Guanyin nodded gently and looked at the pipa in Jade Flute's arms.
"Indeed."
"Ruyi and Pipa were able to become artifact spirits because they were both deeply bound to the Yin-Yang Twin Springs."
"Thus, the instrument they have become already counts as Western Liang's nation-guarding treasure. Nourishing it with Western Liang's national fortune can stabilize their true spirits, and even strengthen them."
At this, Bajie rubbed his chin. "Hiss... Bodhisattva, haven't we gone right back in a circle? For those two to be nourished, the Western Liang Women's Kingdom has to keep existing. What happens if the Kingdom of Women is gone?"
Miaole nodded. "Precisely, so..."
Seeing that he was about to speak again, A-Hu hurriedly raised her hand. "Don't say anything!"
Miaole froze.
A-Hu looked at Guanyin. "Listen properly to what the Bodhisattva has to say."
Miaole gave a wry smile and could only swallow the words on the tip of his tongue, retreating half a step to the side.
Guanyin nodded, then looked at the people of the Kingdom of Women. "That is precisely what I am about to address."
The Queen's expression grew solemn, and the Grand Tutor and the surrounding female officials all listened closely.
"The matter of the Fetus-Reflecting Spring involves souls and reincarnation."
"Thus, before coming to Western Liang, I first consulted Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, then reported the matter to the Great Heavenly Venerable together with him."
"Now that Miaole and the Sun-Rising Star Official have arrived, I presume this is the arrangement made after the Great Heavenly Venerable consulted the Dao Ancestor."
Miaole nodded gently at her words. The Sun-Rising Star Official also inclined his head slightly, saying nothing more.
The Queen glanced at the two of them, yet for some reason, her heart inexplicably tightened. "Bodhisattva, is something wrong?"
"Yes, and it is