Chaos Spirit Field

After careful consideration, Zhao Shanhe concluded that no place would be appropriate for placing Qian Duoduo. Luo Tianshuang's place was definitely out of the question; there was no way to explain it, and the underworld wasn't a place for the living to dwell permanently. Sanxian Island was also out of the question, as it would easily expose his current identity. As for bringing Qian Duoduo along to join the westward journey, where he could vent his abundant energy when bored, while a good idea, it was too abrupt and unsuitable. For now, he could only remain in the Chaos Spiritual Field to slowly grow, and then resurrect him when a suitable arrangement was found.

Time flies. Ever since the westward-bound group left Skull Mountain, the monsters seemed to have gone into hiding, and they hadn't encountered a single decent one. Zhao Shanhe and his group traveled by day and rested in caves at night. This went on for three whole months, and it was getting rather boring.

Sun Wukong returned from his scouting trip and reported to Zhao Shanhe, "Master, there's a mountain about three hundred miles to the southwest. It's emitting a strong demonic aura. Should we go over there?"

Zhao Shanhe pondered for a moment, then smiled faintly and replied, "Buddhism has just updated its route map. The flat-topped mountain ahead is the only way we can pass on our journey west. We can't avoid it."

After hearing this, Zhu Bajie couldn't help but grumble, "Master, this is really too frustrating to jump into a trap even though you know it's a trap!"

Zhao Shanhe teased, "Bajie, who let others hold the power of speech? If you think you can defeat the Tathagata Buddha, your master will take you to the Great Leiyin Temple in the Western Paradise right now. There's nothing wrong with experiencing more hardships and trials. Once our cultivation is improved, our chances of victory will naturally be greater in the future."

When Long Shisi heard this, he immediately interrupted excitedly, "Master, can we have another feast?"

Zhao Shanhe knocked on Long Shisi's head and said unhappily, "All you do is eat! Your cultivation isn't commensurate with your strength. This will be very dangerous. This time, I leave the monsters of Pingdingshan to you. No one else is allowed to help Little Shisi."

After hearing this, Long Shisi said aggrievedly, "Master, I will die!"

Zhao Shanhe responded coldly, "It would be better if he died. It would be perfect for making dragon meat hot pot."

In reality, Zhao Shanhe had long since learned the details of the monsters in Pingdingshan through deduction. There were three barely worthy monsters here, all at the level of True Immortal, similar in strength to Long Shisi. The Golden Horn King and Silver Horn King of Lotus Cave were alchemy disciples of the Jade Emperor, and they had come with a special mission. The other was a fox spirit that had long been entrenched in the area, residing in the Thousand Fox Cave. Her identity was somewhat unique.

At this time, the Silver Horn King received the news from his little demon, and hurried to the sleeping Golden Horn King, saying anxiously: "Brother, Xuanzang and his group are here, how should we deal with it?"

When King Jinjiao heard this, he shuddered and his sleepiness disappeared instantly. He said, "Second brother, Xuanzang is a ruthless man. The God of Rain killed people just because he made him unhappy. The Emperor of Heaven didn't even say a word. Our weak arms and legs can't withstand a blow from Yuan Hong. You'd better not provoke him."

"Brother, what about the mission the master has assigned us? If we fail to complete it, we will be punished."

"Alas, it's all our fault for trusting the wrong person back then, believing that old man's lies. The master is so hypocritical, wanting to be a whore and a saint at the same time. You have some friendship with Marshal Tianpeng, so ask him to help you think of a solution."

"Brother, Marshal Tianpeng has converted to Buddhism. Will he still cherish our friendship?"

"Second brother, as the saying goes, money makes the world go round. Our mission is not difficult. It's just a piece of cake for Marshal Tianpeng. I stole a lot of good things from the master. The worst that can happen is that we have to give up some money."

"Brother, why don't you go? I'm not good at talking."

"Second brother, don't I have no friendship with Marshal Tianpeng? Master Xuanzang is a wise man. We have never committed murder, so they won't kill innocent people."

As the conversation went on, the westbound team reached halfway up the mountain when Zhao Shanhe suddenly wanted to rest. He said, "Bajie, I'll rest here for a while. Go explore the monster's cave and find out what kind of monster it is and how strong it is. That way, Little Fourteen can challenge it later. If you encounter any problems you can't solve, open this treasure bag."

Zhu Bajie took the brocade bag and said, "Master, I, the old pig, am leaving now."

After emerging from the cave, the Silver Horn King began to think more and more about what was going on. He felt he had been tricked by the Golden Horn King. Xuanzang and his companions were known for their ruthless killing sprees. He might even be struck dead before he could even open his mouth. After much deliberation, he came up with a plan: hide out for a few days, wait for Xuanzang and his companions to leave, and then come out again. He could then claim he hadn't seen them. Better to be punished than to risk his life.

Meanwhile, Zhu Bajie was rushing towards the Lotus Cave when he suddenly spotted a sneaky figure. He raised his Nine-toothed Rake and flew over, shouting, "Monster, where are you going?"

When the Silver Horned King saw Zhu Bajie rushing towards him with a ferocious look on his face, he quickly shouted, "Marshal Tianpeng, please don't attack me. I am Xiaoyin, a boy who served Taishang Laojun. I once stole the longevity elixir for you."

Zhu Bajie looked at the Silver Horned King with a playful expression and said, "Little Silver, Little Silver, why don't you learn your lesson and stay in Tushita Palace? Why did you go down to the mortal world and become a demon?"

The Silver Horn King was terrified, trembling all over, and stammered, "Heaven... Marshal Tianpeng, could you... could you please put away that Nine-toothed Rake? You know I've always been timid, and this thing is really scary!"

Upon hearing this, Bajie laughed heartily and casually put away his Nine-toothed Rake. He then asked again, "Xiaoyin, tell me why you came down to earth to become a demon? What was your purpose in being so sneaky just now?"

"Marshal Tianpeng, this is a long story, and I can't explain it in a few words! My cave, Lotus Cave, is not far away. My eldest brother Xiao Jin is there right now. We can chat over a drink."

"Xiaoyin, it's not appropriate for us to eat and drink while my master is hungry, right?"

"When we get to the Lotus Cave, I'll have my men prepare a sumptuous vegetarian meal and send it to Master Xuanzang. Marshal Tianpeng, please come in."

Zhu Bajie followed the Silver Horn King to the Lotus Cave. Upon hearing the news, the Golden Horn King hurried out to greet him. He said, "Marshal Tianpeng, your visit to my humble abode is truly a great honor. Please take a seat. I will have someone prepare some wine and food."

The Silver Horn King said, "Brother, please prepare a table of good vegetarian dishes and send them to Master Xuanzang first, so that Marshal Tianpeng won't feel uneasy when eating."

"Second brother, you stay with Marshal Tianpeng and chat for now. I'll make the arrangements right away."