After confirming that Liu Yanchang was unharmed, Three Holy Mothers carefully scrutinized Sun Wukong. She said, "You, smelly monkey, who are you?"
Sun Wukong replied, "I am none other than Sun Wukong, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, from Flower Fruit Mountain and the Water Curtain Cave."
"I've never heard of you," Three Holy Mothers shook her head, then turned and walked back to her temple.
"Hey, Three Holy Mothers, don't be in such a hurry to leave. I have something to ask you," Sun Wukong hurriedly chased after her, reaching the inner chamber of the temple.
"I remember I've never seen you before. What do you want to ask me?" Three Holy Mothers asked with a raised eyebrow.
"It doesn't matter if you don't know me, but you must know about this matter." Sun Wukong said.
"Alright, then speak, but leave after you're done," Three Holy Mothers sat down slowly, showing indifference. She had already made up her mind that no matter what Sun Wukong asked, she would answer with 'I don't know.'
"Three Holy Mothers, please tell me where Nuwa Niangniang (Goddess Nuwa) resides," Sun Wukong asked.
This question immediately shocked Three Holy Mothers. Her eyes widened, and a powerful aura, no less than Sun Wukong's, burst forth from her. She said, "Who exactly are you?"
"Why are you so agitated? I'm just inquiring about the whereabouts of Nuwa Niangniang," Sun Wukong spread his hands, indicating that he had no hostile intentions.
"Do you know the relationship between me and Nuwa Niangniang?" Three Holy Mothers frowned and asked.
"Who doesn't know that the lotus lamp in your hand was bestowed by Nuwa Niangniang?" Sun Wukong rolled his eyes.
This statement increased Three Holy Mothers' astonishment. The lotus lamp was a recent gift from Nuwa Niangniang, and not even her elder brother Erlang Shen, Yang Jian, knew about it. Could this monkey have some connection with Nuwa Niangniang?
"What is your relationship with Nuwa Niangniang?" Three Holy Mothers asked.
"In ancient times, when Mount Buzhou collapsed and a hole appeared in the sky, Nuwa Niangniang repaired the heavens with colored stones. Among the surplus stones left on earth, one absorbed the essence of the sun and moon, transforming into a stone monkey," Sun Wukong explained.
"You are the colored stone left by Nuwa Niangniang when she repaired the heavens?" Three Holy Mothers widened her eyes, asking.
Having encountered animals and plants turning into spirits, she had never heard of a stone transforming. The world was truly vast and full of wonders.
"That's correct," Sun Wukong affirmed.
"Since that's the case, I will tell you the whereabouts of Nuwa Niangniang. However, you must agree to a condition," Three Holy Mothers said, her eyes glancing as she spoke.
Despite Sun Wukong sensing Three Holy Mothers' suspicion, he was determined to learn about Nuwa Niangniang's residence. He said, "Whatever condition you have, just state it. As long as I can do it, I won't break my word."
Three Holy Mothers, seeing Sun Wukong readily agree, said, "I want to make it clear that Nuwa Niangniang's residence is extremely special. Without her permission, ordinary people cannot find it."
"Don't worry about that. Just tell me. As for whether I can meet Nuwa Niangniang, it depends on my own abilities," Sun Wukong waved his hand, saying.
"Alright, listen carefully. Nuwa Niangniang resides in the Wa Huang Palace outside the Thirty-Three Heavens. That place is chaotic and extremely dangerous. Only Daoist immortals of the Great Luo rank can enter. Otherwise, there will be a danger to life," Three Holy Mothers warned and kindly reminded Sun Wukong. She was afraid he might underestimate the danger and rashly intrude into the chaotic realm, not knowing how he would end up.
"Thank you for telling me Nuwa Niangniang's whereabouts. Just tell me your condition, and I, Sun Wukong, will definitely help you!" Sun Wukong patted his chest, expressing his resolute determination.
After thinking for a moment, Three Holy Mothers played with her hair, tilted her head, and mischievously said, "I haven't thought of the condition yet. I'll tell you when I figure it out."
Sun Wukong was stunned, muttering to himself, "Can it be like this?"
Three Holy Mothers said, "What? Are you regretting it?"
"I, Sun Wukong, am as reliable as a nail when I speak. What I say is like water spilled out; how could I regret it!" Sun Wukong said with righteousness.
"In that case, it's settled. When I figure out the condition, I will come to find you," Three Holy Mothers declared.
"Agreed, farewell!" Sun Wukong clasped his fists, then leaped and somersaulted, disappearing in an instant.
"What a strange monkey. Perhaps he might be helpful in the future," Three Holy Mothers sighed as she watched Sun Wukong vanish into the distance.
Meanwhile, Sun Wukong had disrupted the fate between Three Holy Mothers and Liu Yanchang, and now, with the knowledge of Nuwa Niangniang's whereabouts, he felt elated.
Contemplating on the fact that he was the colored divine stone left by Nuwa during the heaven-mending, he sensed a karmic connection. If he could gain her support, he wouldn't be too anxious when facing various hidden figures.
Riding on his cloud, he returned to the Water Curtain Cave in just a quarter of an hour. Landing on the cloud, Sun Wukong passed through the waterfall and arrived at the iron bridge. Letting out a roar, he said, "My children, I'm back!"
His voice echoed throughout the Water Curtain Cave, and soon, a multitude of monkeys emerged, surrounding Sun Wukong and chattering incessantly, bombarding him with questions.
After a while, a tall ape walked out and said, "Great King, you've been away for over a decade. We should welcome you back properly and celebrate."
The monkeys were delighted, preparing fruit wine and organizing a welcoming feast. Coconuts, grapes, celestial flowers, and fruits were laid out, creating a joyful atmosphere.
During the celebration, a curious monkey asked, "Great King, did you find the method for immortality during your journey to the Immortal Mountain?"
Sun Wukong replied, "During my journey, I acquired the True Fruit, which grants the same lifespan as the heavens. I have learned the profound art of immortality."
Hearing this, the monkeys approached to congratulate him.
While they were happily feasting, a monkey in a hurry rushed in and exclaimed, "Great King, something bad is happening. There's a demon outside causing trouble, claiming to seize our Water Curtain Cave residence!"