After transmigrating into the body of the Jade Rat Spirit, I became Nezha's adopted sister.

Sun Wukong looked at her lowered eyes, a glint of light flashing in his golden pupils, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he said nothing.

The atmosphere became somewhat quiet for a moment. Bai Yeying broke the silence and picked up the previous topic again, talking about the recent situation of Xiankong Mountain, how Cuiluo was managing the cave, how Huang Wu was patrolling the mountain to gather information, how Teng Han was taking care of the herb garden... She chattered on and on, like a daughter reporting her daily life to her father.

Sun Wukong listened, occasionally interjecting with a few words, and the atmosphere gradually became lively again.

The sun gradually rises higher and then slowly sets in the west. Dappled sunlight filters through the mountains and forests, and the autumn atmosphere deepens.

Bai Yeying estimated that it was about time and was preparing to get up and say goodbye when suddenly, as if sensing something, she raised her head and looked up at the sky.

Sun Wukong also sensed something, and his golden eyes looked in the same direction.

In the distance, the clouds were faintly tinged with rosy hues, and a streak of auspicious white light trailed gracefully from the west. As the light passed, the clouds parted and the mist dissipated.

Bai Yeying's heart skipped a beat. This aura belonged to a powerful Buddhist master!

Sun Wukong's golden eyes suddenly lit up as he stared at the auspicious light, and the laziness on his face vanished instantly.

The auspicious light seemed to travel at a slow speed, yet it covered thousands of miles in an instant, reaching the sky above the Five Elements Mountain in the blink of an eye.

The light slowly receded, revealing the figure within.

A white-robed Bodhisattva sits serenely on a lotus throne, her face compassionate and solemn, holding a vase and willow branch, her body enveloped in a soft halo. This is none other than the compassionate and merciful Guanyin Bodhisattva, who saves all beings from suffering.

Bai Yeying subconsciously took a half step back, bowing her head and standing respectfully. How could a mere little mouse demon like her have ever faced a Buddha or Bodhisattva of such rank?

Guanyin Bodhisattva's gaze first fell on Sun Wukong, who was trapped under the mountain, her eyes filled with compassion.

"Wukong," the Bodhisattva spoke, her voice gentle and clear, yet carrying a comforting power, "You have suffered here for so long, do you know why?"

Sun Wukong raised his head, his golden eyes meeting the Bodhisattva's gaze, his voice still arrogant: "I, Old Sun, know nothing! I only know that old Buddha tricked me and imprisoned me here! Bodhisattva, have you come today to release me, Old Sun?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva shook her head slightly: "Back then, you caused havoc in the Heavenly Palace and committed a heinous crime. You deserve to suffer this tribulation to eliminate your karmic obstacles. Now, five hundred years have passed, and your opportunity has arrived."

"An opportunity?" A glint flashed in Sun Wukong's eyes.

"Indeed, soon a pilgrim from the Great Tang Dynasty will pass through this place. He is the reincarnation of Jin Chanzi, and is on the orders of the Tang Emperor to travel west to obtain the Mahayana Buddhist canon. You and he have a karmic connection as master and disciple. At that time, he will remove the seal on the mountaintop and rescue you from your predicament. You must become his disciple and protect him along the way, ensuring his safe journey to Mount Ling and the attainment of the true scriptures. When the mission is accomplished, not only will your sins be completely absolved, but you will also attain enlightenment and a golden body."

Sun Wukong listened, his expression shifting. The hope of escaping his predicament was so close that his heart pounded, but the words "become a disciple" and "protect him" made him feel somewhat awkward.

He paused for a moment, then asked, "When will the pilgrims arrive?"

"Heavenly secrets cannot be fully revealed, but the time is not far off. You must wait patiently, restrain your mind, and refrain from causing any further trouble. After you are freed, you must sincerely assist your master, vanquishing demons and monsters along the way, purifying your body and mind, so as not to fail this great destiny."

Sun Wukong suppressed the turmoil in his heart and lowered his head: "I, Old Sun... understand. Thank you for your guidance, Bodhisattva."

Guanyin Bodhisattva's gaze then turned to Bai Yeying, who stood respectfully to the side with her head bowed, trying to minimize her presence.

Bai Yeying felt a tightness all over her body, and her head drooped even lower.

"Golden-nosed white-haired rat." The Bodhisattva's voice remained calm, yet it sent a jolt through Bai Yeying's heart.

What! Is this any of her business?

"Your acquaintance with Wukong here is also a matter of fate."

The Bodhisattva said slowly, "You bear the karmic burdens from before the Buddha, and being a demon in the mortal realm, you were destined for a tribulation. However, considering your recent actions, which have been mostly benevolent and less wicked, and your aspiration to attain enlightenment, I will offer you some guidance today."

Bai Yeying quickly bowed: "This humble demon will heed the Bodhisattva's teachings."

"The journey to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures is a momentous event for the Three Realms, a path to cleanse the demonic forces and reveal the true nature of Buddhism. The demons along the way may be calamities or trials."

The Bodhisattva said meaningfully, "Since you have a past connection with Wukong and are near the Journey to the West, you will inevitably be drawn into it in the future. Remember, stay true to your heart and do not do evil. If you can take this opportunity to eliminate your own karmic obstacles, you may have a chance to transcend. If you remain stubborn and obstruct the journey to the West, you will not be able to escape your fate, and you may even perish, body and soul."

These words struck Bai Yeying like a wake-up call. She immediately understood the Bodhisattva's meaning.

The Journey to the West is about to begin! And she, the golden-nosed white-haired rat spirit, is one of the trials in the original story!

Is the Bodhisattva warning her, or is he pointing her to a possible path?

"I understand!"

She quickly replied, her voice filled with gratitude and lingering fear: "This little demon will certainly remember the Bodhisattva's teachings, devote herself to cultivation, and never dare to hinder the great journey to obtain the scriptures, much less... cause the Great Sage any trouble."

She spoke the last sentence with particular seriousness, and even secretly glanced at Sun Wukong.

Sun Wukong snorted but didn't say anything.

Guanyin Bodhisattva nodded slightly and said no more. The lotus platform slowly rose, and auspicious light reappeared.

"Wukong, take care of yourself. Golden-nosed White-haired Rat, I hope you cultivate diligently."

As soon as the words were spoken, auspicious light enveloped the lotus platform, and just as it had come, it meandered away, disappearing in an instant into the western clouds.

Silence returned to the foot of Five Elements Mountain. Only the mournful sound of the wind whistling through the cracks in the rocks could be heard.

Bai Yeying remained bowed for a long while before slowly straightening up, feeling a chill on her back.

The implied meaning in Guanyin Bodhisattva's words stirred her emotions, making it difficult for her to remain calm.

The Journey to the West is about to begin. Tang Sanzang is coming soon. The Great Sage is about to escape his predicament.

And what about her? What should she do? Following the Bodhisattva's instructions, should she stay obediently on Trapped Sky Mountain, waiting for Tang Sanzang to arrive and complete that trial? Perhaps...

She looked at Sun Wukong. The Great Sage was also gazing in the direction the Bodhisattva had left, his golden eyes flashing with excitement and bewilderment.

Five hundred years of suppression have finally come to an end. But the road ahead lies in finding a master, offering protection, and embarking on a pilgrimage...

For him, was it liberation or constraint?

"Great Sage..." Bai Yeying called softly.

Sun Wukong withdrew his gaze, looked at her, and his face returned to its usual nonchalant expression.

"Did you hear that? I, Old Sun, am about to go out!" His tone was filled with barely suppressed excitement.

"Yes! Congratulations, Great Sage!" Bai Yeying was genuinely happy for him. "You will surely escape successfully and protect Tang Sanzang to obtain the true scriptures!"

"Protect a monk..."

Sun Wukong muttered something to himself, then chuckled, "Anyway, as long as we can get out! I'm sick of this wretched place!"

Bai Yeying smiled too, but there was something complicated in her smile.

"Little mouse," Sun Wukong suddenly looked at her, his golden eyes serious, "you heard what the Bodhisattva said. This journey to the West is too complicated. Your Trapped Sky Mountain isn't far from the journey, so be careful. If you encounter any trouble, don't try to tough it out. Run if you need to, hide if you need to. After I, your old Sun, leave, I'm afraid I won't be able to take care of you."

These words were honest, even somewhat cruel, but Bai Yeying felt a warmth in their hearts. The Great Sage cared about her.

"I know, Great Sage." She nodded vigorously. "I will take good care of myself. You must take care of yourself too. There will surely be many hardships and dangers on the journey to the West."

"Hey! Who have I ever been afraid of?" Sun Wukong raised his head, his arrogance returning. "Don't worry! Once I, Old Sun, have protected that monk on his journey to the West and attained enlightenment, I'll come back and come find you to play on Flower Fruit Mountain!"