Chapter 260: Seeing Nezha Again
Did Sun Wukong come to the Heavenly Court just to save face for the Great Jade Emperor?
This statement originally made many people scoff in their hearts.
Firstly, would this rascal monkey really be so kind-hearted?
Secondly, and most importantly, this mere rascal monkey, although skilled, when it's time for the Great Jade Emperor to lose face, can he really protect him?
But one must admit, if what he said was true, then, indeed, there might be some reason in it.
Were there really gods from the heavens who secretly descended to the Mortal World to become demons? Not to mention whether the Jade Emperor would be heartbroken if this monkey killed one with a strike, just the act of gods secretly descending is enough to embarrass the Heavenly Court.
It's like a high-ranking official of a country secretly engaging in illegal businesses, isn't it?
If this matter were really exposed, known to all under heaven, wouldn't that be a loss of national dignity?
"Someone, go and check if any immortals have secretly descended lately!" The Great Jade Emperor said after a brief moment of silence.
With the words of the Great Jade Emperor, naturally, people quickly began to act and investigate.
It did not take long before the matter reached the Lingxiao Hall, stirred out by the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, Sun Wukong, and personally investigated by the Great Jade Emperor, which naturally meant efficiency was high.
In no time at all, someone arrived.
"Your Majesty, after careful investigation, Kuimu Wolf from the Twenty-Eight Star Abodes has been missing for over ten days!" an immortal knelt before the Great Jade Emperor and reported.
"You, monkey, did show some concern!" Slightly waving his hand to dismiss the reporting immortal, the Great Jade Emperor's gaze fell on Sun Wukong as he spoke.
This statement was clearly a compliment, acknowledging that Sun Wukong's actions were appropriate.
"Wukong, for this matter, what do you think should be done?" After praising Sun Wukong, the Great Jade Emperor then asked him.
"Since it's your affair, naturally, you, Great Jade Emperor, should decide yourself. I, Old Sun, wouldn't presume to interfere!" Sun Wukong replied with an air of disinterest regarding the Jade Emperor's query, letting the Jade Emperor handle it himself.
This reply pleased the Great Jade Emperor, who nodded in approval inwardly.
However, the thought of dealing with the matter himself felt rather thorny to the Great Jade Emperor.
If someone from the Heavenly Court truly went down to capture him, wouldn't the matter become known to everyone?
By then, that one of the Twenty-Eight Star Abodes, Kuimu Wolf, had actually descended to the Mortal World to become a demon. Wouldn't that suggest that life in the Heavenly Court was inferior to that of a demon creature? Where would the dignity of the Heavenly Court be placed?
"Thousand-Mile Eye, Wind-Listening Ear, you check what the situation with Kuimu Wolf is!" Yet without immediately saying anything further, the Great Jade Emperor promptly issued his command.
Following the will of the Jade Emperor, two immortals from those present stepped forward and utilized their divine skills to seek out information.
In no time at all, the two deities conferred briefly and then unified their report, saying, "Your Majesty, Kuimu Wolf has indeed settled in Wanzi Mountain next to Treasure Elephant Country and has even had a son with a human…"
Hearing this, the Jade Emperor's brow furrowed slightly. It was one thing for an immortal to secretly descend and become a demon, but to also have a child?
After pondering for a moment, the Great Jade Emperor then said to Sun Wukong, "Wukong, as the saying goes, 'one shouldn't trouble two masters for one matter.' Since that's the case, let's leave it to you to take action! Don't expose his identity as an immortal, just capture him under the guise of exorcising demons. As for his child, that is a stain on the Heavenly Court…"
...
While a day in the heavens is a year on Earth, Sun Wukong's trip to the Heavenly Court could be described as a quick round trip, but still, it took some time for those immortals to check which one had secretly descended.
For the Mortal World, in the blink of an eye, two months had passed.
Reminder: Experience Points +6.
Reminder: Experience Points +6.
Reminder, Experience Points +6.
...
Jiang Liu, that day, was still in the Royal Palace, sitting cross-legged in cultivation. With two months' time and no need to travel, he had more time for cultivation than usual.
After the completion of the Heavenly Dragon Zen Sound, Jiang Liu silently recited the character panel in his mind.
Looking at his own character panel, the 2 million Experience Points needed for upgrading, which now stood at 1.7 million, he nodded in satisfaction.
At this rate, in another ten to fifteen days, he should be able to level up to level 36.
The King of Treasure Elephant Country had not urged them in the two months they waited, aware of the saying that a day in the heavens equals a year on Earth.
Thus, during these two months, he was waiting leisurely for Sun Wukong's return.
It wasn't long before Sun Wukong returned from the Heavenly Court, bringing the imperial decree with him.
Apart from Sun Wukong, the Great Jade Emperor also sent Third Prince Nezha to come together to subdue demons and eliminate evil.
Although this task had been entrusted to Sun Wukong by the Great Jade Emperor, after all, it was the responsibility of the Heavenly Court. It wouldn't be appropriate to leave everything to Sun Wukong without lifting a finger, right?
To show importance, the Great Jade Emperor sent Nezha along as well, which could also be seen as expressing the stance of the Heavenly Court.
"Master, I, Old Sun, have returned!" Landing from the sky alongside Nezha, Sun Wukong greeted Jiang Liu with a shout.
"Wukong, who is this!?" Seeing Nezha coming with Sun Wukong, Jiang Liu was slightly startled and then pretended not to recognize him, asking the question.
The last time Nezha came, he had used his transformation ability to deceive others.
"This is Third Prince Nezha, sent by the Jade Emperor to cheer for me, I, Old Sun!" Hearing Jiang Liu's question, Sun Wukong chuckled and responded.
"What nonsense are you spouting, Monkey? The Jade Emperor thinks you are insufficient alone, that's why His Highness sent me to assist you!" Unable to tolerate Sun Wukong's words, Nezha retorted irritably. Enjoy exclusive content from My Virtual Library Empire
Cheer for him? As if I am only fit to cheer for him?
"You little brat, for years you have been defeated by me, I, Old Sun. Do I still need your help!?" Glancing at Nezha, Sun Wukong responded irritably.
"You are infuriating me, Monkey; if you dare, let us battle it out for three hundred rounds!" Hearing Sun Wukong's habit of offensive quipping, the delicately handsome Nezha became flushed with rage and cried out loudly.
"Uh, their relationship seems to be quite solid!" Observing the angry banter between Sun Wukong and Nezha, Jiang Liu actually felt their relationship was rather good.
After all, if they weren't on good terms, why would Nezha have generously gifted the Exquisite Immortal Mansion previously?
Their manner of interacting reminded Jiang Liu of his past life's interactions with a few close friends back in school.
"Alright, Monkey, Third Prince, both of you simmer down a bit. Let's discuss how we are going to exorcise the demon, shall we?" Seeing the back and forth mockery between Sun Wukong and Third Prince Nezha, Zhu Bajie couldn't help but intervene as the peacemaker.
"Do we even need to discuss how to subdue the demon? Leaving it to me alone is sufficient!" Hearing Zhu Bajie's words, Sun Wukong spoke confidently, clearly confident in his own abilities.
"Amitabha, Wukong, let your master assist you in this battle!" However, hearing Sun Wukong's words, Jiang Liu suddenly spoke up, volunteering to fight.
No matter how you look at it, the Yellow-Robed Monster was of the level of a Taiyi True Immortal. If he could earn some Contribution Points from this, wouldn't there be great loot to drop?
Moreover, most importantly, only by participating in the battle himself could he ensure that Sun Wukong didn't kill the Yellow-Robed Monster, since killing him would merely leave him severely injured and unconscious.
"Good, Master, let's go together when the time comes!" Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong thought for a moment and then nodded in agreement.
"Eh? Holy Monk, are your skills very impressive as well!?" Although it wasn't Nezha's first time seeing Jiang Liu, hearing Jiang Liu's volunteer surprised him and he looked at him curiously.
This monkey, without even participating himself, wants Tang Monk to help? Could Tang Monk be even more powerful than him?
More importantly, if Tang Monk truly had no skills, and the Monkey had to be distracted to protect him once the battle started, how could he possibly agree to it?
"Heh heh heh, my master's methods are beyond your imagination!" Hearing Nezha's surprised comments, Sun Wukong chuckled.
Not to mention his master's fighting abilities, but Sun Wukong was well aware of his support skills.
With him assisting from the sidelines, his own strength would surge immensely!
"Oh? I hadn't thought of that. So, the Holy Monk actually has such skills!" Hearing Sun Wukong's praise for Jiang Liu, Nezha looked at Jiang Liu in surprise.
Of course, there was also a hint of expectation in his eyes. The Monkey was hard to impress, and to receive such praise was no small feat.
"It's just some peculiar abilities!" Responding to Nezha's expectant words, Jiang Liu humbly replied in a low voice.
...
Meanwhile, at Hundred Beasts Mountain.
There was a stream in the mountain, and in front of Sha Wujing was placed some food, all meaty and paired with strong liquor, but he hadn't touched it at all.
After a short while, Amei, with horns on her head, came over carrying a big bowl of white porridge and approached Sha Wujing.
"Thank you, Amei!" Hearing her approach, Sha Wujing opened his eyes, picked up the bowl of porridge in front of him, and expressed his gratitude.
"I–I should be the one taking care of you!" Hearing Sha Wujing's thanks, Amei appeared flattered.
Seeing Amei's reaction, Sha Wujing smiled slightly and said nothing further.
Drinking a spoonful of the porridge, its bland taste warmed his heart and lungs.
"General Liusha, why do you always dislike eating meat? If you only drink porridge, wouldn't the other generals in the mountains look down on you?" After hesitating for a while, Amei mustered the courage to ask Sha Wujing.
"Because this meat is hard to eat!"