Journey to the West: Tang Monk Conquers Everything-Chapter 1014: The Empress’s Displeasure

"Greetings to the Jade Emperor, greetings to the Empress..." Seeing the Jade Emperor’s gaze fall upon him, Jiang Liu stepped forward two paces and spoke to the Jade Emperor.

Without waiting for the Jade Emperor to speak, Jiang Liu took the blame voluntarily: "It is all this humble monk’s fault. As the master of Wukong, I failed to teach him properly, leading him to such rudeness..."

"Xuanzang, there’s no need to blame yourself. That rascal monkey has always been like this!" Listening to Jiang Liu’s words, the Great Jade Emperor waved his hand, appearing indifferent.

"Xuanzang, why have you come here today?" The Empress, beside them, interjected at this moment, questioning Jiang Liu.

"Reporting to the Empress..."

Without intending any needless words, Jiang Liu spoke: "Today, Wukong and I come seeking the Soul-Calming Stone!"

"Soul-Calming Stone?" Upon hearing Jiang Liu’s words, the Empress expressed a bit of surprise, saying: "Xuanzang, how did you know the Soul-Calming Stone is here with us?"

Jiang Liu opened his mouth, initially wanting to say it was through the search of the Treasure-Seeking Mirror that he came to know.

However, remembering some past grievances between Long Eyebrow and the Empress, Jiang Liu shifted his words: "This humble monk learned by chance from Long Eyebrow Immortal that the Soul-Calming Stone is in the Longevity Hall. Yet, when I went to the Longevity Hall, I found nothing..."

Jiang Liu’s words caused the Empress to furrow her brows slightly.

Originally, according to Jiang Liu’s narrative, the Empress should have asked why he found nothing at the Longevity Hall and then turned his attention to this place—how did he come to know that the Soul-Calming Stone was in her possession?

Yet, the mention of Long Eyebrow Immortal drew more of the Empress’s attention.

After slightly furrowing her brows, the Empress promptly asked Jiang Liu: "You mean that the information about the Soul-Calming Stone was given to you by Long Eyebrow?"

"Indeed!" Jiang Liu nodded, admitting frankly.

Soon after, with a slightly curious expression, he looked at the Empress and asked: "Empress, do you also know Long Eyebrow Immortal?"

"Hmm, I know him, somewhat." After hesitating for a moment, the Empress nodded and spoke.

However, the Empress had no intention of dwelling further on this issue, or perhaps she didn’t wish to talk about Long Eyebrow Immortal with Jiang Liu.

She swiftly bypassed this topic and said: "You seek the Soul-Calming Stone, may I ask for what purpose?"

"Empress, the matter is like this..." Regarding the issue of Fengmen Village, there was nothing to hide, Jiang Liu opened his mouth, describing how he came across Fengmen Village.

Then, he explained the situation over at Fengmen Village, and how he sought Long Eyebrow True Man, who guided him to find the Soul-Calming Stone—all of which Jiang Liu tersely recounted to the Empress.

"Xuanzang, you are indeed compassionate..." Listening to Jiang Liu’s words, considering that all actions he undertook were for the people of Fengmen Village, the Great Jade Emperor nodded slightly, expressing a comforting demeanor.

Although many individuals encountered during the Journey to the West have faced calamities, with two of his subordinates among the Four Royals indirectly perishing.

Nonetheless, in the Three Realms and Six Paths, no one doubts Xuanzang’s benevolence.

"Amitabha, this humble monk’s journey westward to seek True Scriptures aims to ferry all beings across to the other shore. If along the way I encounter suffering people and can stand by idle, this entire westward journey seeking True Scriptures would indeed be a joke, wouldn’t it?"

Uttering a soft chant of the Buddha’s name, Jiang Liu opened his mouth to answer.

"Hmm, that’s correct, makes sense!" Jiang Liu’s words led the Great Jade Emperor to nod slightly, as it indeed resonated with both emotion and reason.

Such reasoning also explains why he, throughout his westward journey, willingly aids whenever facing difficulties encountered by the common people.

Even concerning the plight in Lion Camel Kingdom, because of his promise to the people, he was willing to confront Manjushri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattvas, even leading to their demise.

Perhaps, it is precisely due to such ardent compassion towards all living beings that he became the individual bearing the destiny in this great disaster of the Westward Journey?

"Xuanzang..."

At that moment, beside him, the Empress could not help but speak up: "I know a bit about Long Eyebrow. You mean to say that Long Eyebrow happened to descend to the lower realm and thus guided you in finding the Soul-Calming Stone?"

"Indeed, precisely so!" Jiang Liu’s gaze returned to the Empress, nodding slightly.

"From what you said, while the Soul-Calming Stone indeed possesses the capacity to cure the ailments of Fengmen Village’s population, it would also damage his Divine Soul."

"As far as I know, Long Eyebrow is not one to act selflessly with great compassion. His willingness to aid you, does he ask anything in return?" The Empress opened her mouth to question Jiang Liu.

"Seems I underestimated the history between the Empress and Long Eyebrow True Man?" Thinking about the words of the Empress, Jiang Liu’s heart stirred slightly, silently contemplating.

Indeed, outwardly, the Empress’ words seemed correct, and her conjecture hit the truth—Long Eyebrow indeed had requests.

But, how come the Empress’s words sound like a smear against Long Eyebrow?

"Amitabha, the Empress speaks with great insight, and indeed, Long Eyebrow’s actions do have personal motives..."

In his heart, Jiang Liu carefully considered the matter but appeared entirely indifferent on the surface. He nodded, following the Empress’s lead: "What Long Eyebrow seeks is an item that grants longevity!"

"Hmm, that’s indeed the case. From what I know, Long Eyebrow’s lifespan is indeed running short..." Jiang Liu’s reply greatly satisfied the Empress, and it seemed very reasonable to her.

"That being the case, Xuanzang, did you agree to Long Eyebrow’s request?" After affirming with a nod, the Empress turned to Jiang Liu and asked.

"Recently there’s been a rumor that the White Mouse Demon maiden beside this humble monk can impart sixty years of life with a single piece of flesh! That’s precisely what Long Eyebrow desires!" Jiang Liu answered.

"Since you say it’s a rumor and naturally unreliable, why did you agree to Long Eyebrow?" continued the Empress.

"Although the rumor says White Mouse Demon’s flesh can extend life, it’s fact that this humble monk’s own flesh can prolong life. Thus, I plan to use my own flesh to fulfill the transaction with Long Eyebrow!" Jiang Liu responded to the Empress.

"Xuanzang, your compassion truly moves me!" Upon hearing Jiang Liu’s words, the Great Jade Emperor couldn’t help but voice his praise.

Jiang Liu knew his actions were not without self-interest—partly for mission rewards and partly to have Fengmen Village’s people worship him, boosting his destiny.

Yet, others were unaware of his motives.

Thus, the Jade Emperor thought Jiang Liu was sacrificing himself for others, considering his character to be very noble indeed.

Though Jiang Liu’s words made the Empress secretly admire his noble character and compassionate heart, she was nevertheless displeased.

If possible, the Empress would have preferred Long Eyebrow to perish when his lifespan expired.

However, Jiang Liu agreed to assist him in prolonging his life, and naturally, the Empress was not pleased.

Still, Jiang Liu’s action was an act of great charity, which left the Empress without a position to criticize him, despite her displeasure.

"Empress, do you possess the Soul-Calming Stone? If you have it, please lend it to this humble monk! On behalf of the villagers of Fengmen Village, I thank the Empress!" After briefly discussing Fengmen Village and Long Eyebrow’s matter, Jiang Liu redirected the topic to the Soul-Calming Stone, requesting the Empress.

Jiang Liu’s words brought a hint of hesitation to the Empress’s expression...

Logically, lending the Soul-Calming Stone to Xuanzang for a noble cause shouldn’t be refused.

But emotionally, the Empress was very aware that lending the Soul-Calming Stone to Long Eyebrow meant aiding him in prolonging his life.

Of course, the Empress was unwilling.

The emotional and rational responses were entirely different, resulting in hesitation in the Empress’s heart.

Observing the Empress’s hesitation, Jiang Liu’s eyes narrowed slightly!

If the Empress refuses, could he strike her down?

Despite her being a 91-level Quasi-Saint, she was considered one of the weakest among the Quasi-Saints.

Back then, wielding the Absolute Immortal Sword, he almost killed her, and now possessing the Tai Chi Diagram, while the Empress lacked the Treasure Lotus Lantern, Jiang Liu theoretically should be able to defeat her.

Of course, this thought only flashed briefly in Jiang Liu’s mind, and he quickly suppressed it.

The time to openly sever relations with the Immortals and Buddhas was far from ripe; even if he truly wished to kill the Empress, it must be done secretly.

Otherwise, if he did it openly, regardless of the outcome, there would be no room for reconciliation between himself and the Jade Emperor, nor the Heavenly Court.

"Empress, may I ask, is there any difficulty in this matter?" Suppressing his thoughts, Jiang Liu’s gaze fell on the Empress, and he asked.

"No, there is no difficulty..." Slightly lowering her gaze, the Empress did not show an intention to look at Jiang Liu, responding with words.

Being the Empress, although emotionally unwilling to bring out the Soul-Calming Stone, she would not be easily swayed by mere emotions.

"Summon Immortal Envoy Zhao here!" the Empress called out loudly in the midst of speaking.

"Thank you, Empress!" Hearing the Empress’s words, Jiang Liu expressed his gratitude.

Soon enough, an Immortal Envoy with a white beard and hair arrived.

The Empress briefly explained the matter to Immortal Envoy Zhao, who raised his hand and brought forth a stone the size of a water tank, indeed the Soul-Calming Stone.

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