288: Grandet-style stinginess

Chang'an City returned to peace. How the families of the deceased would be compensated and how the follow-up would be planned, Tang Ku did not know, because that was the business of the imperial court. What he needed to do now was to stabilize and improve his own strength, and then wait for Guanyin to come and sign a contract with him!

It could be said that for the time that followed, Chang'an City was truly peaceful for a long time.

Tang Ku's reputation did not decline because too many people had died previously; on the contrary, due to official propaganda that molded Tang Ku into a hero who saved the world, his prestige grew with each passing day. Almost every household began to worship statues, portraits, and even longevity memorial tablets of the Guangdu Xin Buddha.

At this moment, Tang Ku was carefully assessing his side's combat strength.

"Let's count them up; the combat strength on my side isn't actually weak... Hmm, with the help of the Si Tian Jian, Nezha has gradually become more in sync with the flying shuttle, and his control over the spaceship Zun Zun has also become increasingly proficient. He can be considered an unexpected trump card..."

"Hmm, next are Wu Neng and Monk Sha. Although these two sometimes have loose screws in their heads, their combat strength is quite good. The Dragon Subduing Arhat... if he stands on the same front as the Buddhist sect, he will also become a significant combat force. As for Shi Jingmo, his combat strength is slightly weaker compared to his two Senior Brothers, but his crowd-control skills should play a major role on the battlefield. As for Wu Zhen... her combat strength can actually be completely ignored... Little White Dragon Ao Lie, combat strength unknown, but if he were truly strong enough, he wouldn't have been turned into that state. Then there is Ksitigarbha... his magic power is also gradually stabilizing, and he should be able to come out of seclusion soon. However, if everyone were to leave for Dongying this time, it would be equivalent to exposing the entire rear of the Great Tang to others, so Ksitigarbha cannot move... Additionally, there is this Brick fellow, and... the Zhen Yuanzi who is still healing in his stomach. It's just unclear how his magic power is recovering and when he can come out..."

"Alright, come to think of it, we aren't actually lacking in high-end combat strength. Then the question arises: after the enemy controlled the bodies of the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals of the Immortal Realm, their overall power has already become extraordinary. The so-called 'ants can bite an elephant to death'—even if our strength is strong, we cannot handle so many enemies. So the question arises: where will our ordinary combat strength come from? That is the problem that should be pondered the most..."

Tang Ku picked up a twig and drew circles on the ground beside the pan tao tree, muttering to himself.

Beside him, Pigsy was holding a raw sweet potato and gnawing on it happily. Although he couldn't understand Tang Ku's talk about high, medium, and low-end combat strength, he knew what his Master was worried about.

"Master, are we waiting for Guanyin to come? What kind of contract is she going to sign with us? A mutual cooperation agreement? Will they tamper with the agreement and make us fall into a passive position?"

Pigsy said, crumbs falling from his mouth.

"What do you know!"

Tang Ku jumped up and gave him a knuckle rap on the head, saying, "Although the Buddhist sect doesn't like to talk about credibility with you, they are also people who care about their reputation. They basically disdain using such methods. Moreover, once the agreement is signed, it is equivalent to trapping themselves within the agreement, and the agreement is protected by the rules of the Universe. They wouldn't dare to break the contract!"

Pigsy covered his head and retreated to the side, too timid to speak anymore.

Tang Ku looked at Pigsy's cowering appearance, unable to vent his frustration, and squatted back down to draw circles beside the pan tao tree.

However, not a few minutes later, Shi Jingmo rushed in from outside the door, saying anxiously: "Master, Master, there is a man outside full of the power of the Buddha Dharma looking for you, saying he had an appointment to meet you in Chang'an!"

Tang Ku jumped up suddenly and asked in surprise: "Did he say what his name was?"

"He... he said he is called Venerable Cihang!"

Whoosh! As soon as the words fell, Tang Ku had already rushed out.

Shi Jingmo looked stunned, turned his head to look at Pigsy, and asked: "Senior Brother, who is this Venerable Cihang? Why does Master value him so much?"

Pigsy laughed: "Junior Brother, you are too ignorant. Isn't Cihang the Taoist name of Guanyin before she achieved the Bodhisattva fruit position?"

Shi Jingmo couldn't help but be shocked, gasped, and said: "Guanyin? She would actually come to Chang'an?"

Eight hundred thoughts raced through his mind. Suddenly, he understood, and a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

"This Guanyin is truly a Master of psychology. Heh heh, interesting, interesting..."

Chang'an City was already under the surveillance of the Si Tian Jian and Tang Ku. With just the Void Eye, Tang Ku could see all the auras in Chang'an City. If there was anything unusual, he would know about it. But Guanyin had appeared grandiosely at Tang Ku's doorstep; this was clearly a show of force!

And by having Shi Jingmo come in to report, she also counted as having maintained sufficient respect for Tang Ku.

This person is not simple!

At the front gate, a handsome young man was holding a scroll in his hand, looking up and down at the foyer of the Du Xin Domain, clicking his tongue as he watched, seemingly very appreciative.

"I didn't expect the Bodhisattva to come so early?"

Tang Ku stood in front of him and suddenly smiled playfully, "I thought I would be able to live a few peaceful days!"

Guanyin smiled: "I was afraid you would be anxious waiting. Of course, I was also afraid you would go back on your word. Finalizing the relevant agreement matters early can also be considered a reassurance for both of us! Why, won't you invite me in to sit?"

Tang Ku smiled, cleared the way, and led this male Guanyin inside.

As they walked, she kept praising this place as a paradise, especially when she saw the pan tao tree in the courtyard. She was incredibly envious, then turned to Tang Ku and said: "Why don't we change the agreement? I won't ask for your help anymore; how about you transfer a few pan tao to us?"

Tang Ku said righteously: "How can the Bodhisattva see small profits and forget the great righteousness? Clearing away the Japanese pirates is the duty of us in the Buddhist sect!"

Guanyin couldn't help but twitch the corner of her mouth and muttered: "So stingy..."

The method of signing the agreement was very simple. Tang Ku scanned the scroll, and it was the same as the verbal agreement the two had made initially, so he was completely relieved. He dripped a drop of his heart blood onto it. When both had finished dripping their blood, the agreement took effect. An inexplicable force surrounded the two, connecting their souls together.

"Heh heh, the matter is settled. In three months, let's set off for the Dongying Island... Hmm, I will notify you where to assemble then, and we can discuss countermeasures then!"

Guanyin handed all the research materials she had promised to Tang Ku and smiled.

"Alright, alright, hmm... that... knowing you are a busy person, I won't keep you for a meal. Another day I'll be the host and invite you to eat a good meal at the vegetarian noodle shop in the south of the city!" Tang Ku was ecstatic, holding the materials tightly, not even glancing at Guanyin.

Guanyin rolled her eyes and muttered again: "What a stingy fellow!"

Saying this, she turned and left without looking back, flicking her sleeves.