Journey to the West: Starting by taking Sun Wukong as my disciple!-Chapter 268 The Precious Lotus Lantern is Mine
With a pile of sand and dirt unearthed, the Xiaotian Dog emerged from the hole, clutching two beautifully shaped swords that gleamed coldly.
They were indeed the two swords he had stolen from Yun Zhongzi last time, and without hesitation, the Xiaotian Dog took the swords back.
Turning around, he surveyed the room, noting that he had dug up every hole in the ground and collected all the buried treasures within.
After ensuring nothing was missed, the Xiaotian Dog walked out of the room.
"Let’s go, this lord has finished gathering up, off to Chaos Residence!" barked the Xiaotian Dog.
Just yesterday, Yang Jian, Yang Chan, and the others had agreed to go to Chaos Residence today. Since nearly getting caught by Yun Zhongzi last time, he became less confident in his way of hiding treasures.
The other items were fine, being unclaimed goods, but keeping these two swords made him really nervous, fearing they might be exposed one day.
If that happened, given the old man Yun Zhongzi’s fury at the time, a serving of dog meat soup was inevitable!
Thinking of this, the Xiaotian Dog shivered, it was too terrifying!
It’s safer at Shopkeeper Chen’s place, as long as payment is made, there’s absolutely no tracing back, swaggering his body, the Xiaotian Dog shook its fur, ready to dash off at any moment.
Yang Chan quietly stepped aside to avoid the Xiaotian Dog and said, "You weren’t in a hurry just now, so why the rush all of a sudden?"
Rolling her eyes, Yang Chan said softly, "Follow me, we’ll go find my Second Brother. My mother has awakened, and you need to be on your best behavior when you see her."
"If my mother is displeased, my Second Brother might just stew you on the spot."
Yang Chan threatened with a ferocious expression, which in her mind was quite intimidating.
The Xiaotian Dog shook its head in anger, full of resentment and defiance.
"How could anyone dislike such a handsome and dashing dog like me? And would Yang Jian dare to stew me?" roared the Xiaotian Dog.
Yang Chan shrugged and said no more, heading straight toward the direction of Yang Jian’s residence.
The Xiaotian Dog, head held high in pride, waited for a reply but heard none.
Opening his eyes and focusing, he discovered that Yang Chan had walked far ahead. In a panic, he hurriedly scampered after her.
As long as these two swords remained with him, he would not have peace for a day. Today, he must have Shopkeeper Chen deal with them, otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to sleep well!
"Yang Chan, wait for me! Don’t you think of leaving me behind and go enjoy a meal at Chaos Residence by yourself!"
"Who would have thought, Erlang, that you would go through so much and grow to such prominence," said an ethereal Yao Ji with a smile in her eyes, her voice tender and praising.
Yang Jian, holding the Precious Lotus Lantern, had all his usual sharpness subdued, and looked docile and humble, which would surprise anyone who saw him.
"It’s nothing, I just didn’t want to embarrass you, Mother," Yang Jian said with conviction.
"True Lord of Pure Origin and Wonderful Tao," murmured Yao Ji, then smiled softly, "Erlang’s title is quite impressive, Mother is very proud."
But a keen observer would notice the hint of regret hiding in Yao Ji’s eyes; every parent dreams of their sons becoming dragons and their daughters phoenixes, but do they truly wish for this outcome? What they desire more are the experiences of growing up together.
Erlang Shen, usually so stern, showed a genuine smile upon receiving Yao Ji’s compliment.
He pointed to Kang Anyu and the Six Saints of Plum Mountain and said, "Mother, these are the brothers I’ve sworn fealty with. Over the years, they’ve earned not a few merits!"
"We meet the Lady!" The Six Saints of Plum Mountain bowed in unison.
Yao Ji gestured for them to rise, "Stand up, all of you. I thank you for your years of support to Erlang."
Upon hearing this, the Six Saints of Plum Mountain became anxious.
"Madam, what are you saying? Without big brother, we wouldn’t be where we are today!"
"Yes, indeed! Today, we brothers can be considered official deities, and it’s all thanks to big brother! Otherwise, we’d still be nestled on some mountain top!"
The Six Saints of Plum Mountain, one after another, expressed their gratitude to Yang Jian. This wasn’t just pretense for the occasion but genuine feelings from the heart.
"Big brother, big brother! I’ve brought your dog over!" Suddenly, Yang Chan’s cheerful voice interrupted everyone.
She quickly walked over to Yang Jian’s side in three steps, snatched the Precious Lotus Lantern from his hand, and pouted.
"Big brother, you have so many magical treasures to play with by yourself!" Yang Chan said somewhat discontentedly, carefully cradling the Precious Lotus Lantern in her arms.
Yang Jian shook his head and said coldly, "I don’t need it."
The Precious Lotus Lantern now held extraordinary significance; it was the vessel for their mother’s soul. Even the most precious magical treasure in the world couldn’t compare to this lantern.
"I can give you all my magical treasures to play with, in exchange for that lantern," Yang Jian spoke again. He couldn’t rest easy about his little sister’s impulsive nature.
The importance of the Precious Lotus Lantern had grown beyond compare, and it was safer to keep it with him.
"Dream on!" Yang Chan said indignantly, biting her lower lip. How dare her second brother so blatantly try to take something that belonged to their mother from her?
"I would give it to the dog before giving it to you!" Yang Chan declared.
The Xiaotian Dog, having been suddenly mentioned, was a bit baffled. What the heck?
But when it dawned on him, he couldn’t contain his excitement, wishing he could nod and agree right away.
Although he knew little about magical treasures, he understood one thing: the Precious Lotus Lantern in Yang Chan’s hand was no ordinary piece; it was an Innate Spirit Treasure!
If he gave it to Shopkeeper Chen, he might be able to trade it for quite a few meal opportunities, he thought as he licked his lips with satisfaction.
But that was just wishful thinking. If he truly asked for it, perhaps Yang Jian and the others wouldn’t need to eat at Shopkeeper Chen’s place today.
"Your cultivation level is too low. What if the Precious Lotus Lantern gets stolen?" Yang Jian said with a serious face.
This had been a concern of hers since their mother’s resurrection, and Yang Chan looked defiant.
"What’s to worry about!"
"The Precious Lotus Lantern was bestowed upon me by Goddess Nuwa herself. It’s a gift from a Saint—who would dare to steal it?" Rolling her eyes, Yang Chan retorted, "I think you’re the only one who wants to steal it!"
"You!" Yang Jian’s expression darkened, and he was about to raise his hand.
Seeing this, a sly spark flashed in Yang Chan’s eyes. She immediately showed a panicked look and quickly hid behind Yao Ji.
"Mother! Look at second brother. When you’re not around, this is how he hits me!" Yang Chan put on a weak and pitiful act, with crocodile tears flowing.
Her voice was louder than her tears, and since she had often been spanked by her big brother, she now feigned such a look, determined to have her mother teach him a good lesson!
It would be best if he were also spanked a few times, thought Yang Chan wickedly.
While complaining, Yang Chan also stuck her head out and stuck her tongue out at Yang Jian, looking somewhat playful.
This sight made Yang Jian even more frustrated, but with Yao Ji in front of her, his raised hand was caught halfway, not knowing whether to drop it or to let it stay aloft.
Watching the bickering siblings, Yao Ji couldn’t help but smile helplessly.
"Alright, stop arguing, both of you. You’re both grown up yet you still bicker all the time.
Gently patting Yang Chan’s head with a ghostly hand, Yao Ji smiled tenderly.
"Erlang, let your sister hold onto this treasure. Since it’s a gift from Goddess Nuwa, there won’t be any trouble," she said.
At those words, Yang Chan’s face lit up with joy. With her head held high, she said smugly, "Did you hear what mother said? The Precious Lotus Lantern is mine!"
