For Morning Glory...
This was indeed different from the situation in the Women's Kingdom.
Ao Ying was clearly more magical than what she had seen there.
After all, the women of the Women's Kingdom were able to conceive without men because of the water from the Mother-Child River.
But Ao Ying had truly given birth to a child after being with another woman.
However, upon hearing this, Ao Ying let out a soft chuckle and said, "How is it different? The Mother-Child River in the Women's Kingdom is a product of secret arts or something similar. Isn't it just as natural for my Dragon Clan to have this innate talent? This Jambudvipa World is boundless, and its wonders are countless. What is there to be surprised about?"
"However... the constitutions of different people cannot be generalized."
"As far as I know, those who possess this ability like my Dragon Clan are in the minority..."
"After all, dragons, snakes, and the like... their desires in that area are extremely strong."
Morning Glory listened to her and dazed for a moment, murmuring, "Desires in that area?"
She didn't understand at first, but the realization hit her quickly.
Her face couldn't help but turn red.
Seeing this, Ao Ying knew the girl was thin-skinned and gave a gentle smile.
Thinking back to when she first mentioned these things, she had also been blushing incessantly.
But now, hundreds of years had passed.
Bringing up such matters was now just casual conversation.
Ao Ying's skin wasn't quite as thick as Su Qing's or the Dragon Mother's yet, but it wasn't far off...
After all, staying by Su Qing's side and being educated by the Dragon Mother since childhood, she had learned and trained quite well through constant immersion.
Of course, regarding her skin getting thicker,
Ao Ying didn't think it was a bad thing.
Having thick skin brought nothing but benefits.
"Anyway, there's no need to make a fuss over such things."
Ao Ying smiled and patted Morning Glory's head, saying, "Sister Su isn't home, so her room is currently empty. Why don't you stay in her room for the next few days? Well, seeing as you'll likely visit often in the future, I'll have a room built for you over the next couple of days as well."
"Ah? Wouldn't that be too much trouble for you, Godmother?"
"You are a practitioner as well; building a house isn't exactly a difficult task."
Ao Ying shook her head and said, "I blame Sister Su, though. With her status as a Mountain God, building an immortal palace here on Changbai Mountain wouldn't be a problem at all. It's just a pity she's too lazy. She claims she can't be bothered to build one. While living in a courtyard is cozy, it's a bit cramped when guests arrive."
"..." Morning Glory didn't know what to say.
Although she had traveled far with Su Qing and asked many questions, and was also a disciple of Guanyin Bodhisattva, she had ultimately only been in contact with the world of cultivation for a few decades.
This wasn't enough time for her to have a clear understanding of the cultivation world.
To put it bluntly, many things that were common knowledge to others weren't common knowledge to her.
Thus, her brain was currently in a bit of a daze.
Fortunately,
Ao Ying didn't plan to keep teasing her.
After giving a few more simple instructions,
she let Su Ying'er and Morning Glory go off to play.
Leng Xiang was one who didn't like to talk, and she became even more silent when Su Qing was away.
Seeing that Ao Ying and Morning Glory had finished their conversation,
she also stood up and left the courtyard.
Leng Xiang still had her daily chores to do...
Naturally, she couldn't stay in the courtyard forever.
During the days Su Qing was away, the ones managing Changbai Mountain were Leng Xiang and Ao Ying.
Ao Ying had a flexible mind, so she handled most of the administrative work.
As for the tasks that required physical action...
Those were Leng Xiang's responsibility.
For example, maintaining peace in the small town inhabited by demons deep within Changbai Mountain, and punishing any disobedient minor demons.
Those were all Leng Xiang's jobs.
Though she didn't have to do it every day...
When she had nothing else to do, she would patrol the mountains.
It was a way to pass the time.
After the two adults left,
Su Ying'er pulled Morning Glory out the door...
She didn't plan to go far.
She just wanted to take Morning Glory to see the sights of Changbai Mountain while asking some questions and bonding.
Morning Glory was her mother's goddaughter, so they were of the same generation.
She felt that she and Morning Glory would definitely get along.
And in fact, that was exactly the case.
The warm and cheerful Su Ying'er indeed got along well with Morning Glory...
Aside from Su Ying'er being naturally friendly, a more important reason was that her personality overlapped somewhat with Yudie's. This made it easy for Morning Glory to communicate with her, giving her a sense of familiarity.
"But... I never imagined Godmother would have so many wives." Thinking of this, Morning Glory couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency.
She never expected...
That someone would have beaten her to the punch long ago.
"Sigh, thinking about it, it makes sense. Yudie is Godmother's daughter, so Godmother must have a family." Morning Glory sighed inwardly, thinking, "I just didn't expect that Godmother wouldn't have a husband, but rather two wives."
Su Ying'er was leading Morning Glory through the mountains.
She happened to notice that Morning Glory seemed to have something on her mind.
So, she enthusiastically began to inquire.
She seemed very eager to help.
Of course...
Morning Glory certainly couldn't tell Su Ying'er her true thoughts.
The reason for that went without saying.
So she could only change the subject... and stop talking about that matter.
Meanwhile, she continued to wander around Changbai Mountain with Su Ying'er.
It had to be said...
The scenery of Changbai Mountain was indeed excellent.
Furthermore, there was a special spiritual charm within it.
It was no wonder Godmother was willing to stay in a place like this.
Time passed quickly.
The next day.
Su Qing, who had been entangled with Bai Suzhen for a night and half a day, was currently yawning while making breakfast in the kitchen with her.
That night and half a day had made Su Qing realize one thing...
A snake's desires were not necessarily lower than those of the Dragon Clan.
Especially Bai Suzhen, who embodied this to the fullest.
While she might not be as skilled as Ao Ying... in terms of 'desire', she was definitely not far behind.
However, this was all content that couldn't be broadcasted or discussed in detail.
The specifics naturally couldn't be expanded upon.
In any case, a certain someone had indeed been worn out quite a bit.
"Speaking of which... is Sister leaving today?"
Bai Suzhen was still full of energy. It seemed the night and half a day of labor meant nothing to her...
In fact, it felt more like those hours had recharged her instead.
Upon hearing Bai Suzhen's question, Su Qing nodded slightly and said, "Yes... there are still some unfinished matters back at Changbai Mountain! After finishing the journey to the west, I only stayed at Changbai Mountain for a day before coming to see you. Now, I naturally should head back to handle other things."
Hearing this, Bai Suzhen felt a bit disappointed.
She said, "I really wish Sister could stay here forever and never leave."
"Don't worry. Once I'm done with my work, I'll come again," Su Qing said with a smile, patting her hand and making a promise.
Su Qing couldn't remember how many promises she had made... In the past, she could fulfill them one by one, but now she could only say she would do her best to fulfill the ones she still remembered.
"I understand, of course... but I still hate to part with Sister. We only saw each other for a day, and now we must part again~"
Bai Suzhen's eyes were filled with a look of longing, as if this parting were forever.
However, every time they parted, the girl had this same expression.
Su Qing had seen it many times.
She was used to it.
She simply patted her head as usual and offered a few words of comfort.
Regarding Su Qing's departure, Bai Suzhen didn't keep pestering her to stay...
She was reluctant, but even so, she couldn't imprison Su Qing.
After breakfast.
Su Qing eventually parted ways with Bai Suzhen for the time being.
She left the bamboo courtyard.
She walked toward the direction of Old Mother's Hall.
Just as she stepped out of the bamboo forest outside the courtyard, she encountered the little Daoist boy walking slowly toward her.
"Oh, you're already out! I was planning to go to the courtyard to find you!" the little Daoist boy said with a grin upon seeing Su Qing.
Su Qing nodded and said, "Yes! After all, there are other things to do at home."
"Looking at you, it seems you didn't rest well?"
"Someone was too troublesome, so I indeed didn't rest well."
"Hmm, troublesome? Forget it, it's definitely something I don't understand. I won't ask." The little Daoist boy claimed not to understand, but in reality, she definitely did; she just didn't want to say more.
Su Qing could naturally see through it. After rolling her eyes, she asked, "Why did you suddenly come to pick me up?"
"Isn't picking up the Big Green Snake my job? Besides, since I've accepted your benefits, I naturally have to do the job well!" The little Daoist boy put her hands on her hips and said with a proud look, "Of course, besides that, there's one more thing..."
Su Qing wasn't surprised by this at all. She just yawned and asked, "What is it?"
"Master is back. After learning you were here, she told me to come and bring you to Old Mother's Hall to see her," the little Daoist boy said with a smile. "Master probably has something important to tell you. Probably."
Su Qing nodded, not particularly surprised.
It wasn't strange for the Old Mother to return at any time...
After all, what the seniors wanted to do wasn't something she could predict.
"I understand. Let's go quickly then. Don't keep the senior waiting."
"True. If I keep Master waiting too long, I'll get scolded again later." The little Daoist boy nodded solemnly, then grabbed Su Qing and ran toward Old Mother's Hall.
She had looked like she was just enjoying the scenery when she came, but she became much more hurried on the way back.
Su Qing didn't mind. She followed the little Daoist boy to the outside of Old Mother's Hall.
Outside the hall.
Yudie and a few sparrows were already waiting.
Su Qing gave a few instructions to the little ones before turning and entering the side hall of Old Mother's Hall.
The side hall looked exactly the same as before.
Although many years had passed, under the protection of magic power, there were no significant changes here.
Inside the side hall.
Li Shan Lao Mu was already waiting in the room.
"It has truly been a long time, little friend Su!" Li Shan Lao Mu smiled as Su Qing entered and said, "So? What did you gain from this pilgrimage?"
"It has indeed been many years since I last saw you, Senior. As for the gains from the pilgrimage, there were quite a few... but the greatest one is probably becoming some kind of nominal Bodhisattva status in the West."
"Hahaha, that old bald donkey actually gave you a Bodhisattva status? Hmph, well, it doesn't matter. Having an extra share of Incense Power will be beneficial for your future."
Li Shan Lao Mu had clearly expected this, so she wasn't surprised at all. She simply said, "Aside from that? Tell me in detail what other gains you had!"
Su Qing didn't bother to hide anything.
After all, she guessed that Li Shan Lao Mu already knew what she had gained.
As for why she was asking,
who knew what these seniors were thinking?
"It seems your journey was indeed quite fruitful," Li Shan Lao Mu nodded slightly and said. "I just didn't expect... that you would even win over the Queen of the Women's Kingdom along the way... Tsk tsk, you girl, you really like being fickle. You, oh you, can't you be a bit more devoted?"
"..." Su Qing's lips twitched. She felt that her image in the eyes of the seniors had gone a bit astray.
Damn it, why did it turn out like this?
Where exactly did it go wrong?
She gave a helpless smile and said, "I was forced into it as well."
"Heh, forced. Who could force you? Alright, alright, I know you won't admit it, but it doesn't matter... as long as you don't keep it from my disciple."
"I naturally wouldn't dare hide it from Little Bai."
"That's good."
"By the way, Senior, did you call me here for some other urgent matter?"
"Oh, I almost forgot the main business." Li Shan Lao Mu looked as if she had barely remembered. "You should already know about the Great Tribulation of Heaven and Earth, right? Those old bald donkeys should have told you quite a bit."
"The Buddha and the others did indeed tell me a lot."
"That's good... in the days to come, spread more Incense Power to prepare for what's to come."
"What's to come?"
"Well, it's not convenient for me to tell you yet. The Heavenly Court is also currently in the middle of planning. After all, the entire plan only started being prepared right after your pilgrimage ended..."
"Uh, it seems my journey to the west indeed brought quite a few variables to the world!"
"There are many variables, and you indeed deserve much credit," Li Shan Lao Mu nodded slightly and said. "You can be considered a great hero of the Heavenly Court. Unfortunately, the Jade Emperor doesn't have a good reason to reward you... so for now, there's no reward."
"Rewards don't really matter... but can't you really explain a bit more to me?"
"Not for the time being. Once the Heavenly Court has finished most of the preparations, you will naturally know. In short, trusting me won't be a mistake." Li Shan Lao Mu spoke to Su Qing seriously.
"Fine, I'll keep it in mind." Su Qing was already used to the Old Mother being a riddler, so she didn't ask further.
"Additionally, because of your pilgrimage, when Tang Sanzang goes on his journey later, you'll likely have some work to do."
"The Buddha and Guanyin have already mentioned that to me. I've long been mentally prepared."
"That is for the best." Li Shan Lao Mu looked at Su Qing and couldn't help but nod, saying, "Sigh, the little green snake from back then has truly grown up!"
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