Departure

Upon hearing this, Chaoyan and Red Boy looked closely at the newcomer once more.

Looking at him this way, they realized the man's walking posture really did resemble Sun Wukong's...

"I truly didn't realize that was Great Sage Sun just now..." Chaoyan scratched her head, speaking helplessly.

Chaoyan wasn't very well-acquainted with Wukong. When she first saw the young novice monk he had transformed into, she only thought the way he walked was exceptionally strange... she hadn't associated it with Sun Wukong at all.

Su Qing chuckled and shook her head. "Never mind, I don't blame you!"

Although Su Qing found it a bit funny that Chaoyan hadn't recognized him, she didn't intend to dwell on the matter. Just as she finished speaking to Chaoyan, the young novice monk came running over with a beaming smile.

"Big Sister! Big Sister! I've come to see you. Hehe, my niece Chaoyan and my Holy Infant niece are both here!"

With his Fiery Golden Eyes, Wukong could naturally see through the transformations of Red Boy and Chaoyan at a single glance.

"Is it really Uncle Wukong?" Red Boy asked, putting on a look of surprise after hearing Wukong speak.

"It's me, it's me! But I came in a hurry this time and didn't bring any gifts. I'll owe you one for now. Next time you come to Flower-Fruit Mountain, I'll make sure you eat and drink the best," Wukong said with a chuckle, scratching his head.

Upon hearing this, Red Boy said with a smile, "I don't need any gifts. However, since your pilgrimage is over, Uncle Wukong, you must remember to come and have a drink with my father. You know he misses you very much..."

"Heh, of course! Once I've finished delivering the scriptures and received my rewards, I'll be a free man. I can go wherever I please... When the time comes, I'll definitely invite everyone for a drink," Wukong replied with a hearty laugh.

"That's good, that's good~" Red Boy nodded and said playfully, "Uncle Wukong, why don't we chat while we walk? However, you probably need to change your appearance... and it would be best if you toned down those monkey-like mannerisms of yours."

Red Boy was still thinking about shopping, so before Su Qing could speak, she took the lead in suggesting they chat while on the move.

Wukong wasn't annoyed at being told what to do by Red Boy. They were relatives and friends, not enemies, so there was no need for anger. Besides, with his Big Sister watching, he was even less likely to get upset over such a small thing.

Seeing this, Su Qing also nodded to him. "It is indeed a bit awkward to just stand here and chat. Walk with us for a bit. Once we find a quiet spot with fewer people, I'll cast a spell to shield us and let you change your appearance."

Wukong chuckled and nodded. "Sure, sure, sure. I'll listen to Big Sister."

With the decision made, the group set off.

In just a short while, they found a secluded, deserted spot. Here, even without Su Qing's help to shield them, Wukong could transform freely. Thus, Wukong changed his form.

However, the appearance Wukong chose left Su Qing somewhat speechless.

"Why did you turn into Erlang Xiansheng Zhenjun?" Su Qing asked, her lips twitching.

Wukong scratched his head helplessly. "Hehe, doesn't this save me the trouble of shaping a new face?"

"But I'm quite familiar with Erlang Xiansheng Zhenjun. Seeing you like this is bound to feel strange... Change into something else!" Su Qing sighed.

Hearing Su Qing's words, Wukong could only obediently comply. A moment later, he transformed again. This time, he didn't turn into anyone she knew. Instead, it was an unrecognizable face. However, it looked a bit awkward—he was dressed as a scholar, yet he was built like a tank. It was strange, far too strange.

But despite the oddity, Su Qing didn't bother to criticize him further. After all, asking a monkey to shape a human form was already asking quite a bit of him. She would just have to make do. One couldn't expect a monkey's aesthetic to be too similar to a human's.

"Fine, this will do," Su Qing said with a nod.

Wukong chuckled and scratched his ears. "Hehe, this look isn't bad, right?"

"It's fine, it's fine. But tone down those monkey-like mannerisms of yours a bit," Su Qing said, rolling her eyes.

Wukong hurriedly complied, immediately becoming much more restrained. Seeing this, Su Qing nodded in satisfaction. "Let's go!"

And so, the group set off to continue their stroll through the streets. As they walked, Wukong was the first to speak.

"Thank you for your earlier reminder, Big Sister."

Su Qing arched a brow, quickly understanding what he was referring to. She shook her head and said, "It was just a small favor. After all, your pilgrimage had to match the required number of scriptures... Missing even one of the Eighty-One Tribulations wouldn't have worked. Besides, even without my reminder, I'm sure you would have figured it out eventually, wouldn't you?"

Wukong chuckled and nodded, not hiding the truth. "I've always known that many of the calamities along the way were tricks played by the Buddha and Laojun... After all, Laojun laid his cards on the table with me a long time ago. Unfortunately, even though I knew, I didn't know which ones were their designs, so I couldn't help but worry about my master's safety."

Wukong wasn't a fool. Would the immortals in heaven really be so prone to losing their pets and mounts? Or even their own disciples? Not likely. So, no matter how slow one was, it was easy to realize that many of the tribulations on the road had been arranged. Only a few were genuine strokes of bad luck.

Su Qing smiled faintly. "I know you're not stupid. However, now that you and your master have obtained the True Sutras, you won't have to worry about such things in the future."

"True, true... Once I go back and receive my rewards, I'll ask the Bodhisattva to take this Golden Hoop off my head. I've already achieved success and fame; what's the point of still wearing a Golden Hoop?"

"Hoho, don't worry. Guanyin Bodhisattva won't leave that hoop on your head," Su Qing said, nodding naturally.

Wukong chuckled. "That's good, that's good."

"After you finish delivering the sutras and receiving your rewards, what are your plans?" Su Qing decisively ended that topic and began discussing other things.

Wukong scratched his head and thought for a moment. "Naturally, I'll first have a gathering with you and Big Brother. After that, I'll return to my Flower-Fruit Mountain to manage it. I'll strive to take the mountain that Big Sister looked after so well and make it even better."

"That... is good!" Su Qing nodded. "In short, remember to try not to let Buddhist precepts restrict you too much..."

"Why? Doesn't Big Sister always want me to be more well-behaved?" Wukong asked in confusion.

Su Qing chuckled and shook her head. "No particular reason... only because you are my little brother. I wouldn't want to be missing a drinking buddy in the future."

Wukong burst into laughter and scratched his head. "I understand, I understand. I don't want to be restricted too much by those Buddhist precepts either... I reckon the Buddha will give me a title like a Bodhisattva. Although I still prefer my title as the Handsome Monkey King, I certainly won't be able to refuse a Buddhist status. However, no matter what, I won't stay at Spirit Mountain. If I stay there, I'll truly be restricted to death! I am the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, Sun Wukong. Although I now understand that there are always people more talented than oneself and heavens beyond heavens, it doesn't mean I've lost my spirit or that I'm willing to honestly be a monk. I still have Big Sister and Flower-Fruit Mountain!"

Wukong was actually very happy to hear Su Qing's words. Everyone is glad to have someone care for them and look out for their interests, and Wukong was no exception.

"Not staying at Spirit Mountain is also quite good," Su Qing said, nodding in satisfaction.

Su Qing didn't only play tricks on Wukong; when it was time to give him a reminder, she naturally wouldn't hold back. After all, no matter what, this monkey was her little brother. Since he treated her with sincerity, how could she keep tricking him?

Wukong chuckled and then began talking about other matters. And so, Wukong and Su Qing chatted all the way until it was nearly noon.

Only then did Wukong bid farewell to Su Qing and the others to return to the palace to accompany his master. Of course, Wukong also invited Su Qing's group to have a lunch prepared by the Tang Emperor. However, to avoid unnecessary trouble, Su Qing ultimately declined—even though Red Boy seemed quite interested.

After Wukong left, Red Boy crossed her arms and asked, "Xiao Qing Sister, why didn't we go?"

"Haven't I already given you the reasons? Why ask so many questions?" Su Qing shook her head helplessly.

Red Boy pouted. "But I haven't eaten palace food yet!"

"If you truly want to eat it, I'll take you to eat in Xingyang City, or we can go directly to the Women's Kingdom. But let's skip it here..." Su Qing didn't refuse directly this time but offered an alternative.

Red Boy stared at Su Qing and finally nodded, not pestering her further. She only said it because she wanted to vent her sense of missed opportunity.

"Then... it's a deal. You have to take me to a feast in the Women's Kingdom later!" Red Boy said.

Upon hearing this, Su Qing nodded helplessly. "Fine, fine, fine! If I didn't know you were Red Boy, I'd almost take you for Yudie. How are you also such a glutton?"

Red Boy replied indignantly, "It's not that I'm a glutton, it's just that food likes me very much! They are happy to enter my stomach."

Su Qing's lips twitched; that was certainly an interesting way to put it. However, she didn't bother to argue, only saying, "Alright, alright, let's go have lunch first. I heard Baixiang Tower in Chang'an City is quite good. Come on, let's go try it."

Red Boy curled her lip and said nothing more, obediently following Su Qing. Chaoyan, naturally, had no objections. As long as today's food didn't make her break her vows, it didn't matter to her.

And so, Su Qing and the others spent the rest of the day in leisure. Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was the next day.

Today, Su Qing intended to depart. She had been here for several days; although she hadn't seen every part of Chang'an City, she had visited most of the interesting places. If she wanted to truly explore the remaining areas, she would have to settle down here and experience it properly. But Su Qing had no intention of settling down here, so she naturally gave up on that part and decided to leave. After all, she had only come back for a stroll; there was no need to experience the lifestyle.

Before leaving, Su Qing once again called the maid and Old Lady Yu to her side.

"You should remember everything I told you yesterday, right? After I leave, go to the place I mentioned and use this voucher to take out the items. Although the money inside isn't a vast fortune, it should be enough to last you until you're in your fifties or sixties."

Su Qing looked at the maid as she spoke. The maid was stunned for a moment before asking, "Is Madam planning to leave?"

Su Qing nodded. "Yes, I'm planning to leave! I've been back for a couple of days, and I've finished most of the things I wanted to see and do. It's time to go!"

"Madam... why not stay for a few more days?"

"No, no! There are still many things waiting for me to do, so I can't continue to waste time here." Su Qing said with a smile, "Alright, say no more. After I leave, take good care of Old Lady Yu and live your life well."

Hearing this, the maid fell silent for a long while. Finally, she nodded and said, "I understand, Madam... then can I see Madam off?"

The maid knew she couldn't make Su Qing stay any longer, so she proposed to see her off. However, Su Qing still shook her head. "No need, we can go on our own."

"This..." The maid was momentarily at a loss for words.

Su Qing didn't mind and simply shook her head. "Alright, it's time to go! Chaoyan, call the girl. It's time to leave!"

Upon hearing this, Chaoyan snapped out of it and hurriedly nodded. "We're going, we're going!"

When Red Boy heard, she also rushed out of the living room. "Don't be in such a hurry, I haven't finished packing my things yet!"

"Godmother said it's time to go, so I called you... It's not that I'm in a hurry, it's Godmother who's in a hurry," Chaoyan said, holding up a finger.

Red Boy gave Chaoyan a sidelong glance, then walked up to Su Qing and said, "Everything is ready."

Su Qing nodded in satisfaction. "Then let's go!"

With that, Su Qing gave a slight smile to the maid and Old Lady Yu, then led the two out of the courtyard. After Su Qing left, the maid didn't chase after them. Because Su Qing had said she didn't want to be seen off, she stayed obediently in the courtyard and didn't insist on following. After all, until Su Qing left, she was still Su Qing's maid; she had to listen to Su Qing's words, whether they seemed reasonable or not.

After a long time, she let out a long sigh. Finally, she silently returned to her living room.

"Thank you... Madam."