In the end, the Great Sage broke the rules.

Chapter 103 Crossing the River

"Brother! Little monk brother~~" A clear and sweet voice called out, and a small figure rushed into the house like a whirlwind.

Chen Yi looked in the direction of the sound and saw that it was Chen Guanbao rushing in.

The little guy was panting heavily from running, his cheeks rosy like ripe apples, which was incredibly cute.

Looking at the lively and adorable child in front of him, Chen Yi couldn't help but reach out and gently pat Chen Guanbao's head, smiling as he asked, "What's wrong? Why are you so anxious?"

Chen Guanbao raised his head, his big eyes sparkling with excitement, and said in a soft, sweet voice, "Dad said the Bodhisattva has arrived, and told me to hurry up and call my brother to go to the Tongtian River together!"

After saying that, he shook the hem of his shirt that he was holding, as if he couldn't wait to pull Chen Yi away.

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi's eyes lit up. Without saying a word, he grabbed Chen Guanbao and pulled him into his arms, then strode off towards the Tongtian River.

However, when they arrived at Tongtian River, they found they were too late.

The river surface was shimmering and calm as ever; there was no trace of Guanyin Bodhisattva or the monster. Only kneeling people remained.

It seems that Guanyin Bodhisattva has already left.

……

After the monster was taken away, the people of Chenjiazhuang treated Chen Yi and his companions with the utmost reverence, and were so apprehensive that they wanted to keep them in Chenjiazhuang for a few days until the boat was built before sending them across the river. Every household treated them with the same respect and devotion they would show to a Bodhisattva.

Chen waved his hands repeatedly and said, "No need, no need!"

"Someone will take us across the river!"

Upon hearing Chen Yi's words, everyone was completely baffled.

Pigsy lowered his voice and asked, "Master, who are you talking about?" How come he didn't know that his master knew someone who could lead them across the river?

Chen Yi: "We'll find out soon enough."

Sure enough, not long after, an old turtle swam to the shore like a moving mountain.

"Great Sage! Holy Monk! I will escort you and your disciples across!" came the old tortoise's aged voice.

Everyone in Chenjiazhuang jumped up in fright, like startled birds.

"monster!"

"monster!"

Chen Yi quickly reassured everyone, "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid! It won't hurt anyone!"

Only after hearing Chen Yi's words did everyone dare to cautiously and curiously examine the old tortoise, as if they were peeking at a tiger.

Chen Yi clasped his hands together, nodded slightly to the huge, majestic old tortoise in front of him, and said with a polite smile, "Thank you for your trouble. It's really too much trouble."

The old tortoise shook its head and hurriedly swung its front limbs, responding urgently, "No trouble at all!"

"If it weren't for the Great Sage's wisdom in inviting Guanyin Bodhisattva to subdue that monster and restore my ancestral home, I'm afraid my whole family would still be displaced and unable to reunite!"

Chen Yi: ...Clearly, I also contributed a lot, so why aren't you thanking me?!

As they spoke, the master and his disciples nimbly climbed onto the old tortoise's broad, sturdy back.

As the old turtle slowly began to swim, ripples spread across the calm, mirror-like surface of the Tongtian River, spreading outwards.

The master and his disciples sat steadily on the turtle's back, drifting downstream and leisurely enjoying the picturesque scenery on both banks.

……

After an unknown amount of time, we finally reached the other side of the river.

Chen Yi was the first to stand up, lightly leaping off the turtle's back. He then turned to face the old turtle and said with a smile, "Thank you, old turtle, for helping us cross the river."

A glint of expectation flashed in the old tortoise's eyes. After a moment's hesitation, it pleaded, "Holy Monk, this encounter is truly a matter of fate. I have another request, and I hope the Holy Monk can grant it."

"I humbly request that when the holy monk sees the Buddha, he asks on my behalf when I will be able to attain enlightenment."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi nodded without hesitation and replied, "Alright, when I meet the Buddha, I will definitely ask on your behalf."

He's already written this down in his notebook; he certainly won't forget it like in the story.

The old tortoise was overjoyed upon hearing this and repeatedly expressed his gratitude: "In that case, I thank the Holy Monk in advance. May the Holy Monk have a smooth journey to the Western Paradise to obtain the scriptures, and may he obtain the true scriptures soon to benefit all living beings!"

After saying that, he slowly sank into the river and disappeared from everyone's sight.