cannon fodder love

Chapter 655: Journey to the West: Zhu Jiumei 14
In Chang'an City, inside the imperial palace, the lights were on and a grand banquet was being held. There were a dazzling array of delicacies, and the palace maids shuttled among them, their graceful figures like dancing butterflies.

Emperor Li Shimin of Tang sat high up in the main seat, with Monk Tang, Zhu Jiumei, who were about to go west to obtain Buddhist scriptures, as well as Sun Wukong and Sha Wujing sitting on his left and right respectively.

Tang Seng was wearing a cassock, with a compassionate and firm face, holding a Buddhist rosary, lowering his eyebrows and silently chanting. Zhu Jiumei looked around curiously, with a lively look in her eyes. Sun Wukong was restless, scratching his head, and was quite impatient with the red tape of the court. Sha Wujing was much quieter, just eating the food in front of him silently.

"Master, the journey to the West is long and full of difficulties and obstacles. You must be careful." The King of Tang raised his wine glass and said to Tang Seng.

Tang Seng clasped his hands together, bowed slightly, and replied: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I will definitely fulfill my mission, obtain the true scriptures, and benefit the people of the Tang Dynasty."

"Good! I am very pleased to have Master's determination." The Tang King drank it all in one gulp, and then glanced at everyone, "During this trip to the west, Wukong and Wujing must also protect Master."

Sun Wukong grinned and said, "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will not let Master suffer even a hair loss with me here!"

Sha Wujing also hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, I, Sha, will also do my best."

The Tang King nodded and laughed: "With you all here, I believe this journey to the west will be successful."

At this moment, the King of Tang suddenly stood up, his expression solemn, and said in a loud voice: "Today, I have another important matter to announce."

Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at King Tang.

"I want to become sworn brothers with Master Xuanzang." As soon as the King of Tang said this, there was an uproar at the banquet.

A minister stood up and said, "Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable! You are the king of a country. It would be a loss of royal dignity to be sworn brothers with a monk."

Another old minister said, "Your Majesty, please think twice. This move may cause controversy."

The Tang King's face darkened, and he said, "I have made up my mind! Master Xuanzang is willing to embark on this difficult journey to the west for the sake of the people of the Tang Dynasty. I admire his righteousness. I am sworn brothers with him, and we are truly friends. How can it be inappropriate?"

The minister who first opposed it was still unwilling to give in and said, "Your Majesty, even so, you should still consider the ancestral etiquette and laws..."

"That's enough!" The Tang King interrupted him, "I have made up my mind. If anyone dares to oppose me, don't blame me for being rude!"

For a moment, the banquet was silent.

Tang Seng stood up and said, "Your Majesty, how could I be so kind to you? Please take back your order."

The Tang King stepped forward, held Tang Seng's hand, and said, "My brother, please don't refuse. You are traveling west for the sake of the people of the world. I am sworn brothers with you because I hope to share this important task with you."

Tang Seng's eyes sparkled with tears, and he said, "Your Majesty..."

Sun Wukong shouted at the side: "Master, since His Majesty is so kind, you should agree to it!"

Zhu Jiumei also said: "Yes, Master, this is His Majesty's sincere heart."

Tang Seng finally nodded and said, "Since Your Majesty is so insistent, I dare not disobey your order."

The Tang King was overjoyed and immediately ordered preparations for the sworn brotherhood ceremony. Soon, the incense table was set up, and the Tang King and Tang Monk became sworn brothers in front of everyone.

"From now on, Xuanzang is my sworn brother. If anyone dares to disrespect him, it is disrespecting me!" the King of Tang said loudly.

"Long live the emperor!" everyone shouted in unison.

After the sworn brotherhood ceremony, the banquet continued. The Tang King and the Tang Monk had a great conversation, from Buddhism to the way of governing the country. "My brother, I don't know when you will return from this trip to the West. I will wait for you in Chang'an when you return." The Tang King said with emotion.

Tang Seng said: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will return soon."

Everyone raised their glasses to see Tang Seng off. During the banquet, there were laughter and a warm atmosphere. However, when the banquet was about to end, some people looked at Sun Wukong and others. They secretly wondered whether these strange-looking disciples were really capable of protecting Tang Seng to complete this difficult journey to obtain scriptures.

Emperor Taizong of Tang seemed to have noticed everyone's doubts. He frowned slightly, looked at Sun Wukong and asked, "Sun Xingzhe, I have heard that you are very powerful. I wonder what magical powers you have to ensure that my brother will have a safe journey?"

Sun Wukong grinned, revealing a row of sharp teeth, and said: "Your Majesty, I have many skills! I have seventy-two transformations and can transform into birds, beasts, flowers, birds, fish and insects at will." As he spoke, his body flashed, and he instantly turned into a flying roc. He circled over the palace and then changed back to his original appearance.

Everyone was stunned and amazed.

Sun Wukong continued, "I also have a Ruyi Golden Cudgel, which weighs 13,500 kilograms. It can change as I wish and has infinite power." As he spoke, he took out the tiny golden cudgel from his ear and blew it gently. The golden cudgel instantly became extremely huge and reached the beam of the palace. Sun Wukong waved the golden cudgel, and the wind whistled. Everyone only felt the golden light shining in front of them, and the momentum was overwhelming.

"Good! Good!" Emperor Taizong of Tang couldn't help but applaud.

Sun Wukong put away his golden cudgel and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, this is nothing. I can travel a great distance with my Somersault Cloud. If we encounter any monsters or demons, I can take Master away from danger in an instant."

Emperor Taizong of Tang nodded and smiled, his eyes full of admiration.

At this time, Sha Wujing on the side also said: "Your Majesty, although I, Sha, am not as powerful as the eldest brother, but I have infinite strength. This crescent shovel in my hand can also subdue demons and protect the master." After that, he waved the crescent shovel with great force, showing extraordinary strength.

Emperor Taizong of Tang smiled and said, "Well, with disciples as capable as you, I believe that you will succeed this time."

However, at this moment, a strong wind suddenly blew outside the palace, dark clouds gathered, and an eerie atmosphere blew in.

"Oh no, there's a monster!" Sun Wukong shouted and jumped out of the palace.

I saw a huge black figure appear in the sky, with ferocious fangs, holding a mace, and black smoke spewing out of its mouth.

"Who is this monster that dares to run wild in the palace!" Sun Wukong shouted, and the golden cudgel instantly grew larger and hit towards the monster.

The monster was not afraid at all, brandishing his mace and fighting with Sun Wukong. For a moment, golden light and black air intertwined in the sky, with lightning and thunder.

Sha Wujing was not to be outdone and joined the battle with a crescent shovel in hand. Zhu Jiumei stood in front of Tang Seng, watching the battle nervously.

Sun Wukong used all his skills and used all 72 transformations to fight the monster. He transformed into a huge lion and pounced on the monster. The monster staggered and was hit by Sun Wukong's stick. The monster screamed and turned into a cloud of black smoke and disappeared.

When everyone saw the monster being defeated, they cheered.

Emperor Taizong of Tang stood up excitedly and said, "Sun Xingzhe, you are indeed very powerful. I am very pleased."

Tang Seng clasped his hands together and said, "Amitabha, thank you for your trust, Your Majesty. This is our responsibility, and we will do our best to protect this humble monk and help him obtain the true scriptures."

Emperor Taizong laughed and said, "Okay, my brother, be careful on your journey. I am waiting for your good news."

The King of Tang presented them with many gifts and a fine Arabian horse. He personally escorted them out of the palace and looked at their receding backs without saying a word for a long time.

The moonlight shines on the streets of Chang'an, and the figures of Tang Monk and his three disciples gradually move away. Carrying the expectations of the Tang King and the mission of saving the people, they move forward towards the unknown West.