Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao

Bai Huaxiu seemed to discern Kui Mulang's worry. She slowly walked up to her husband and said with concern, "What's wrong? You suddenly look so distressed."

"Bai Huaxiu, I'm afraid we can no longer be together forever!" Kui Mulang said in agony.

The smile on Bai Huaxiu's face froze as she tightened her grip on the handkerchief and asked with a hint of fear in her voice, "Did the Jade Emperor discover us?"

Kui Mulang nodded, which only made Bai Huaxiu's expression grow even more troubled.

"You are a Star Lord of the heavens and you have your mentor; he should not harm you. But what about our children?" Bai Huaxiu quickly realized the situation. She wasn't concerned about her own safety but was worried about their two children.

Kui Mulang also furrowed his brows. He looked deeply at his wife and said, "You are now a mortal, and even though I used my powers to restore your memories from your past life, the Heavenly Stripes do not extend to you. But our children, if they fall into the hands of the Jade Emperor, then we're in trouble."

"We've hidden ourselves so well, and you haven't sought fame outside, how could we have been exposed?"

"You underestimate our supreme ruler too much. His ears and eyes are everywhere under the heavens. Any minor disturbance is reported to him in great detail. I suspect he knew I took you from Treasure Elephant Country. He's just been keeping it a secret, waiting for an opportunity."

"Opportunity?"

"Yes, an opportunity. One that gives no excuse for any of my brothers and uncles to intercede, one that can magnify the matter at hand," Kui Mulang spoke gravely.

"Now that Tang Monk is journeying to the Western Heaven to retrieve the scriptures, it's a major event for all three realms. I have no idea how many powerful immortals and Buddhas are watching. He led Tang Monk to our cave's doorstep intentionally, making it clear he wants to publicize my clandestine affair with the mortal realm to shut up all the immortals of my sect.

It's our own fault for being careless and falling into his trap."

Upon hearing Kui Mulang's explanation, Bai Huaxiu had an epiphany. Being a former celestial maiden tasked with tending incense in a fragrant hall and living carefree for many years as a princess after her reincarnation, how could she know the intricate twists and turns of these affairs?

"What should we do now?" Bai Huaxiu, with her memories restored, naturally understood the intelligence and power of this man who could rule over the three realms and his resourcefulness and scheming.

Kui Mulang gritted his teeth, his sharp teeth bared for all to see, shedding his tender demeanor from their earlier conversation. In this moment, he revealed the true presence of a lofty Star Lord.

"What should we do? Since they've come knocking, today Kui Mulang shall see for himself just what he can do to me."

Having said that, he turned and walked towards the great hall of the cave, shouting, "Servants, since we have monks delivered to our doorstep, why not tie them up and take them to the back!"

Looking at Bai Huaxiu's worried face, Kui Mulang said gently, "Given the situation, our fate is no longer in our hands. You go to the back and take care of the children. I will wait here for the arrival of Marshal Canopy and General Juan Lian. These two are old acquaintances of mine, so do not worry."

Upon hearing this, Bai Huaxiu glanced at Kui Mulang with concern, then turned and went inside; the two children still needed someone to look after them.

Before long, Bajie and Sand Monk came looking for him, and Kui Mulang, donning his armor, brandishing his treasure sword, rushed out of the cave to engage in battle with the two.

All three were from the Heavenly Court, a vast place with numerous inhabitants, but there were not many who were well-known. Furthermore, those divine spirits listed on the Investiture of the Gods had long been beheaded, their physical bodies destroyed, and their paths to enlightenment severed.

Thus, spending their days with nothing to do, they frequently visited friends and relatives, which is why both Sand Monk and Bajie recognized a character like Kui Mulang.
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As soon as they saw Kui Mulang, they knew he must have been set up, now caught in a crisis and unable to extricate himself as he wished.

As they fought and retreated, they unknowingly used a deceptive technique, and the real bodies of the three had long since hidden inside the cave.

"I never expected to encounter two acquaintances in this desolate, mountainous region," Kui Mulang said as he held up a cup to invite them to drink.

"I certainly didn't expect that a Star Lord like you would willingly reside in such a place. How can it compare to the grandeur and dignity of your Star Palace?" Bajie said, making fun of him.

"There's no helping it. You're well aware of the current Heavenly Stripes. I've been moved by emotion and can only hide here. I don't seek glory or wealth, but only wish for true lovers to eventually come together," he said, then tilted his head back and downed a cup.

"Who knew that all of this was under someone else's watch, and I'm like an actor who has put on a great show for them. Now that the situation has arisen, I find myself in a dilemma."

Bajie too drank a cup, smacked his lips, and couldn't help saying, "The mind of our Heavenly Emperor is not something ordinary people can decipher. Initially, your Jie (probably Jie Jiao or "Cut Teaching," denoting a group or sect) immortals were dissatisfied with being on the Investiture of the Gods, and you pressured him. In turn, without a word, he reincarnated.

After countless calamities and rebuilding his cultivation, he regained the Heavenly Throne, and I'm afraid he has always kept this grudge in mind."

"That's exactly what I'm troubled about. I'm not afraid for myself, but Bai Huaxiu is now mortal. I presume he's too proud to make a move himself. The only issue is finding a safe place for these two children. If they were to stay with their mortal grandfather, they would undoubtedly face disdain, and staying with me would risk being exploited, which could put them in danger.

The two of you brothers have been in the mortal world for many years; do you perhaps have any good solutions?" Kui Mulang refilled the cups of Bajie and Sand Monk, asking sincerely.

The two fell silent for a long time, not daring to speak. Despite being in the mortal world for a long time, they had actually not lived among humans, and the ones they knew were all a bunch of mountain spirits and freaks. Where could they find a place that could take in the two children?

"Alas! It seems you brothers don't have any good solutions. I won't press you further; I will just have to find another way," Kui Mulang said.

At that moment, Bajie thought for a while, then suddenly said, "There is a way out, but unfortunately, I can't do it."

Upon hearing this, Kui Mulang's eyes lit up, and he stared intently at Bajie, eagerly waiting to hear what he would say next.

"Within the three realms, there's an Immortal named Lu Yu, with profound mana, extremely skilled in teaching. If you could entrust the two children to him, it would not only solve your immediate problem, but it would also greatly benefit the children," said Bajie.

"Lu Yu," Kui Mulang murmured to himself.

"I have also heard this name. It is said his strength is exceptional; he once fought Third Prince Nezha to a standstill, and there are rumors in the three realms that he came from the same lineage as the Great Sage Equalling Heaven, seemingly a disciple of some Saint," Kui Mulang recounted what he had heard about Lu Yu.

But Bajie said, "Compared to his combat prowess, his teaching ability is truly first-rate. His eldest disciple, in a very short period of time, has already stimulated the Five Qi and formally entered the realm of immortals.

And as for the several children of the Old Dragon King of the Jing River, they improved remarkably in a short period of teaching, undergoing profound transformations, earning high praise from everyone."