Not long ago, Monkey and Mother Nuwa battled across heaven and earth, yet now, in such a short time, Nuwa's stance has completely reversed!
At this moment, not only Monkey but even Tripitaka was stunned. The others present were even more bewildered. Only Master Sage Subhuti was beaming with delight.
After a moment, Tripitaka snapped out of it, quickly pressed his palms together, and bowed: "This humble monk thanks Her Ladyship for her kindness. However... with the Great Sage and the others here, there's no need to trouble Her Ladyship."
"It's no trouble... but since you feel it's unnecessary, let's leave it at that. It's rare to visit the Women's Kingdom; last time you didn't have the chance to look around. If you don't mind, you can stay a few more days before continuing your journey. I'll arrange for proper hospitality." As she spoke, Mother Nuwa turned to look at Rosemary.
Rosemary was startled and took a step back. Monkey, standing beside her, was also taken aback, unconsciously tightening his grip on the Golden Staff.
"Don't worry." Mother Nuwa glanced sidelong at Monkey and chuckled, "I don't intend to do anything to her. Although Rosemary's previous actions did go against my expectations, didn't I also get to know Master Tripitaka because of it? Her merits and faults offset each other—no reward, no punishment... If she wishes to return to the Women's Kingdom, I can let her continue as queen."
"Continue as queen? You're being generous." Monkey raised an eyebrow. "Just don't coax her back and then turn your back on her."
"Judging a noble heart by petty suspicion." Ignoring Monkey, Mother Nuwa lifted her chin and gazed at Rosemary: "Let the past be past. It's beneath me to quarrel with you youngsters. Whether my promises count, you know best."
Rosemary blinked, dumbfounded, staring at Mother Nuwa in astonishment.
"What is it? Now that I'm willing to pardon you, you're not happy? Or do you think traveling west with them is more interesting?"
"Rosemary wouldn't dare!" At these words, Rosemary immediately knelt and bowed deeply. "Her Ladyship's kindness to Rosemary is as heavy as a mountain. I... I will follow Her Ladyship back to the Women's Kingdom."
The change came so suddenly that those around were left momentarily speechless.
Not long ago, Mother Nuwa was determined to bring Rosemary to justice, yet in the blink of an eye, she has completely pardoned her... and even promised to let her continue as Queen of the Women's Kingdom?
Everyone turned to Tripitaka, hoping to learn how he had convinced Mother Nuwa. Unfortunately, even Tripitaka himself was at a loss, completely unaware of which words had moved Nuwa to change her mind so drastically.
Looking around, Mother Nuwa sighed, "Cascade Cave is truly different from before. You must have put a lot of effort into it. Hmph, but in the end, it's still a total defeat."
Monkey pursed his lips, saying nothing, and continued to watch Mother Nuwa coldly.
After scanning the crowd, Mother Nuwa's gaze finally settled on Daisy Grass, who stood among a group of little demons.
With just a glance, Daisy Grass's eyes reddened.
As if summoned, she quickly lifted her skirts and took small steps toward Mother Nuwa, kneeling with a deep bow.
"Her Ladyship."
From afar, watching Subhuti, Mother Nuwa, and Rosemary rise into the air and fly westward, Earth-Store King at the edge of Blossom Mountain smiled faintly.
Beside him, Saint Raymond looked somber.
Pointing in the direction where the three disappeared, Earth-Store King softly asked, "How do you think Tripitaka convinced Mother Nuwa? The Three Pure Ones spent ten thousand years unable to resolve this grudge, yet he did it with just a few words?"
Subhuti.
Hm?
I don't know how he did it, but I know that with Subhuti's intervention, they had already half won. Without Subhuti, Mother Nuwa would never have wanted to talk to Tripitaka, and Monkey would never have let them meet alone." Earth-Store King looked meaningfully at Saint Raymond. "Let's go back, it's about time. Come with me to greet my 'helper.'"
With that, Earth-Store King turned and transformed into a wisp of green smoke, drifting away on the wind.
Saint Raymond shook his head helplessly, glanced back once toward Cascade Cave, took a deep breath, and also turned into a wisp of green smoke, drifting away.
...
At this moment, the others still stood at the stone gate, looking at each other in confusion.
Turning his head, Monkey frowned and asked, "What did you and she... talk about?"
Tripitaka stammered, "This humble monk... isn't really sure."
You don't know what you said to her?
Her Ladyship asked this humble monk about the Universal Salvation Path. I told her... I haven't fully understood it yet, then explained everything I know, have realized, and still doubt.
That's all?
Tripitaka nodded slightly.
The others present grew even more puzzled.
Could she really have changed her nature? Monkey frowned at the light shining through the cave entrance and said, "I fought her from the Western Ox Continent to Eastrealm, for days and nights, across tens of thousands of miles, and couldn't settle things. You managed it in a few sentences. Looks like we should send you out more often to talk your way through—this trick works."
Daisy Grass, standing to the side, covered her mouth and laughed.
With that laugh, the once-oppressive atmosphere in Cascade Cave was instantly dispelled. The little demons burst into laughter, and even Tripitaka, the target of their teasing, smiled faintly.
...
You old trickster." High in the sky, Mother Nuwa glanced at Subhuti and said, "You said Tripitaka could resolve my heart's knot, but he has his own, let alone mine."
How did I trick you?" Subhuti stroked his long beard and laughed. "Before you met him, you were so fierce, ready to perish with the Three Pure Ones. Now... isn't it resolved?"
Mother Nuwa shot Subhuti a glare.
So, did you listen to his Universal Salvation Path?
I did." Staring ahead, Mother Nuwa sighed thoughtfully, "There is still so much lacking, and a long road ahead. Maybe that road can't even be traveled."
Subhuti pursed his lips and nodded, saying nothing.
After a long time, Mother Nuwa continued, "But he is steadfast, moving forward one step at a time. He has already gone farther than I have on that path. Maybe one day, he really will find a different way."
So, you've decided to lend him a hand?
Not really lend a hand, but at least I don't want to be a stumbling block on his path." Gazing at the beautiful clouds in the sunset, Mother Nuwa was silent for a long time, then softly sighed, "When children grow up, mothers must let go."
She smiled sweetly, radiating a happiness she had never felt before. Even Subhuti was momentarily stunned.
For a mother, perhaps a grown child is the greatest comfort.
Perhaps he is not doing well now, perhaps he is still far from his mother's original hopes, but he is trying, no longer in need of rescue, no longer needing a mother's worry. Though the path is hard, he keeps moving forward, never stopping.
Mother Nuwa's eyes reddened, and a tear fell to her beloved earth.
Old man Subhuti.
Hm?
Thank you.
It's nothing, no need to thank me.
Amid the picturesque scenery, the three walked slowly westward.
For tens of thousands of years, Mother Nuwa had never stopped worrying. Today, she could finally pass the baton and quietly enjoy the beauty of the world.
That child who took the baton is named Tripitaka.
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