. He simply nodded. "As the Immortal wishes."

Su Qing said, "Alright, ask your questions first. After you're done, I'll speak to you about your business."

Zhu Bajie didn't overthink it and asked, "Immortal... is Master Xuanqing truly going to the West for scriptures?"

Su Qing nodded. "She is indeed going to the West for scriptures, but she is not the pilgrim you are waiting for."

"Not the one I'm waiting for? There is more than one pilgrim?" Zhu Bajie was stunned and asked quickly.

"There is more than one."

Su Qing's words sent a wave of panic through Zhu Bajie. He hurriedly asked, "Then how will I know when the one I'm waiting for arrives?"

"You needn't worry about that," Su Qing smiled. "Besides us, there is only one other pilgrim..."

Hearing this, Zhu Bajie sighed in relief. If it was as Su Qing said, then it was fine. He just had to wait for the next pilgrim.

"I see. My thanks to the Immortal for informing me of this."

"It’s nothing. Aside from that, is there anything else you are curious about? Ask them all now."

Zhu Bajie shook his head. "I have nothing else to ask the Immortal."

Though he was curious about Chen Chaoyan, that was a private matter, and asking might invite displeasure.

"Since you are done, let's talk about why I sought you out." Su Qing smiled, putting her hands behind her back and slightly releasing the aura she had been suppressing. Her next words would be sharp, so she needed to show a bit of power to ensure this fool didn't revert to his old ways once she left.

The pressure of a Heavenly Immortal washed over him, making Zhu Bajie’s heart go cold. He didn't know how he had offended her to cause such a sudden change in attitude.

He hurriedly said, "Please speak, Immortal. If it is a question, I will answer; if it is a fault, I will correct it..."

Su Qing laughed. "Don't be nervous. I want to talk about your wife."

"My wife? Immortal, I haven't used magic to deceive those mortals! I only changed my appearance!"

Su Qing shook her head. "I'm not talking about that. I'm saying that since you've married her, you must treat her well! Do not fail her! Furthermore, since you are a demon, you must hide your identity well. Do not reveal your true form and frighten others."

Hearing that it was only about these things, Zhu Bajie breathed a sigh of relief, thinking he had been nervous for nothing.

He said, "Rest assured, Immortal. Since I have married her, I will naturally treat her well. As for the transformation technique, while I am not a master of it, maintaining a human appearance is not difficult."

"Oh? I hope so. If I learn later that you have failed in your duties as a husband, I will not let you off." Su Qing nodded. "Also... you used to eat people, didn't you?"