Before long, Tripitaka realized that this whole trip to Gao Manor was yet another scheme by the Tathagata's order. Remembering his prior unfortunate experiences, Tripitaka couldn't shake the feeling that there was some deeper motive behind this arrangement.
"Wukong, you're sure there's nothing amiss here?" Tripitaka asked, seeking confirmation again.
The Monkey King nodded confidently. This ordeal was one of the predestined trials, and Pigsy was meant to join Tripitaka as his second disciple, playing a crucial role in the Four Pilgrims team. Even if Tripitaka tried to avoid it, the Tathagata's followers would find ways to bring him back. Instead of wasting time resisting, he could actively seek out Pigsy and even rack up some karmic points!
Assured by Wukong's response, Tripitaka felt at ease. In his mind, the Tathagata's followers were always setting him up for failure, whereas Wukong was the one consistently helping him succeed.
"Elder Gao, I accept this responsibility. Tonight, I will subdue the pig demon!" Tripitaka declared with a noble air.
"Thank you, holy monk!" Gao patriarch (Elder Gao) replied gratefully. Observing the subtle, affectionate glances exchanged between his daughter Gao Cuilan and Wukong, he hesitantly asked, "And what arrangements does… er… this, uh… esteemed master have in mind?"
The Monkey King's dashing appearance, complete with flowing locks, made it hard for Elder Gao to refer to him as a "monk." Besides, what kind of monk would be flirting with his daughter right in front of him? But seeing the bashful look on Gao Cuilan's face, he realized that his daughter's heart had already been stolen. At least, he thought with relief, it wasn't a pig stealing his flower!
The elder felt a strange sense of relief. This young master clearly possessed great abilities—he had, after all, simply breathed out a stream of immortal energy to help people rise to their feet. With such a powerful figure as his son-in-law, Elder Gao couldn't complain. Besides, given that Pigsy was out there, the world suddenly seemed much more dangerous.
"Amitabha! My disciple here will see to your manor's safety," Tripitaka chimed in, though he was oblivious to the little drama playing out.
"Thank you, holy monk!" Elder Gao replied enthusiastically. "I'll leave my daughter's safety in your disciple's capable hands. I'm too old to need protection," he added with a wink, casting a look at his daughter, Gao Cuilan. "Cuilan, dear, you must personally attend to our guest, the esteemed master. Make sure he's well looked after!"
"Father…" Gao Cuilan replied, blushing deeply but not resisting.
The Monkey King shot a surprised glance at Elder Gao, thinking, this old fellow shows promise! Perhaps I'll do him a favor in the future.
Later, Tripitaka and the Monkey King made their way to the rear courtyard. After quietly dispelling the protective enchantments Pigsy had set up, Wukong gave Tripitaka a nod, signaling him that it was his chance to impress.
Receiving Wukong's look, Tripitaka understood immediately. Standing tall before the door, he solemnly intoned, "Amitabha!"
Turning to Elder Gao, Tripitaka gestured, "Elder, let's proceed inside."
Elder Gao stood there, stunned. Was that all? He hadn't seen anything unusual. Nonetheless, Tripitaka confidently strode up to the door, pushing it open without resistance.
"Creak~"
The door swung open with ease, and Elder Gao was taken aback. "Truly, the holy monk's divine power knows no bounds!"
Though he hadn't seen any miracles, the open door was proof enough for him, and he wasn't one to miss a chance to shower praise. Tripitaka, undeterred by Elder Gao's astonishment, walked through the courtyard and made his way to the pavilion. Cautiously, Elder Gao asked, "Holy monk, is the pig demon here?"
Instinctively, Tripitaka glanced at Wukong, who subtly shook his head. "Rest assured, elder. The pig demon is not currently here. And even if he were, I would subdue him in an instant!" Tripitaka said, radiating confidence.
Seeing the monk's poise, Elder Gao felt emboldened. He instructed the female servants to go fetch Lady Cuiqing (Gao Cui's alias). Learning that Elder Gao intended to grant her the freedom to choose her path, Cuiqing was moved to tears.
From Cuiqing's account, they discovered that although she had hidden away in the pavilion, the pig demon had visited her nightly for the past two days. Determined, Tripitaka announced that he would confront and subdue the pig demon that very evening.
"Wukong, how should I proceed tonight?" Tripitaka whispered, careful not to let anyone else overhear.
"Master, your task is quite simple. When the pig demon arrives, all you need to do is stand in the pavilion and shout, 'I am the one destined to fetch the sutras!' That will do the trick," Wukong replied with a smile.
"That's it?" Tripitaka was taken aback by how easy it sounded.
"Indeed, it's that easy!" Wukong shrugged. Pigsy was sent by Bodhisattva Guanyin as an escort for the sutra seeker, and he likely had orders from the Jade Emperor himself. Once he learned Tripitaka's true identity, he'd probably flee in fear, if not immediately beg forgiveness.
"But that lacks… a certain grandeur," Tripitaka murmured, dissatisfied.
Wukong was momentarily speechless. Ah, so he just wants to make an impression! If that's all, why didn't he say so?
"Master, I've imbued your nine-ringed staff with a one-time spell. It doesn't do much beyond looking impressive. Just give it a good whack when the time comes, and the rest is up to you!"
"My disciple, you truly are the best!" Tripitaka grinned, pleased with his pupil's thoughtfulness.
Meanwhile, Wukong had other plans for the evening. A charming maiden awaited him, and her gaze was already warm with affection. Elder Gao had generously offered them this opportunity, and since respect for the elderly was a core value, he fully intended to make good on it.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]