The Banquet

Bai Yuhe’s reaction was actually quite commendable.

Although she had Su Qing by her side and had seen many things—even visiting the domain in the Northern Continent a few times—she hadn't truly witnessed many world-shaking events.

A scene like this was, naturally, something she had never encountered before.

Thus, Su Qing’s praise was sincere.

Upon hearing it, Bai Yuhe said wistfully, "I certainly wanted to let out a few choice words, but with so many people watching, I didn't think it proper. However, I am indeed quite surprised... the situation here is even more unexpected than I imagined."

If she hadn't been so concerned with her dignity, she definitely would have cursed—she might have even started complaining to Su Qing.

Su Qing gave a light laugh and didn't tease her further, simply gesturing for the crowd to return to their business.

As her words fell, the crowd dispersed, returning to their tasks.

In an instant, there were no other mortals or demons around Su Qing’s group.

Seeing this, Bai Yuhe was slightly surprised again.

However, after being shocked several times, she had finally begun to settle into a sense of calm.

With her goal achieved and the crowd dispersed, it was time for Su Qing to find Wukong.

But before she could set off, Wukong found her first.

The monkey was waving from a distance, shouting as he approached, "Big Sister! Big Sister!"

If an ordinary person acted like this, it wouldn't be so amusing, but Wukong was a monkey. This appearance wasn't frightening, but it was certainly a bit comical.

With such a loud commotion, Su Qing heard him, and naturally, the others did too, all turning their gazes toward Wukong.

Seeing so many people staring at him, Wukong dropped his exaggerated behavior and walked up to them with a grin. "Big Sister, you all arrived quite early."

Wukong had originally intended to see what was happening in the city, but he hadn't expected to run into Su Qing’s group immediately. He felt his luck was quite good.

Su Qing smiled and nodded. "My Somersault Cloud is very fast, so naturally, I arrived quickly."

"Hehe, Big Sister is indeed impressive." Wukong nodded. This was something he truly believed.

In other areas, it might be hard to say, but in terms of speed, he couldn't hold a candle to her.

"Let's not talk about that for now. Big Sister, sisters-in-law, and nieces, please come with me. The banquet is mostly set; we’re just waiting for everyone to arrive." Wukong said to the group, "Also, I’ve prepared some gifts for you all. Once we arrive, I’ll give them to you!"

At the mention of gifts, Su Ying'er and Yudie immediately perked up.

"Is it something tasty?"

"Is it something fun?"

One was greedy for food and the other for play; these two girls really covered all the bases of desire.

Seeing this, Wukong played along, scratching the back of his hand in a monkey-like manner. "Hehe, you’ll know once you see them. In any case, they’re definitely things you two will like."

Hearing this, the two girls became even more interested.

Su Qing gave a helpless smile and followed Wukong to the banquet hall.

Once they arrived, Wukong excused himself for a moment to retrieve the items he had prepared and handed them to Su Qing and the others one by one.

However, Bai Yuhe’s gift had been prepared on short notice.

Wukong hadn't initially expected Bai Yuhe to come. Since the place was filled with either demons or immortals, he assumed Su Qing wouldn't bring a mortal like Bai Yuhe, so he hadn't prepared a gift for her in advance.

Thus, Wukong’s brief departure hadn't just been to fetch gifts, but also to prepare one for Bai Yuhe.

Of course, even though it was a last-minute preparation, he didn't skimp on it; its value was certainly not low.

Over the past few days, Wukong had been traveling around to find old friends, and he had 'borrowed' quite a few good things from those 'friends' who killed without blinking. Previously, when he was with his master, it wasn't convenient to act, but now he was much more casual. As long as he didn't cross the line, it didn't matter—besides, taking from them was essentially eliminating a public nuisance.

As for them being old friends... they were just a bunch of shady associates who had done many damnable things.

Granting them deliverance was just that. Even the Buddha wouldn't say anything.

In short, he had acquired many good things over the last two days.

While those things were valuable, they weren't of much use to him. So, rather than letting them sit around, it was better to give them away as gifts.

The gift Wukong gave Bai Yuhe was one of those items.

It was a jade pendant with the effect of calming the mind and focusing the spirit. For a mortal ruler like Bai Yuhe, it was extremely practical.

After all, she had to process piles of official documents every day, making her prone to mental exhaustion and irritability.

With this jade pendant, she would benefit greatly.

"Sister-in-law Yuhe, I didn't expect you to come, so this gift was chosen in a hurry. I don't know if it suits your taste or if you'll like it. If you don't, I'll go pick another one for you."

Wukong didn't hide the fact, nor did he intend to.

Bai Yuhe had originally intended to refuse.

Wukong had helped her Women's Kingdom significantly; he could be considered a benefactor of the nation.

As the Queen, how could she have the face to accept a gift?

However, Su Qing urged her to take it, so she thickened her skin and decided to accept.

Hearing his words, she took the jade pendant and said, "Thank you for your kindness. I like this gift very much; there's no need to change it."

Bai Yuhe didn't care much about the gift itself; having one or not didn't really matter. Moreover, the jade pendant was indeed useful to her. Although it was prepared in a hurry, it was clear that thought had been put into it.

Seeing Bai Yuhe accept the gift, Wukong breathed a sigh of relief. After all, as an old monkey who had been single for countless years, how could he know what women liked? All he could do was choose based on utility. To manage this much was already his best effort.

If it weren't because Bai Yuhe was his Big Sister’s wife, he wouldn't have gone to such trouble.

"That's good, that's good." Wukong nodded and said with a laugh, "Then Big Sister, you all enjoy yourselves here for a bit. I’ll go see if the other guests have arrived."

Su Qing nodded, having no objections.

Seeing this, Wukong turned and left.

After he was gone, Su Qing sat in the banquet hall, watching the two girls who were exceptionally happy with their gifts. She gave a helpless smile, then withdrew her gaze to chat with Ao Ying.

At the same time, she was curious about who would show up today.

And so, time flowed.

Soon, the guests began to arrive one after another.

However, these later guests didn't receive any gifts. They simply arrived, took their seats, and chatted with one another.

Most of the guests were immortals, with only a small portion being demons.

Most of these demons radiated Clear Qi, clearly being those who followed proper cultivation paths and had never tasted human flesh. This allowed Su Qing to breathe a sigh of relief.

As for the immortals, Su Qing recognized most of them.

In fact, she was quite familiar with many of them!

"Sovereign Su, you are indeed here as well..." Taibai Jinxing strode into the banquet hall, cupping his hands in greeting upon seeing Su Qing.

Su Qing returned the gesture and said, "I didn't expect Wukong to invite you as well."

"Hahaha, back when Wukong was the Bimawen, he was very popular in the Heavenly Court. I consider him a friend, so when he invited me, I naturally had to come." Taibai Jinxing nodded with a smile. "It's just a pity that many in the Heavenly Court are extremely busy lately... I expect those who can make it won't be many."

As he spoke, Taibai Jinxing scanned the hall, briefly looking over those who had already arrived.

While there were many immortals, they were mostly minor, unattached deities—the type who weren't busy.

As for immortals with a status similar to his own, he hadn't seen a single one... at least not yet.

Oh, wait, that wasn't entirely true.

Wasn't Su Qing one?

"That is indeed the case." Su Qing nodded; she was well aware of this. "But you came anyway."

"I just happened to be free today," Taibai Jinxing said. "It's rare to have a moment of leisure, and since Wukong is hosting a banquet for us, I naturally had to attend."

Su Qing smiled and said, "I just wonder who else is coming."

"We’ll know if we just watch, won't we?" Taibai Jinxing said with a grin.

Su Qing nodded and began chatting about other matters while waiting for the remaining guests to arrive.

Soon, another familiar figure appeared in the banquet hall.

However, although the figure was very familiar, the person's temperament had undergone a world-shaking change.

The originally somewhat violent aura had now gained a touch of softness and Buddha-nature.

Seeing this, Su Qing couldn't help but marvel inwardly. Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Buddha was truly impressive to have changed Old Bull so much.

As Su Qing was thinking while looking at the Bull Demon King, she was suddenly hugged tightly from behind.

"Big Sister Xiao Qing, it's been a long time. Did you miss me?" the person asked with a giggle while hugging her.

Su Qing’s brow twitched slightly as she said, "Red Boy, have you gotten fat again?"

"I'm not fat! I've always been this thin!" Hearing Su Qing’s teasing, Red Boy stopped clinging to her back and jumped in front of her. "But it's a pity I didn't manage to startle you, Big Sister!"

"When your father arrived, I knew you would be coming, and I had a rough idea of what you’d try to do. I was prepared, so naturally, I wasn't going to be startled by you, girl."

Su Qing smiled and shook her head, then asked, "Did your mother come?"

"My mother came too... so this time, I probably won't be able to go back with you, Big Sister," Red Boy said with a look of regret.

It seemed she had planned to follow Su Qing back to the Northern Continent after the banquet.

However, because Rakshasi had come along, that plan had easily fallen through.

Su Qing found this quite amusing and said, "It’s less than half a month until the next time you can come see me. Why the rush?"

"Isn't it because I missed you, Big Sister?" Red Boy said with a grin, a slight blush on her small face.

Su Qing felt helpless; no wonder Rakshasi was always worried about this girl!

"Right, go call your father over. I have something I want to talk to him about." Su Qing rubbed her chin, deciding to stop bantering with Red Boy and instead ask about the Bull Demon King’s situation.

After all, the change in the Bull Demon King was simply too great.

Red Boy nodded and scurried off to find her father.

Soon, the Bull Demon King came over.

He sat down beside Su Qing, not too close nor too far, exactly one seat away.

Seeing this, Red Boy squeezed directly into the middle, leaving the Bull Demon King speechless.

On the side, Taibai Jinxing spoke up, "It seems you two have things to discuss. Should I step aside for a moment?"

"There's no need. It's not a secret. It's fine for you to listen, Senior... in fact, I’d like to hear your thoughts as well." Su Qing shook her head.

She didn't mind Taibai Jinxing being present, as she understood his character. He wasn't one to meddle or gossip.

Taibai Jinxing gave a helpless smile and nodded, remaining where he was.

With that settled, Su Qing looked at the Bull Demon King and sized him up once more.

Finally, she rubbed her chin and said, "Indeed, no matter how I look at it, your temperament is vastly different from before. You’ve even picked up a bit of Buddhist aura now."

The Bull Demon King chuckled and nodded. "I’ve noticed it myself... but it’s normal. After all, I am now practicing Buddhist arts. It’s not strange for me to pick up a bit of Buddhist aura and for my temperament to soften."

"Hmm? You’ve actually switched to practicing Buddhist arts?"

"Yes! Although I’m not a full-fledged member of the Buddhist sect and am not bound by many of their precepts, Medicine Master Buddha treats me as an equal and even bestowed a powerful Buddhist manual upon me."

The Bull Demon King nodded and continued, "I saw that the manual was very powerful, so I simply started practicing it. But as soon as I did, I found that I’m actually quite suited for Buddhist arts. In such a short time, I’ve already reached this level."

Su Qing looked thoughtful, then nodded. "Impressive indeed... it seems Brother Bull is truly a genius for Buddhist cultivation. However, don't actually become a monk..."

Su Qing wasn't just considering the Bull Demon King; she was mostly thinking of Red Boy. Red Boy was his daughter, after all. If something happened to the Bull Demon King, Red Boy would surely suffer.

So, if she could say a few words, she intended to do so.

Hearing Su Qing’s words, the Bull Demon King was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter. "Rest assured, I have a wife and daughter to care for; how could I become a monk? My practice of these Buddhist arts isn't so I can join the clergy or fully commit to the Buddhist sect. I only do it to gain more strength and to put the Buddhist sect more at ease with me."

The Bull Demon King actually had many considerations.

Don't let his somewhat dull and unintelligent appearance fool you, as if he could be tricked into being sold for beef. In reality, he wasn't stupid at all. How could a great demon who had lived for so long be stupid? It was just that his priorities were different.

Su Qing remained silent for a moment after hearing this, then nodded slightly. "Fine, there isn't much I can say. As long as you have a sense of propriety, Brother Bull."

"Rest assured, rest assured. I have a sense of propriety. No matter what, I will certainly ensure the safety of my wife and daughter." The Bull Demon King nodded with a smile.

Seeing this, Su Qing also nodded and chose to believe him. She couldn't say for sure about other things, but the Bull Demon King definitely loved his daughter.

"Ahem, I still need to find Wukong to catch up, so I won't keep chatting with you, Little Sister..." The Bull Demon King suddenly remembered something and added with a smile, "Right, Red Boy, stay here and keep your Big Sister Xiao Qing company."

Hearing this, Red Boy put her hands on her hips and said, "I know, I know! I’ll stay with her; I would have done it even if you didn't say anything."

Red Boy wanted nothing more than to stay by Su Qing’s side. She’d be happy to stay with her for a lifetime.

The Bull Demon King smiled. He naturally knew what was in his little girl’s heart. He said, "I’m telling you not to cause trouble for her!"

"I... I won't!" Red Boy rolled her eyes, feeling like her father was treating her like a child.

Seeing her like that, the Bull Demon King just shook his head with a laugh and went off to catch up with Wukong.

While Red Boy and the Bull Demon King were bickering, Su Qing had been using Sound Transmission to talk with Taibai Jinxing.

"Senior Taibai Jinxing... do you think the Bull Demon King changed so quickly because he was set up?" Su Qing asked.

Taibai Jinxing’s reply was somewhat indirect. "Some things are not for people like us to discuss... even with your status and strength, Sovereign, it is better to discuss such things less."

Hearing this, Su Qing understood.

She nodded and said, "So that’s how it is? It’s exactly as I guessed. Oh well, I can't interfere in this matter anyway."

"We can't control the affairs of that one... but you can rest easy. Although that one wants to turn the Bull Demon King into a full member of the Buddhist sect, He won't do anything too out of line. He has his dignity to maintain, after all."

Taibai Jinxing continued via Sound Transmission: "Furthermore, this isn't entirely a bad thing. Once the Bull Demon King becomes a member of the Buddhist sect, they will be more willing to help them through the coming tribulation."

Taibai Jinxing also knew about the Great Tribulation of Heaven and Earth.

Su Qing nodded. "I understand what you mean, Senior."

As Su Qing was speaking with Taibai Jinxing, Red Boy and the Bull Demon King had finished their conversation.

The Bull Demon King went to find Wukong, while Red Boy came over to pester Su Qing.

Seeing this, Su Qing could only end her conversation with Taibai Jinxing and chat with Red Boy for a bit.

Finally, Su Qing called over Su Ying'er and Yudie and sent Red Boy off to play with them.

Once Red Boy had gone to play with the girls, things became much quieter around her, allowing Su Qing to continue chatting with Taibai Jinxing about other matters.

In this manner, the two chatted while watching the guests arrive one by one.

Before they knew it, the guests were all present, and no one else was arriving. Likewise, the time was right—the sun was high in the sky.

And so, the banquet began.

Nothing noteworthy happened during the meal, except that Yudie ate to her heart's content.

Soon, lunch was over.

Once the meal was finished, some of the guests departed.

However, Su Qing didn't leave yet, as she planned to take Bai Yuhe around Flower-Fruit Mountain to see its magnificent scenery.

This wasn't something Su Qing insisted on, but rather something Bai Yuhe had requested herself.

Ever since her brief glimpse from the clouds earlier, she had developed a deep interest in Flower-Fruit Mountain.

If it looked that beautiful from the sky, how wonderful would it be to appreciate it slowly from the ground?

Bai Yuhe naturally wanted to experience it.

Of course, under normal circumstances, she wouldn't dare wander through the mountains and forests alone. But now, with Su Qing by her side and Yudie and the others there as well, she felt brave enough.

"I wonder if there are any unique animals in these mountains besides the beautiful scenery?"

Bai Yuhe walked beside Su Qing, looking left and right like a country bumpkin in a palace.

However, this wasn't a palace, but a mountain. And what amazed Bai Yuhe wasn't a grand garden, but the quiet beauty of the great mountain.

Hearing Bai Yuhe’s words, Su Qing rubbed her chin and said, "There are indeed many rare birds and exotic beasts in these mountains, but whether we see them depends on luck... after all, those little creatures are very timid."

"It doesn't matter. If I see them, it's my luck; if not, it's my fate. Seeing this beautiful scenery is already enough to make this trip worthwhile." Bai Yuhe was quite open-minded and didn't force the issue.

Su Qing smiled and nodded. "It's good that you see it that way!"

On the side, Yudie spoke up, "We’ll definitely see them! There are so many in these mountains!"

Su Qing didn't confirm or deny it, simply leading the way.

She led everyone up the mountain to admire the views, and it was a joyful experience.

And so, the group wandered through the mountains for the entire afternoon.

It wasn't until a streak of orange-red appeared on the horizon that the group realized they had been enjoying themselves so much that they had lost track of time.

Before they knew it, it was already late.

At this hour, it was naturally time to return and rest.

When they came out, they could walk slowly, but for the return trip, Su Qing used a cloud.

It was faster and saved effort.

Su Qing used the cloud to take everyone to a high altitude.

From such a height, the full view of Flower-Fruit Mountain was revealed once again.

Thus, as soon as they reached the heights, Bai Yuhe and the little ones fixed their gazes on the beautiful scenery of Flower-Fruit Mountain once more.

Seeing this, Su Qing gave a helpless smile but didn't scold them.

She just looked down at Flower-Fruit Mountain below.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, she murmured to herself, "Speaking of which, Flower-Fruit Mountain is the ancestral vein of the Ten Continents, and the earth vein below is the most powerful of all... if the earth vein here also undergoes that mutation..."