Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao

The Dragon Princess secretly stuck out her tongue beneath the lotus platform, and Little Black Bear quietly scratched his belly. Only Red Child deeply bowed again and said, "I beseech the Bodhisattva to have mercy and rescue my parents from the Sea of Suffering!"

Guanyin looked down, her tone imbued with compassion as she spoke, "Recite the full details of this matter."

Just as Red Child was about to speak, Xiao Longnu, unable to contain her impatience, interjected, "Let me do it, let me do it."

The few people around could not help but smile at this interaction, and Red Child did not contend with her for the chance to speak, conceding the opportunity to her, for among the three of them, the Dragon Princess certainly had the better way with words.

The voice of the Dragon Princess was clear and melodious, resembling the song of a hundred birds, as she recounted everything they had seen and heard. She even fanned the flames as she concluded, "Bodhisattva, this Patriarch of the Nether River is truly detestable. Even though it's clear we are your disciples, he still thinks of putting us to death and wants to turn us into his puppets, perhaps even using us to oppose you."

Muzha, frowning nearby, said, "This Patriarch of the Nether River, why does he leave his Sea of Blood and come to this Flame Mountain?"

Muzha could not fathom the motives of the Patriarch of the Nether River, as there was no discernible connection between the Sea of Blood and Xiniu Hezhou. What was the valuable treasure that would entice such a master to scheme?

Guanyin slightly smiled and said, "When the Patriarch of the Nether River was born, he was plotted against by a Mysterious Figure, which resulted in innate deficiencies. The all-important Rules of Water were once stolen from him. He searched all three realms but could not find this person's trace. It could only be the Rules and authority of Water, scattered in Xiniu Hezhou by Lord Xiang and Lady Xiang."

Guanyin, truly one of the Four Great Bodhisattvas of Buddhism, well-versed and broad-minded, guessed the true purpose of the Patriarch of the Nether River with just a few bits of information.

"Recently, there has been an abnormal vapor in the Kingdom of Tarrycat, which is probably also connected to him," Guanyin speculated.

"I heard that Lord Xiang and Lady Xiang were personally slain by two of the Saints within our sect, and their divine bodies replenished the once-barren lands of the West. I never imagined that a Rule was left behind," Muzha remarked emotionally.

"Given that Lord Xiang and Lady Xiang were Ancient Primordial Spirits and personifications of the rules themselves, using their bodies to replenish the lifeless West completely could have transformed them into Innate Spiritual Treasures. It's only natural that some Rules and authority were left behind. Furthermore, at that time, our sect of Buddhism had not yet been established, and the two Saints were alone and had no use for these things, so they let them scatter across the land, enhancing the foundation of the West," Guanyin explained.

Listenging to this, hope flickered in Red Child's eyes, and he eagerly asked, "If that is the case, would the Saints possibly take action against the Patriarch of the Nether River, since he schemes for the Rules they left behind?"

"At present, it is a time of Transcendence for All Saints. Such minor details are not within the Saints' consideration. As long as it does not disrupt the grand plan of Journey to the West or affect their Transcendence, they will not concern themselves with these worldly affairs," Guanyin replied.

"Their Realm and perspective have greatly changed from ours. What we seek might very well be what they are ready to discard. There is a saying, 'The summer insect will not speak of ice,' and that exactly is the case," Guanyin added.

Upon hearing this, a look of disappointment flashed across Red Child's face. If the Saints of the West took action, then the Patriarch of the Nether River, no matter his strength, would stand no chance, as all cultivators in the three realms were aware that these exalted Saints were the most powerful forces, shaping the rules and destinies of all beings.

"However, it's not that the Saints do not care, but with their level of power and Realm, they simply no longer need such things. This does not mean that these things are not valuable. Should news of the Rules of Water in Flame Mountain leak out, countless beings across the three realms would be drawn to it. Not even the Heavenly Court or our sect of Buddhism would stand idly by," Guanyin continued.

These words from the Bodhisattva brightened Red Child's outlook. Indeed, such a precious item would attract many. Once the news spread, there would surely be a swarm of challengers. Even if the Patriarch of the Nether River were formidable, facing multiple foes would leave him only the option to retreat.

"You needn't worry about this matter any longer, for I have my own plans. In due time, I will return your parents to you safe and sound," Guanyin said with a hint of a smile on her face.

Overjoyed, Red Child kneeled on the ground and repeatedly kowtowed, saying, "Thank you for your compassion, Bodhisattva. I have no way to repay you, even if I were to be ground to dust."

The Bodhisattva stepped down from the lotus throne, helped Red Child up from the ground, and said to Muzha nearby, "Get ready, come with me on a trip!"

"Where does the Bodhisattva plan to go?"

"To the Great Thunderclap Monastery in the Western Heaven, to see Buddha Tathagata," Guanyin said in a low voice.

In no time at all, Guanyin, accompanied by Muzha, flew towards the Western Heaven on Auspicious Clouds, leaving three little ones behind to guard Putuo Island, with strict orders not to leave the island without her command.

"Oh no, I forgot to ask the Bodhisattva who that willow phantom really was. We should thank him in person for saving our lives," Dragon Princess said, smacking her forehead in frustration.

"If you want to know about the origins of the willow, you can ask me!" a kind voice suddenly came up from the ground.

Slowly, an old man with a white beard emerged from the ground. He was dressed in the attire of a layperson, holding a cane, his face wrinkled and wearing a kindly smile as he looked at the three little ones.

"Earth Grandpa!" Dragon Princess exclaimed joyfully and rushed towards him, making the old Earth God involuntarily step back a few steps to stabilize himself.

Steadying his waist, he said, "Little girl, slow down, your Earth Grandpa's old back can't withstand such rough treatment."

Embarrassed, Dragon Princess buried her head in the old man's chest and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Earth Grandpa, I was just too excited."

The old Earth God kindly patted the little girl's head and said with a smile, "No harm done. I just heard about what happened to you. It was far too dangerous. The Patriarch of the Nether River is a formidable being, feared by many, and those swords, Yuantu and Abi, bear horrific malevolence. You little ones are no match for him. Heed your Grandpa's words and avoid such perilous places henceforth."

Lone but for his love for the inhabitants, old Earth God had always lived on Putuo Island. Ever since Dragon Princess arrived on the island, her cheerful and innocent nature had won his affection, and he had come to regard her as his own granddaughter. This recent close call had frightened him terribly, so he took extra care to admonish her.

Dragon Princess nodded, smiling, her laughter ringing like silver bells.

"What's there to fear when we're here to protect her?" chimed in Little Black Bear, thumping his chest proudly. Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire

The mention made the old Earth God's expression darken immediately as he stared disapprovingly at Little Black Bear.