98: Weird King Weird Kingdom

With three cannon blasts, the honor guard and the Emperor of Chechi Kingdom, dressed in dragon robes, came out with beaming smiles to greet them at the main gate.

Tang Sanzang didn't recognize him, or rather, Tang Ku didn't recognize him!

This emperor not only looked young but also possessed an outstanding demeanor and appearance, bearing a certain majesty reminiscent of the Emperor of Great Tang.

"A remote barbarian land, yet it has such an emperor? Truly not to be underestimated!"

Yang Jian looked at the approaching emperor with eyes full of admiration, clicking his tongue repeatedly.

"The entire Chechi Kingdom feels strange; it's better if we're careful!"

Tang Ku frowned slightly and suddenly saw Bull Demon King sizing up the king with wide eyes, a hint of confusion in them, as if he had discovered something but wasn't quite sure.

"Holy Monk, it's been a long time!"

The king walked to the steps and bowed slightly to Tang Ku; his neither humble nor arrogant demeanor and his warm smile made one feel very comfortable.

"Your Majesty need not be so courteous. Poor Monk only just learned of the new king's ascension; otherwise, I would have come earlier to observe the ceremony and pray for Your Majesty's blessings!"

Tang Ku put his palms together and returned the bow, saying, "It's just, I wonder if the old king..."

The king smiled and said, "Thank you, Holy Monk, for your concern. My father is still in good health, but after all, he is advanced in years, and handling state affairs has become somewhat tiring for him, so he simply passed the throne to this humble king, and he himself retired as Emperor to live a carefree life! Several years have passed in a flash. Holy Monk, since you've come today, please stay for a few more days, so this humble king can express his sincerity."

Tang Ku showed a hint of realization, then smiled and said, "We happened to pass through your esteemed country, coming here to purchase some items. We will return to Spirit Mountain in a few days, so it's better not to impose. As long as I see that your country is blessed with favorable weather and a peaceful, prosperous populace, Poor Monk's heart will be much at ease!"

Tang Ku's words were a test because there were too many strange things about this country, especially that false facade of "peace and prosperity," which made him feel extremely uncomfortable.

"Haha, speaking of which, our country owes a great debt to the Holy Monk and your Disciples. Otherwise, we would still be deceived by those three Devil Kings!" The king showed an indignant expression, then said to Tang Ku, "Initially, my father listened to those three demonic Daoists and carried out the act of revering Dao and suppressing Buddhism, which was truly unwise. Fortunately, he realized his error. I remember your Great Disciple once said that honoring monks and revering Dao, nurturing talents simultaneously, and unifying the three teachings is the strategy for a strong nation. I keep this in mind at all times!"

Tang Ku nodded, then asked in confusion, "Ah, was it the old king who taught you this? Poor Monk remembers you weren't present then!"

"Haha, that's right, my father often speaks of it!"

The king smiled calmly, "My Chechi Kingdom was founded on benevolence and righteousness, and my Chu family's efforts have spanned ten generations to achieve this beautiful land. Holy Monk endured much hardship when you came. Now that the world is peaceful and clear, I have set up a banquet in the Heavenly Nourishment Palace. It is just right to fulfill my duties as a host and also to fulfill my father's wish of gratitude. I hope Holy Monk will grant this!"

Only then did Tang Ku realize that the royal surname of Chechi Kingdom was Chu. He looked back and saw Little White Dragon pouting and asking, "Do you have anything good to eat here?"

"Yes... yes... haha, please come in quickly..."

The king was overjoyed. Everyone exchanged glances, a bit confused, and followed the king and his retinue into the palace.

Speaking of which, although the Chechi Kingdom's imperial palace couldn't compare to the grandeur of Daming Palace, it possessed a unique magnificence. Tang Ku chatted and laughed with the king along the way, discussing the affairs of Chechi Kingdom. From time to time, the king would also inquire about the state of Grand Tang and the decisions made on similar matters, etc. The king nodded repeatedly, claiming that he would take Grand Tang as an example to govern his country more splendidly, and so on... In short, it was a string of empty platitudes, making the few people behind him extremely awkward.

The banquet was truly excellent. Both the imperial palace staff and the servants were incredibly attentive and served everyone in an orderly fashion. Little White Dragon, in particular, ate with a beaming smile, gnawing on a roasted leg of some unknown beast in each hand, his mouth dripping with oil. Only Wu Zhen was busy taking care of him, constantly helping him clean his soiled clothes. But at least there was food, and this little ancestor didn't cause any trouble, spending the entire banquet quite peacefully.

The king enthusiastically urged Tang Ku to drink, and Tang Ku didn't refuse, drinking cup after cup, yet his demeanor remained normal. Their conversation, however, was incredibly open, like two good friends who had forgotten their age difference, talking about everything under the sun with great pleasure.

When the banquet ended, the king reluctantly bid farewell to Tang Ku, holding his hand and saying, "Holy Monk, please stay a few more days. A mere banquet truly leaves this humble king unsatisfied!"

"We indeed have other important matters. Today, we merely happened to come to your esteemed country, and it is only out of past sentiment that we have lingered here. We have already imposed... When we specifically come here next time, Poor Monk will definitely stay for a few more days!"

Tang Ku declined. The two of them continued to exchange polite farewells for a long time before finally parting reluctantly. The king did not stop until he had seen them out of the palace gates.

The few of them were all Immortal beings, and they ascended into the sky on clouds. However, they did not see the coldness and disdain in the king's eyes as he watched them fly away.

"...Did... did you let them see any flaws?" The little soldier who had previously shown vigilance towards Tang Ku suddenly asked.

"Haha, they might have noticed something, but they might not know our true identities... All right, just play your role well... Hmm, this great tribulation, we cannot overcome it alone. Let them be suspicious if they want to be suspicious. No matter how suspicious they are, they cannot escape this circle; they will always have to follow the path we've laid out for them!" The king smiled indifferently, flicked his robe sleeve, and turned to walk away. All the ministers, lords, and soldiers beside him seemed not to have heard their conversation, their faces still beaming with happy smiles.

Amidst the layers of clouds in the sky, everyone had already returned to the flying shuttle.

"This king has a problem!" Nezha and Bull Demon King said simultaneously.

"The Holy Monk and the old king had a deep friendship. Why didn't this king even mention his father?" Yang Jian said in a deep voice, "Normally, he should at least have taken the Holy Monk to meet the king!"

"And my habits..."

Tang Ku chuckled, "I used to have no interest in alcohol whatsoever, and I never even ate meat. You could say I was a vegetarian from birth. But this time, Poor Monk ate meat and drank alcohol until I was disoriented, yet he didn't even ask a single question, as if my current state was completely natural!"

"The most important point is..."

Nezha suddenly shivered, "That eerie atmosphere throughout the entire city... Damn, I've seen all sorts of Devil King and ghosts in my life, but I've never seen anything so bizarre... It's truly terrifying!"