Journey to the West: Starting by taking Sun Wukong as my disciple!-Chapter 194: Haotian Reports a Secret, Upgrades to VIP
However, the situation had changed.
"Isn’t Wukong working as a chef in your Imperial Kitchen?" Chen Nuo asked curiously.
The Flat Peach Banquet had not caused any troubles, and Wukong hadn’t fallen out with the Heavenly Court. If Buddhism wanted to scheme against the monkey, what reason would they find to do so?
"Yes, Chef Wukong did an excellent job in the Heavenly Court!" As soon as Chen Nuo finished speaking, Gold Star Taibai gave a thumbs up in praise.
Haotian’s eyes widened: "I’m discussing important matters with Shopkeeper Chen, it’s not your place to interject!"
After reprimanding him, Haotian immediately grinned and said, "To be honest with you, Shopkeeper Chen, your disciple truly performs his duties with utmost loyalty; he can be considered a pillar of the Heavenly Court indeed!"
Chen Nuo’s mouth twitched slightly, somewhat speechless. He knew that if Wukong took up the chef’s trade, he would certainly do his best, but there was no need to praise him so much in front of him!
At this point, Haotian’s face showed a hint of embarrassment, and he hemmed and hawed.
Then he spoke again: "Shopkeeper Chen, actually, Buddhism had negotiated with our Heavenly Court."
Haotian was very nervous, afraid that he might anger Shopkeeper Chen with this; fortunately, when he carefully observed Chen Nuo, he didn’t see any signs of anger and he sighed in relief.
"Buddhism wanted to borrow Chef Wukong for a Buddhist feast, claiming they needed a chef to deal with an emergency. Probably, in reality..."
Haotian didn’t continue, but what "in reality" implied was something anyone familiar with the secrets of the Journey to the West would know.
Though Shopkeeper Chen might not understand, with his extensive divine skills, he would surely be aware of whatever Buddhism was planning.
And that was indeed the case.
Chen Nuo frowned. He knew all too well what Buddhism was up to; they simply wanted a pretext to suppress Wukong.
Suppressing one’s nature was an important part preceding the Journey to the West, aimed at grinding away Sun Wukong’s arrogance, breaking his spirit, and making him obediently become a dog for Buddhism.
"I don’t want Chef Wukong to fall victim to Buddhism’s schemes either, but there’s really no way around it. Chef Wukong is the destined character for this journey to the west, and if our Heavenly Court were to obstruct him constantly, we might even alarm the Saint!"
Haotian’s words were apologetic, and they carried a sense of helplessness. He, too, wanted to stop Buddhism’s various maneuvers, but truly, there was nothing he could do.
After all, in the Primordial World, the Saints are as Heaven itself!
Chen Nuo nodded. He wasn’t annoyed with Haotian’s actions; as the lord of the Heavenly Court, Haotian simply couldn’t do as he pleased.
Raising an eyebrow, Chen Nuo spoke lightly: "Then why are you telling me all this?"
Although he couldn’t prevent it, he could certainly share the Merit Points of the Journey to the West in an honest manner, couldn’t he?
"Because," Haotian paused before speaking again, "intuition."
"I feel that forming a good relationship with you, Shopkeeper, is far more advantageous than cooperating with Buddhism."
Haotian was frank, and his statement also stemmed from the frustration and humiliation he felt from the actions of the Two Saints of Buddhism.
Given the chance, he didn’t wish for Buddhism to smoothly carry out their grand plans for the Journey to the West.
So that was it. Chen Nuo smiled.
He had to say, this Haotian really had a bit of true character; he quite appreciated that.
Not to mention anything else, just the fact that Haotian had shared this information with him...
Regardless of the reason, Haotian had already gained his favor. Since Haotian had shown sincerity, Chen Nuo was not going to be stingy.
After mulling it over, Chen Nuo spoke up: "What comes around goes around, so let’s upgrade your VIP card to Gold VIP."
Haotian’s face lit up with ecstasy, then he immediately recomposed himself and spoke righteously: "What kind of person does Shopkeeper Chen take me for? My actions are genuinely heartfelt!"
"I don’t take you for anyone," Chen Nuo spread his hands, casually saying, "Just as a Gold VIP member who gets one meal free for every seven purchased."
"Thank you, Shopkeeper Chen!!!"
Before his words could finish, Haotian immediately changed his tune to express his gratitude, his mood incredibly jubilant.
Seven times, no less—three less than before!
Chen Nuo: "..."
Watching Haotian change his face faster than flipping a book, Chen Nuo was a bit speechless. Worthy of being an emperor, his facial expressions were indeed rich and completely under control.
"Shopkeeper Chen, what was the full name of my original membership?" Haotian asked with curiosity on his face.
Without a second thought, Chen Nuo immediately answered, "Black Iron member."
"And above that?"
"Bronze, of course."
"Then comes Silver, followed by Gold?" Haotian speculated thoughtfully.
Chen Nuo looked at Haotian with a hint of surprise, not expecting him to be so knowledgeable.
Seeing Chen Nuo nod, a plan started to form in Haotian’s mind.
Black Iron is ten uses with one discount, Gold is seven uses with one discount—it’s a one-tier upgrade with one less use per discount!
The Crown members at Jade Pool completely waive the fee every time, such a long way to go!
Beyond the joy, Haotian felt even more determined.
In the future, he must do more to assist Shopkeeper Chen, elevate his own VIP status to the Crown level as soon as possible, even surpassing the Jade Pool!
What’s gotten into him? Chen Nuo was somewhat baffled by the sight of an oddly enthusiastic Haotian—a VIP membership, is it really worth such fuss?
Yet it really was worth a fuss; to others, it might just be a discount VIP card, but for Haotian, it was a symbol of face and status, of utmost importance.
Chen Nuo rubbed his temples with a touch of resignation. In his past life, he had fantasized about the magnificence of immortals but never did he imagine that after transmigrating, even Haotian would behave this way.
"How long until the Buddhism event?" Chen Nuo inquired.
Haotian snapped out of his reverie, "One month."
This was an event prepared by Buddhism to put pressure on Heavenly Court, not only for their internal use but also open to the Three Realms, much like Heavenly Court’s Flat Peach Banquet.
It was designed to win over Immortal Clans inclined towards Buddhism and to showcase the grandeur of modern Buddhism, claiming to be even more lavish than the Flat Peach Banquet.
And so they deliberately scheduled it shortly after the Flat Peach Banquet.
Chen Nuo nodded and said, "In that case, ask Wukong to see me before he goes."
He had no intention of stopping Wukong. Though he could make Wukong stay inside Chaos Residence indefinitely, would that be what Wukong wanted?
He should experience the brilliance of his own Demon life, not just cower and skulk.
That wouldn’t be Sun Wukong.
But still, he needed to be cautious, not reckless.
He just happened to have received a Three Realms Transport Talisman from the system rewards; it ignores all Laws, ready to use in an instant, perfect for giving one to Wukong.
If Buddhism dares to go too far, then Wukong should just zip back here—they’d have the gall to bother Chaos Residence, where he reigns supreme.
Take on one, take down one.
Haotian didn’t ask further, promptly acknowledging the request. What could there be to discuss when a master summons his disciple?
A glint of schadenfreude flickered in Haotian’s eyes. With Shopkeeper Chen’s intervention, it was sure to give Buddhism a tough time.
"If there’s anything important in the future, feel free to tell me. The VIP membership levels aren’t fixed," Chen Nuo hinted with intention.
He had already seen Haotian’s obsession with the Crown VIP level; playing to his desires was bound to work!
"Rest assured, Shopkeeper Chen! Your business is my business, and I will report any matter to you," Haotian assured, his eyes shining with eagerness, unwilling to miss any chance to upgrade his VIP status!
Once back, he would bring all the memorials for Shopkeeper Chen to examine.
Chen Nuo wore an expression of exasperation, seeing straight through Haotian’s thoughts.
"You just need to tell me about the matters related to me, nothing else is necessary."
"Sure," Haotian said with a sheepish smile. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮
Upgrading a VIP really isn’t as easy as one might think!
