After leaving the Heavenly Court safely, Su Qing did not wander around much longer. Although wandering about might lead to interesting encounters and a harvest of Incense Power, there were still things in her domain that required her attention. Thus, it was time to return.
Su Qing's Somersault Cloud was very fast, and before long, she was back in her domain. Upon her return, she went straight to Liu Xixi to help process the day's official documents. Life seemed to have returned to its usual routine. However, Su Qing understood that with the first Earth Vein mutation, the days ahead would likely not be so peaceful. She truly needed to cherish the present.
'I should also remind my family members who are away... Although I can't tell them the full truth, I can tell them to watch for strange occurrences and notify me,' Su Qing thought as she stamped a document she had just finished processing. Leng Xiang was very obedient and would listen to whatever Su Qing said. As for Ao Ying, though she loved to tease Su Qing, she wouldn't ignore serious matters.
'I'll handle the matters at hand first, and then when I go to see them, I'll mention it in passing.' Having made her decision, Su Qing was ready to act. Once her thoughts were clear, she became even more focused on her work, causing Liu Xixi to secretly remark on how serious Su Qing was today.
Time flowed like a stream. Half a month had passed since Su Qing went to the Heavenly Court to find Taishang Laojun. In that time, Su Qing had completed all her planned tasks and, together with Liu Xixi, kept the domain's affairs in perfect order.
One day, a guest arrived at the courtyard of Su Qing's bedchamber. He wasn't exactly a rare guest, but he was an unexpected one.
"You fellow, shouldn't you be following the Earth God to learn statecraft? Why have you run off to my place?" Su Qing sat in her chair with an elegant posture and a calm tone, smiling as she looked at the monkey head nearby.
The visitor was none other than Sun Wukong.
"Hehe, didn't I say I would invite you, Big Sister, and other old friends for a drink? Well, I've come today for exactly that." Wukong chuckled, his monkey face full of smiles.
Su Qing shook her head and said, "Didn't you plan to wait until you had mostly mastered statecraft before inviting us all? Besides, when you returned to Flower-Fruit Mountain before, didn't you already have a gathering? Why do it again?"
Wukong scratched his head and explained with a hint of embarrassment, "Actually... I've been studying for so many days that I'm a bit exhausted and bored. I felt stifled, so I came out to get some fresh air before heading back to continue learning."
Hearing this, Su Qing finally understood. She gave a helpless smile and said, "I forgot you're a monkey and can't sit still. To sit for that long was already an achievement. However, even if you came out, did you tell the Earth God?"
"Hehe, don't worry about that, Big Sister. It's not like I ran away because it was too tiring or boring. I just came out for a breather and some rest—balancing work and play. Naturally, I told the Earth God. If I hadn't, it would look like I found it troublesome and didn't want to learn anymore." Wukong shook his head and explained with a grin.
Su Qing nodded. Wukong was indeed not the type to leave without saying goodbye. "In that case, there's no problem."
"So, will you come for the drink, Big Sister?" Wukong asked with another chuckle.
"I'll certainly come for a drink, but where will it be, and when?"
Although Wukong had come to invite her today, Su Qing didn't think the party would start today. By the time everyone was gathered, it would likely be dark.
Wukong chuckled and habitually scratched the back of his hand. "Hehe, as long as you're coming, that's great. The banquet will be the day after tomorrow at Flower-Fruit Mountain..."
"Hmm? So it's back to Flower-Fruit Mountain again!" Su Qing couldn't help but laugh.
"My home is at Flower-Fruit Mountain, so naturally, the drinking happens there. Besides, I was suppressed for five hundred years; aside from Flower-Fruit Mountain, I really can't find anywhere else where I could host a banquet." Wukong gave a helpless smile in response.
"That's true..."
"Oh, right. Big Sister, remember to bring my sisters-in-law... The more people, the livelier it is. And my nieces, don't they love a good crowd? They can enjoy themselves too," Wukong suddenly added, thinking of his nieces and sisters-in-law.
"Don't you worry. Even if you didn't say it, I would have brought them. After all, I can't very well go drinking alone," Su Qing said helplessly.
"Hehe, I knew it," Wukong replied with a laugh. "Since you've agreed to go, I'll head off to invite the others..."
Wukong planned to invite his old friends for a meal this time. However, because many friends hadn't been in contact for a long time, the connections had long since been severed, so he had to find them one by one. Of course, he didn't expect to invite every single old friend. As long as he got the best few, that would be enough. As for the fair-weather friends... if they came, they came; if not, so be it. They were just there to add to the atmosphere anyway.
Su Qing watched Wukong, knowing he was going to find his old friends, and nodded with a smile. "Go then! When the time comes, I'll bring everyone over. But I must give you a warning: do not invite any sinful demons... I'm afraid I won't be able to stop myself from taking action."
Wukong was startled for a moment, then shook his head with a laugh. "I understand, I understand. I am a Buddha now, after all; I naturally won't allow those sinful demons at my banquet. I'm not just inviting old demon friends; I have many friends in the Heavenly Court too. And on the journey west, I received help from many friends. Now that it's over, I must treat them."
Wukong was not stupid, nor was he the reckless monkey of the past. He might not have deep schemes, but he was certainly not a fool. He understood his position and what he represented.
Seeing this, Su Qing nodded with satisfaction. "Good... Since you understand, I won't say more. Go and invite your people! I'll just show up to eat when the time comes."
Wukong chuckled. "Good, good, good. Then I'll be off."
Su Qing said nothing more and didn't offer to see him out, merely waving him away. Wukong remained cheerful, turned, and rode his cloud away.
After Wukong left, Su Qing sat in her chair, looking at the clouds on the horizon. She murmured to herself, "Speaking of which, the Heavenly Court is so busy right now. If Wukong wants to invite friends for a drink... he probably won't find many available, right? Whatever, it doesn't matter... as long as it's not just a few scattered people. If the crowd is too small, the banquet will be boring..."
After speaking, Su Qing stretched and then rode a cloud to find Leng Xiang and Ao Ying. Leng Xiang, Ao Ying, and the daughters were all easy to convince. As soon as Su Qing spoke, everyone agreed. They had all been working hard for many days, so they were happy to take a break. Su Ying and Yudie, in particular, were incredibly excited. If Su Qing guessed correctly, even if Leng Xiang and Ao Ying had been too lazy to go, those two would have begged their mother to take them. After all, they both loved joining in on the excitement.
And so, Su Qing easily brought them back to the domain. 'Suzhen definitely can't join us, but should I invite Bai Yuhe as well? However, she is the ruler of a nation; leaving like this might not be good... and the place we're going is somewhat intense, filled with either demons or immortals...'
Su Qing sat in the courtyard, watching the drifting clouds, and thought: 'Forget it, I'll just go and ask for her opinion. It won't take long to fly to the Women's Kingdom anyway.'
Once she had a plan, Su Qing didn't hesitate. She turned and rode a cloud away. Of course, before leaving, she didn't forget to tell her family, lest they worry.
Su Qing's Somersault Cloud was swift. After flying for just a short while, she spotted the capital of the Women's Kingdom. Arriving there, she habitually looked around for any demonic aura. But after just two glances, she remembered she had checked just a few days ago and didn't need to do it again. 'Truly, it's become muscle memory.'
Su Qing felt helpless, then lowered her cloud and landed in the palace. She didn't hide her presence, landing quite openly. Thus, Bai Yuhe saw Su Qing's arrival clearly.
She looked at Su Qing with a smile and said, "What's this? We haven't seen each other for just a few days, and My Empress misses me already? You've come running to find me in such a hurry! Could it be you have an insatiable desire?"
Since the country was entirely female and Bai Yuhe was the Queen, she didn't need to be too guarded with her words. In any case, if the palace maids heard such things, they would obediently pretend they hadn't.
Su Qing gave a light laugh, nodded, and said, "Yes, I did miss you, and I am indeed insatiable. Who told Your Majesty to never let me fully enjoy myself?"
Bai Yuhe was just a mortal. Although she had cultivated a little, it was only a little, and her body was still that of a mortal. Naturally, she couldn't keep up with the old immortal Su Qing. Thus, every time, Bai Yuhe couldn't hold out until the end, and things would finish prematurely. However, to say they didn't enjoy themselves wasn't quite right either—they certainly had fun. Su Qing only said it now to tease her on purpose.
Bai Yuhe's mouth twitched, and a flush of red climbed onto her cheeks. She gave a light huff and said, "Then tonight, I must show you my prowess!"
She was actually quite annoyed. So what if she was an immortal! Once she became an immortal herself in the future, she would definitely get her revenge! She would show her who was truly the powerful one.
Su Qing merely smiled, then walked over to sit beside her. "Alright, I'm done teasing you. I'm not staying the night today... and I didn't come here to go three hundred rounds with you."
Su Qing didn't intend to keep joking, so she turned to serious business. Hearing this, Bai Yuhe gave a small huff and asked, "Then why have you come?"
Bai Yuhe was no longer young, but thanks to Su Qing's care and the effects of the Youth-Preserving Pill, she was still very beautiful. Because she had received the pill a bit late, she lacked a bit of girlishness but had more of the charm unique to an older sister. Still, it was very wonderful. Su Qing looked at her and lightly explained her purpose.
After listening, Bai Yuhe rubbed her chin and said, "So, you plan to take me to a place full of demons and immortals... for a banquet?"
"Exactly..." Su Qing nodded and said, "Although you've seen immortals and demons before, having so many of them together might be a bit frightening for a mortal. That's why I'm asking if you want to go. If you don't, I won't force you!"
"I'll go! Why wouldn't I? I may be a mortal, but don't forget, I am also your 'husband'... My wife is an immortal, so what do I have to fear?" Bai Yuhe smiled, showing no fear at all. In fact, she wasn't just unafraid; she was actually looking forward to it. She hadn't seen many immortals yet! Going this time might allow her to see a few more.
Su Qing was slightly surprised but didn't say much. Since Bai Yuhe wanted to go, she naturally wouldn't try to talk her out of it. She nodded and said, "That's good then. In that case, I'll come and pick you up personally when the time comes!"
Bai Yuhe nodded. "Alright!"
"Oh, right. In the years to come, this world will likely suffer frequent disasters. I can't say the exact reasons... The only thing I can tell you is that if you encounter any trouble that's hard to handle, you must notify me immediately..."
Su Qing had come once a few days ago, but at that time, Bai Yuhe seemed to have been starved for company and dragged Su Qing off to have fun, giving her no chance to speak. As for speaking while they were 'busy'... well, there was even less of a chance then. Conversations weren't very long, and sometimes her mouth would be occupied by Bai Yuhe.
Su Qing's words made Bai Yuhe nod. "Don't worry. If there's truly a difficult problem, I will definitely notify you immediately. But you say these natural disasters will be frequent... is it true?"
"It's highly probable..." Su Qing nodded. "I can't say for certain, but it's ninety-nine percent sure. However, you don't need to worry too much. The frequent disasters are for the world at large; for the Women's Kingdom alone, it should be manageable."
Hearing this, a flash of worry crossed Bai Yuhe's eyes. She then said, "Regardless, I must start preparing for this. If natural disasters truly become frequent, it will be a significant blow to the Women's Kingdom."
"Alright, alright, it hasn't happened yet. There's plenty of time to prepare." Su Qing smiled and shook her head. "Besides, even if disasters do occur, I can step in to help. My status as an immortal won't stop me from saving the people!"
Hearing Su Qing's words, Bai Yuhe's gaze finally relaxed a bit. That's right, she had an immortal wife! Even if things got bad, how bad could they really get? "With those words of yours, I'm much more at ease." Bai Yuhe nodded and breathed a sigh of relief.
Su Qing smiled and patted Bai Yuhe's head. "Don't worry too much. I can share a lot of the burden for you."
"I know..." Bai Yuhe smiled. "But are you really not staying the night today?"
"No, there are still some things to handle at the domain today. It's not convenient to stay..." Su Qing shook her head.
"Is that so? That's a pity then. But since you're here, stay and chat with me for a while longer! I happen to be quite bored myself." Bai Yuhe didn't force her. She knew that Su Qing, like herself, was busy most of the time—sometimes even busier than she was. So when Su Qing said there was work at the domain, she didn't say more. Besides, she had only rested for a few days; having another grand battle with Su Qing would be a bit taxing on her body and spirit. She needed a few more days of rest. Once she was recovered, she would show this person who looked down on her just how powerful the Queen of the Women's Kingdom could be. She was a King, after all; how could she just lose to an immortal like Su Qing?
Su Qing looked at Bai Yuhe, unaware of what she was thinking. She didn't care, though, and simply chatted with her about casual things. They didn't talk about much—just life in general. After chatting for a while, Su Qing left the Women's Kingdom and returned to her domain.
After that, Su Qing had nothing else to do. She just found Liu Xixi and continued to process official documents, easing the pressure on her most important assistant official so she wouldn't lose her.
Time turned, and soon it was time for the banquet. As agreed, Su Qing found Bai Yuhe early in the morning and brought her out of the palace, taking her to the domain in the Northern Continent. In the courtyard, the others were slightly excited to see Bai Yuhe. They ran up to greet her with smiles. Bai Yuhe naturally liked Su Qing's daughters very much. Curiously, she seemed to dislike her own daughter... truly a strange person.
Su Qing smiled and said, "Alright, let's set off! We shouldn't keep Wukong waiting."
The others had no objections and nodded. Seeing this, Su Qing said no more. She formed a hand seal and rode a cloud toward Flower-Fruit Mountain.
The speed of the Somersault Cloud went without saying. In just a short time, they were above Flower-Fruit Mountain. It was Bai Yuhe's first time there. Standing in the sky and looking at the peerless beauty of Flower-Fruit Mountain, she was momentarily dazed. Su Qing found this amusing and said with a smile, "It's beautiful, isn't it?"
"It is indeed beautiful... but it can't compare to my Women's Kingdom." Bai Yuhe nodded but still stubbornly added that last part.
Su Qing laughed and shook her head. "Yes, yes, the women of the Women's Kingdom are the most beautiful scenery."
"You certainly understand." Bai Yuhe smiled and nodded. "But I really didn't expect such an immortal realm to exist on the East Sea."
"Hehe, it's not much to look at from the sky. We'll see more once we go down." As Su Qing spoke, she suddenly thought of something, turned, and smiled again. "However, don't be too surprised once we arrive..."
Bai Yuhe crossed her arms and said, "I am the ruler of a nation; how could I lose my composure?"
Su Qing gave a faint smile and said nothing more. Beside them, Leng Xiang and Ao Ying also shared a smile but didn't speak. Only the two girls had eyes full of anticipation—not for what was to come, but for the banquet. Su Qing lowered the cloud with a smile, slowly descending into the city on Flower-Fruit Mountain.
Su Qing's arrival was not hidden. In a short time, the surrounding mortals and demons gathered and began to bow to her. This scene shocked Bai Yuhe, who had just been boasting. "What are they bowing to?"
"To me."
"Why?"
"I am their god."
"..." Bai Yuhe was silent for a moment, then took a deep breath and nodded. Su Qing was indeed an immortal; that was true. But she hadn't expected Su Qing to be so respected. As soon as she arrived, people spontaneously came to pay homage. 'I really am not as good as Big Sister Xiao Qing... When I go on inspection tours among the people, there's rarely such a spectacle,' Bai Yuhe thought.
She then scanned the crowd. As she saw more and more 'people,' the shock in her eyes grew. Good heavens... at least a third of the people here weren't human. They were all half-human, half-beast. Some even looked as ugly as Zhu Bajie—hard to look at. What kind of immortal mountain was this Flower-Fruit Mountain? The mountain was so beautiful, yet the people in the city... were quite a bit uglier.
Bai Yuhe felt a bit overwhelmed. Although she had known Flower-Fruit Mountain wasn't a simple place and had heard from Su Qing that today's guests would be immortals and demons, she hadn't expected there to be a city here where humans and demons lived together. She felt like her brain was lacking oxygen, so she took a deep breath.
Seeing her like this, Su Qing gave a light laugh and said, "Very surprised?"
"I am indeed very surprised... it's my first time."
"Who was it that said they wouldn't be surprised?"
"..." Bai Yuhe was speechless; she felt she had embarrassed herself. Su Qing laughed and said, "Alright, I'm done teasing you... Actually, no matter who it is, everyone is more or less surprised the first time they come to Flower-Fruit Mountain. Even many immortals have had their jaws drop! The fact that you can keep from swearing and haven't lost your composure means you're still very impressive."
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