Chapter 3: Vengeance for the father's death, resentment for the mother's loss

    On his way back to Golden Light Temple, Jiangliu'er kept replaying the words of "Muscular Tang Sanzang" in his mind.

    He never expected a stranger to show him such genuine concern.

    This person had inquired about his forehead injury upon seeing it, expressed anger upon learning the truth, and even urged him to become stronger when witnessing his timidity.

    Though the "Muscular Tang Sanzang" spoke with a rough tone,

    it still warmed Jiangliu'er's heart.

    Because...

    apart from Elder Faming, someone else cared about him now.

    And that someone was another version of himself from a different world!

    [Muscular Tang Sanzang]: "@Jiangliu'er, what do you desire? What do you lack? What do you yearn for? Speak boldly."

    This was the question posed earlier.

    Jiangliu'er pondered for a long time

    before hesitantly offering answers:

    Jiangliu'er: "I want to eat full bowls of fragrant rice every day, not porridge. Maybe with tofu or even beans if possible."

    Jiangliu'er: "A small house, just big enough for me."

    Jiangliu'er: "If... if I could become an official! Those magistrates look so impressive. Even our temple abbot bows to county officials, and Elder Faming smiles at constables."

    Jiangliu'er: "Some money too... Elder Faming says wealth isn't essential, but coins are useful when needed."

    As he voiced these desires, Jiangliu'er burned with shame.

    He felt he'd betrayed Elder Faming's teachings by clinging to worldly cravings.

    Fortunately, the Multiverse Journey chat group shielded him from the elder's ears.

    Otherwise, his delayed monkhood might become permanent after turning eighteen.

    These were simply the innocent wishes of a twelve-year-old.

    Jiangliu'er had no idea how to achieve them.

    Staying fed was already a daily struggle.

    [Muscular Tang Sanzang]: "Such sparrow's ambitions?"

    [Yellow-browed Ancestor]: "Hah! So the Golden Cicada still has desires! I thought becoming a 'Sacred Buddha' cleansed you. If my world's Golden Cicada joined this group..."

    Jiangliu'er: "Are these wishes improper?"

    [Altar Cleansing Envoy]: "Little master, these are trivial! If that monkey plucked a hair and blew..."

    [Great Sage Equalling Heaven Sun Wukong]: "Silence, pig! I'm the Great Sage, not your damned Buddha!"

    [Altar Cleansing Envoy]: "I meant the Sun Wukong from my world."

    [Great Sage Sun Wukong]: "A dog-monkey unworthy of my name!"

    Jiangliu'er couldn't interject in the chaos.

    Until...

    [Muscular Tang Sanzang]: "@Jiangliu'er, I can grant all these."

    [Muscular Tang Sanzang]: "Follow my instructions."

    Jiangliu'er: "Yes, master!"

    ......

    Returning to Golden Light Temple, Jiangliu'er's earlier gloom vanished.

    He fantasized about luxury—being served meals, even having the abbot bow while addressing him as "Lord Jiangliu'er."

    Would that let him install Elder Faming as new abbot?

    "But wouldn't that make me a corrupt official?"

    "Heh..."

    Despite verbal denial, the fantasy persisted.

    Suddenly, he encountered Elder Faming.

    Panic struck.

    "Disaster! The elder told me to fetch water, but the buckets floated away!"

    Preparing to apologize, he recalled Muscular Tang Sanzang's stern words.

    His mouth opened

    but no sound emerged.

    "I saw everything." Elder Faming wiped blood from Jiangliu'er's forehead with his sleeve, offering medicinal herbs. "Not your fault. I reprimanded those bullies. Chew these herbs and apply them. They'll aid healing."

    Jiangliu'er looked up in shock.

    Had Elder Faming been watching from the shadows?

    The elder produced a bowl like magic.

    Jiangliu'er gaped.

    "Steamed rice!"

    Elder Faming chuckled. "Apply medicine first."

    After hastily applying the herbs, Jiangliu'er devoured the warm, sweet rice.

    "Delicious!"

    Cheeks bulging, he licked the bowl clean.

    Though not entirely full,

    his spirits revived.

    Remembering monks calling him "parentless beast," he dared ask: "Elder Faming... do I truly have no parents? Are they... alive?"

    This was his third attempt this month.

    As before,

    the elder replied: "You'll learn when older," before departing.

    "Still no answers." Watching the retreating figure, Jiangliu'er thought of the Multiverse Journey group and his alternate self.

    Perhaps...

    Muscular Tang Sanzang knew?

    Yes!

    He must!

    Jiangliu'er: "@Muscular Tang Sanzang, since we share origins, do our parents match? Are mine alive?"

    The reply came as a question:

    [Muscular Tang Sanzang]: "Are you prepared for vengeance? To slaughter enemies?"

    Vengeance?

    Slaughter?

    Jiangliu'er's heart lurched.

    Dread surfaced,

    but he pressed on.

    Jiangliu'er: "I am!"

    [Muscular Tang Sanzang]: "Good. Worthy of being my counterpart."

    [Muscular Tang Sanzang]: "Your father was Chen Guangrui, Zhuangyuan scholar from Hongli County. Your mother Yin Wenjiao, chancellor's daughter."

    [Muscular Tang Sanzang]: "Appointed Jiangzhou governor by the Emperor. Bandits murdered your father and seized your mother during their journey."

    [Muscular Tang Sanzang]: "This blood debt binds us both."

    Jiangliu'er stood frozen.

    ......