A Core Ship From The Start
Chapter 1363 - 919 Sun Wukong’s Transformation Angers the Greedy Monk Duanmu Huai Smashes the Guanyin Temple (Part 1)_2

Chapter 1363: Chapter 919 Sun Wukong’s Transformation Angers the Greedy Monk Duanmu Huai Smashes the Guanyin Temple (Part 1)_2

"......Master, this........."

Upon hearing Duanmu Huai speak with such murderous intent, even Sun Wukong was momentarily at a loss for words, unsure of what to say.

Is this really the Scripture Seeker destined by Guan Shi Yin?

Could it be that Guanyin couldn’t tame him, so she got me, Wukong, to take the hit?

Back when I, Wukong, caused upheaval in the Celestial Palace, I wasn’t this lawless, was I?

While talking, the two continued on their way, and as Sun Wukong looked up, he noticed pavilions and buildings amongst the trees and quickly shifted the conversation.

"Master, look ahead, there’s a residence. If it’s not a palace, it’s a monastery. Shall we take a look?"

They continued along the path and then arrived at the foot of the mountain, where they saw the monastery layered upon itself, presenting a beautiful scene that made it obvious...

"...that this place is nothing good."

Duanmu Huai gave it a glance and scoffed.

"Why do you say that, Master?"

"Isn’t it obvious?"

As he spoke, Duanmu Huai gestured with his hand toward the monastery’s main gate and courtyard.

"This temple is located deep within the mountains and does not look for worshippers; without pilgrims in sight, yet it’s so luxurious and splendid. It must have cost a pretty penny. Heh, Buddha constantly tells followers to abandon worldly possessions, while they themselves use them so eagerly. In the end, telling followers to forsake worldly possessions, isn’t it just for building houses and crafting Buddha statues for themselves?"

As he spoke, Duanmu Huai revealed a cold smirk. He of course knew this was the Liuyun Courtyard, and indeed, in the novel, the elder there coveted Tang Sanzang’s Kasaya, attempting to burn him alive to seize it.

Of course, such temples do exist, but the problem lies in what followed. When Wukong went to seek Guanyin, Guanyin herself admitted that this monastery was her own Liuyun Courtyard. That’s a serious issue.

You see, the moment the monks of the temple saw Tang Sanzang’s Kasaya, their first instinct was to murder and loot, and they even had weapons ready in the temple – who would believe this was their first time at such deeds? And this place is directly under Guanyin’s supervision. With such ethics, is Guanyin truly unaware or pretending not to know?

Moreover, when Guanyin actually berated Sun Wukong for showing off the Kasaya and causing trouble, shouldn’t she have criticized her own followers instead?

So if I don’t show off, you won’t rob me, and it’s my fault, is that it?

And to think that in the novel, when Guanyin went to Chang’an, she transformed herself into a poor, leprosy-stricken monk, precisely to admonish others not to judge by appearances.

Yet her own Liuyun Courtyard is built so opulently?

Huh, this reminds Duanmu Huai of a deputy mayor he read about in the newspapers who one second was declaring, "Resolutely fight against corruption and waste, not wasting a single piece of the people’s clothing," and the next second he was taken away by the disciplinary committee, and it turns out this deputy mayor who lived in a dormitory with eighteen patched-up clothes owned several seaside villas abroad.

Heh heh heh... It’s too bad there is no disciplinary committee in Western Paradise, otherwise, I’d wager Guanyin would be the type to be taken away during a water and land dharma assembly.

Thinking thus, Duanmu Huai’s eyes turned frosty before he gestured to Sun Wukong.

"Come, monkey, let’s play an interesting game, shall we?"

"A game? Master, what game?"

Upon hearing what Duanmu Huai said, Sun Wukong froze for a moment, then moved closer to Duanmu Huai. After some conferring, Sun Wukong’s eyes also started to shine.

"Really? Can we do it? Master?"

"Give it a try, huh? What do you say? Are you in or not?"

"Of course, Master, just leave it to me, your Old Sun!"

A short while later, the two got ready and then made their way to the front of the monastery. At this point, Sun Wukong had already transformed, following Duanmu Huai’s instructions, into that fat, pathetic monk from Journey to the West, while Duanmu Huai himself wore a bamboo hat, posing as a servant leading a horse behind him.

As they arrived at the entrance, they saw the monastery doors wide open and several monks came out to greet them, with the leading monk promptly paying his respects.

"May I ask where the two of you hail from?"

Facing the inquiry of the monks, the Tang Monk that Sun Wukong was impersonating quickly brought his hands together and bowed.

"I, your—... no, I come from the Eastern Tang Dynasty seeking Buddhist scriptures at Thunder Monastery. It’s getting late, and we wish to stay overnight at your temple."

"Oh, please come in, come in..."

Upon hearing the reply, the monks inside showed a welcoming smile and eagerly invited them in. Upon seeing Duanmu Huai with his bamboo hat, they were taken aback for a moment.

"Who might this be...?"

"Oh, he’s my disciple. He has been by my side throughout the journey, guarding against bandits and robbers with his company."

"That makes sense."

Seeing Duanmu Huai with his club in hand, the monk didn’t think too much and nodded in agreement. After all, monks on their way to the Western Paradise face countless dangers, and having such a disciple by one’s side did indeed add a layer of safety.

Guided by the monks, the pair made their way to the back to meet the Abbot. The Abbot looked just like the ones from TV dramas, with his pointy ears and monkey-like face, dressed in expensive garments, clearly not a good sort by the looks of him. Then a tea boy came forward carrying a Sheep Jade tea tray with tea cups holding fine quality tea.

Seeing this scene, Duanmu Huai and Sun Wukong silently exchanged glances, both detecting a hint of disdain. Although serving good tea to guests is a matter of etiquette, this is a monastery, not some wealthy noble’s estate. Monks should be thinking about leading a simple life rather than showing off these frivolous things. For whom are they putting on this display?

As expected, the Abbot soon changed the subject and began asking about the valuables the travelers had with them, and Sun Wukong, following Duanmu Huai’s cues, took out his Kasaya. Upon seeing Duanmu Huai’s Kasaya, the Abbot’s eyes lit up with joy and excitement. He begged to admire the Kasaya for the night and promised to return it to its owners the next day. Naturally, Sun Wukong agreed with a nod, prompted by Duanmu Huai’s suggestion.

After finishing the vegetarian meal, the two went to their room to rest. As soon as Sun Wukong entered the room, he immediately returned to his true form.

"Phew... Master, did you see that?"

"Of course, that bald thief almost had his eyeballs popping out; how could I not see it?"

Hearing Sun Wukong’s remark, Duanmu Huai let out a cold laugh.

"Put your sharp ears to good use and listen to what these people are planning."

"Hehe, no plans required, your Old Sun already heard it all. These monks plan to give us a dose of Knockout Drug, then hack us to death and bury us in the backyard. After, they’ll take joy in claiming our Kasaya and valuable horse."

"Hmph."

Hearing this, Duanmu Huai’s expression darkened. In the novels, these monks are known for setting the monastery aflame because Sun Wukong appeared in his true form back then, which surely didn’t look human at all, so everyone was afraid. But this time, Duanmu Huai and his company looked enough like real people, and that’s why these monks were indeed cruel and ruthless—Duanmu Huai would never believe this was their first time doing such deeds.

"I thought they were planning to chop us up and make meat buns. Seems I gave them too much credit."

As Duanmu Huai spoke, he stood up tall and clenched his fists.

"Well then, let’s teach them a proper lesson, shall we?"