Ch 25: The Malevolent Monster Just Wants To Farm

He put on a stern face and said, “This is utter nonsense!”

Qinghuan argued, “But the demons outside are all saying this…”

Jiang Lin looked at him with disapproval, “Outside? Who exactly? How do they know? Has anyone actually eaten it and proven the truth of this claim?”

Qinghuan was dumbfounded. As a recluse who only enjoyed sleeping, he was never one for deep thinking. He had never considered these questions before.

Seeing Qinghuan’s dazed and confused expression, Jiang Lin knew he had achieved the desired effect. Softening his tone, he continued, “Besides, since you know that the Tang Monk is the reincarnation of Golden Cicada, you must also be aware of the backgrounds of his disciples, right?”

(T/N: According to the original story, Tang Sanzang was originally a disciple of the Buddha named Golden Cicada. However, he once failed to pay full attention while the Buddha was teaching and was therefore punished by being reincarnated as a human. His journey to the West to obtain sacred Buddhist scriptures was part of his path to redemption and enlightenment.)

Qinghuan was shocked, “What? His disciples have some kind of background?”

Jiang Lin: “…”

So, you only know that the master might be easy to bully, but you have no idea who his disciples are?

He then gave Qinghuan a brief lesson on the origins of Tang Monk’s first, second, and third disciples, as well as his horse.

“Even the horse is the third prince of the dragon clan?” Qinghuan felt as if he had been struck by a revelation.

As a snake demon, his ultimate life goal had always been to one day gain the opportunity to become a jiao (a flood dragon). And for a jiao, the ultimate goal was to transform into a dragon. In other words, his ultimate dream was to become what the Tang Monk’s horse already was.

The dragon clan naturally exerts a bloodline suppression over snakes, and Qinghuan suddenly realized how naive his previous thoughts had been.

Seeing the change in Qinghuan’s expression, Jiang Lin knew that most of his previous intentions had been dispelled. He continued, “And besides, human flesh tastes awful. We more refined demons don’t even eat humans.”

Qinghuan nodded in agreement, completely unaware that Jiang Lin had never eaten human flesh either, so how could he possibly know?

Jiang Lin then said, “Alright, I’ll pretend you never said such foolish things. Keep your mouth shut about this and don’t mention it to any other demons. I don’t want people thinking White Tiger Ridge is home to such silly demons.”

The silly Qinghuan felt a bit ashamed and, realizing he had lowered the reputation of White Tiger Ridge’s demons, quickly promised, “I swear I won’t mention it to anyone!”

Jiang Lin nodded in satisfaction. After sending Qinghuan off, he sighed.

In this world, judging by combat strength, many demons with seemingly ordinary origins possess great power. Yet, despite the importance of bloodline in determining a demon’s potential, the dragon clan, with its supreme bloodline, doesn’t seem to have any real advantage in combat. Moreover, in the world of Journey to the West, the status of the dragon clan is incredibly low, almost as if they are beneath notice. It’s truly baffling.

Jiang Lin thought about it and could only conclude that this was simply how the original author had set things up. The author has the final say in their world.

Qinghuan was indeed convinced and, after returning, stayed quietly in his dwelling, never mentioning the matter to any other demon. The demons of White Tiger Ridge, those who had ever ventured outside, knew how wonderful their home was. Except for a few who enjoyed traveling, the majority lived there for centuries without ever leaving. As a result, the rumor about the Tang Monk’s flesh was never brought up again.

One day, when the weather was a bit hot, the Tang Monk and his disciples arrived at a place called White Tiger Ridge.

Sun Wukong looked ahead and saw various clouds gathering, with demon energy soaring into the sky. He sighed, fearing that this journey would be fraught with trouble.

It was already noon, and they hadn’t eaten all day, so everyone was hungry. Sun Wukong said, “I’ll go ahead and seek alms since I’m faster. You two, Pajie and Sha Wujing, keep an eye on Master.”

Both nodded in agreement.

Still uneasy, Sun Wukong added, “I can sense heavy demon energy at White Tiger Ridge; it might be more dangerous than anywhere we’ve been before. You must stay alert.”

After confirming that his fellow disciples understood, Sun Wukong still wasn’t completely reassured. He personally drew a protective barrier around them, instructing everyone to stay within it and not to leave.

After making all these preparations, he finally felt safe enough to fly off.

Jiang Lin, who had been closely following the events, knew the moment the five-member pilgrimage group arrived. Initially, he planned to send a beautiful demon to greet them, but then he recalled the original story, where the White Bone Spirit was killed by Sun Wukong after being recognized in human form.

Realizing that no matter how beautiful the demon was, she would be seen through and suspected of ill intentions, Jiang Lin reconsidered. He decided to choose the most innocent and harmless-looking demon among his many underlings—Gou Tou (Dog Head).

In truth, Gou Tou was no longer “Dog Head.” Over the centuries, he had finally achieved a fully human form and was now quite a handsome young man. However, everyone was so used to calling him “Dog Head” that the name stuck, with no disrespect intended. Gou Tou even had a particular fondness that the culture of White Tiger Ridge couldn’t change: he still preferred his dog-headed form, believing it to be more handsome than his human appearance. When he had nothing to do, he would revert to his dog-headed form.

Now, assigned an important task by the king, Gou Tou was very excited. He carefully remembered Jiang Lin’s instructions: keep his dog head and don’t hide his demonic nature; be polite and represent White Tiger Ridge’s civility; if someone tries to attack him, he must quickly beg for mercy.

Of course, Jiang Lin, worried that the Great Sage, who was known for hating evil, might kill the little demon before he even had a chance to speak, didn’t forget to give Gou Tou a protective talisman.

Gou Tou’s luck was decent. When he arrived, Sun Wukong had not yet returned.

He happily approached the Tang Monk and his disciples with his unique and dashing head, unsurprised by the wary looks he received from all four of them.

Zhu Pajie immediately prepared to strike, but Gou Tou quickly shouted, “I’m not a bad demon! Don’t kill me!”

Zhu Pajie hesitated.

Gou Tou, standing obediently with his hands clasped together, recited a Buddhist phrase and then looked at Tang Monk, using all the vocabulary he knew, “Are you the great saint from the Tang Dynasty? I am Gou Tou, a humble servant of the White Bone King of White Tiger Ridge. Our king greatly admires the noble Saint and has sent me to welcome you and invite you for a discussion.”

Tang Monk had a gentle nature. Seeing that this little demon was polite and harmless, he responded warmly, “Thank you for your kindness, but we are on a pilgrimage and it would be inappropriate to impose.”

Gou Tou, ever straightforward, replied, “But the entire area ahead belongs to White Tiger Ridge. If you want to head west, you must pass through it. So, you’ll be imposing regardless.”

Tang Monk: “…”

Gou Tou continued, “Moreover, Saint Monk, you can inquire within a thousand miles and everyone will tell you that our king is known for his hospitality. It would be improper for a guest to arrive and not be welcomed. If the other demons knew you passed through White Tiger Ridge without being properly received, they would mock our king.”

This was clearly a fabrication, but Tang Monk believed it. Being someone who disliked troubling others and who generally assumed the best of people, he hesitated.

Meanwhile, Zhu Pajie and Sha Wujing remained on guard, watching Gou Tou warily.

Just as the situation was becoming tense, their elder brother Sun Wukong returned. As soon as he saw Gou Tou, the Great Sage’s eyes widened. “What impudent little demon dares to disturb my master!”

Perhaps because Gou Tou seemed so weak, Sun Wukong didn’t immediately attack. Gou Tou, terrified by the overwhelming pressure from the Great Sage, desperately wanted to revert to his original form and flee, but he remembered his king’s instructions and, trembling, managed to say:

“This is a misunderstanding! I have no ill intentions, and we at White Tiger Ridge have never harmed humans! Our king sincerely wishes to welcome the Saint Monk and his disciples.”

Seeing the little demon standing his ground despite his fear, Sun Wukong was slightly impressed by Gou Tou’s courage.

He casually rested his golden staff on his shoulder and said lazily, “Your king? Must be the White Bone Demon of this White Tiger Ridge, right? Doesn’t he know that I, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, love to slay demons? Is he not afraid of me?”

Gou Tou, trembling, replied, “Of course, our king has heard of the Great Sage’s fearsome reputation. But our king also said that the Great Sage only slays those who deserve it—evil demons and wicked spirits. The Great Sage is a true hero!”

“Oh?” This was the first time Sun Wukong looked at Gou Tou seriously.

He then smiled, “I never thought I would hear such praise from a demon.”

Turning to Tang Monk, Sun Wukong said, “Master, I would like to meet this White Bone King.”

Tang Monk smiled gently, clasped his hands together, and said, “Amitabha, I too would like to meet this White Bone benefactor.”

With both of them in agreement, the others’ opinions didn’t matter.

Gou Tou sighed in relief and finally managed a small smile. “Please, follow me.”

He then led the way, confidently showing his back to the group, displaying a demeanor of complete openness.

Sun Wukong chuckled, “You’re a brave little demon.”

Gou Tou didn’t dare speak, but he was inwardly crying: The king said the Great Sage is fearless and unruly. I mustn’t show any fear or weakness in front of him. I’m practically risking my life to pretend to be calm!

The pilgrimage group followed Gou Tou through a valley barrier, and suddenly, the landscape opened up before them: a large, silver river wound through the land, with green willows along its banks and lush grass carpeting the ground.

On the grass, several adorable young demon children were playing, chasing each other, and among the grass, wildflowers of various colors bloomed. Butterflies fluttered among them.

As Gou Tou led the group closer, a few of the children who could take human form ran over, calling him “Uncle Gou Tou” while curiously examining the unfamiliar visitors with their clear, innocent eyes, showing no fear at all.

This innocence was the mark of children who had lived long, carefree lives.

As the Great Sage observed this scene, his heart, usually as steady as a rock, felt a slight pang of sorrow. He was reminded of the little ones at Flower Fruit Mountain.

Once upon a time, Flower Fruit Mountain had been just as peaceful and beautiful, and the children there had been just as innocent and joyful.

Looking again at Gou Tou, Sun Wukong’s gaze softened considerably.

The others were equally surprised by the scene before them.

The monk lowered his head with a smile, clasping his hands together, “Amitabha, this demon land is managed like a celestial paradise, peaceful and harmonious. The White Bone benefactor must be an extraordinary demon.”