Chapter 95 - 093: Flowers Not Flowers, Fog Not Fog
Meanwhile, Tao Yao had ascended to the Taqing realm in the Thirty-Three Skies and caught sight of the resplendent Doulu Purple Mansion, which filled her with great joy.
Tao Yao hurriedly descended from her cloud and briskly approached the entrance of Doulu Palace where she found two Taoist boys dozing off by the door.
Without disturbing them, she transformed into a streak of colorful light and flew inside. Just as she entered, she was met with a flash of golden light that swiftly bound her tight, draining her of all strength and causing her to fall to the ground while exclaiming, "Ouch, that hurts!"
Alerted by the commotion, the two Taoist boys called out, "What demon dares to recklessly barge into Doulu Palace without knowing its own strength?"
Out from the palace came Laozi, who upon seeing Tao Yao, slightly furrowed his brows and asked, "Who are you?"
The golden light that had ensnared her was one of Laozi’s Magical Treasures, the Golden Rope, which he usually wore around his waist. Sensing an intruder, he had casually cast the Golden Rope, managing to capture Tao Yao perfectly.
After retracting the Golden Rope back into his hand, Laozi helped Tao Yao up and she inquired, "Are you the Grand Supreme Lord?"
Laozi nodded and replied, "Indeed, I am he. What brings you here seeking me?"
Rubbing her sore shoulder, Tao Yao bowed respectfully and said, "Grand Lord, my friend Sun Wukong has wronged you by stealing your Immortal Pills; he is at fault, but I beg you to forgive him and not refine him to death. A lighter punishment would suffice! If that is not acceptable, I am willing to take his place and offer recompense for the Immortal Pills."
Stroking his beard, Laozi pondered and responded, "Your offer of compensation seems appropriate. These Seven-Colored Flat Peaches are indeed rare in this world."
Tao Yao’s complexion turned pale, but she still bowed and said, "If you really insist on compensation, then please just take it, but first release my friend."