Chapter 1368

Su Xiao: "Long Wang, you're one of the gods and buddhas too—you're cursing yourself."

Eastern Sea Long Wang: "I'm stating facts; this is merely facing up to our own problems."

Yang Jian: "This is what they mean by 'don't take words at face value.' The same event, different positions—naturally different views. The gods' and buddhas' criticism isn't always what it seems to the human race."

Great Sage Equaling Heaven: "The gods and buddhas have loomed above for so long, they've grown used to looking down on all beings. If one day heaven and earth reverse, let them taste being looked down upon."

Su Xiao: "Wow, Great Sage, you really dare to think that—wanting to overthrow the gods and buddhas."

Xiao Mai: "No surprise—the Great Sage Equaling Heaven is no ordinary being."

Sun Wukong: "I feel like this is mocking me! 【Demon, taste my staff!】"

Jin Chan: "I'm talking about you—no trace of heroism. You've been free from your seal for ages—why haven't you stormed the Heavenly Court or Lingshan yet?"

Sun Wukong: "You speak from comfort, not knowing hardship. I'm no Dao Lord—I can't fight four fists with two. I must act cautiously. If I mess up and have to be rescued again, won't I lose face?"

Han Paopa: "Monkey, your idea's great—we're immortal, no need to fight over gains and losses in a single day."

Sun Wukong: "Heh, only Heavenly Venerable Han understands me."

…

Above the sea.

Liu Er and the Substitute Monkey set down the floating log and stepped onto shore through shallow seawater.

Only months had passed, yet they'd been blown from Dongsheng Shenzhou to a new continent.

Liu Er had long planned this—he needn't have crossed the sea by boat as in the original tale.

He had already attained Immortal Dao; carrying an ordinary human on clouds posed no problem.

But—he tried lifting Sun Wukong to fly, and felt as if he'd gripped the Earth Immortal Realm, utterly immovable.

"Could it be Sun Wukong is tied to the Western Journey plan, so like Tang Seng, no ordinary being can carry him on clouds?"

In the original tale, even Sun Wukong couldn't fly with Tang Seng—this was utterly bizarre.

Liu Er could only blame it on heavenly will—gods and buddhas must not interfere too much.

As for why demons could snatch Tang Seng and flee, Liu Er found his reason—nothing else but heavenly will.

The Eighty-One Trials weren't randomly arranged by Fomen—they were heavenly will.

Tang Seng's trials were ordained by heaven, hence the demon winds could carry him off.

"Terrifying," Liu Er thought inwardly. "Heavenly will is like a blade—I must tread carefully, or I'll capsize. Otherwise, I won't fare well in this Western Journey plan."

Though inwardly wary, his gaze toward Sun Wukong showed no change.

"Great King, I wonder where we are—shall we ask around?"

"Fine."

The Substitute Monkey nodded. "These strange winds over the sea—even your Immortal Dao powers couldn't resist them. Strange. Is this heaven testing me—or trying to block my quest for Immortal Dao?"

Liu Er's heart tightened—he feared Sun Wukong might grow discouraged, and quickly laughed: "Great King, you're a celestial essence born of heaven and earth—how could heaven block your quest for Immortal Dao? These winds must be aiding you, pushing you toward swift Immortality."

The Substitute Monkey paused. "Really? If so, that'd be wonderful—we'd save much travel."

The two tidied themselves slightly and began searching for signs of people.

This wasn't hard for Liu Er—he soon found a frail old man.

"Great Kings, spare my life! I'm just bones—tasteless!" The old man stared in terror at the two monkeys speaking human speech, their fearsome appearances, and begged loudly.

"Speak properly!" Liu Er was exasperated—he was destined to become Immortal or Divine, yet treated like a demon by ignorant peasants. "We're celestial essences, born of heaven and earth—how could we be like those blood-drinking, fur-eating demons? Don't fear—I only wish to ask you a question!"

"Yes yes yes, Great King, ask."

"Tell me—where are we?"

"Where? I once heard a scholar say—we're called Xi Niu He Zhou…"

Liu Er was stunned: "Xi Niu He Zhou?!"

They'd arrived at Xi Niu He Zhou at once—skipping the years of trials Sun Wukong endured in the original tale.

This was a deviation!

"Why?"

Liu Er glanced at Sun Wukong, thinking inwardly: "Likely Sun Wukong tried to evade fate, wasting time—so the Immortals and Buddhas grew impatient."

"Great King, this place is marvelous," Liu Er dismissed the old man, turned to Sun Wukong with delight, and urged: "I've heard Xi Niu He Zhou holds divine beings with boundless power. If we find one and take him as master, we'll surely attain an immortal body—eternal life!"

He knew Sun Wukong was meant to become a disciple of Puti.

But he dared not mention it—he could only lure Sun Wukong with this bright prospect.

As long as Sun Wukong sought a master, Xieyue Sanshengdong couldn't be far.

After all, the strange winds over the sea were proof enough.

The gods and buddhas must have already arranged it—Sun Wukong's path to discipleship was sealed.

He only needed to tag along, reap benefits, and build a bond with Sun Wukong.