Wuji Kingdom

Su Qing and her group set off once again.

Before long, they had left the territory of Pingding Mountain. After exiting that region, they rarely encountered any demons or monsters on the road ahead. Compared to before, the journey had become much easier.

They traveled like this for quite some time.

Along the way, they continued their usual routine of sleeping under the moon and frost, dining on the wind and drinking the dew. One day, Su Qing and the others arrived before a towering mountain.

The scenery here was exquisite. The jagged peaks seemed to brush against the handle of the Big Dipper, and the treetops appeared to touch the very heavens.

As Chaoyan walked through the mountain, she expected demons to block their path or some strange situation to occur. However, the journey remained peaceful.

Upon reaching the summit, they stood and gazed into the distance, hoping to see if there were any signs of civilization. And indeed, they spotted something.

In the distance, there were layers of terraces and rows of halls and pavilions. It looked like a Daoist temple, yet also resembled a Buddhist monastery.

Su Qing looked up and saw a smear of orange light on the horizon, meaning it wouldn't be long before dark.

Su Qing said, "It will likely be dark by the time we descend the mountain. Let us go there to request lodging for the night."

Chaoyan nodded slightly and said, "I never imagined such a grand temple would exist in this mountain hollow."

Chaoyan wasn't sure if it was a monastery or a temple, so she simply mentioned both.

Su Qing chuckled and said, "There's nothing strange about it. This mountain scenery is beautiful and extremely tranquil. If it were me, I would also be willing to cultivate here. Alright, let's not waste time. Let's go!"

Chaoyan said no more, nodded, and followed Su Qing.

Before long, they descended the mountain and arrived before the palace-like structure. Looking up, it was indeed a Buddhist temple.

Unfortunately, the temple's plaque was covered in dust, making it difficult for them to see the name.

Jingyue, being more straightforward, blew a gentle breath, clearing the dust from the plaque to reveal the characters beneath.

Five large, flowing characters were written there: 'Imperial Baolin Temple'.

When Su Qing saw those five characters, she was momentarily stunned. She was somewhat surprised, thinking to herself, 'Without realizing it, we've already reached this place. Truly, a journey taken without intent leads to a coincidental arrival.'

Su Qing shook her head inwardly.

She actually had no intention of getting involved in the affairs of Wuji Kingdom. After all, it had nothing to do with her. Getting involved randomly might just result in unnecessary trouble. Moreover, if she disrupted this tribulation, the future variables would become even greater.

However, as soon as this thought surfaced, Su Qing's brows twitched a moment later. She performed a quick divination to calculate the time.

Finally, she realized she had overthought it. She had arrived early; the King of Wuji Kingdom had not yet been replaced, and Manjusri Bodhisattva's mount had not yet come to cause trouble.

Of course, this was Su Qing's deduction based on the timing of the original story. But now, the original could only serve as a reference. The actual situation could only be known after seeing it with her own eyes.

After all, the incident with Zhu Bajie was a lesson learned. The once-familiar Eighty-One Tribulations seemed to be changing due to some irresistible force.

"Mother, what are you dazed about?" While Su Qing was lost in thought, she suddenly felt a pair of soft little hands grab her.

She snapped back to reality, smiled, and said, "It's nothing... I was just surprised that we've reached this place without noticing."

Jingyue felt it was a bit strange and couldn't help but ask, "Is there something strange or special about this place?"

"Ah?" Su Qing burst into laughter and said, "You're overthinking it. I was merely surprised that we've traveled so far unknowingly."

"...I thought you had noticed something special again, Sister!"

Su Qing couldn't help but laugh. "You're overthinking it. How could I be that formidable? To notice something special the moment I arrive? I just happen to know some things by chance most of the time. Alright, alright, let's go! We're going to the temple to stay for the night."

Jingyue gave Su Qing a deep look, then the group followed Su Qing into the mountain gate.

Just inside the gate, they saw a pair of Vajra statues sitting high within red-painted railings. Their sculpted forms were majestic yet fierce: one had an iron face and steel beard that looked lifelike, while the other had fierce brows and round eyes as exquisite as gems.

The fist on the left was as hard as raw iron, while the palm on the right was as rugged as red copper. Seeing this pair of Vajras, Chaoyan stopped to offer a bow and sighed, "What majestic Vajra statues. This Western world truly has many Buddhas to worship."

Su Qing said calmly, "Indeed. After all, this Western world is the domain of the Buddhas."

Upon hearing her mother's words, Yudie said, "That's why I don't like the West very much... There are people worshipping Buddhas everywhere. It would be much better if they worshipped my mother more."

Su Qing shot her a sidelong glare.

Could this girl not stay quiet for a moment?

Chaoyan looked thoughtful and eventually nodded. She said, "Godmother, do you think when we return from our pilgrimage, we will also be enshrined as Bodhisattvas?"

"I don't know, but it doesn't matter." Su Qing shook her head slightly and said, "Whether I am enshrined or not has nothing to do with me. If they want to worship, they can; if not, so be it. Regardless, I am not a Bodhisattva."

Su Qing had no interest in becoming a member of the Buddhist sect. Cultivating Buddhist techniques was merely to broaden her knowledge. She hoped that one day she could be like her master, understanding Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism completely.

Chaoyan smiled and said, "Godmother truly is free-spirited."

"It's not being free-spirited; I've just come to terms with things."

"Isn't that exactly what being free-spirited is?"

Su Qing didn't confirm or deny it. On the side, Yudie curled her lip, still showing no interest in those Vajra statues. She always felt that worshipping a Buddha was not as good as worshipping her own mother. After all, her mother was a genuine Orthodox Deity of the Heavenly Court.

She turned to look at her mother and suddenly hugged her, saying, "Sigh, seeking a Buddha is not as good as seeking Mother!"

Chaoyan laughed at the sight. For Yudie, this point was quite true.

After pausing for a moment, the group continued forward. When they reached the second mountain gate, they saw the statues of the Four Heavenly Kings: Dhrtarastra, Vaisravana, Virudhaka, and Virupaksa.

Once they passed through that second gate, they were truly inside the temple. Just as they entered, they happened to encounter a monk.

The monk stopped them and asked for their purpose. Su Qing merely offered a polite greeting and then left the talking to Chaoyan.

When speaking with those of the Buddhist sect, it was more appropriate for another member of the sect to do so. They could relate better and understand each other's jargon more easily.

Su Qing cultivated Buddhist techniques, but she wasn't a real monk or nun; she had just learned some knowledge. How could she understand all the intricate nuances within the Buddhist sect?

"So you are eminent nuns from the Eastern Land. Please forgive my lack of manners..."

Upon learning they were nuns from the Eastern Land, the monk said, "The Great Tang of the Eastern Land is so far away. It is truly an honor for you to visit our temple. However... if you had come a few days earlier to seek lodging, I would have agreed. But today, I cannot make that decision. Even the Abbot cannot."

The group was stunned and asked for the reason.

The monk said, "Amitabha. Because His Majesty the King is staying at our temple today, any outsiders seeking lodging must first ask for His Majesty's permission."

Su Qing's brow twitched slightly at these words, and she became thoughtful. Chaoyan, however, didn't think much of it and simply said, "Amitabha. Then we shall trouble you, Master, to go and report our arrival."

"It is no trouble... please wait here for a moment while I go and ask for instructions," the monk said with a bow.

Soon, the monk departed. Su Qing, Chaoyan, and the others remained where they were.

Yudie asked, "Mother, if the King doesn't agree to let us stay, where will we sleep?"

Su Qing replied, "Don't worry. Since the King believes in Buddhism, he shouldn't refuse. Besides, even if he does, it's no matter; we'll just sleep in the open for another night."

On this journey, sleeping in the elements wasn't always because they couldn't find a place; sometimes people were simply unwilling to host them. Thus, Su Qing was already mentally prepared.

Yudie puffed out her cheeks and said, "Alright~ But as long as I'm with Mother, nothing else matters."

Su Qing smiled and rubbed her head. They waited for a short while, and before long, the monk returned.

Returning with the monk were an official, an old monk, and a Daoist. The old monk wore a cassock and had a calm aura; he was clearly the Abbot of this temple. As for the official, he wore exotic clothing and looked quite arrogant, with his nose pointed toward the sky.

As for that Daoist... this was a bit of a surprise to Su Qing. After all, seeing a Daoist in a Buddhist temple was a strange occurrence. Moreover, it was highly unlikely he was there to seek lodging like them.

The Daoist clearly belonged to the Quanzhen Sect. His robes were clean and tidy, he held a horsetail whisk, and he had a transcendent aura. Not only that, this person possessed genuine cultivation, and it wasn't low either.

This caused Su Qing to take a few extra looks at the Daoist. As she watched, she searched her memories and soon had a rough guess. However, a guess was just a guess; Su Qing didn't dare to jump to conclusions.

The monk led them over and introduced everyone one by one. Their identities weren't much different from what Su Qing had guessed. When introducing the Daoist, the monk said, "This is His Majesty's sworn brother, Daoist Qing Shang."

Su Qing greeted him accordingly. The Daoist said, "I truly didn't expect... to encounter fellow Daoists here, and ones with real ability at that."

The Daoist wasn't just referring to Su Qing; he was also speaking of Jingyue and Yudie.

Su Qing smiled and asked, "I am also quite surprised. Might I ask which sect you hail from, Daoist?"

"Zhongnan Mountain, Quanzhen Sect," the Daoist said with a chuckle. "And which sect does this lady hail from? Why are you traveling west with these nuns?"

Su Qing smiled faintly and said, "I hail from Wuzhuang Temple on Wanshou Mountain, also of the Quanzhen Sect. As for why I travel west with these nuns, it is merely because I promised certain people certain things!"

"I see. It seems you are a person of your word, which is truly admirable."

The Daoist chuckled and said, "It won't be a problem for you to stay the night. His Majesty is charitable, and since you are traveling monks from the Great Tang of the Eastern Land, His Majesty naturally won't refuse your request. However, His Majesty is interested in the Great Tang and your experiences on the road, so he hopes you can come and meet him later."

Hearing this request, Su Qing nodded and said, "That is naturally no problem. It is an honor to tell His Majesty of our journey."

The Daoist laughed and nodded. On the other side, Chaoyan seemed to have finished her conversation with the Abbot. Although it wasn't clear what they discussed, the two practitioners of Buddhism clearly got along well.

In contrast, the official who had come along was eventually left aside, with no one paying him any mind. All his posturing had gone to waste.

Before long, they followed the Daoist and the Abbot to have an audience with the King of Wuji Kingdom. The situation was exactly as Su Qing had anticipated—this King was still the original one. However, he looked somewhat fatigued; clearly, many recent matters had been weighing on him.

After meeting the King, Su Qing and the others, in addition to having their travel rescripts stamped, complied with the King's request and spoke of their experiences on the journey. Although some things were inconvenient to mention, omitting them didn't cause any issues. The King still listened with great interest.

Su Qing wasn't the primary storyteller; Chaoyan and Jingyue were responsible for that. She sat to the side holding Yudie, watching the scene. Occasionally, she would offer a few words, but she spoke little and observed much.

Besides their casual chat, Su Qing was also observing the Daoist. To be honest, Su Qing had already guessed his identity... he was likely the Blue-haired Lion from under Manjusri Bodhisattva. However, even now, it was just a deduction; she didn't dare to conclude yet.

She would go to Spirit Mountain tonight to ask Manjusri Bodhisattva, and then everything would be clear.

They chatted for a long time until the sky grew dark. Seeing this, the King ordered a vegetarian meal and had someone lead them to the meditation rooms to stay.

During the night, Su Qing spoke to Yudie, who was sleeping comfortably on her stomach, "Girl, wake up. Follow me to Spirit Mountain."

Yudie yawned and said, "Mother, why go to Spirit Mountain? And it's so late; the Bodhisattvas there must be asleep, right? Why make the trip? Why not go tomorrow?"

Su Qing smiled and said, "To ask a Bodhisattva something. And who told you the Bodhisattvas on Spirit Mountain sleep at night? Spirit Mountain is similar to the Heavenly Court. Anyway, let's go!"

Hearing Su Qing's words, Yudie rubbed her eyes and nodded. Su Qing left two talismans behind, and then they departed the temple together, heading toward Spirit Mountain.

At that moment on Spirit Mountain, Manjusri Bodhisattva was reciting sutras. Suddenly sensing something, they stopped and looked toward the distance.