I am submissive in Journey to the West, I strike hard at the gods

Bodhi remained calm and said indifferently, "Fairy, please forgive me. This humble monk only wanted to lure out Jiang Wang, so I temporarily invite you to go to the Western Paradise."

With a flick of his whisk, he was about to take Chang'e away.

Unexpectedly, under the moonlight, Chang'e's body suddenly transformed into a beam of clear light, like mercury spilling onto the ground. In an instant, she broke free from the white silk bindings, transformed back into human form, and stood in the courtyard, smiling radiantly.

"Bodhi Patriarch, your mind is probably not very sharp."

Chang'e's voice was clear and crisp, tinged with a hint of mockery, "I am the mistress of the Moon Palace, my body can melt into the moonlight, neither harmed nor destroyed. What can your whisk do to me?"

Bodhi was furious and waved his whisk again, trying to summon dark clouds to obscure the moonlight.

Just then, a golden light suddenly shone from afar, and the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron, suspended in mid-air, swept over with terrifying suction force once again.

Bodhi felt a chill and looked up abruptly, only to see that Jiang Wang had somehow already stood on the roof ridge, the golden dou in his hand shining brightly, as if it were about to devour the heavens and the earth!
"You old bald monk Bodhi, you dare to come back?"

Jiang Wang's voice was icy, with a hint of mockery, "If it weren't for Fairy Chang'e secretly reminding you, you would probably be doomed here today!"

Upon hearing this, Chang'e covered her mouth and chuckled, then winked at Jiang Wang: "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Jiang."

Bodhi's face turned ashen; he knew he had fallen into an ambush.

He gritted his teeth, flicked his whisk, and vanished in a golden light, his voice carrying far away: "Jiang Wang, this humble monk will avenge this grudge!"

Jiang Wang retrieved the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron, shook his head, and sighed, "What a pity, I almost managed to subdue this old bald monk."

Chang'e floated down gracefully, smiling and saying, "Fellow Daoist Jiang is quite cunning, having taken precautions all along. I was worried for nothing."

Jiang Wang waved his hand and said with a wry smile, "The fairy reminded me in time, otherwise I would still be in the dark."

This Bodhi Patriarch is unlikely to let this go easily; the fairy must be careful in the future.

Chang'e nodded, her gaze softening: "With Fellow Daoist Jiang here, I am at ease."

If you have time another day, you must come to my courtyard for a chat.

Jiang Wang cupped his hands and smiled, "Of course, I dare not refuse the fairy's hospitality."

Under the moonlight, the two smiled at each other, and the surrounding spiritual energy flowed, making the night even deeper.

The sky was shrouded in mist and the wind howled. A vast, boundless sea of ​​clouds churned in the distance.

Jiang Wang, dressed in a green robe that fluttered in the wind, stood atop a cloud, his gaze sharp as a knife, piercing the white-robed figure opposite him.

The Bodhi Patriarch had white hair and beard, and a sage-like demeanor. He gently swayed his whisk in his hand, but his face showed a hint of hidden anger and wariness.

The air seemed to freeze between the two, a murderous intent lurking beneath the surface.

"Jiang Wang!"

Bodhi Patriarch's voice was low and deep, with a hint of gritted teeth, "You junior, how could you act so viciously, actually setting a trap to plot against me!"

"If it weren't for my profound cultivation, I would have already fallen into your trap!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wang sneered, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes. "Bodhi Patriarch, a great master of the Western Sect, actually utters such words. Aren't you afraid of being laughed at?"
You accuse me of plotting against you, but haven't you also resorted to any means necessary?
"Hmph, kidnapping Chang'e to force me to show myself—such despicable behavior! Does he even deserve to be called wicked?"

Bodhi Patriarch's expression stiffened, and his whisk paused slightly, clearly indicating that Jiang Wang had hit a nerve.

His eyes flickered, and he said in a deep voice, "Jiang Wang, don't try to be clever with your words!"
My actions are all ordained by Heaven.

Your feud with Western religion was predetermined; you can't blame anyone else!

"Is it predetermined by Heaven?"

Jiang Wang sneered, his voice full of mockery, "What a fine example of destiny!"
Bodhi, your Western religion claims to follow the will of Heaven, but what you do, isn't it all for your own selfish interests?

"You schemed against me back then, forcing me into this mess, and now you're pulling this stunt again. Your shamelessness is truly astounding!"

Bodhi Patriarch was so provoked by Jiang Wang's words that his breath hitched, and his anger intensified. "How dare you!"
Jiang Wang, you are nothing but a mortal. You have become arrogant and domineering after getting some opportunities. Do you really think you can compete with my Western Sect?
If you don't hand over Chang'e today, don't blame me for showing no mercy!

Jiang Wang raised an eyebrow and a cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth. "No mercy?"
Bodhi, if you have the ability, then come and try!
However, I advise you to carefully consider your own situation first, lest you end up like last time, running back to Zhunti in disgrace and tears!

"you!"

The Bodhi Patriarch was so angry that his hair and beard trembled. He suddenly swung his whisk, creating a gust of wind that caused the sea of ​​clouds to surge.

He gritted his teeth and said, "Jiang Wang, don't be so smug!"
Last time it was my carelessness that allowed you, a junior, to take advantage of me.

This time, I will make you pay the price!

Jiang Wang stood with his hands behind his back, unmoved, and said calmly, "Bodhi, enough with the nonsense."

If you were truly capable, you would have already taken action. Why bother with words and arguments with me from this cloud?
Or are you scared?

Are you afraid I'll set another trap for you, so you'll fall into it again?

Upon hearing this, Bodhi Patriarch's pupils contracted slightly, clearly indicating that Jiang Wang's words had stirred up the shadows in his heart.

He did suffer a loss at Jiang Wang's hands last time. Jiang Wang secretly tampered with the Six Pure Bamboos, which almost damaged his Dao Heart.

Now, facing Jiang Wang again, although he was burning with anger, he dared not make a move rashly.

After a long standoff, Bodhi Patriarch finally snorted and flicked his sleeve, saying, "Jiang Wang, I'll let you off the hook for now, but remember, the methods of the Western Sect are beyond your imagination!"
If you continue to be so stubborn, you'll regret it!

After saying that, he flickered and transformed into a golden light, disappearing into the end of the sea of ​​clouds.

Jiang Wang watched Bodhi's departing figure, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.

He muttered to himself, "Western religion... Hmph, Zhunti, Jieyin, what are you plotting now?"

……

As the clouds and mist dissipated, Jiang Wang flashed and landed in a secluded valley.

A stream babbles through the valley, birds chirp, and a bamboo house is nestled among the green bamboo in the distance, appearing peaceful and serene.

In front of the bamboo house, Chang'e, dressed in white like a fairy from the moon palace, leaned against the door, looking at Jiang Wang with gentle eyes.

"Jiang Wang, you're back."

Chang'e's voice was gentle, tinged with concern, "Just now I saw some unusual movement in the clouds from afar, could it be that Bodhi has come again?"

Jiang Wang nodded, his expression slightly grave. "Yes, it's him."

That old bastard's still got his hands on you; he's thinking of dragging you back to force me to submit.

Upon hearing this, Chang'e frowned slightly, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes. "Jiang Wang, since Bodhi is unwilling to give up, I'm afraid he will come again."

Staying in this village is not a long-term solution for us.

"How about... how about you take me away from here and find a secluded place to hide for a while?"

Jiang Wang was taken aback and turned to look at Chang'e. He saw that she looked serious and it didn't seem like she was joking.

He frowned and said, "Chang'e, do you really want me to take you away?"

As you know, my journey has been fraught with danger. Taking you with me, I'm afraid...

"What are you afraid of?"

Chang'e smiled gently, but there was a hint of cunning in her eyes. "Jiang Wang, are you afraid that I will be a burden to you?"
Or are you afraid that others will misunderstand our relationship?

Jiang Wang was taken aback by her words, and an unnatural look flashed across his face. "How can you be so good at reading people's hearts?"
I was just worried about your safety.

Chang'e covered her mouth and chuckled softly, her voice as clear as a silver bell, "Jiang Wang, I can guess a little about what you're thinking."

The reason you don't want to take me with you is simply because you're afraid of exposing your little secret.

But have you ever considered that if I fall into Bodhi's hands, he will definitely use this to blackmail you?

"At that time, will you save her or not?" Jiang Wang was silent for a moment, looked Chang'e up and down, and finally sighed, "Well, what you said makes some sense."

This village is indeed unsafe right now. That old fellow Bodhi is cunning; there's no guarantee he won't pull another trick.

I will take you away and find a secluded place to lay low for a while.

Upon hearing this, Chang'e's eyes flashed with joy, and she said softly, "Jiang Wang, thank you."

Jiang Wang waved his hand, his tone somewhat impatient, "What are you thanking me for?"

It's just a stopgap measure.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not doing this for you, I'm doing it to stop that old bastard Bodhi from succeeding!

Chang'e smiled, not exposing his lie, and simply asked softly, "When shall we set off?"

"At the moonrise tonight."

Jiang Wang said in a deep voice, "That old fellow Bodhi is very shrewd. There is no moon during the day. If he comes again, I'm afraid it will be difficult to deal with."

We left under cover of night; he won't be able to catch up in a short time.

Chang'e nodded, secretly relieved.

She knew that Jiang Wang was aloof and proud, so it was already a rare privilege for him to agree to take her along.

Given the current uncertain situation, it would be extremely dangerous for her, a frail woman, to remain in the village.

Although Jiang Wang was sharp-tongued, he ultimately possessed a certain chivalry, which reassured her considerably.

……

Meanwhile, deep within the Western Sacred Mountain, in a magnificent golden hall, the Bodhi Patriarch stood respectfully before an elderly man in golden robes.

The old man had a kind face, but his brows revealed an unfathomable majesty. He was none other than Zhunti Daoist, one of the two saints of the Western Paradise.

"Master, I am incompetent and failed to bring Chang'e back. And that young Jiang Wang is exceptionally cunning..."

Bodhi Patriarch lowered his head, his tone tinged with shame.

Master Zhunti waved his hand, his voice gentle yet carrying a profound meaning, "Bodhi, there is no need to blame yourself."

Although the matter was not successful, it was not entirely without gain.

Do you know that although Jiang Wang took away your six pure bamboos, you actually benefited from the misfortune?

Bodhi Patriarch was taken aback, raised his head, and asked in confusion, "Master, what do you mean by that?"

Zhunti smiled slightly, flicked his finger, and a golden light transformed into a picture in mid-air.

In the image, six pure bamboo stalks emit a faint glow, subtly pointing in a certain direction.

Zhunti said, "These Six Pure Bamboos are the most precious treasure of our Western Sect, and they are connected to your mind and spirit."

Although Jiang Wang seized it, he did not know that this treasure could trace the origin of a soul.

As long as it's in Jiang Wang's hands, you can know his location at any time.

Upon hearing this, Bodhi Patriarch's eyes flashed with wild joy, "Master's calculations are brilliant!"
In this way, Jiang Wang would have no chance of escaping!
"This disciple will immediately lead men to capture him!"

"Wait!"

Zhunti Daoist raised his hand to stop him, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes, "Bodhi, do not act rashly."

Jiang Wang is an exceptionally cunning fellow; even you have fallen for his tricks. If you act rashly again, you might fall into his trap once more.

Bodhi Patriarch was taken aback, and hurriedly said, "Master, in your opinion, what should this disciple do?"

Zhunti Daoist smiled slightly, flipped his hand, and a precious tree with seven-colored flowing light appeared in his hand. It was the famous Seven Treasures Tree.

He handed the precious tree to Bodhi and said in a deep voice, "This time, you should take this Seven Treasures Tree with you. It will be enough to deal with Jiang Wang's tricks."

However, what I want you to do is not to capture Chang'e, but... to kill Jiang Wang directly!

Upon hearing this, Patriarch Bodhi was startled and hesitated, saying, "Master, although Jiang Wang is despicable, he possesses the techniques of Righteous Invisibility and Spatial Teleportation. I fear I will be unable to kill him with a single blow..."

Zhunti Daoist waved his hand to interrupt him, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, "It's alright, I already have arrangements."

"This time, you only need to follow the plan, and Jiang Wang will surely die!"

Bodhi Patriarch sensed the resoluteness in Zhunti's tone. Although he still had doubts, he dared not ask any further questions and respectfully replied, "Disciple obeys!"

Zhunti Daoist nodded, looked outside the main hall, and murmured, "Jiang Wang, you're jumping around too much like a chess piece."

It's time... to remove you from this chessboard completely.

……

As night fell, the moonlight, like water, spilled into the valley.

Jiang Wang walked side by side with Chang'e, their figures moving like ghosts through the mountains and forests.

Jiang Wang's eyes were wary as he frequently glanced around, as if he were on guard against something.

Chang'e followed beside him, her steps light, but her eyes held a hint of curiosity.

"Jiang Wang, where do you think we should go?"

Chang'e asked softly.

Jiang Wang didn't turn his head and said calmly, "A secret realm unknown to anyone."

That place is very well hidden; even if Bodhi dug three feet into the ground, he wouldn't be able to find us.

Chang'e nodded, but secretly pondered: Jiang Wang is a decisive and skillful man, but I don't know why he is so wary of the Western Sect.

Could it be that he has some unspeakable secret with the Western religion?

The two walked on in silence, and under the moonlight, their figures gradually disappeared into the depths of the mountains and forests.

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, Bodhi Patriarch held the Seven Treasures Tree, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, and murmured, "Jiang Wang, this time, you have no way out!"

Jiang Wang stood under the laurel tree outside the Guanghan Palace. The moonlight, like water, shone on his angular face, revealing a touch of coldness.

He put his hands behind his back, his gaze distant, as if looking at the end of the sky.

Beside him, Chang'e, dressed in white, her skirt swaying like clouds, looked at him with a playful yet charming smile.

"Fellow Daoist Jiang, your ability to shift stars and change constellations is truly wondrous. Even a sage might not be able to predict my whereabouts."

Chang'e's voice was like jade beads falling onto a plate, clear and melodious with a hint of allure. She took a step closer, her sleeve brushing against Jiang Wang's arm, seemingly intentionally, yet unintentionally, "Tell me, how do you want me to thank you?"

Jiang Wang glanced at her sideways, his gaze as calm as a deep pool, utterly undisturbed.

He said calmly, "Fairy Chang'e, put away your little schemes."

I'm only helping you conceal the truth because you're not involved in this great calamity, and I don't want you to get dragged into it for nothing.

Don't play with fire, or you'll get burned.

Upon hearing this, Chang'e covered her mouth and chuckled softly, her laughter echoing like silver bells under the moon.

She took another half step forward, swaying her slender waist slightly, and said in a soft voice, "Oh dear, Fellow Daoist Jiang, your words are so heartless."

They just wanted to express their gratitude, why are you being so dismissive?

Her eyes sparkled with a hint of provocation. "Could it be that you truly have absolutely no interest in me?" (End of Chapter)