Journey to the West: Starting from Changing Sun Wukong’s fate
Chapter 331 - 332 Do You Know What’s Causing Trouble?

Chapter 331: Chapter 332 Do You Know What’s Causing Trouble?

Xuanzang and his companions reached the city gate, where they saw the words "Zhu Zi Country" written on the apricot yellow banner.

Xuanzang quickly dismounted, led the horse, and entered the city with everyone.

The group walked down the main street.

Seeing the people of Zhu Zi Country looking confident and well-dressed, speaking clearly, they could almost compare with the Great Tang.

At this time, the street vendors and pedestrians had already noticed Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sand Monk, all with their grotesque appearance, and a crowd started to gather around to watch the excitement.

Although Xuanzang wasn’t worried about his disciples causing trouble, after all, being in a foreign country, any conflict that arose could lead to serious trouble.

He then warned, "Disciples, keep your heads down as we walk to avoid any incidents!"

Zhu Bajie obediently buried his head in his chest, and Sand Monk didn’t dare to look up, either.

Only Sun Wukong remained unconcerned, looking around excitedly.

After all, Sun Wukong was the type who enjoyed a lively scene.

Zhu Bajie glanced at Sun Wukong and said, "Brother Monkey, they are laughing at you, why are you still so happy?"

"Let them laugh; Old Sun will play his part—what’s the big deal?"

Sun Wukong’s face showed a complete lack of concern.

Having heard Brother Monkey speak like this, what else could Zhu Bajie say?

In fact, he started to think there was some truth in Sun Wukong’s words.

The onlookers simply watched curiously from the side, pointing fingers at Xuanzang and his companions.

They didn’t make any overly offensive moves.

The group continued along the main street and before long, they reached a government office with the words "Huitong Inn" written above it.

Upon seeing this, Xuanzang’s face lit up with joy, and he said, "Let’s go into this office first."

"Go there for what?" Sun Wukong asked with some confusion, looking at the office ahead.

Xuanzang explained with a smile, "The Huitong Inn is a place for official exchange. Let’s rest there for a while. After I meet with the authorities to exchange our travel documents, we can leave the city and continue our journey."

Zhu Bajie quickly raised his head and the onlookers who had followed to watch the commotion scattered in fright.

Zhu Bajie glanced at the crowd around them and hurriedly said, "Master is right; let’s go inside and take refuge from these noisy people."

Zhu Bajie, unlike Sun Wukong, did not enjoy being pointed at by these people.

Sand Monk also nodded in agreement, eager to get inside and out of sight.

So, they all entered the Huitong Inn, and only then did the crowd that had been watching the excitement gradually disperse.

At that time, the main and deputy innkeepers of the Huitong Inn were handling public affairs in the front hall. Upon seeing Xuanzang and his entourage, they quickly asked, "Who are you?"

Seeing them, Xuanzang was very polite, clasping his hands together and saying, "Amitabha Buddha, this poor monk comes from the Great Tang of the Eastern Land, sent to the Western Heaven seeking scriptures. Upon arriving at this Treasured Place, we dare not pass through without due process, hence we carry Guan Wen [official travel documents] and request permission to rest temporarily in the High Official Residence."

The innkeepers did not dare to neglect them and quickly straightened their clothes to welcome them. They then ordered the servants to prepare the guest rooms and meals.

Guided by the servants, the group arrived at the reception room. Sun Wukong couldn’t help complaining, "These fellows lack manners. We are imperial envoys from the Great Tang of the Eastern Land. Why don’t they receive us in the main hall and treat us with such negligence? This is simply outrageous."

Xuanzang, fearing that Sun Wukong’s complaints might lead to trouble, quickly said, "This place does not submit to the Great Tang’s jurisdiction and isn’t directly connected to our country. Moreover, there are superiors and guests passing through frequently, so it’s difficult for them to accommodate us."

Sun Wukong just laughed and shook his head, saying, "Master is too honest."

Then, a manager brought in some food and vegetables: a plate of white rice, a plate of white flour, two handfuls of green vegetables, four pieces of tofu, two wheat gluten, a plate of dried bamboo shoots, and a plate of wood ear mushrooms.

The manager said with a smile, "There are clean pots and firewood available in the west room, please feel free to cook your meals."

Sun Wukong furrowed his brows upon hearing that they were expected to cook their own meals.

The manager, seeing Sun Wukong’s fierce appearance, didn’t dare to offend and quickly tried to smooth things over with a smile, "We should indeed entertain you, but the staff at our inn is limited and we have been particularly busy these last few days. We apologize for any neglect and hope you will forgive us."

Xuanzang immediately intervened, stopping Sun Wukong and casually saying, "Wukong, don’t cause any trouble."

Xuanzang then turned to the manager and asked, "Manager, may I inquire if your king is currently holding court?"

The manager replied, "Our king has not held court for quite some time."

"Why is that?" Xuanzang asked in surprise, quickly pressing the issue.

The manager answered, "The king has been bedridden with illness and has not attended to court affairs for over three years."

"Then how will we exchange our Guan Wen?" Xuanzang couldn’t help but frown, concerned. With the king not holding court, it would be a problem to exchange his travel documents.

"You will have to wait patiently," the manager said. "From time to time when the king’s condition slightly improves, he does hold court occasionally, but there is no set schedule."

Sun Wukong, surprised, commented, "Your king has been bedridden for three years; why not have a doctor treat him?"

"Ah!" the manager sighed helplessly, "Haven’t we sought treatment? Over the last three years, every conceivable doctor has been consulted and countless remedies tried, yet the king’s condition still hasn’t improved."

"What strange illness has befallen your king?" Sun Wukong grew even more curious upon hearing the manager speak like this.

"It’s said to be an illness, but in truth, it’s nothing more than a fright," the manager mentioned casually.

"A fright from what kind of shock?" Zhu Bajie, too, had never heard of such a thing and now grew curious, asking the question.

After some thought, the manager shared, "There is nothing left to hide now. Three years ago on the Dragon Boat Festival, a sudden eerie wind blew, and thick dark clouds enveloped the entire Royal City. At first, we thought the weather was changing!"

"Before long, a demon emerged from the clouds, with a head dozens of feet in size, hovering above the Royal Palace. It was then that our king was terrified, falling ill for three years."

"During these three years, demons come to harass us every few days, riding the fog and clouds, causing all the townspeople to live in constant fear and anxiety."

"It is said that to avoid the monster, His Majesty the King personally had a Demon-avoiding Tower built. As soon as there is a gust of wind, it’s certain that the demon is coming, so he would hide in advance to avoid being harmed by the demon. Yet, this is merely a temporary respite."

"Considering everything, today should be an auspicious day. His Majesty the King ought to discuss the Yellow List with the civil and military officials. If you wish to exchange your travel documents today, there’s still time, but if it’s left until tomorrow, it will be too late!"

"Oh, what is this Yellow List?"

Sun Wukong uttered in surprise, asking curiously.

"Didn’t our King get sick from being frightened by a monster? He’s seeking to recruit renowned physicians from all over to treat his illness!"

The steward replied.

Xuanzang nodded. These were matters they could not assist with.

"Sand Monk, Wukong, we have time now. You two arrange for the vegetarian meals here. After I go to exchange the travel documents, we can set off tomorrow!"

Xuanzang looked at the sky before he spoke.

"Master, don’t worry. By the time you return, we’ll definitely have the vegetarian meals ready!"

Sand Monk spoke politely at this time.

Xuanzang nodded, straightened his clothes, and then left. Before leaving, he reminded them not to go out and cause trouble.

"Understood, Master. You go ahead!"

Sun Wukong said with a smile.

After Xuanzang nodded and left, it wasn’t long before he arrived at the Wufeng Tower, just as the steward had directed.

He saw the towering palace ahead, indescribably magnificent and grand.

Upon reaching the entrance,

"Who goes there!"

The guarding official frowned as he looked at the approaching monk.

"Amitabha Buddha, this humble monk is from the Great Tang of the Eastern Land, on a mission to the Western Heaven to Seek Scriptures. Today I’ve come to this Treasured Place, hoping to exchange travel documents."

The official did not dare to neglect him and quickly went into the hall to report!

Soon, the official allowed Xuanzang to enter.

Xuanzang hurriedly went in, paid his respects to His Majesty the King, who graciously offered a seat and ordered a vegetarian meal to be prepared!

Xuanzang hurriedly expressed his thanks and then presented the travel documents before sitting to the side.

The King received the documents, indeed recognizing them from the Holy Monk of the Great Tang of the Eastern Land.

The King said happily, "Mage, how many monarchs and wise officials does your Great Tang have? For what reason did the King of Tang send you on such a long and arduous journey through mountains and rivers to the Western Heaven to worship Buddha and Seek Scriptures?"

Hearing the King’s question, Xuanzang slightly bowed and said with his hands clasped, "In my land, three emperors ruled, five emperors divided the realms..."

Xuanzang recounted the history of the dynasties to the King and informed him about the Jing River Dragon King’s affair.

The King of Zhu Zi Country was amazed to hear that such a wise official could slay a dragon in his dreams.

The King of Zhu Zi Country lamented even more that he had been seriously ill for a long time without anyone to cure him, feeling somewhat helpless.

Then he ordered meals to be served together with Xuanzang!

...

As Sand Monk prepared the vegetarian meals, he couldn’t help feeling troubled.

"Tea and food are easy to handle, but the vegetables are difficult to cook!"

Sand Monk sighed.

Hearing this, Sun Wukong asked curiously, "What’s the matter?"

Sand Monk replied, "Big brother, as you can see, without oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, how can it be made!"

Touching his body, Sun Wukong said, "I still have several coins here. Let Bajie go to the market to buy them!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Bajie quickly said, "I wouldn’t dare to go. Look at this face of mine. If I go, I’m afraid I’ll cause trouble!"

Sun Wukong rolled his eyes and said, "Fool, it’s a fair transaction. You’re not taking something for nothing, nor are you robbing anyone. What trouble could there be!"

Zhu Bajie glared at Sun Wukong and retorted, "Big brother, you didn’t see when we arrived here earlier, as soon as I showed my face, I scared away a good ten or eight people? If I go to a busy market, who knows how many more will be frightened!"

Zhu Bajie said, shaking his head repeatedly, refusing to go.

However, the more Zhu Bajie refused, the more Sun Wukong wanted to send him.

"Bajie, do you know what they sell in the busy markets?"

Sun Wukong asked with a smile.

Zhu Bajie shook his head, "I don’t know. Master told me to keep my head down and not cause trouble, so how would I notice what they sell?"

Sun Wukong smiled and said, "In the busy markets, there are taverns, rice shops, mills, not to mention brocade and silk fabrics. Plus, there are tea houses, noodle shops, big pancakes, large steamed buns, restaurants with delicious soups and rice, excellent seasonings, fresh vegetables, sugar cakes, steamed pastries, dim sum, rolls, fried foods, honey treats, countless goodies. What if I go buy some to treat you?"

Listening to Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie couldn’t help but salivate; he was particularly fond of such delights.