At this moment, Tripitaka was sitting in his room, lighting an oil lamp and carefully leafing through the scriptures.
Perhaps it was because doing so brought him a small measure of comfort. Though he had long since memorized every book by heart, whenever he felt helpless, confused, or lost, he still liked to read through them again and again—even if he could no longer find any new answers within.
Just as Tripitaka was absorbed in his reading, a shaggy head suddenly appeared before him.
Caught completely off guard, Tripitaka froze in place.
"If they ask you to pray for blessings, don't go—whatever you do! That's Venerable Lingji's idea, and it can't be anything good!" With that, Monkey King spun around and vanished.
Before Tripitaka could react, a knock sounded at the door.
"Master Tripitaka? Master Tripitaka, are you asleep?"
It was the voice of the County Heir.
Recalling Monkey King's warning, Tripitaka hesitated for a moment. But that was all. After a brief silence, he still set aside the book in his hands and rose to walk toward the door.
He opened the door.
Outside the door, the Old County Prince and his son bowed respectfully. "We apologize for disturbing you so late at night."
Tripitaka took a deep breath and returned the bow. "Not at all, you are too kind. May I ask what brings you here at such a late hour?"
"Uh... it is like this." The County Heir smiled faintly, hesitating before saying, "The people of Phoenix County have just survived disaster, and thanks to the Holy Buddha's grace, have found peace here in Thunderhill County. Our gratitude is beyond words. Therefore, we wish to ask Master Tripitaka to perform a blessing for the people of Thunderhill County, praying for peace in the coming year."
After speaking, he exchanged a glance with the Old County Prince, and the two of them bowed to Tripitaka in perfect unison.
"A blessing?" Tripitaka's brows furrowed slightly as he looked at the father and son before him in surprise.
The two exchanged glances. The County Heir quickly spoke up, "Master Tripitaka, would you be willing to accept?"
Tripitaka's brows furrowed even deeper. He said, "If there is anything I can do to help the people, I would never refuse. However... what is the true meaning of this blessing? I confess, I do not quite understand."
Upon hearing this, Monkey King, hiding under the eaves, grew indignant. "What do you mean, 'never refuse'? Didn't I just tell him not to agree?"
Marshal Silver sighed helplessly. "Master Tripitaka surely knows the pros and cons of this blessing. There's no need for you to worry so much."
"How can I not worry? He knows it's a trap—does he really have to jump in anyway?" Monkey King spat bitterly, but could do nothing.
At this moment, hearing Tripitaka's willingness to help, the Old County Prince and his son broke into broad smiles.
The Old County Prince quickly said, "The people of Phoenix County survived disaster solely thanks to the Holy Buddha's grace. Offering a blessing now is naturally to show our heartfelt gratitude to Heaven."
Tripitaka looked puzzled. "If you wish to express your hearts, the Holy Buddha is right there in Little Thunderhill Abbey—why not go directly? Is this blessing not redundant?"
Stumped by Tripitaka's question, the two were momentarily at a loss. The County Heir quickly replied, "That... that's because we wish to thank not only the Holy Buddha, but also Heaven and the Buddha Patriarch."
"If that's the case, wouldn't it be better to ask the Holy Buddha in Little Thunderhill Abbey to bless you? What merit do I have to speak for you?"
"This..." The County Heir was immediately stumped by Tripitaka's words.
In his panic, the Old County Prince hurriedly interjected, "The Holy Buddha in Little Thunderhill Abbey is, after all, a Buddha, and we are but mortals. If we wish to offer thanks, it is more fitting to ask Master Tripitaka to represent us."
"If it's about mortals, there are many accomplished monks in Little Thunderhill Abbey who have not yet attained Buddhahood. They follow the Holy Buddha daily and are more apt to hear his teachings. Tripitaka is but a passing monk—if anyone should represent you, surely it ought to be them."
The County Heir couldn't help but laugh. "How could the monks of Little Thunderhill Abbey compare to Master Tripitaka?"
"Why not?"