Encountering a Monster at Zhenhai Temple (XI)

After Ao Tu cleared up the misunderstanding with Nezha, he returned the Universe Ring, the Universe-Splitting Silk, the Wind Fire Wheels, and other items to Nezha.

Nezha accepted the Duobao, but when he saw Ao Tu take the Sun-Shooting Divine Bow, he refused, saying, "This is yours, I'm returning it to you."

Ao Tu said, "I have many treasures and don't need this bow. You should take it."

Nezha snorted and said, "I have my own bow, what would I need yours for?"

Seeing his expression, Ao Tu stepped forward and laughed, "What's wrong? You lost to me, and you're still not convinced?"

Nezha ignored Ao Tu and turned his head away.

Ao Tu chased after him again, laughing as he said:

"You clearly misunderstood me. You came to my door shouting threats and destroyed so many of my Belongings. I didn't blame you because of our past friendship. Now, instead of saying a few nice words to appease me, you expect me to appease you?"

Upon hearing this, Nezha felt ashamed, his face flushed, and he said:

"Who needs your coaxing? I'll take it. I've heard there are three Asura King in the Blood Sea. With this precious bow, I'll certainly not let you down; I'll kill one and that will be my achievement."

Having said that, he took the bow, which shrank again, and hung it on his chest, hiding it under his bodice.

Ao Tu laughed from the side and said, "Well done! You know how to play the game! You took my divine bow and then tried to kill my Asura King. No matter how you look at it, I'm the one who's at a disadvantage."

Nezha said, "Yes! Yes! It's all yours! You greedy Demon Dragon!"

As the two were talking, the Rat Spirit walked in and said to Ao Tu:

"Brother, please think of a way to get rid of that Sha Monk. His presence by Tang Sanzang's side is truly unlucky; it will hinder my success."

At this moment, the Rat Spirit saw Nezha, paused for a moment, then his face lit up with joy, and he quickly bowed down, calling him elder brother.

Seeing this, Nezha became more serious. Although his little face was still the same, he suddenly exuded the aura of the Third Lotus Prince, and said:

"Can you cultivate in peace here?"

The Rat Spirit said, "I will obey my elder brother's orders and dare not be disrespectful."

Nezha nodded.

Ao Tu, however, sensed something, called the Rat Spirit out, grabbed Nezha, and asked, "Do you recognize this place?"

Nezha said, "That Yaoguai was originally Golden-Nosed White-Haired Rat Spirit. She stole the Tathagata's Fragrant Flower Treasure Candles, Tathagata Buddha asked my father and me to capture her. We should have killed her then, Tathagata the Buddha said something like, 'One should not fish in stagnant water, nor feed deer in deep mountains, hoping for immortality,' so he spared her life. She was grateful for his kindness, so she called my Father King her father and me her brother, and set up Incense Offerings and a memorial tablet to worship her."

Ao Tu said, "So, you know this place, yet you still misunderstand something? You must be bored alone in the Heavenly Realm and deliberately Lower Realm to play a trick on me!"

Nezha said, "You think I'm like you? You never tell the truth, you're just good at lying! Although I know this place is real, I also know that you, this Demon Dragon, have a fondness for the young, which is why I suspect you!"

Ao Tu was shocked and angrily said, "Nonsense! Nezha! When have I ever liked young children?"

Nezha asked, "Isn't Jiangzhu young?"

Ao Tu said, "Jiangzhu is just thin and frail. She Creation countless years of fortune in Yaochi. In terms of age alone, I should call her elder sister!"

Nezha scoffed, stood on the table, and glanced at Ao Tu with obvious disdain.

Ao Tu said, "Even if we don't count Jiangzhu, there's still Apricot Immortal. How can she be so young? Why don't you mention that?"

Nezha still looked at Ao Tu with disdain.

Ao Tu asked, "And what about Hong'er from Yaochi? Is she still young?"

Nezha was even more disgusted.

Ao Tu was furious and chased him away, saying, "Don't stand on my desk! You're not wearing shoes and socks, you'll dirty my desk!"

Nezha chuckled and sat down.

Ao Tu thought to himself that he hadn't hit him hard enough; this little Nezha should be taught a lesson.

The two then talked for a while, Ao Tu arranged for him to stay.

After that, Nezha had nothing to do all day. He would either bicker with Ao Tu, play pranks, or tease him. On the contrary, when the Rat Spirit was around, he would be more mindful of his elder brother's dignity, but then it would be Ao Tu's turn to tease him again.

Meanwhile, Wukong had already arrived at the Purple Bamboo Forest to request Guanyin Bodhisattva.

Wukong waited outside for a while, and Guanyin Bodhisattva came out of the Chaoyin Cave and asked Wukong what business she had come to see him about.

Wukong then delivered the invitation, explaining that Ao Tu wanted to become Dao Companion with Heavenly King Li's daughter, and requested Guanyin Bodhisattva to come over.

Upon hearing this, Guanyin Bodhisattva was greatly alarmed. After confirming the matter again and again, she found that the handwriting on the post was undoubtedly written by Ao Tu himself, and she couldn't help but feel a little angry.

Her disciple was exceptionally talented, so how could she be so unable to resist mere beauty?

Guanyin Bodhisattva asked, "Wukong, I've never heard of him wanting to find Dao Companion before. Why is he acting so rashly?"

Wukong casually remarked, "Bodhisattva, you are unaware of this!"

Guanyin Bodhisattva asked, "I don't know why?"

Wukong said, "That Heavenly King Li's daughter is extremely beautiful! I heard that she is called ' Earth-Surge Madam,' and also known as ' Half-Body Guanyin.' My Dragon Brother must be unable to resist her beauty, and is therefore eager to become her Dao Companion. I have asked you, the old Sun, to invite all the Immortal and Bodhisattva to be our witnesses."

Upon hearing this, Guanyin Bodhisattva immediately summoned the Dragon Girl, took the Jade-Cleansing Bottle, and departed in auspicious Auspicious Light.

Wukong caught up and said, "Bodhisattva, don't worry!"

Guanyin Bodhisattva, radiating auspicious Auspicious Light, said, "I am not in a hurry."

Wukong said, "I still need to invite Manjushri Bodhisattva and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. I haven't been to their place before, so would you please show Old Sun around, Bodhisattva?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "The two Bodhisattva ' Taoist temple are at Mount Wutai and Mount Emei. You may go there yourself."

Having said that, Guanyin Bodhisattva vanished in an instant, bathed in Auspicious Light.

Wukong said helplessly, "Why is this Bodhisattva walking so fast? The guests haven't all arrived yet. What good will it do to go so early? I might even have to help them with the wedding arrangements." So he changed course and went to Mount Wutai.

Inside the Bottomless Cave, the Rat Spirit, dressed in a seductive and alluring manner, wore a lace-trimmed, crimson-purple glass dress that hugged her slender waist, accentuating her curves and revealing her narrow Golden Lotus. She walked gracefully, coaxing Tang Sanzang:

"Master, do you know: our predestined bond from a past life was tied by a red thread, our love as inseparable as fish and water. Unexpectedly, we are now separated, our paths diverging! The rising waters of the Blue Bridge make our union impossible, the smoke of the Zoroastrian temple has died down, and our joyous gathering is in vain. We have parted again after all this time; when will we meet again?"

When Tang Sanzang heard the Rat Spirit utter these sweet words, he quickly covered his face and avoided her gaze.

The Rat Spirit then caught up with them.

Because Ao Tu used an excuse to send Sha Wujing away, no one stopped them at this time.

Although Bajie was present, he instead sided with the Rat Spirit, saying to Tang Sanzang:

"Master! If you ask Old Pig, why did you betray the Benefactor's sincere feelings? At your age, it's not easy to have someone love you like this! If you get any older, you'll be like Jiang Shang Jiang Ziya back then, having to find an old hag to keep you company!"

Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang felt both embarrassed and distressed, and couldn't help but grit his teeth and swear:

"My disciple, to say such things is truly unbecoming of a human being! Since I left Chang'an, when have I ever tasted meat? If I were to lose my true yang energy, I would be condemned to Reincarnation, cast behind the Yin Mountain, never to rise again!"

When Bajie heard Tang Sanzang say such harsh words, he dared not offer any further advice.

The Rat Spirit was filled with hatred upon seeing this and wanted to force the marriage, but Ao Tu refused. Helpless, she could only leave in anger.