Early morning.
The sunlight was gentle and carried a hint of warmth.
Su Qing found Red Boy sitting on a stone slab bridge, watching the flowing river water.
She sat down beside her and said, "It’s time for us to go."
Hearing Su Qing's words, Red Boy was not surprised.
She knew Su Qing would leave sooner or later, and that she wouldn't stay here for long...
When Red Boy was younger, she had spent a long time with Su Qing and had been taught much by her, so she naturally understood Su Qing's personality.
If Su Qing was in the middle of doing something, even if she paused temporarily, she would never stop for very long.
She let out a soft sigh and said, "I know... but I really hate to part with you, Sister. We only just met a few days ago, and now we're separating again! Sigh, Sister, won't you really consider my proposal? Take me with you?"
Hearing this, Su Qing shook her head and said, "Rather than that... I'd prefer to come back for you once I've finished everything I need to do."
With a smile, she placed her hand on Red Boy's head and then pulled her to rest against her lap.
She added, "However, even though we're leaving, I can still stay and chat with you for a while longer. We'll leave after lunch! Before then, let's enjoy ourselves a bit more!"
Red Boy nodded gloomily at Su Qing's words.
Leaning against Su Qing's lap, she quietly watched the flowing river.
She wasn't someone who enjoyed peace or silence, but right now, she only wanted to stay here quietly and cherish these final moments together.
Time flowed slowly...
In the blink of an eye, the sun was high in the sky.
Su Qing and the others finally had to set out.
Though Red Boy was reluctant, she did not intend to stop them further.
She knew that even if she tried to hold them back, it wouldn't change the outcome... so it was better to let Su Qing and her companions leave.
At worst... she would just wait a few more years!
"Hmph, next time we meet... it definitely won't end so simply." Red Boy stood with her hands on her hips, pouting as she watched the figures riding away in the distance.
As she spoke, a small demon beside her chimed in, "Right, right, right! Next time you meet, Great King, you must show Great King Su how powerful you are!"
Hearing this, Red Boy dissatisfiedly slapped the tiger-headed demon beside her and said, "You're so thick-headed and foolish, there's no need to echo me on this."
The small demon scratched his head, let out a confused sound, and obediently retreated to the side.
After lecturing the small demon, Red Boy let out a long sigh and turned back into her cave dwelling.
On the other side, Su Qing and her companions did not stop their pace, following the main road all the way west.
Traveling on the main road was naturally not as slow as trekking through narrow mountain paths and forests...
In less than a month's time, Su Qing and the others had already covered a great distance.
One day, Su Qing heard the sound of water from afar.
She raised an eyebrow, tapped her toes against the ground, and leaped into mid-air.
Sure enough, there was a massive river in the distance.
That Black Water River had layer upon layer of thick waves churning with dark silt, and fold upon fold of murky billows rolling like black oil.
No signs of human habitation could be seen near the river, and looking further out, even trees were scarce. Only some reeds could be seen along the riverbanks.
Seeing this river, Su Qing knew they had reached the Black Water River.
After all, she couldn't think of any other place that would have such black water besides the Black Water River.
However, although the river was turbulent, it wasn't particularly difficult to cross. Even with a Tuo Dragon acting as a demon inside, it wouldn't be much of a challenge for Su Qing and her group.
Thinking this, Su Qing descended back to the ground.
"Godmother? What were you looking at up there?" Chen Chaoyan asked when she saw Su Qing return.
Su Qing smiled faintly and said, "I heard the sound of water, so I went up to see if there was a large river on our path ahead."
"And? Is there really a river in our way?"
Su Qing nodded and said, "Yes, a very black river!"
Su Qing briefly described the appearance of the river water.
After hearing Su Qing's description, Chen Chaoyan couldn't help but marvel, "Is there really such black water in this world?"
"Whether there is or not, won't you know once we go see it?" Su Qing smiled faintly and said, "Alright, let's keep moving! By the time we reach the river, it'll be getting dark. We'll rest near the river for the night and cross tomorrow."
Chen Chaoyan nodded slightly and said, "Alright, we'll do as Godmother says."
The group continued their journey.
Before long, they arrived near the Black Water River.
Standing not far from the water, Chen Chaoyan gazed at the surging, ink-like billows and couldn't help but sigh.
"There really is water as black as ink in this world..."
Su Qing smiled and said, "Would I lie to you?"
"Hehe... Godmother, you've lied to me quite a lot too," Chen Chaoyan said with a silly grin.
Su Qing curled her lip, pinched the girl's cheek, and pointed at the setting sun, saying:
"Alright, stop being cheeky with me. Instead of talking back, go start a fire. I saw from above that there are no houses nearby... we'll have to camp here for the night."
Chen Chaoyan chuckled and said, "I know, I know! Sister Yudie~ come help me~"
Hearing Chaoyan's call, Yudie rolled her eyes slightly but went over to help anyway.
As for Jingyue, she walked over to Su Qing's side and sat down.
"By the way, is it really okay for you to always dump the work on the little ones?" Jingyue asked, tilting her head.
Su Qing raised a finger and tapped her between the eyebrows, saying, "It's better than letting them be idle! Besides, I have other matters to attend to here."
"Ah?" Liu Jingyue rubbed the spot where she had been tapped and then asked, "But you look like you're just sitting here?"
"It's just that someone is hiding, afraid to come out and face me directly."
Su Qing spread her hands and said, "Alright, Mr. River God, stop hiding. I've already seen you. Since you've come looking for me, I assume you have something to discuss. If so, don't hide anymore; let's talk face-to-face."
When Su Qing arrived near the Black Water River, she had actually noticed someone watching her.
She initially thought it was the Tuo Dragon in the river, but looking closely, she found it was just an old man.
That old man was the original River God of the Black Water River.
As for why he didn't dare to see her directly... he was probably afraid of her, right?
After all, this River God of the Black Water River was truly quite weak.
However, when Su Qing stated she had discovered him and told him to come out, the River God quickly scurried out.
He then performed a sliding bow, prostrating himself before Su Qing and Jingyue.
"The River God of the Black Water River greets Sovereign Su," the River God said.
Su Qing waved her hand and said, "There's no need for such grand ceremony. Just tell me directly... what do you want from me?"
Su Qing actually already had a good idea of why this person had come to find her, but she couldn't say she knew directly to avoid revealing too much.
Seeing Su Qing speak this way, the old River God didn't wait any longer and hurriedly said, "I beg the Sovereign for salvation!"
"How am I to save you? Tell me the whole story clearly, and then I will make a decision," Su Qing said calmly.
Hearing this, the River God hurriedly recounted the events that had transpired.
He then said, "I beg the Sovereign to save me! Help this old man reclaim his Water Manor. All the immortals in heaven say the Sovereign is kind-hearted and benevolent, which is why I dared to seek your help."
Su Qing's lips twitched slightly upon hearing this...
It really was exactly as she expected.
However, should she intervene in this matter?
After all, this Tuo Dragon was one of the tribulations on the pilgrimage route. If she disrupted the order, wouldn't it cause trouble?
But as she thought about it, Su Qing suddenly remembered the Buddha's words.
Thinking of this, she couldn't help but smile helplessly.
Why was she being so conflicted? These Eighty-One Tribulations were inevitable; even if she acted now, the final result would just be Tang Sanzang falling into the hands of another demon later.
Besides, that Tuo Dragon wasn't much of a great demon, nor was he a major tribulation. Even the descriptions of him in the original story were pitifully brief.
Thinking of this, Su Qing smiled and said, "Very well. It's not impossible for me to help you. However, I will only help you reclaim your Water Manor; I will not help you kill the Tuo Dragon."
"That is enough, that is enough. I wouldn't dare ask the Sovereign to kill him. That Tuo Dragon is a relative of the West Sea Dragon King; killing him would surely bring trouble upon you as well," the River God said.
Su Qing nodded slightly and said, "Hmph, alright, I accept this task. However, since I'm helping you, you must help me in return. Tomorrow, when we cross the river, you shall assist us."
The River God was stunned for a moment, then overwhelmed with gratitude, he bowed deeply once more.
At the same time, he repeatedly promised that he would handle Su Qing's crossing perfectly.
Seeing this, Su Qing didn't know what went on in the old River God's head, but she didn't bother thinking about it further.
After sending the River God away, Su Qing said, "Well then, that Tuo Dragon will be left to you, Sister?"
Liu Jingyue had been watching the show for a while, and she was startled when Su Qing suddenly dumped the work on her.
"Sister Su, you're just going to dump the matter on me like that?" Liu Jingyue said helplessly. "But fine, since you've asked, I'll go. However, since I'm helping you, Sister, you must satisfy one small request of mine tonight."
Su Qing nodded slightly and said, "Fine, fine, I agree."
Seeing Su Qing agree, a smile curled on Jingyue's lips. She then took out her spear and headed into the water to find trouble with the Tuo Dragon.
Jingyue's goal wasn't to kill the Tuo Dragon, but merely to teach him a lesson and make him return the Water Manor. Naturally, it didn't need to be too complicated.
After Jingyue left, Su Qing sat on the bank, watching the surging river in the distance, thinking, 'Since I've changed this tribulation, I wonder what kind of tribulation the Bodhisattva will use to fill the gap? Will they send another demon to this Black Water River?'
Su Qing shook her head slightly... knowing the Bodhisattva's personality, they might actually do something like that.
Time passed minute by minute.
Before long, Liu Jingyue returned victorious.
Meanwhile, Yudie and Chaoyan were still busy with the campfire.
It was clear how quickly the battle had ended.
"Your speed was quite impressive..." Su Qing said in surprise as she saw Jingyue return.
Jingyue touched a stray lock of hair and said calmly, "Actually, we didn't really fight... after a brief talk, that dragon prince agreed to return the Water Manor."
Su Qing was slightly stunned and asked, "You... used my name?"
Jingyue's lips curled up as she said, "Yes. Since your reputation is so great, wouldn't it be a waste not to use it?"
Su Qing's lips twitched at this, but she didn't blame her.
"Alright, as long as it's done!"
Jingyue nodded and said, "But regardless, Sister, you mustn't forget the request you promised me."
"Don't worry! I naturally won't forget," Su Qing said.
As the two were talking, Yudie and Chaoyan finally finished setting up the camp and started the fire.
Having finished, Chaoyan clapped her hands and walked over to Su Qing and Jingyue.
"Godmother, did you already help the River God get his manor back?" Chaoyan hadn't been far away, and since Su Qing and the others hadn't used telepathy, she could naturally hear them.
It was precisely because she could hear that many questions arose in her mind.
Hearing Chaoyan's words, Su Qing nodded slightly, stretched, and said, "Yes! It was a bit faster than expected."
"The demon in the river gave Sister Su some face, which is why it was so easy."
"..." Chaoyan opened her mouth, wanting to ask something, but after thinking it over, she decided not to press further.
She only said, "More importantly, what is Godmother planning to make for dinner tonight?"
Seeing that she didn't ask more, Su Qing smiled and went over to help prepare tonight's dinner.
After camping out so often, their skills at outdoor cooking had naturally improved... even in harsh conditions, they could still make quite good food.
As they were busy, the River God soon came over to thank them.
Su Qing didn't say much in response... she only nodded and reminded him to help them cross the river tomorrow.
The River God nodded repeatedly, said a few more words of gratitude, and then found an excuse to leave, no longer disturbing Su Qing's group.
Time flowed slowly.
At night, Su Qing sat by the riverbank on watch, staring at the bright moon in a daze.
At that moment, Jingyue walked up to her side.
She said, "Sister, do you still remember what you promised me this evening?"
Su Qing nodded and said, "It hasn't been that long; of course I haven't forgotten. Tell me, what do you want me to do? As long as it's not too excessive, it's fine."
Hearing this, Jingyue revealed a mischievous smile and said, "Don't worry, it won't be anything bad."
Seeing that smile, Su Qing's lips twitched. She felt that this request might not be as simple as she claimed.
Liu Jingyue looked at Su Qing and said, "Sister, don't worry, it's really not a big request, just a tiny one."
"Alright, then say it."
"I want you to give me a kiss, Sister." Liu Jingyue said with a smile, pointing to herself.
Su Qing was stunned for a moment, then asked, "Are you sure? This doesn't seem right, does it?"
"Is it not allowed?"
"It's not that..." Su Qing wanted to say more, but in the end, she decided against it. Anyway, Chaoyan and Yudie were already asleep, and no one would know about this.
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