Journey to the West: Starting from Changing Sun Wukong’s fate
Chapter 289 - 290: Give up on the Journey to the West; Master is Gone

Chapter 289: Chapter 290: Give up on the Journey to the West; Master is Gone

The two Chen Chengs, upon hearing Sun Wukong say that they could still see their master, both felt somewhat bewildered.

They had already fallen into the Tongtian River, so how could it still be possible to meet again?

However, since Sun Wukong had said so, they refrained from saying anything further.

Sun Wukong looked towards the direction of the backyard, where the Sand Monk was no longer in sight.

"Brother Monkey, are we really not going to rescue our master?"

Although Zhu Bajie was not fond of seeking scriptures, he had been with his master for several years, naturally feeling a certain loyalty.

"Don’t worry, our Junior Brother Sand will definitely think of something!"

Sun Wukong responded noncommittally.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Bajie couldn’t help but roll his eyes, seeming to have thought of something.

"Does Brother Monkey mean that he will inform the heavens, asking them to bring our master to us?"

Zhu Bajie’s eyes flickered with joy at the thought.

"No, just to let them notify the celestial Court that if they do not wish to continue with the Journey to the West, then let Xuanzang fall to the bottom of the Tongtian River!"

Sun Wukong rested his hands under his head.

"Then our master is truly pitiable, he was forced into this situation after all!"

Zhu Bajie voiced his sympathy.

"You blockhead, with our master’s current strength, if any demons capture him, they’ll probably end up being converted by him!"

"Even if he encounters water, he will likely be unscathed. There’s nothing to worry about!"

Sun Wukong had long formed his own opinion about Xuanzang’s strength, and only Zhu Bajie and Sand Monk still regarded him as a mere mortal.

But how could the current Xuanzang just be compared to an ordinary person?

If it were so, one Xuanzang would have not been enough to satisfy them.

...

Meanwhile, in the backyard, the Sand Monk had already transmitted all that had happened up above.

Above, in the Ninth celestial Palace.

"Your Majesty, the Great General Who Lifts the Curtain has sent news that Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie, upon seeing their master Xuanzang fall into the Tongtian River, are preparing to give up the rescue and abandon the Journey to the West!"

Taibai Jinxing spoke somewhat helplessly.

If it were possible, he really did not want to get involved in the Calamity of Measurement, but he was now powerless to do otherwise.

Upon hearing Taibai Jinxing’s words, the Deities of the celestial Court looked at one another with strange expressions.

As the one who initiated the Calamity of Measurement linked to the Journey to the West, Sun Wukong’s intention to give up on the journey was undoubtedly a great crisis, explaining the recent emergence of an identical Sun Wukong.

It was clear the Western Direction had also realized that without a compliant substitute for Sun Wukong, the Journey to the West would not proceed smoothly.

Unfortunately, the Six Eared Macaque prepared by the Western Direction was effortlessly defeated by Sun Wukong.

The Jade Emperor, sitting atop the Golden Palace, also furrowed his brows slightly.

"Although the Journey to the West is an inevitable trend of heaven and earth that cannot be changed, the future will surely greatly benefit Buddhism, and not our celestial Court!"

The Jade Emperor slowly spoke.

As soon as he said this, many Deities of the celestial Court nodded in agreement; they were not keen on exerting themselves for the Western Direction!

"However, we should remind Buddhism once again, lest they claim the celestial Court did not assist!"

The Jade Emperor continued speaking.

Of course, whatever was done during the Calamity of Measurement, there would naturally be some merit to be gained after its perfection, which would be extremely beneficial for the celestial Court.

Otherwise, based on mere benefits, the Jade Emperor had no real interest in helping Buddhism.

He had already done enough.

Upon hearing the Jade Emperor’s intention to assist Buddhism, most of the Daoist members present appeared indifferent, while those Deities of the celestial Court aligned with the Western Direction showed joy.

After all, the flourishing of Buddhism held many advantages for them.

"Taibai Jinxing!"

The Jade Emperor called out.

"Your humble servant is here!"

Taibai Jinxing, having been addressed by the Jade Emperor, sighed inwardly, but he stepped forward all the same.

"Go to the Dojo of Guanyin Bodhisattva of the South Sea, and do not delay!"

The Jade Emperor instructed directly.

"I shall follow Your Majesty’s edict!"

Upon receiving the edict, Taibai Jinxing immediately set off for the South Sea.

In the South Sea, on Mount Luoja, within the Purple Bamboo Forest.

Taibai Jinxing descended through the clouds and arrived at Mount Putuo.

He then saw the Twenty-Four Heavens and the Mountain Guardian Deity, Merciful Shore Walker, Shancai Tongzi, and the Dragon Girl with the Pearl greeting him together.

They bowed in unison and said, "May we inquire as to the reason for Star Lord’s presence?"

Taibai Jinxing replied, "There is a great matter at hand, please relay the message."

"The Star Lord, please wait here for a moment, we will go and inform them immediately!"

"Thank you!"

A while later, only the Merciful Shore Walker remained to keep him company.

"What brings the Star Lord here on this occasion? The Bodhisattva mentioned that today Great Sage Sun would arrive, and I did not expect the Star Lord instead!"

Merciful Shore Walker and Taibai Jinxing were somewhat acquainted, which is why he began to say slowly.

"I’m afraid Sun Wukong will not come!"

Hearing Taibai Jinxing’s words, Merciful Shore Walker sensed something was amiss.

"Does the Star Lord mean that the Great Sage himself can resolve this difficulty?"

Merciful Shore Walker was somewhat surprised, for he had followed the Bodhisattva for a long time and was naturally aware of the schemes laid out by Guanyin Bodhisattva.

However, Sun Wukong did not follow their planned course of action.

"I’m afraid that’s the case!"

Taibai Jinxing sighed, realizing that if Sun Wukong had been willing to come, he wouldn’t have needed to step in.

"That being so, it’s no wonder the Star Lord stepped forth personally!"

The Merciful Shore Walker nodded. There was nothing he could do in this situation, and he could only leave it to the Bodhisattva and the other exalted beings to devise a strategy.

It was at this moment that a woman stepped forward.

At this time, Guanyin Bodhisattva appeared in a state of languor, not having adorned herself with make-up or jewelry. She was still beautiful, with her hair loose and without a beaded necklace or plain monk’s robe, wearing only an intimate short jacket and a long skirt.

Her bare feet, her jade hands holding a steel knife, she was engaged in stripping bamboo skin.

With each manipulation, a bamboo basket was nearing completion.

"Bodhisattva!"

Taibai Jinxing greeted her with great respect.

"I never expected the Star Lord to visit today. It appears my prediction was mistaken!" Guanyin Bodhisattva said.

"It’s just that monkey being disobedient!"

Taibai Jinxing offered some consolation.

"I’m already aware of the purpose of the Star Lord’s visit. Please, go back first and inform Sand Monk. Have him and the other two travelers on the Journey to the West wait for me at the Tongtian River. I shall be there shortly!"

Guanyin Bodhisattva spoke calmly.

"As you wish, Bodhisattva. I shall go and relay the matter!"

Taibai Jinxing nodded, knowing that since the Bodhisattva was informed, there was no need for him to stay any longer.

He then relayed the message to Sand Monk.

Sand Monk couldn’t help but show a look of delighted surprise.

"Big Brother, Second Brother, let’s hurry to the bank of the Tongtian River. Master is waiting for us there!"

...

Meanwhile, up ahead, Sun Wukong was still chatting with Zhu Bajie.

"I bet Junior Brother Sand will have some news for us before long!"

Sun Wukong said, smiling.

"Impossible, how could it be so fast?"

Zhu Bajie was somewhat incredulous.

"Idiot, there’s nothing to gain for us in this Journey to the West, but it’s different for them!"

Sun Wukong shook his head.

While they were talking, they heard Sand Monk’s voice.

Surprised, Zhu Bajie exclaimed, "Brother, you really are something, guessing it right like that!"

Soon, Sand Monk came rushing over.

"Big Brother, Second Brother, I have a premonition that Master is waiting for us at the Tongtian River!"

Sand Monk hurriedly said.

He could only say that; he couldn’t possibly reveal that he had made contact with the deities of the celestial Court and that it was the Bodhisattva who assigned them to the Tongtian River, as that would make it obvious he had celestial backing.

Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie exchanged glances.

"Big Brother, since Junior Brother Sand has already said so, let’s also go to the bank of the Tongtian River to see for ourselves!"

Zhu Bajie got up, completely without doubt.

They were both in the know, so what was there to doubt?

It was simply about putting on a performance along with Sand Monk.

Seeing that Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie didn’t suspect anything, Sand Monk couldn’t help showing a happy expression.

It didn’t take long for the three to arrive at the bank of the Tongtian River.

When they got to the riverside, they could already see Guanyin Bodhisattva standing there.

"Brother Monkey, the Bodhisattva isn’t on her Lotus Platform and hasn’t bothered with grooming. She also looks worried. What might have happened?"

Zhu Bajie, who was beside him, inquired after seeing this scene.

Sun Wukong glanced at Zhu Bajie. Isn’t the answer obvious?

It must be because they were not heeding the orders of Buddhism.

One wants to leave and not save Xuanzang, and the other follows along. If it weren’t for Sand Monk, the group might have already disbanded.

However, Sun Wukong naturally wouldn’t voice his thoughts and instead asked Guanyin Bodhisattva with a smile, "May I know the reason for your honored visit, Bodhisattva?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva sighed softly and replied, "I’ve come because of the demon in the Tongtian River."

Guanyin Bodhisattva untied a silk ribbon, secured the basket with it, and then holding the ribbon, stepped onto a cloud and threw it into the river while chanting indistinctly, "Let the dead go, let the living stay, let the dead go, let the living stay."

After chanting seven times, she lifted the basket and saw a goldfish inside, blinking its eyes.

Surprised, Sun Wukong exclaimed, not expecting the demon of Tongtian River to still be alive.

Zhu Bajie glanced over and said, "The Bodhisattva might not know that this demon of the Tongtian River is extremely wicked; every year, it demands that the people of Chen Family Village offer a boy and a girl for its consumption, and this year is already the ninth year!"

"If it weren’t for Brother Monkey and me, a ninth pair would have suffered this very year. However, the previous eight pairs have already become food in its belly. Such a creature, defying the Heavenly Dao, deserves no place in this world!"

"Moreover, this demon made turbulent waters and swept our Master away into the Tongtian River. I’m afraid our Master has already been swallowed by it!"

Saying so, Zhu Bajie sadly added, "Bodhisattva, why don’t we just cancel this Journey to the West? Our Master is gone!"

Hearing Zhu Bajie actually suggesting this in front of the Bodhisattva, Sun Wukong was quite startled; that fool dared to speak so freely.

As expected, Guanyin Bodhisattva’s expression became a bit displeased.