Journey to the West: Starting by taking Sun Wukong as my disciple!-Chapter 283: The Treasure Hunt Squad Assembles
"Your Majesty," they greeted.
Upon seeing Haotian approaching, the Immortal Attendants standing on both sides of the hall hastily performed a grand salute.
"Hmm. Rise," Haotian commanded with his head held high and a brisk step, once more exuding the dignity befitting the Jade Emperor.
Haotian passed by them without changing his expression, striding directly into the grand hall.
The two Immortal Attendants got up, scratching their heads in utter confusion. Hadn’t His Highness been in the hall all along? Why did he enter again just now?
And if His Majesty wasn’t inside, why hadn’t the Queen Mother come out after entering?
As soon as Haotian entered the grand hall, his face broke into a delighted and beaming expression.
His visit to Chaos Residence today had indeed been worthwhile; not only had he enjoyed the incredibly delicious dishes of Shopkeeper Chen, but he had also encountered his little sister!
The many years of regret had been most gratifyingly made up for, which was truly wonderful!
Despite having just finished eating, a person in high spirits feels refreshed. Haotian felt as if he hadn’t eaten much at all; however, it was impossible to visit Chaos Residence again for a meal.
Moreover, as the Jade Emperor, he absolutely could not be away from Heavenly Court for long!
With this in mind, Haotian thoughtfully decided to review some memorials for a while before heading to the Imperial Kitchen to have something to eat.
Didn’t Shopkeeper Chen also say that Sun Wukong had returned? He would indulge in a good meal later.
Although Chef Wukong’s culinary skills paled in comparison to Shopkeeper Chen’s, the taste still fell within the delicious range, unlike the God of Cookery and Kitchen God, those two good-for-nothings, whose cooking a dog probably wouldn’t even touch.
Even Xiaotian Dog ate meals from Chaos Residence!
It was truly an embarrassment to their divine roles. Starting tomorrow, he would definitely have Taibai Jin fetch purchases for him, so he could enjoy Shopkeeper Chen’s meals every day!
After walking a few more steps, Haotian arrived at the inner hall, but as he looked up, he was completely stunned.
Seeing the figure on the main seat, Haotian exclaimed in astonishment, "Jade Pool, how did you get here?"
With a memorial in her hands, Jade Pool narrowed her beautiful eyes and gazed at Haotian with a teasing tone, "If I didn’t come, how would I know just how diligent our Emperor truly is?"
"To think a person could vanish just from reviewing a memorial."
Haotian’s face turned a tad embarrassed as he chuckled awkwardly, "I had some matters to deal with, you see!"
"Dealing with matters?" Jade Pool chuckled lightly, placing the memorial down.
The next moment, with a swift motion, she appeared beside Haotian.
"From what I see, you went to deal with your hunger, didn’t you?"
"How could that be possible?" Haotian glared, replying without hesitation, "Would I be so indulgent in culinary pleasures?"
Jade Pool didn’t immediately respond, but instead wrinkled her nose and sniffed lightly.
She then laughed coldly, "Then why do you reek of hot pot?"
She slowly circled around Haotian.
Jade Pool affirmed, "Haotian, you went to Chaos Residence for a secret feast, didn’t you!"
She had just come from Sun Wukong’s Imperial Kitchen, eliminating the possibility of that origin.
In the Three Realms, besides the Imperial Kitchen, the only other place with hot pot was Shopkeeper Chen’s Chaos Residence!
Damn it!
Haotian’s heart skipped a beat. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺
Wasn’t Jade Pool’s true form similar to his?
How was she more perceptive than a dog?
She could even sniff out what he had eaten!
Putting on a brave front, Haotian argued pointlessly, "How could I be sneaking food? I did pay after all."
Saying so, Haotian took out his filler-member card, flaunting it to maintain appearances.
Taking a deep breath, Jade Pool said through gritted teeth, "While I am busy dealing with various affairs of the harem every day, you, playing the Jade Emperor, simply abandon state matters without a word. What kind of conduct is this?!"
Haotian’s face turned red, his neck stretched out as if he were a pig unafraid of being scalded by boiling water—since he had already finished his secret trip, what more could be done?
Caught red-handed, he could only chalk it up to bad luck.
If it were anyone else, even if they had seen him, they probably wouldn’t dare say anything behind closed doors, let alone confront him.
However, facing Jade Pool, he truly had no recourse, for their status was the same.
"You went to Chaos Residence and didn’t even invite me?! Really, this is too much!" The voice from the Jade Pool was filled with indignation.
These past few days, Sun Wukong hadn’t returned, and she was about to die of craving. It was fine for Haotian, who just slipped out for a solo feast!
What a loss for her, as she saw Sun Wukong return, finished his meal, and even thought about informing Haotian.
Haotian: "..."
What the heck? He thought he’d be seriously scolded for leaving the Heavenly Court without permission, and this is what it’s about...
Relieved, Haotian let out a sly chuckle, "Next time for sure, next time for sure!"
Upon hearing this, the Jade Pool rolled her eyes. Trust you? I’d believe in ghosts first.
Giving Haotian a once-over, with a spark of interest, she asked, "I noticed you grinning all the way to your ears when you came in. What delightful event did you encounter at Chaos Residence?"
Of course, it was because he had met the little sister!
Haotian subconsciously thought this in his heart, but he did not speak of it.
"Shopkeeper Chen told me that even if we can’t visit Chaos Residence, we can have someone else make purchases on our behalf."
"If we’re tied up with other affairs in the future, we can send someone else to help buy things," Haotian shared another piece of good news.
The little sister has only just woken up; the fewer people who know, the better.
Haotian thought silently to himself.
Moreover, the Jade Pool’s relationship with the little sister had always been strained, and she had long harbored a grudge about the little sister choosing to incarnate and marry a mortal. If she knew, who knows what kind of mess she might stir up.
"Such good fortune?!"
Her eyes shining instantly at the news, the Jade Pool said.
Someone could do the shopping for her?
Seeing the excitement on her face, Haotian smiled and said, "This is straight from Shopkeeper Chen’s mouth. There’s no falsehood in it."
He was also eager for tomorrow. He had planned to try some spicy hot pot today, but that darn dog had to meddle, and he, the Jade Emperor, couldn’t possibly compete with a dog for food, could he?
Annoying.
Tomorrow, he must let Taibai buy ten servings of ingredients. He’s going to enjoy hot pot until he’s satisfied!
"That’s great!" The Queen Mother couldn’t help cheering, forgetting her dignified stature.
She couldn’t help herself; the allure of Shopkeeper Chen’s dishes was too great!
A smile played on the Queen Mother’s lips.
She had visited Shopkeeper Chen’s menu once and had kept it in her mind ever since, crystal clear.
Tomorrow, she too would find someone to place an order!
On the other hand, Xiaotian Dog didn’t stop upon returning to Guan River Mouth but took flight and reached a part of the Earth Realm.
He conjured a talisman and bit it to pieces, then started pacing back and forth. After a while, a streak of light flew across the sky.
It landed, revealing Tian Peng with Xiong Daoren in tow.
"You guys are so slow! I’ve been waiting so impatiently!" Xiaotian Dog began to rant restlessly.
This was the meeting spot he had arranged with Tian Peng; ripping up a talisman would let the other sense it and come right away.
"You think the South Heavenly Gate of the Heavenly Court is my Marshal’s residence? To come and go as you please?" Tian Peng rolled his eyes, retorting without mercy.
Xiong Daoren, patting his chest, added, "Exactly, our Brother Peng is busy with a myriad of tasks every day. How could he spare the time?"
Tian Peng nodded, his head held high, pleased. Daoren really understood him!
Xiaotian Dog: "..."
Why did this foul-mouthed bear have to tag along?
"Get to the point, what’s the matter?" Tian Peng picked his ear and said, "I’m not that free!"
The Xiaotian Dog’s gaze was resolute: "Let’s pull another job on his mother!"
"Not going," Tian Peng decisively refused.
"Why?"
Tian Peng shook his head, "How long has it been since our last treasure hunt?"
He hadn’t had enough rest yet!
