I am submissive in Journey to the West, I strike hard at the gods

Bodhi Patriarch laughed heartily, stood with his hands behind his back, and looked at Sun Wukong with a deep gaze: "Something fun?"

That's fair to say.

However, this matter concerns the woman you've been longing for, Baihua Xiu. Would you be interested in hearing about it?

"Baihua Xiu?"

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong shuddered. His previously lazy expression instantly turned focused, his monkey eyes widened, and he said urgently, "Ancestor, please tell me quickly!"
Where is Baihuaxiu now?

I, Old Sun, have been searching for her for so long, I'm frantic!

Patriarch Bodhi stroked his white beard and said slowly, "Don't rush, don't rush."

I have come here to offer you a fortunate opportunity.

This opportunity will help you find Baihuaxiu, but you will have to pay a price.

Would you like to hear it?

"cost?
What's the price?
"Grandpa, please don't keep me in suspense! I'm so anxious I'm scratching my head!"

Sun Wukong suddenly stood up and circled around Patriarch Bodhi twice, displaying his impatient monkey-like manner.

Bodhi Patriarch smiled slightly, but his gaze held a deeper meaning: "This opportunity requires you to follow someone and protect them."

But before that, you must be imprisoned under a mountain until that person appears and rescues you.

Are you willing? "

Sun Wukong was taken aback, scratched his head and said, "Suppress?"
I, Old Sun, finally managed to pop out of the rock, and now I'm going to be trapped under the mountain again?
"Grandpa, that's not a very nice joke!"

He paused, but a resolute glint flashed in his eyes. "However, if it's for Baihuaxiu, I, Old Sun, will risk it all!"

When do you want to press it?

I, Old Sun, will never even flinch!

Patriarch Bodhi nodded, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "Good!"

As expected of the Monkey King, he truly has courage.

"In that case, I will grant your wish!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he waved his whisk, and the sky suddenly darkened. A majestic mountain descended from the sky, its five-finger shape clearly visible – it was Five Finger Mountain!
"boom!"

The giant mountain landed, dust flew up, and Sun Wukong felt an irresistible force pressing down on him. Although he used all his magic power, he was still firmly suppressed under the mountain, with only his monkey head showing. He shouted with a face full of resentment, "Ancestor, you are too cruel!"
When will I, Old Sun, be able to get out?

Bodhi Patriarch stood in front of the mountain and said calmly, "Wukong, wait patiently."

That person will appear, and you will be freed from your predicament.

The clue to Baihuaxiu lies with that person.

Having said that, he flickered and transformed into a wisp of wind, disappearing without a trace.

Beneath the Five Finger Mountain, Sun Wukong continued to curse and grumble to himself, but there was nothing he could do but close his eyes to rest and wait for an opportunity.

At the same time, far above Jiangzhou, a figure rode the clouds and arrived; it was Jiang Wang.

He was dressed in a long black robe, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes. A simple jade pendant hung at his waist, and his aura was unfathomable.

He looked down and saw the Five Finger Mountain suddenly appear, with Sun Wukong trapped beneath it. He couldn't help but sneer, "Bodhi Patriarch, what a hypocritical fellow! Using such despicable means to suppress Wukong, does he really think there's no one left in the Three Realms?"

A cold glint flashed in Jiang Wang's eyes. He raised his hand and waved it. Golden light shone brightly in his palm, transforming into a phantom of a Buddhist kingdom, with faint chanting echoing from it.

He gave a low shout: "Rise!"

The phantom of the Buddhist kingdom suddenly expanded, enveloping the Five Finger Mountain within it.

The next moment, he forcefully lifted the Five Finger Mountain from the ground, revealing Sun Wukong's figure.

"Ha ha!
"I, Old Sun, am out again!"

Sun Wukong somersaulted out, shook off the dust, and clasped his hands in a fist salute to Jiang Wang, saying, "Brother Jiang, thank you for saving me again!"
This mountain of five fingers is crushing me, it feels like my bones are about to fall apart!

Jiang Wang waved his hand, a half-smile on his face, and said, "What are you thanking me for?"
I simply couldn't stand the hypocritical and sanctimonious face of Patriarch Bodhi.

"Wukong, tell me, why did this old guy want to suppress you?"

Sun Wukong scratched his head and roughly repeated what Patriarch Bodhi had said.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wang frowned slightly and pondered, "A Hundred Flowers Shame?"

It seems this opportunity is no ordinary one.

"Wukong, do you know where Baihuaxiu is now?"

Sun Wukong shook his head and said with a wry smile, "Our ancestor only told me to protect one person, someone who can lead me to Baihuaxiu, but he didn't say exactly where she is."

Brother Jiang, you're so knowledgeable and experienced, do you have any ideas?

Jiang Wang's eyes flashed, and he smiled, "I do have an idea."

I just calculated that Baihuaxiu has now been reborn as a human, becoming the princess of Baoxiang Kingdom.

If you wish to find her, you might as well take a trip to the Kingdom of Baoxiang.

"Baoxiang Kingdom?"

Princess?"

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong's monkey eyes lit up, and he excitedly slapped his thigh, "Brother Jiang, you are truly my lucky star!"
"I'm going to Baoxiang Kingdom right now!"

Before he finished speaking, he somersaulted into the sky and disappeared into the horizon as a golden light.

Jiang Wang watched Sun Wukong's departing figure, shook his head, and muttered, "That monkey, his impatience hasn't changed."

He looked down at his palm, where a mountain-shaped jade stone emanating chaotic energy floated silently—the very heart of Chaos Mountain.

"Ding!

Congratulations, host, for saving Sun Wukong from the Five Fingers Mountain for the second time! You have completed the hidden quest and are rewarded with the Heart of Chaos Mountain!

A voice that only Jiang Wang could hear resounded in his mind.

Jiang Wang grasped the Chaos Mountain Heart, closed his eyes to refine it, and felt a heavy force surging within his body, as if he were carrying a colossal mountain.

He opened his eyes and tried to circulate his magic power. Sure enough, he felt his body was slightly sluggish, but an indestructible defensive shield had appeared around him.

"This Chaos Mountain Heart is indeed extraordinary. Its weight and defense have been increased ten thousand times, which is enough to save one's life in a critical moment."

Jiang Wang muttered to himself, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes, "However, I can't control it at will yet; I need to slowly comprehend it."

He put away the Chaos Mountain Heart and was about to leave when he suddenly sensed a strange aura emanating from a small village ahead. It seemed to be a mixture of demonic energy and celestial energy, quite extraordinary.

With a thought, Jiang Wang descended from the clouds and landed in front of a farmhouse.

The courtyard is simple, with a few chickens and ducks, lush green vegetables growing in the vegetable patch, and a peach tree blooming brightly beside the fence.

As Jiang Wang was observing, a girl of about seventeen or eighteen years old walked out of the courtyard. She had beautiful features, red lips and white teeth, but she also carried a hint of the bewitching aura of a rabbit spirit.

When she saw Jiang Wang, she was slightly taken aback, then smiled and bowed: "What brings you here, esteemed immortal?"

Just as Jiang Wang was about to speak, another person walked out of the house. She was dressed in plain peasant clothes, with a hairpin in her hair, but her appearance was beautiful and refined, and her temperament was extraordinary. She was none other than the fairy Chang'e!

"Chang'e, the Moon Goddess?"

Jiang Wang was taken aback and blurted out, "How come you're here?" Chang'e smiled slightly and bowed, saying, "Fellow Daoist Jiang, how have you been?"

I live a secluded life here, leading a peaceful and carefree existence.

"I wonder why you've come, my friend?"

Jiang Wang came to his senses and cupped his hands, saying, "I was passing through this place when I sensed the aura of immortals, so I came to investigate."

To unexpectedly encounter a fairy here is truly a remarkable coincidence.

Chang'e covered her mouth and chuckled, a sly glint in her eyes: "Fate?"
"Fellow Daoist Jiang, could it be that you've taken a fancy to the vegetables in my little courtyard and wish to take a few home?"

Jiang Wang laughed and shook his head, saying, "You jest, fairy."

Jiang was merely curious: why would a fairy abandon the tranquility of the Moon Palace and come to this humble mortal village?

Chang'e sighed, her gaze distant: "The Moon Palace is beautiful, but it is too desolate."

I have come here to experience the pleasures of the mortal world.

"Fellow Daoist, your methods in rescuing the Monkey King from the Five Fingers Mountain were quite remarkable. You must have incurred the wrath of Patriarch Bodhi, haven't you?"

Jiang Wang raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Bodhi Patriarch?"

It's just a few petty tricks.

If he's truly capable, why doesn't he challenge me to a fair and square contest?

Upon hearing this, Chang'e shook her head, her tone tinged with emotion: "Fellow Daoist Jiang has a bold and unrestrained nature, somewhat similar to that of the Monkey King."

However, undercurrents are surging within the Three Realms; fellow Daoist, you must proceed with caution.

Jiang Wang nodded, but a strange feeling arose in his heart.

Looking at Chang'e's beautiful face and then at the ordinary courtyard, he felt that this encounter was perhaps ordained by fate.

He cupped his hands and said, "I have remembered your words, Fairy."

I apologize for bothering you today; I'll visit again another day.

Chang'e nodded and escorted him to the courtyard gate, saying softly, "Fellow Daoist Jiang, you are welcome to come anytime you have free time."

"My little courtyard has quite a few vegetables."

Jiang Wang smiled and agreed, then rode away on a cloud, secretly thinking, "There must be a reason why the fairy Chang'e is living in seclusion here."

"Never mind, we'll explore that another day."

His figure gradually faded into the distance, disappearing into the sea of ​​clouds, while the small courtyard remained tranquil, as if it had never been disturbed.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the bluestone path of the small mountain village. Jiang Wang, dressed in a blue robe, walked briskly through the old locust tree at the entrance of the village, and caught a faint, exotic fragrance.

This fragrance is unlike that of ordinary flowers and plants; it is more like a blend of celestial and demonic auras, carrying a touch of coolness and liveliness.

He frowned, pondering to himself, "How could such an aura exist in this remote place?"
Could it be some kind of demon or immortal passing by?

Driven by curiosity, he followed the scent, turning down several muddy paths, and finally stopped in front of a small fenced yard.

The courtyard was simple yet elegant, with morning glories climbing all over the fence. Several chickens and ducks strolled leisurely in the yard. In the distance, under a peach tree, stood a woman in white, her back to Jiang Wang, seemingly teasing a snow-white rabbit in her arms.

The woman had a graceful figure and long, flowing hair. Moonlight shone around her, and Jiang Wang was startled, blurting out, "Who are you, and why are you here?"

Almost simultaneously, the woman turned around, her voice clear and melodious like jade beads falling onto a plate: "And who are you, and what brings you here?"

The two spoke in unison, and before they could finish, their eyes met, and the air seemed to freeze for a moment.

Jiang Wang saw her face clearly: her eyebrows were like distant mountains, her eyes like cold stars, and a faint smile on her lips, carrying a hint of coldness and aloofness. She was none other than Chang'e, the fairy of the Moon Palace.

Chang'e sized up Jiang Wang, her gaze shifting between his handsome face and resolute eyes, a ripple stirring in her heart: "This man has an extraordinary bearing, he seems familiar, yet also a stranger."

"Haha, what a coincidence!"

Jiang Wang broke the silence first, scratched his head, and revealed a sunny smile, "My name is Jiang Wang. I was passing by this place and sensed a demonic aura, so I came to investigate."

I never expected to meet you, a fairy.

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the jade rabbit in Chang'e's arms, and teased, "This rabbit is quite intelligent; could it be your celestial pet?"

Upon hearing this, Chang'e gently stroked the Jade Rabbit's fur, a tender look flashing in her eyes: "It is called the Jade Rabbit, and it was indeed brought from the Moon Palace."

As for why I am here…

She smiled slightly, her tone tinged with a hint of mockery, "I just came down to the mortal realm to relax when I had nothing else to do."

And you, Jiang Wang, what brings you to this humble village in the mortal realm?

Jiang Wang was about to answer when he noticed that Chang'e's gaze was clear as water, as if she could see through people's hearts.

His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly looked away, coughing lightly, "I... I'm traveling around and just happened to be passing by."

Despite this, he was secretly delighted: this fairy Chang'e was indeed as beautiful as the legends said, and there was a strange tacit understanding between them when they spoke in unison just now.

Chang'e also sensed the subtle atmosphere. Her eyes flickered slightly, but another figure appeared in her mind—Hou Yi, who held a divine bow and laughed heartily.

Her heart tightened, and she quickly lowered her eyes, saying softly, "Since you're just passing by, why don't you come in for a cup of tea and rest your feet?"

The Jade Rabbit beside her suddenly raised its head, its little eyes wide open, and transmitted its voice to Chang'e: "Master!"
When did you become so enthusiastic towards a strange man?
This Jiang Wang is clearly no ordinary person; he probably has some powerful background. You'd better be careful!

Chang'e did not answer, but gently patted the Jade Rabbit's head to signal it to be quiet, and then said to Jiang Wang, "Let's go, there are some freshly made osmanthus cakes in the house. If you don't mind, try my cooking."

Jiang Wang was taken aback, then smiled even more brightly: "Osmanthus cake made by the fairy herself?"

Then I'll have to savor it properly!

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the chickens and ducks in the yard, and said half-jokingly, "By the way, how do these chickens and ducks that the fairy raises taste?"
Do you sell them?

Chang'e chuckled, a sly glint in her eyes: "I don't sell chickens and ducks, but if you like them, I can make some for you to try."

"Come on, let's not stand in the yard in the wind."

After saying that, she turned and walked into the house, her steps light and graceful, her skirt shimmering softly in the setting sun.

The Jade Rabbit was held in Chang'e's arms, its little paws unconsciously gripping her sleeve as it urgently transmitted its voice, "Master!"
Are you crazy?
Normally, when immortals and gods seek an audience with you, you don't even give them a second glance. Why are you being so polite to Jiang Wang today?
Could it be... that you have some feelings for him?

"What nonsense!"

Chang'e scolded in a low voice, but her tone was less cold than usual, "I just thought he was interesting, so I treated him to a meal."

You little rabbit, you're meddling way too much.

The Jade Rabbit snorted, still looking suspicious, its gaze shifting back and forth between Jiang Wang and Chang'e, thinking to itself, "Interesting?"
"Hmph, I bet this Jiang Wang is a smooth talker. Master, don't let him fool you!"

Upon entering the house, Jiang Wang looked around and saw that the furnishings were simple yet cozy. On the wooden table was a plate of crystal-clear osmanthus cakes, and the air was filled with the faint fragrance of osmanthus.

Chang'e placed the Jade Rabbit on a small stool to the side, personally brought over a pot of tea, and said with a smile, "Jiang Wang, sit down and try this osmanthus cake. It's made with osmanthus from the Moon Palace."

Jiang Wang didn't stand on ceremony. After sitting down, he picked up a piece of osmanthus cake, took a bite, and immediately felt a refreshing fragrance in his mouth, sweet but not cloying.

His eyes lit up and he exclaimed, "The fairy's skills are comparable to those of the imperial chefs in Heaven!"

If I could eat pastries like these every day, I'm afraid I'd never want to travel again.

Upon hearing this, Chang'e covered her mouth and chuckled, but a complex look flashed in her eyes. (End of Chapter)