Chapter 1286: Chapter 431: Busy
Sun Wukong laughed, and instead of refuting, he invited the Flood Dragon Demon King to sit.
The Flood Dragon Demon King sighed and said, “Forget it, I got beaten by my sister-in-law. How can I show my face here? Find me a place to hide first.”
Everyone was taken aback, not knowing what he meant.
If he was embarrassed to be seen, he should have left, but instead, the Flood Dragon Demon King insisted on hiding.
The Flood Dragon Demon King knew everyone was puzzled. He glared at them and said, “Am I such an untrustworthy person? I know tomorrow is the big wedding for our seventh brother. There will certainly be trouble. The Eastern Emperor and others won’t let him get married in peace. I’m here to help him defend against enemies.”
The Macaque King looked at the Flood Dragon Demon King in surprise.
Among the brothers, Lord Yurong was hidden from the world, the Lion Camel King was afraid of trouble, and the Flood Dragon Demon King seemed the laziest, as if nothing concerned him.
The Macaque King hadn’t expected that the Flood Dragon Demon King would come knowing there’d be trouble for the seventh brother and wanting to help defend against it.
One must realize that Sun Wukong’s enemies might include several Heavenly Emperors.
The Flood Dragon Demon King was merely at the Sub-Paramount level and helping would require risking his life.
And though the Lion Camel King claimed to fear death, he had no intention of leaving Huaguo Mountain.
As for the Ox Demon King, there’s little to say.
Thinking of this, the Macaque King felt some shame.
No wonder when he first met Sun Wukong, he was not so warmly received.
In his heart, Sun Wukong likely saw him as not much better than that third brother.
It’s only because of Sun Wukong’s broad mind; otherwise, he might not have been allowed to set foot in Huaguo Mountain, let alone be treated like a brother.
The Macaque King hesitated before finally making up his mind.
“Thank you, Second Brother.”
Sun Wukong expressed his gratitude.
He did not refuse, as declining would imply distance between brothers.
Then, with a bitter face, the Flood Dragon Demon King gloomily said, “However, I seem to realize my presence here is of little use. Even my sister-in-law can defeat me; it’s quite a blow.”
Everyone smiled.
Thinking about it, although the Flood Dragon Demon King was low-key, he indeed had pride, and losing to Nu Ba was understandably frustrating for him.
Sun Wukong did not stay with them long because more people arrived.
Tathagata and Amitabha Buddha came, considered significant figures.
Sun Wukong took his leave and went to greet them.
“Fifth Brother, come along since Tathagata is your master.”
Sun Wukong laughed and said.
The Macaque King stood up, much calmer, and followed Sun Wukong to meet the Tathagata.
Seeing the Macaque King by Sun Wukong’s side, Tathagata was slightly surprised but nodded approvingly.
The Macaque King’s willingness to mend ties with Sun Wukong and return to their sworn brotherhood was beneficial.
After reaching the Supreme Level, Tathagata Buddha saw things more clearly.
Becoming the Supreme of the Three Realms wasn’t easy.
Remembering his past thoughts, Tathagata Buddha found them almost laughable.
Only after ascending to the Supreme Level did he realize it’s just the starting point for the strong.
Unlike Amitabha Buddha, who became even more serene and bore the demeanor of a lord of a realm.
He warmly greeted Sun Wukong.
Everyone knew that Amitabha Buddha’s current status owed much to Sun Wukong.
Had Sun Wukong not pulled him to the Heavenly Court’s side, Amitabha Buddha wouldn’t have achieved his current stature.
Moreover, Sun Wukong had even given him the Root of Immortality and Primordial Buddha Qi.
This made Amitabha Buddha deeply grateful to Sun Wukong.
Now, he was Sun Wukong’s most dedicated friend, perhaps even more loyal than to the Great Emperor Ziwei.
“You have my sincere apologies for not welcoming you sooner; could you, Fifth Brother, please host your master and Amitabha Buddha for me?”
Sun Wukong said with a smile.
The Macaque King was taken aback but agreed happily.
He understood that by allowing him to host them, Sun Wukong truly regarded him as a brother.
Had he been considered just a guest, he wouldn’t have been asked to do so.
Instantly invigorated, the Macaque King personally attended to Tathagata Buddha and Amitabha Buddha.
“Great Saint, continue with whatever matters you have; having the Macaque King host us is enough. No need to be overly formal,” Amitabha Buddha said with a smile, then added enthusiastically, “If Huaguo Mountain lacks manpower, I could also assist in entertaining guests; we’re all friends here.”
After speaking, Amitabha Buddha eagerly wanted to proceed.
Tathagata Buddha, amused yet slightly exasperated, quickly stopped him.
“Enough, you’re a supreme being. While as a friend of the Great Saint you can help with hosting, it might make some guests uncomfortable and be counterproductive.”
Only then did Amitabha Buddha reluctantly abandon the idea.
“Where is Jin Chan? Why hasn’t he come?”
Sun Wukong asked curiously.
Logically, on his wedding day, Jin Chan should be present.
Yet, Sun Wukong hadn’t sensed Jin Chan’s presence.
Many strong Buddhist Realm figures had gathered on Huaguo Mountain, including formidable ones like Mahasthamaprapta and Moonlight Bodhisattva. Given Jin Chan’s relationship with him, he would naturally come.
Tathagata Buddha displayed a strange expression and said, “Jin Chan has disappeared.”
Sun Wukong’s heart jolted, his gaze turning sharp.
He stared at Tathagata Buddha, urging him to be clearer.
Seeing Sun Wukong’s anxiety, Tathagata Buddha smiled and said, “Don’t worry, Jin Chan is likely breaking through. Recently he’s been quite mysterious, rapidly progressing in cultivation. When he reappears, it’s likely as a Supreme.”
Sun Wukong was indeed a bit surprised, and Amitabha Buddha’s expression was also troubled.
With Jin Chan on the verge of becoming a Supreme, Mount Ling’s power in the Buddhist Realm would be formidable.
However, considering his relationship with Sun Wukong, Amitabha Buddha smiled.
Unless Mount Ling surpasses the Heavenly Court’s strength, there’s no need for concern.
Tathagata Buddha was a smart person, knowing when to act.
Sun Wukong felt relieved and somewhat amused.
Despite claiming indifference to Jin Chan, hearing possible trouble for him provoked unease.
Perhaps this was the classic case of saying one thing but feeling another.
Sun Wukong chuckled, then asked the Macaque King to escort the two inside.
As for other Buddhist Realm elites, there were naturally others to host them.
Many grouped together, seeking familiar friends for conversations, without requiring Sun Wukong’s personal attention.
In the Three Realms, not many could compare in status with the likes of Tathagata.
Zhenyuan had also arrived, earlier than expected.
However, he didn’t need Sun Wukong to host; he began attending to others directly.
The Ox Demon King and others emerged, busy with arrangements.
Only the Flood Dragon Demon King felt too embarrassed to come out.
Having been defeated by Nu Ba earlier, he felt he had no face to show others.