Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao

"I once heard in the Golden Palace, the Jade Emperor discussing with the Queen Mother how All Saints are preparing to sever the connection with heaven and earth, isolating all three realms,"

Sand Monk's soft words sent a shock through the trio, their faces cycling through various colors, reflecting their inner turmoil.

"That explains it. If indeed they're planning to separate the three realms, he would lose the position of Heavenly Emperor. Having ruled the three realms for many years, he naturally has numerous enemies. Losing the supreme fruit ranking would probably lead these people to come knocking on his door. Explore more stories with My Virtual Library Empire

Moreover, the gods in the Investiture of the Gods escaping their shackles must be disillusioned with him. No wonder he's so calculated in gathering power, surely it's in preparation for the future," Bajie murmured to himself.

He finally understood why the Jade Emperor planned to outmaneuver him this time, taking control of the Celestial Naval Forces. After having missed many opportunities before, why he had actively plotted this time.

"No wonder he took advantage of the Great Saint's rampage across the sky to seize nine thousand years' worth of Peaches of Immortality—it was also in preparation for the future," Kui Mulang suddenly realized, previously, the gods of the Heavenly Court had speculated about the Jade Emperor's motives, and now he understood.

"However, this should be good news for you. Since the gods of the Divine Enthronement are about to be free, the Jade Emperor will likely not punish you heavily but will use this opportunity to negotiate terms with the Divine Enthronement gods, given that many of them dislike him," Bajie said to Kui Mulang with a smile.

Upon thinking it over, Kui Mulang understood that the Jade Emperor, his supreme position now uncertain, would naturally not want to overly offend the gods of the Divine Enthronement, lest he struggles in the future. He would only take advantage of their ignorance about this matter to strike a deal, aiming for terms more favorable to himself.

"In this case, as long as the two children don't fall into his hands, there shouldn't be much harm," Kui Mulang murmured to himself, feeling as if the dark cloud that had hung over his head was suddenly torn apart, allowing the brilliant sunshine to once again illuminate his heart.

"Good brother, your words are truly priceless," he toasted Sand Monk, sincerely expressing his appreciation.

"Let's end the discussion here and pretend we heard nothing. Whoever dares to spread this outside, Lao Shun's Iron Rod does not recognize friends," Monkey swept his gaze across the group, his eyes blazing with ferocity.

Kui Mulang quickly responded, "Great Saint, rest assured. Only a few of us here are aware, and it will absolutely not leak. After all, it concerns His Majesty, and I too fear his tactics."

"That's for the best. Otherwise, even with the protection of the Divine Enthronement gods, my junior would suffer,"

"General Juan Lian shared this news with me. How could I do such a disloyal act to betray my benefactor?" Kui Mulang almost swore an oath, his tone sincere since the other three present were brothers in arms, and betrayal was not an option for him.

"Don't worry, brother Monkey, Kui Mulang knows the repercussions. If this were to get out, the Jade Emperor has plenty of means to deal with him. Even the gods of Divine Enthronement might not be able to protect him," said Bajie slowly, but his words carried a hint of threat.

Kui Mulang chuckled awkwardly, "What Marshal Tianpeng said is most accurate. It's enough that we know this matter. It helps us prepare for the future. As for my brothers, it best remains unsaid; otherwise, if it disrupts the Heavenly Court, the Saints might grind me to dust."

With this conversation, the initially tense atmosphere relaxed somewhat, and Kui Mulang secretly wiped the sweat from his brow.

Just now, when Monkey glared fiercely, he had genuinely been afraid, for these were secrets of the heavens.

After they had eaten and drank their fill, while Wukong and the rest waited outside, Kui Mulang went alone to the depths of the cave where Bai Huaxiu was gently instructing the two children.

She touched one child's hand, looked at the other's face, feeling as if she could never look enough, her tears streaming down.

"After Dad and Mom leave, Kui Ping, you being the elder brother, must take good care of your little brother, listen to your teacher, and don't be naughty, understand?" Bai Huaxiu, holding her eldest son's hand, carefully instructed.

"Dad, Mom, don't you want us anymore?" the younger child asked in a sticky voice.

The innocent words of the younger son instantly brought Bai Huaxiu to tears, and even Kui Mulang's eyes moistened.

"Silly child, how could your father and mother not want you? But a great disaster looms over us now, and if you do not leave, your future may be uncertain. This time, your father has found a great master for you. As long as you diligently practice with him, you will see your father and mother again.

Understand?" Kui Mulang struggled to hold back his tears, touched his younger son's head with his large hand, and said slowly.

"Dad, don't worry, I will take good care of my brother. When I become strong one day, I will come to fetch you, and our family will be reunited," Kui Ping, thumping his little chest, said with a bold spirit.

On that childish young face was a look full of confidence. It made Bai Huaxiu, who had been covering her face and crying, suddenly break into laughter. Looking at her eldest son, she smiled and said, "Alright, Mom will wait for you to come fetch me."

Kui Mulang had someone take the two children out to play while he slowly approached Bai Huaxiu, foolishly staring at her as she prepared clothes for their sons.

"These clothes are obviously too big," Kui Mulang gently said.

"Are you silly? These are clothes for the children's future. They grow fast, and I need to prepare their future clothes," she replied.

"It's all my fault, I've prevented you and our children from being together," Kui Mulang said apologetically.

Bai Huaxiu raised her head, her radiant face brimming with resilience. Lightly, she said, "Husband and wife are one body, there's no talk of dragging each other down, besides, I seduced you first."

Seemingly reminiscing about the past, Bai Huaxiu's face lit up with a brilliant smile. She continued, "I was but a humble maid, and you, a high-ranking Star Lord from the heavens, never scorned my humble origins and always took care of me. I fell for you without realizing it.

It was you who risked everything to send me for reincarnation to enjoy wealth and honor, and then you risked even more to reunite with me on Earth. After all, it's I who have dragged you into this."

She gently brushed Kui Mulang's cheek, her eyes tender as water.

"I wholeheartedly consent," Kui Mulang softly said.

These few words meant more to Bai Huaxiu than all the love words in the world. Tears trickled down her cheeks as she spoke with a sorrowful tone, "Kui Lang, if you die, I won't live either."

"What nonsense are you talking? Rest assured, I will return safely this time. Just practice the Cultivation Technique I taught you here on Earth. It won't be long before we reunite," Kui Mulang chided, yet his tone was gentle.

Hearing this, Bai Huaxiu finally stopped crying and asked doubtfully, "You're not just comforting me, are you?"

"Absolutely true, don't doubt it, although I can't tell you the reason."