Journey to the West: Starting by taking Sun Wukong as my disciple!-Chapter 705 - 704 Looked Down Upon

After a while, he opened his eyes, indeed finding nothing.

Bodhisattva Guanyin did not even need to ask; she already knew what had happened just by looking at his expression.

The person who took Little White Dragon, just what kind of powerful spell did they have that could even shield against the incantations of the Jade Emperor?

Where Little White Dragon was now, whether he was dead or alive, and what the purpose truly was, neither Bodhisattva Guanyin nor Maitreya had any idea.

Although the Dragon Clan usually submitted to the Jade Emperor, if they were to rebel over Little White Dragon’s affair, it would be no small matter to the Heavenly Court.

"Maitreya, I shall watch over the Cauldron of Guan Shi, you go and report the disappearance of Little White Dragon. This matter must be resolved quickly," said Maitreya, who nodded. He stood up with a serious look on his face and headed towards Buddhism.

Bodhisattva Guanyin was observing the Cauldron of Guan Shi. Xuanzang and Six-Eared Macaque had been traveling for a day and now, as evening was approaching, they had found a Zen monastery where they could stay.

Xuanzang looked at the monastery, which was grand in architecture with dozens of Zen rooms and six halls; from the outside, it looked exceedingly lavish.

Ordinary people, upon seeing such a monastery, would probably feel ashamed and not even dare to enter.

But Xuanzang thought, being fellow ascetics, how could there be any refusal to provide shelter? He led Six-Eared Macaque into the monastery.

Once inside, Xuanzang first paid his respects to the Buddha Statue in the hall, then prepared to find the abbot with Six-Eared Macaque. However, before they could get up, the abbot unexpectedly came over to them.

Seeing the abbot approach, Xuanzang hastily bowed and said, "This poor monk has come from the Great Tang of the Eastern Land, on his way to the Western Heaven for Scriptures, passing through this place and seeking shelter for a night."

The abbot’s initially lethargic demeanor changed instantly when he heard Xuanzang came from the Great Tang, his face brightening.

Just as he was about to respond, he caught sight of Six-Eared Macaque behind Xuanzang and was startled, crying out in alarm, "What! What is that thing?!"

It would have been merely fear at first, but unfortunately, the monk’s choice of words was rather offensive.

Six-Eared Macaque’s expression turned cold as he stepped forward, "What am I? I am this monk’s disciple. Your eminence seems to be overreacting; as ascetics, you ought to be more composed and not get so startled by everything. It only makes it seem like you lack experience."

The abbot and his group of monks were terrified by the sight of Six-Eared Macaque, but after hearing his words, they had to maintain their composure despite their fear, not wanting to appear inexperienced.

"Ahem, what do you mean ’lack experience’? It’s simply that the light is dim and the candles flickering, it just dazzled my eyes," said the leading monk with a cough.

A slim, tall monk beside him said, "This is our monastery’s Jinchi Elder."

Xuanzang, unaware of these subtleties, just heard their introduction and bowed deeply, "Oh, Jinchi Elder, this is my disciple named Sun Wukong. His appearance is somewhat unconventional, but he is of good nature. I ask you not to be afraid of him."

The contrary who had just been rebuked by Six-Eared Macaque for lacking experience now naturally could not express any epiphany, so they lightly nodded and said indifferently, "Oh, this is your disciple, you come from the Great Tang of the Eastern Land?"

"Yes," Xuanzang nodded in reply.

"Since you come from such a prestigious land, you are honored guests," Jinchi Elder said, "Please follow me."

Leading Jinchi Elder took Xuanzang to another grand hall.

This grand hall was in no way dimmer than the place they had worshipped Buddha; inside were at least a dozen lamps, not just lamps, but also various candles burning. There were monks specifically assigned to replace them, one candle would be lit as another burnt out.

The entire hall was resplendent in gold and glittering as brightly as day, thanks to the many lamps and candles that illuminated it.

Even the Six-Eared Macaque had never witnessed such a sight in the mortal realm.

Upon seeing the two disciples stunned by such splendor, Jinchi Elder’s mouth curled into a smile, thinking to himself that even the grand nations would be just as shocked to see their hall’s brilliance.

When it came time to dine, Jinchi Elder waved his hand, and several monks brought over a jade tray with several small cups, which they placed in front of Xuanzang.

Extending his hand, Jinchi Elder said, "Please, Master Xuanzang, try them. They are but simple porridge and vegetables, and if they are not to your taste, please forgive us."

"How could they not be to my taste? Your diligent hospitality is deeply appreciated," Xuanzang replied, taking a small cup.

The small cup was warm to the touch, not seemingly from the food within, but as if it was naturally that warm.

"This dinnerware was left behind by a nobleman who stayed here once. How does it compare to the Great Tang’s wares?" Jinchi Elder inquired.

Xuanzang nodded with a smile, praising, "Indeed, it is a fine piece."

Upon opening the food inside, a delicious aroma wafted out, and although it was, as the elder had said, simple porridge and vegetables.

However, the porridge contained the freshest mushrooms from the mountainside, and the small dish featured excelling okra fried in sesame oil, its rich fragrance exceptionally enticing.

"This fine food truly deserves such exquisite dinnerware," Xuanzang praised again.

Jinchi Elder was very pleased with Xuanzang’s response, feeling that the better his demeanor, the more he believed the Great Tang to be just as he expected.

It seemed not even Chang’an would have items that surpassed their own; otherwise, this monk wouldn’t have been so astonished.

Unaware of what the abbot was thinking, Xuanzang felt indifferent to the material possessions, as to him all things were alike as long as they filled the stomach.

As for what dishes the food was served on or what rare ingredients were used, Xuanzang did not see any difference.

After finishing the meal, Jinchi Elder kept observing Xuanzang’s expression, wishing to see him relish the taste, admire their wealth, or even regret not being born in this Zen monastery.

Yet aside from an initial compliment about the dinnerware, Xuanzang displayed no other reactions.

Jinchi Elder felt a bit disappointed and now doubted whether the Great Tang was as lackluster as he initially thought—perhaps they also had their treasures?

After the meal, Xuanzang brought his hands together and bowed deeply, "Many thanks for your generous hospitality, I am truly grateful."

With that, he prepared to rise and leave but Jinchi Elder stopped him, "Since you’ve come from the Great Tang, did you perhaps bring any treasures? It would be wonderful for us to broaden our horizons."

Several nearby monks chimed in, "Yes, yes, let us take a look."

Xuanzang felt helpless inside; he felt he had nothing to boast, responding, "As a monk on the journey to the Western Heaven for the Scriptures, I have not brought any treasures with me."

Jinchi Elder sized up Xuanzang from head to toe, noting that he indeed didn’t seem to have brought anything with him.

Thinking it over, it made sense since he had a long journey ahead; he certainly wouldn’t carry any valuable items. Despite some disappointment, he had no choice but to let it be.