Volume 3: A Long Journey, Chapter 210: The Jade Rabbit Spirit

The woman appeared somewhat demonic, but not overly fierce. Her beauty was enchanting and delicate, rivaling even the grace of Mao Qiang and Chu Mei. With every glance and smile, she was truly breathtaking—more beautiful than flowers or jade. Though not an immortal from the heavenly realm, her appearance rivaled that of a fairy, and her charm was remarkable.

Wukong was shocked because he recognized this “Elder Sister Luo”—he saw through her true form: she was none other than the jade rabbit held in Chang’e’s arms!

Once, when Wukong and Hou Yi went to the heavenly realm to meet Chang’e, Hou Yi used his arrows to drive away the other immortals in the Hall of Brightness, allowing him to bring Chang’e back to the mortal world. The jade rabbit followed them, but it managed to escape from Qitian Ridge and went to Yunzhan Cave in Fuling Mountain to meet Marshal Tian Peng in secret.

After much thought, Wukong recalled that he had read the traditional version of *Journey to the West*, where “Elder Sister Luo” was written as “Elder Sister Mao.” He hadn’t paid much attention to it at the time. In the Chinese zodiac, “Mao” corresponds to the rabbit. It seems more likely that she is indeed Elder Sister Mao. However, ancient people often created names by modifying characters—removing two dots from “luo” yields “mao,” but using “luo” as a surname is rather unrefined. Such a cute and adorable jade rabbit choosing such a vulgar name suggests it likely didn’t receive much education.

If she is indeed a jade rabbit, this explains things better. Before Hou Yi searched for Chang’e, she and the rabbit lived together in the Guanghan Palace, content in their bond. After Hou Yi and Chang’e reunited, they built a home in Qitian Ridge. After being apart for so long, it’s plausible they spent their time together constantly. Though the rabbit was a pet, it had become a spirit being. When Chang’e and Hou Yi were intimate, they naturally wouldn’t have it by their side, leaving the rabbit neglected. Though Qitian Ridge was vast, the rabbit didn’t recognize anything there. Seeing others in love every day, how could it remain indifferent?

Yet, in *Journey to the West*, Chang’e never left Guanghan—so why did the rabbit run away to the mortal world? It seems her journey to Fuling Mountain was preplanned, unrelated to her surroundings. She went there for Zhu Bajie, and later pretended to be a princess in India with ulterior motives toward Tang Seng. What exactly was this jade rabbit up to? It violated heavenly rules twice without any punishment—could it have powerful backers?

Learning about Elder Sister Luo’s true identity, Wukong had even more puzzles. Since he couldn’t solve them now, he could only listen to their conversation in hopes of finding some clues.

Hearing Zhu Bajie talk about the journey to obtain the scriptures, the Jade Rabbit’s eyes lit up. Her tone changed to something sweet and cloying as she leaned close to Zhu Bajie and asked, “What benefits does Tang Seng have that can make my brother, Marshal Tianpeng, willingly protect him?”
Zhu Bajie chuckled and said, “Tang Seng is, of course, extraordinary. There must be some good reasons for him to be protected.”
The Jade Rabbit snapped, “Hmph! If you won’t tell, I certainly don’t want to hear it. Go protect that Tang Seng on his western journey yourself. Just leave me here to die alone.”
Zhu Bajie quickly forced a smile and said, “Sister, you’re too quick to get angry. My relationship with Miss Gao was just temporary pleasure. She’s just an ordinary person—how could she stay with me forever? You and I are meant for each other.”
The Jade Rabbit turned away, her face full of disgust. Wukong was puzzled. He thought the Jade Rabbit truly admired Marshal Tianpeng, but now, seeing her expression, it seemed like she might vomit at any moment—there wasn’t a trace of affection in it. It seemed her goal wasn’t Zhu Bajie or the glory of his former identity as Marshal Tianpeng, but rather his status as a candidate for the journey. Otherwise, why would she become so interested as soon as the topic of obtaining the scriptures came up?
The Jade Rabbit turned back, her expression gentle again, and said, “Brother Tianpeng, you said earlier that I should wait for you on the journey to the West. Is that true or false? Don’t make me wait in vain.”
Zhu Bajie stood up, speaking with solemnity, “It’s true, of course. If there’s even a hint of lies, I’ll make you return to the pigsty—” The Jade Rabbit covered his mouth and said, “Who needs your oath? I was just testing you.”
Seeing affection in the Jade Rabbit’s eyes, Zhu Bajie’s heart stirred. His rough voice softened as he said, “Sister, I won’t go to Old Gao’s village today.”
The Jade Rabbit glared at him and said, “You brute! You’re almost attaining enlightenment, yet you still can’t control yourself. Be careful—if the Buddha finds out, he’ll destroy your vital organs.”
Zhu Bajie laughed and said, “There’s also the Joyful Buddha in the West. The Buddha doesn’t care about human love.” With that, he leaned in to kiss her.
The Jade Rabbit pointed at his forehead with her finger and sighed, “Enough, enough. I should go now.”
Zhu Bajie was stunned. “Where to?”
The Jade Rabbit replied with a sigh, “Staying with you, who’s so heartless, is only frustrating. Why should I humiliate myself?”
Zhu Bajie said, “What nonsense is that? Since I’ve come to Cloud Stack Cave, I have plenty of food and money at home, and no demons dare to cause trouble. It’s not bragging—this is a proper home.”
The Jade Rabbit said, “It’s important to have someone who understands you. Here, there are only you and me. If there’s still anything hidden, it’ll be boring.”

Bajie then understood that the Jade Rabbit still cared about Tang Seng’s secret. Sighing, he said, “It’s not that I don’t want to tell, but this matter is truly crucial.”
The Jade Rabbit curled her lips and said, “Do you think that if you tell him, Tang Seng will die?”
Bajie replied, “You’re right. If this secret gets out, Tang Seng will surely die.”
The more he said this, the more anxious the Jade Rabbit became. She grabbed Bajie’s ear and said, “Trying to tease me? I’ll ruin your looks today.”
Bajie’s ears were as big as fans, but they couldn’t withstand such pulling. He cried out in pain, “Sister, spare me! My old wound from last month hasn’t healed yet.”
The Jade Rabbit snapped, “If you don’t tell me, I’ll pull them off and eat you!”
At that moment, Bajie said, “If I do tell you, please don’t tell anyone else!”
The Jade Rabbit ignored him and pulled harder, demanding, “Speak quickly!”
Bajie hurriedly said, “If a woman mates with Tang Seng and absorbs his vital energy, she can become a Taiyi Golden Immortal!”
Hearing this, the Jade Rabbit was stunned. She relaxed her grip and smiled happily. Bajie quickly stepped back and rubbed his ear.
The Jade Rabbit laughed, “You deserve the pain. What’s there not to say? Are you afraid I’ll go after Tang Seng?”
Bajie looked at her and said, “How could I be afraid? Tang Seng is the reincarnation of the Golden Cicada, having practiced for ten lifetimes—his vital energy remains intact. Even if it were you or Chang’e in the moon, he wouldn’t be tempted.”
Hearing this, the Jade Rabbit’s eyebrows raised in anger. She shouted, “I told you not to mention her, yet you still do! Are you thinking of her all day long? Is there anyone in the world better than her?”
Bajie’s ears still hurt from before, and now he was scolded by the Jade Rabbit. Angered, he cursed, “Stop nagging! You’re always suspicious!” Then he walked away.
The Jade Rabbit asked, “Where are you going?”
Without looking back, Bajie replied, “To Gao Laozhuang!”
The Jade Rabbit said resentfully, “If you leave, I’ll leave too!”
Bajie asked, “Where will you go?”
The Jade Rabbit replied, “With Tang Seng approaching, how many more days can I stay here? I’ll naturally go to the west to wait for you.”
Bajie sneered, “Wait for me? Or wait for that Tang Seng?”
The Jade Rabbit cursed, “Heartless! If I don’t prepare in advance, and you show up suddenly, won’t they kill you as a demon?”
After thinking for a while, Bajie said, “That makes sense. If you want to leave, I won’t stop you. See you later.”
The Jade Rabbit said, “Good. Then it’s up to fate in the future.”
It was strange how these two behaved—when they were affectionate, they were like a loving couple, but now they acted like strangers. The Jade Rabbit said, “If anyone asks, just say I’m dead.”
Bajie replied, “Why say I’m dead when I’m fine?”

The Jade Rabbit said, “You’re too stupid. If others learn of our friendship, they’ll be on guard, and it will cause a lot of trouble in the future.”
Bajie seemed not very concerned about this and simply turned to look at the Jade Rabbit, saying, “As you wish.”
The Jade Rabbit used a teleportation spell and disappeared from the cave.
Bajie sighed and clicked his lips, saying, “What a shame.” It was unclear what he regretted.
After listening for a while, Wukong also understood the situation—Tang Seng was indeed a treasure. Not only could his flesh grant immortality, but his vital energy was also extremely precious, no wonder so many demons were after him. It was incredible that such a secret could be known by Zhu Bajie. Unless the Buddha deliberately revealed it, there was no other explanation.
Tathagata, truly, you only wish for chaos in the world.
After bidding farewell to Sister Egg Two, Bajie felt even more bored alone, so he decided to go to Gao Laozhuang to find Gao Cuilian for some fun. In a hurry, he flew to the village entrance when suddenly someone behind him said, “Marshal Tianpeng, long time no see!”
Bajie, who was thinking of Gao Cuilian, was startled by this sudden voice and almost fell from the cloud. He turned around and saw a small monkey standing behind him. Bajie rubbed his eyes and pointed at Wukong, saying, “You… you’re that demon monkey from Flower-Fruit Mountain!”
Wukong laughed heartily, “Marshal Tianpeng truly comes from noble stock—always talking about demons! Are you still not an immortal now?”
Bajie replied, “Though I’ve been demoted to the mortal world, I still have important duties ahead!”
Wukong wanted to tell him directly to avoid a fight. But then he thought that since they would be together for a long time, it would be better to provoke this foolish pig. If he didn’t give him a taste of his own medicine, how could he fear him? So he frowned and said, “You’re so ugly—how could anyone use you?” Then he suddenly realized, “Ah, I see! They must have invited you to do some work there.”
Bajie naturally asked, “Where? How do you know?”
Wukong replied, “The place I’m talking about is to guard a graveyard. Any evil ghosts or vengeful spirits, upon seeing your ugliness, will surely run away in terror, haha.”
When Bajie was still Marshal Tianpeng, he had been proud of his good looks. Now, as a pig demon, he felt deeply resentful. Hearing Wukong mock him like this, he flew into a rage and said, “When hitting someone, don’t miss the face; when insulting someone, don’t hide their flaws. You monkey are really too mean.”
Wukong sneered, “What good words could there be for someone who’s neither loved by gods nor accepted by demons?”
Bajie was both ashamed and angry, but knowing he was no match for Wukong, he said, “I have matters to attend to today. I won’t argue with you.”

Wukong spat and said, “It’s late and windy. What are you doing in a mortal village? Surely nothing good! Grandpa Sun is here today to rid the people of harm—take this stick from me!”
Bajie, seeing Wukong attacking without reason, didn’t hesitate and drew his nine-toothed rake, shouting, “You monkey, do you think I’m afraid of you?”