Turning slightly, Master Sage Subhuti made a gesture of invitation toward Mother Nuwa.
Before Mother Nuwa could step forward, Monkey’s Golden Staff slammed heavily against the ground.
Instantly, everyone turned to look at him.
Baring his fangs in a grin, Monkey glared coldly at Master Sage Subhuti and said, “This is my territory. Don’t think you can do as you please here.”
“Your territory?” Mother Nuwa snorted coldly.
For a moment, everyone froze, quietly watching Monkey.
After a brief silence, Master Sage Subhuti coughed lightly and said, “Let Her Ladyship and Tripitaka have a private conversation.”
“Why? Just because you’re my master?”
Master Sage Subhuti’s expression dimmed slightly. He said, “If you want to continue westward, but Her Ladyship refuses, I’m afraid your journey will not go smoothly. Rather than that, it’s better to sit down and talk things out, and resolve the matter.”
“If there are talks, I’ll do them myself. No need to send a powerless monk.” Monkey raised an eyebrow, looking at Mother Nuwa. “Besides, I have zero interest in letting someone who just poisoned us be alone with him.”
For a moment, Mother Nuwa and the Great Sage simply stared at each other in silence, while Master Sage Subhuti stood dumbfounded at the side.
A stalemate hung between them.
After a long moment, Mother Nuwa let out a soft laugh. "It seems you and your disciple aren't on the best of terms, are you?"
Subhuti stroked his long beard and said, "Ever since he entered my tutelage, I've neglected his education. It's only natural we've grown distant."
"Neglected his education?" Mother Nuwa burst into laughter. "Yet you managed to raise a disciple who reached the Heavenly Dao Realm! Why couldn't I do the same? Clearly, I should seek your guidance another day."
Her expression suddenly turned cold as she fixed her gaze on the Great Sage. "So, what now? Should you and I join forces to subdue this monkey, or is it inconvenient for you, Master, to act? Shall I handle him alone?"
"Who's subduing whom is yet to be decided!" The Great Sage lowered his stance, ready for battle.
Spiritual power surged, whipping up fierce winds that sent sand and stones flying.
Yet Subhuti remained standing, as if still hesitating about something.
Just then, Tripitaka brushed past the Great Sage, stepping in front of him.
For a moment, Mother Nuwa, Monkey, and even Master Sage Subhuti were all slightly taken aback.
Tripitaka pressed his palms together and bowed respectfully to Mother Nuwa, then turned and bowed to Master Sage Subhuti. “I overheard the conversation between Master Sage Subhuti and Her Ladyship just now. Coincidentally, I too have unresolved doubts—about saving others, and saving oneself. Forgive my boldness, but I humbly ask to discuss this in detail with Her Ladyship.”
At once, the fierce winds around them gradually died down.
Mother Nuwa looked Tripitaka up and down, her eyes narrowing to slits.
Monkey turned his head, staring at Tripitaka in disbelief. “Are you sure you’re okay? You want to talk to her?”
“So long as there’s even the slightest hope, it shouldn’t be abandoned,” Tripitaka replied calmly. “Besides, isn’t Master Sage Subhuti my friend from a past life? Since Master Sage Subhuti brought Her Ladyship here to see me, surely he wouldn’t mean me harm.”
Monkey was momentarily stunned by this.
Stepping to the side, Tripitaka gestured invitingly. “Lady Nuwa, this place is barren—why not talk inside the cave-manor?”
Mother Nuwa was still glancing at Monkey, half intentionally, half absent-mindedly.
After a while, Monkey gave a helpless snort, dropped his battle stance, and leisurely stepped aside.