Journey to the West: Man in heaven, working nine to five

#1977 - Guanyin uses both soft and hard tactics

Guanyin appeared quite embarrassed by the Buddha's inquiry.

"The Tang Monk and his disciples are traveling slowly; they won't arrive for another ten days!"

"Why is that?"

Upon hearing that the Tang Monk and his disciples were being so lax, the Buddha appeared quite displeased.

"I don't know."

Guanyin also didn't know why the Tang Monk and his disciples' journey had suddenly slowed down.

"Go and investigate immediately, and resolve it at once."

The Buddha ordered Guanyin, as this was a major plan of theirs that absolutely couldn't be delayed.

"Understood!"

Guanyin agreed and turned to leave the main hall to find the Tang Monk and his disciples.

The Tang Monk and his disciples were walking slowly on the road. In the past three days, they had traveled less than a hundred li. At this rate, Tang Monk would probably die of old age before reaching the Western Paradise.

With Tang Monk being so passive and negligent, Sun Wukong and the others weren't in a hurry either. They were just taking each day as it came.

"Disciples, your master is tired. Let's rest here."

Having walked for less than an hour, Tang Monk was already complaining about being tired and wanting to stop to rest.

After stopping, Tang Monk closed his eyes and meditated. Sun Wukong wandered around looking for wild fruits, Zhu Bajie started napping, and Sha Seng picked lice from his hair and beard.

At this moment, Guanyin arrived from the sky and happened to witness this scene.

"Tang Sanzang, with such fine weather and a beautiful day, why are you lingering here? Why aren't you hurrying on your way?"

Guanyin approached and questioned Tang Monk with great dissatisfaction.

"Amitabha, reporting to the Bodhisattva Guanyin, our master is quietly contemplating nature and experiencing the Dharma. The journey to the Western Paradise lies in perseverance, not in striving for speed."

Tang Monk, seeing Guanyin's displeasure, hurriedly explained.

"Master is really good at making excuses!"

Zhu Bajie, who was nearby, couldn't help but mutter softly upon hearing Tang Monk's far-fetched explanation.

"Second Brother is just ignorant, isn't he? A monk uttering such grand lies can even deceive the Buddha."

Sha Seng, on the other hand, seemed unsurprised.

"That makes sense, but delaying the journey like this, wouldn't it make the Buddha feel that you lack sincerity? Once you are punished, your master will suffer."

Although Guanyin's words sounded amicable, there was a clear hint of threat.

"Would the Buddha so easily punish people?"

Tang Monk posed a question on the surface, but his words held a deeper meaning, also revealing his dissatisfaction with the Western Paradise.

"Tang Sanzang, your journey to the West to obtain scriptures is a great meritorious deed. The Buddha entrusted this matter to you, which is a great sign of trust.

You must not be negligent in your actions. When the task is accomplished, you will surely achieve enlightenment and attain a golden body and righteous Dharma!"

Guanyin once again spoke of these things to Tang Monk, but even Zhu Bajie was dismissive of these old, worn-out words.

"Look, Guanyin is drawing us another pie in the sky!"

Zhu Bajie whispered to Sha Seng.

"Hush, Second Brother, see through it but don't say it. Let's just pretend to be fools!"

Sha Seng was the most pragmatic. If fate hadn't been like this, he probably would have already risen to a high-ranking position in the Heavenly Court.

Guanyin was a seasoned management master, knowing to use both carrot and stick, applying both kindness and power. If drawing a pie doesn't work, then switch to the big stick.

"Amitabha, I understand, I understand. We will definitely work hard. Please, Bodhisattva Guanyin and the Buddha, do not be angry."

Tang Monk wouldn't be foolish enough to refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit, so he immediately expressed his stance to Guanyin.

"See, Master is still very smart."

Sun Wukong wasn't afraid of Guanyin's threats and spoke with a hint of sarcasm.

"I give you three days to reach Hidden Mist Mountain."

The Bodhisattva Guanyin directly set a deadline for Tang Monk to prevent them from being passive and negligent on the road again.

Hearing the name Hidden Mist Mountain, Tang Monk knew that this was another dangerous place, and also where he was destined to encounter a calamity.

"I don't know what kind of monster it will be this time. Please, Bodhisattva Guanyin, tell me clearly so that I can cooperate and complete the task as soon as possible."

Tang Monk asked the Bodhisattva Guanyin in a low voice.

"That's a very good attitude."

Hearing Tang Monk say this, Guanyin couldn't help but nod. In fact, she also hoped that everything would proceed smoothly, so revealing some information wouldn't hurt.

"You will be captured by the Leopard Spirit with Artemisia Leaf Skin there, understand?"

Guanyin instructed Tang Monk.

"Understood, understood. I have a lot of experience with this matter."

Tang Monk patted his chest to assure her. He had been captured countless times along the way, so experience was naturally a given.

Seeing Tang Monk like this, Guanyin was very satisfied and departed on a cloud.

After Guanyin left, Tang Monk then said to Sun Wukong.

"Wukong, quickly go and invite Immortal Chu Hao to come!"

Before Sun Wukong could make a move, Chu Hao's voice already came from the sky above.

"No need, I already know everything."

Chu Hao had been paying attention to Tang Monk and his disciples. He naturally knew when Guanyin arrived and had clearly heard the conversation just now.

"Brother, Guanyin has already spoken, we can't not do as she says."

Sun Wukong said to Chu Hao with some helplessness. Knowing that this was a plot designed by the Western Paradise, no one was willing to be played for a fool.

"You guys are still okay. Each time you're captured by those monsters, although you won't die, you're still bound and threatened. I'm the one who suffers the most."

Tang Monk was actually the most unwilling to be tossed around. He was just a mortal, and such tossing could take half his life.

"But Guanyin has already threatened us. If we don't act according to her demands this time, she'll show us what's what."

Zhu Bajie also had a troubled look, not knowing what to do.

The eyes of the master and disciples all fell on Chu Hao, wanting him to give them a solution.

"Since Guanyin has already made harsh threats, then this time you should act according to her demands!"

Chu Hao said to Tang Monk and his disciples.

"Could it be that even the Immortal has no solution?"

"Brother, are you also helpless?"

"Boss, that won't do."

Tang Monk and his disciples all shook their heads at Chu Hao.

"Don't be anxious. Doing as she asks doesn't necessarily mean it will be the result she wants. Do you know about feigning one move while preparing another?"

Chu Hao smiled at Tang Monk and his disciples.

Before Tang Monk and his disciples understood, Chu Hao explained it to them in detail.

Only then did they understand, and smiles appeared on their faces one by one.

Zhu Bajie even gave a thumbs up and said to Chu Hao with a smile.

"Boss, you're brilliant, truly brilliant."