Tripitaka was completely bewildered, unsure of how to respond. Seeing his hesitation, Elder Jinchi assumed it was reluctance to share the treasure and grew visibly displeased.
"Revered Monk, I have shown you all the treasures of this monastery. Why are you unwilling to share yours? It seems a bit unfair, doesn't it?"
Tripitaka remained at a loss. Monkey King, realizing there was no way to prevent this ordeal, decided to intervene.
"Abbot, please don't take offense. My master has no such intentions. He merely feels that his meager possessions could hardly compare with the illustrious treasures of your monastery!"
"Amitabha!" Elder Jinchi, quite pleased with Monkey King's flattery, was nevertheless consumed with curiosity about the radiant treasure.
Tripitaka finally gave in to Jinchi's persistence and reluctantly retrieved the glowing garment from his travel chest. However, he quickly noticed that something was amiss. Although the cloth radiated Tathagata's light, it wasn't the Brocade Cassock he'd received, and the original had mysteriously disappeared.
"What on earth…" Tripitaka muttered, bewildered as he held the garment.
"Ah, what a magnificent treasure!" Elder Jinchi's mouth practically watered as he gazed at the glowing cassock.
"Ahem, Master Abbot, mind your appearance," Monkey King reminded him tactfully.
Jinchi quickly wiped his mouth, though his gaze remained fixed on the cassock. "Revered Monk, might you allow this old man a closer look?"
Still puzzled over the sudden appearance of this unfamiliar cassock, Tripitaka, seeing Jinchi's eagerness, decided to humor him and handed it over. Observing the events unfold smoothly, Guanyin, satisfied, turned her attention to Black Wind Ridge.
"Wukong, something feels off," Tripitaka murmured, calling Monkey King over.
"What's wrong, Master?" Monkey King raised an eyebrow, surprised that Tripitaka had picked up on the strangeness.
"This cassock isn't mine, yet here it is in my chest, while my Brocade Cassock has vanished. It's clear someone switched them. Even though this cassock radiates Tathagata's light, I feel it carries hidden dangers," Tripitaka whispered, his face full of worry.
"It just means it's a powerful artifact, what's there to worry about?" Monkey King replied casually.
"Artifact? Ha!" Tripitaka scoffed, shaking his head. He pointed to the band on his head, "This band is also an artifact—yet look where it's gotten me! I don't care how powerful this cassock appears; I'm convinced it's a trap."
Perfect. This was exactly what Monkey King hoped for—Tripitaka was becoming increasingly wary, almost paranoid, of potential schemes against him.
"So, what do you plan to do, Master?" Monkey King asked, hiding his grin. He'd initially thought there was no profit to be made from this ordeal, and the two million karma points spent on concealing the cassock were just the price of dealing with the Buddhist Order's scheming. But seeing Tripitaka's reaction now? This was a golden opportunity.
"This splendid garment… I don't believe it was meant for me," Tripitaka said thoughtfully, glancing at Elder Jinchi, who was practically drooling over the cassock. "The abbot seems to be quite fond of it, so why not let him have it?"
Perfect. Tripitaka had handed Monkey King the perfect assist without him needing to say a word. And with Tripitaka willingly giving up the cassock, Monkey King now had a freer hand in dealing with the Black Bear Demon.
"Revered Monk, I have a request," Elder Jinchi ventured, barely able to tear his eyes from the glowing cassock.
"Please, speak freely, Abbot," Tripitaka replied, maintaining a modest demeanor.
"Would you be willing to part with this magnificent garment?" Jinchi asked, then hurriedly added, "If you agree, I'll offer my entire collection of treasures, and even this monastery, in return. I implore you, grant me this favor!"
He was ready to resort to harsher measures, if necessary, but he hoped this plea would suffice.
"Amitabha, a Buddhist treasure belongs to those fated to possess it," Tripitaka said, feigning reluctance. "However, since the abbot requests it so sincerely, I can't in good conscience refuse. Just one condition, and the cassock is yours."
A spark of hope gleamed in Elder Jinchi's eyes. His greatest fear had been that Tripitaka would refuse outright, but the monk seemed amenable.
"What condition would you set, Revered Monk?"
"It's a simple request," Tripitaka replied, keeping his expression earnest. "All I ask is that my disciples and I be allowed to lodge here tonight, and that the abbot provide us with a meal."
Elder Jinchi chuckled. "I would never overlook such hospitality! I'll instruct my disciples to prepare a fine vegetarian meal for you at once."
"I think you misunderstand, Abbot. I wasn't asking for a vegetarian meal," Tripitaka clarified, his eyes glinting with a barely concealed craving. "I'd like a meat feast."
"Meat?" Elder Jinchi looked at Tripitaka in shock.
"…" Monkey King, too, was speechless.
All this, and he just wanted meat.
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