Chapter 1392 - 942: Outside Tianzhu, Desperately Praying for Rain; Sun Wukong Devises a Clever Plan to Bring Sweet Dew
With the King’s edict in hand, the soldiers naturally did not dare to block the way, and prepared a table of vegetarian meals for Duanmu Huai and Sun Wukong. After they finished eating, the soldiers respectfully returned the travel documents and then dispatched someone to escort them through the pass, leaving Sun Wukong marveling in amazement.
"Master, I really didn’t expect the King here to be so sensible. I thought we were in for a big battle," said Sun Wukong.
"Having fought in Chechi Country, there is no need for battle here," replied Duanmu Huai while riding on his horse, appearing quite calm.
"The saying ’a single fist fight avoids a hundred others’ is exactly the point. Our names have spread throughout West Cowherd State for subduing demons and devils, and once the King heard of what happened with the King of Chechi, he wouldn’t dare trouble us."
At this point, Duanmu Huai sneered. The Tathagata orchestrated this journey to the West, originally to have Monk Tang act as a living advertisement for himself. However, Duanmu Huai would certainly not comply with his wishes. Whether it was subduing demons or helping those countries expel troubles, he attributed all merits to Tian Zi of Great Tang, citing the power of Tang and the blessing of Tian Zi as the reasons for his actions. Therefore, if you are to give thanks, give it to Tian Zi of Great Tang, not the do-nothing Tathagata.
Because of this, along the way, those countries were either grateful or submissive, all turning towards Tang. As for respecting Buddha... well, that’s another story.
In fact, Duanmu Huai didn’t care about that matter—if a country’s King swore to kill ten thousand monks, Duanmu Huai would not interfere. Regardless of the reasons, as long as the killing of monks wasn’t for some Demon or Devil’s scheme, it had nothing to do with Duanmu Huai. Besides, Sun Wukong had observed that there was no sign of demons causing chaos in the skies above the nation—nothing but harmony and auspicious light.
So, if monks were being killed, it was of no concern to him as long as it wasn’t the deeds of demons.
After leaving Miasfa, they journeyed another day, drawing ever closer to Spirit Mountain. Of course, it was still some distance away from Spirit Mountain. That day, Duanmu Huai and Sun Wukong took the route that led them to a prefecture outside Tianzhu. Upon entering through the three layers of gates, they saw desolation among the people and desolation in the streets. Reaching the marketplace, they saw many dressed in blue, lined up on both sides. The crowned leader, upon seeing the two, was startled at first but then hurriedly approached.
"Dare I ask if you two are the Holy Monks from Eastern Land, traveling to the Western Paradise to seek scriptures?" he asked.
"Yes, we are. What is the matter?" Duanmu Huai nodded lightly and inquired while the official kneeled on the ground.