Chapter 446: Can They Say They're Busy?

"Master, where did you learn that technique just now? Or are you saying… you actually have always known it, just kept it hidden, watching old Sun fight the monster till I'm battered, just to fool me?"

Sun Wukong followed Tang Seng step by step, scratching his ears and chin, his golden eyes full of inquisitive light, firing question after question with a relentless probing stance, curiosity off the charts.

Tang Seng saw his demeanor, felt a bit amused, and wasn't planning to conceal anything.

He walked at a leisurely pace and said, "This method wasn't originally something I knew. It was the Taoist priest who once gave me the Lunyu; a few days ago—when you were battling that fake Monkey King, traversing heaven and earth to discern truth from falsehood—I happened to encounter him again."

"That Taoist priest also gifted me two classics. From those scriptures I gleaned a bit of insight: one is called Mahayana Dao Method, the other is named Supreme Buddha Method."

"Oh?" Sun Wukong heard that, and the fire of curiosity in his heart flared up instantly.

Dual cultivation of Dao and Buddha? Giving books? Such a move… could it be his own Patriarch Bodhi, unwilling to see his disciple protect a 'fragile as a leaf' master through hardships, thus incarnating to subtly guide him?

He hurriedly asked, "Master! Do you know the Taoist priest's surname and given name?"

He stared eagerly at Tang Seng, waiting to confirm his speculation.

Then, Tang Seng's next words, like a bolt from the blue, shattered his notion of the Patriarch Bodhi's incarnation.

"That Taoist priest said his name is Yu Lin."

"Huh?! What?! Yu Lin?!" Sun Wukong's voice suddenly rose.

"Master! Are you serious?! It's really Yu Lin?! Didn't hear wrong?!"

Tang Seng was taken aback by his reaction, nodded, and said, "Indeed, it's true."

"I remember clearly, so, Wukong, you… know this Taoist priest Yu Lin?"

"Ah! It's more than just knowing! Old Sun and Yu Lin, we've been old friends! He's a good brother!"

Sun Wukong's face showed a nostalgic expression: "Back then, when I was still trapped under Five Finger Mountain, exposed to sun and rain, unable to move, only my head sticking out, it was so stifling."

"Yu Lin would occasionally come by to check on me, chat, bring tasty food, and tell me about the fresh happenings outside…"

Upon hearing Sun Wukong's heartfelt explanation, Tang Seng also showed a hint of surprise on his face.

Although he regarded Yu Lin as unfathomable, he hadn't expected such a deep connection with his senior disciple; the fate of this world truly is wondrous.

He gave a slight nod and said, "I see. This Taoist priest Yu Lin not only gifted books and enlightenment, but also has a history with Wukong, bringing great benefit to our master‑disciple pair."

"If fate allows us to meet again, we shall find an opportunity, and our master‑disciple duo will earnestly prepare a solemn reception to express gratitude, repay…"

"Master! Monkey King! What are you two still dawdling about?!"

Before Tang Seng could finish, a coarse, urgent shout came from ahead—Zhu Bajie.

Zhu Bajie, belly protruding, jogged over with a smile plastered on his face.

"The king said he'll hold a grand celebration feast, to reward us for eliminating the monster and saving the Golden Holy Lady! The palace has prepared fine vegetarian dishes and wine, just waiting for us! Hurry, hurry, come quickly!"

He ran up close, first addressing Tang Seng, his face showing unabashed admiration and amazement, licking his lips, "Master! You truly are hidden talent! That flash of Golden Light, the chanting of Buddha's voice, sent the monster's treasure right back!"

"Truly a fine technique! Magnificent! So magnificent!"

"But"

His tone added a hint of petty resentment: "Master, with such demon‑subduing prowess, why didn't you use it earlier?"

"Because you made Monkey King suffer earlier when that monster's bell spewed fire, smoke, and sand, beating him so… uh, so hard, miserable, hey!"

Sun Wukong's face flushed red, and he pretended to strike, "You stubborn fool! Feeling itchy, huh? Want a fight!"

Zhu Bajie quickly ducked behind Tang Seng, poked his head out, giggling.

Tang Seng watched the two disciples' banter, and, having been interrupted, did not resume his earlier words, simply said:

"Since His Majesty the King has shown such generosity, we must not delay any longer."

"Let's go."

"Alright! Master, you lead!"

"Was that just now Tang Seng?"

"What about our mounts?"

In a temple, two bodhisattvas, Manjushri and Samantabhadra, who had witnessed Tang Seng's spellcasting, looked shocked.

After a long silence, Manjushri sighed, stood, and said:

"The great Roc may have gone, but… it still stayed with us for a long time, so we should go rescue one more time."

Samantabhadra nodded in agreement, about to follow, when

outside a voice called out:

"Esteemed bodhisattvas, I have come today to visit and would like to ask some questions."

"May I know whether you have any time?"

Looking at the figure blocking the doorway.

Manjushri and Samantabhadra: "..........."

Can they say they have no time?