A suppressive atmosphere hung over the Lingxiao Hall.
Marshal You Qin Xuanya stepped forward to make her petition, with all military commanders joining in support. To the side, the civil officials remained silent, while the Jade Emperor sat on his high platform with a composed expression.
As was widely known, this matter had been solely promoted by Star Lord Taibai. When General Li Jing led the army to battle against the demons of Flower Fruit Mountain, Star-Lord Taibai had been persistently pushing for this.
Now that the military officials were expressing their dissatisfaction, it naturally fell to Star-Lord Taibai to step forward and resolve the matter.
The small jade screen before His Majesty the Jade Emperor swayed gently. He glanced at the False Taibai beside him, who smiled and bowed to the Jade Emperor before turning to face Marshal You Qin.
False Taibai spoke slowly: “Marshal You Qin, this matter wasn’t decided on a whim. It was discussed in Lingxiao Hall. Why didn’t you speak up then about its impossibility, yet now you ask His Majesty to retract his decree? What becomes of heavenly authority? What becomes of His Majesty’s prestige?”
“If I may, Star-Lord.” Marshal You Qin spoke unhurriedly, stepping forward half a step with her hand on her sword, her bright eyes fixed intently on the white-robed elder.
Inexplicably, Xuanya felt something strange in her heart, but she forcefully suppressed this feeling, focusing only on addressing the matter at hand.
She spoke firmly: “During the previous discussions of this matter, how many immortals were present? And how many of Heaven’s military officials were there? The reason I stand here today is because Star Lord’s conduct in this matter is truly unconvincing.”
“Oh?” False Taibai frowned. “Are you suggesting that when discussing Heaven’s confidential matters in Lingxiao Hall, we must first notify Marshal You Qin?”
Marshal You Qin replied: “If it wasn’t publicly announced before, why now claim that all immortals were already aware?”
“Is Marshal You Qin suggesting that His Majesty the Jade Emperor’s decrees require the consensus of all immortals?” False Taibai replied with a smile. “His Majesty is merciful and places great trust in all immortals, showing much care daily and being reluctant to rebuke. But Marshal You Qin must not forget that in Heaven, we must respect His Majesty’s decrees. In Heaven, only His Majesty’s word becomes law. Today, you use remonstration as a pretext to oppose His Majesty, defying heavenly authority and refusing heavenly law. What punishment does this deserve?”
Marshal You Qin pressed her lips together but only lowered her head in silence.
She was outmatched.
They were not opponents of the same level.
False Taibai voluntarily stepped back half a step and said: “Marshal You Qin, this humble deity knows you have a loyal heart, but you’ve been incited and used by others, leading to today’s situation. ‘Great Sage Equal to Heaven’ is merely an empty title. Giving it to that Handsome Monkey King, what harm could it do to Heaven? Marshal You Qin’s earlier words were somewhat exaggerated. The Monkey King is an Innate Stone Spirit, born from the Stone of Heavenly Mending. He has great merit and great magical power, and his character isn’t bad. He only fell in with demons after coming into the world, hence acquiring demonic roots. Now the Five Continents are stable and the Four Seas are peaceful. Heaven’s administration of the Three Realms cannot only involve conquest and warfare; we must also learn to be flexible. All the myriad races in the world are demon races – demons cannot be eliminated or killed off. Better to convert the demon races and let them exist within Heaven and Earth. Demon race, human race, innate spirits – they’re all living beings. Marshal You Qin, don’t be so adamant about eliminating all demons from Heaven and Earth just because you were born human. That’s too narrow-minded. We must look forward.”
“But…” Marshal You Qin paused, as a passage mysteriously surfaced in the depths of her heart.
It was a warm voice, calmly speaking of his arrangements for the beings of the Three Realms, mentioning… mentioning…
“Marshal You Qin,” False Taibai said with a smile, “why don’t you just—”
“Star-Lord is mistaken!” Marshal You Qin suddenly raised her head, light flashing in her eyes as she spoke firmly:
“The myriad races haven’t all transformed into demon races. The myriad races are simply the myriad races. The term ‘demon race’ originated from the Demon Court, which first called itself the Sacred Race, and later became known as the Demon Race. ‘Demon’ is derogatory among humans, but among demons themselves, it means clever star spirits. In today’s Three Realms, we have Heaven, Earth, and Humanity. In today’s Six Beings, we have Humans, Spirits, Immortals, Devils, Demons, and Ghosts. The Spirit Race need only break free from their demonic roots to return to their original form as one of the myriad races. The demons of Flower Fruit Mountain, though mostly born in the past ten thousand years, are controlled by the remaining wall of the ancient Demon Court. They carry heavy karmic burdens and act without restraint. Even if there are good individuals among them, such good ones are extremely rare. How can such demons be integrated into Heaven? How can a Demon King born from such demons, even if virtuous and moral, be given the title ‘Great Sage Equal to Heaven’? The words ‘Equal to Heaven’ mean equality with Heaven itself – this is disrespectful to His Majesty the Jade Emperor!”
False Taibai’s eyes narrowed slightly for a moment.
The atmosphere in Lingxiao Hall grew heavy again. All the immortals remained silent, while the Jade Emperor still sat expressionlessly on his throne, as if he hadn’t heard anything.
By the Lotus Pool in Spirit Mountain.
Cultivator Li Changshou watched through the water mirror opened by Buddha Duobao, looking at Junior Sister You Qin’s beautiful face, recalling various scenes from when they first met at the Ascending Immortals Gate.
This was her spirit, this was her essence.
Even with limited knowledge, she would still persist in her sense of justice – this was the radiant You Qin Xuanya.
Li Changshou silently gave his approval.
Beside him, Buddha Duobao also relaxed his expression slightly and said slowly: “Xuanya isn’t bad at all. She’s managed to leave the Heaven’s Avatar speechless. She’s got that flavor of Heaven’s— *cough* Heaven’s taboo.”
True automatic censorship.
At this moment, Li Changshou was wearing False Puthi’s skin and had to consider what False Puthi would say.
Although they were approaching the point of revealing everything and turning the tables, he still had to respect his opponents and do everything he could to the extreme. Even the smallest detail, the briefest moment, could affect the outcome.
Since he sought stability, he naturally had to follow through completely.
Therefore, Li Changshou said: “This immortal maiden is in danger, I fear.”
“Friend, your words are mistaken,” Buddha Duobao said slowly. “Let’s not mention that the Jade Emperor will protect this immortal maiden; even that Heaven’s taboo’s many friends in Heaven will protect her. Heaven’s Way may be omnipotent in this world, but it cannot act arbitrarily or do whatever it wants – there must be balance in all things. Heaven’s Way must consider that moving against You Qin Xuanya would surely provoke the dissatisfaction of many powerful figures toward Heaven – not worth it.”
Buddha Duobao paused, then continued: “This poor Dao- *cough* This poor monk will also intervene when necessary. At worst, we’ll bring You Qin Xuanya back to Spirit Mountain for protection. If needed, we can send her away from the Great Wilderness to reunite with that Heaven’s taboo.”
Li Changshou silently thanked his senior brother in his heart but only nodded indifferently on the surface.
Just as he was about to say something contradictory, a familiar voice came from the water’s surface.
Duke Dongmu.
“Um… Your Majesty, this old official has something to say.”
Duke Dongmu stepped forward with a bow. The Jade Emperor slowly nodded and said gently: “Duke Mu, speak freely. Whatever you say, you are forgiven.”
Buddha Duobao’s eyebrow twitched, and Li Changshou also laughed inwardly.
Junior Sister You Qin had him, Heaven’s taboo, and his many friends standing behind her, so the Jade Emperor had simply watched how she confronted False Taibai without speaking.
When Duke Dongmu, who only had the Jade Emperor’s backing, stepped forward to say something to ease the awkward situation, the Jade Emperor actively protected him.
Listen to Duke Dongmu speak gently:
“Marshal You Qin, colleagues who are dissatisfied with this matter, what’s done is done, and Heaven cannot reverse its decrees so readily. In this old official’s view, conferring the title ‘Great Sage Equal to Heaven’ on the Monkey King was indeed somewhat… hasty. But Star-Lord Taibai also considered Heaven’s interests. This matter is merely a difference of opinion among colleagues regarding the governance of the Three Realms, not a major dispute. Don’t let His Majesty bear such criticism for everyone. Rather than continuing to argue about this, why not think of remedial measures? See if there’s a way to both suppress the demon race’s arrogance and prevent this matter from affecting Heaven’s prestige and the operation of the Three Realms.”
After speaking, Duke Dongmu made a Daoist salute to the Jade Emperor, lowered his head, and walked back to his position, letting out a light sigh.
Star-Lord Taibai also nodded slowly, stepping back half a step to stand beside the Jade Emperor.
The Jade Emperor spoke gently: “My beloved ministers, let us discuss this matter.”
“Your Majesty!” General Li Jing was the first to speak. “This humble general is willing to lead troops to destroy the demon tribe of Flower Fruit Mountain. Give me a hundred years, and I will cleanse the Three Realms of ancient demons!”
“Your Majesty!” Star-Lord Wenqu stepped forward and bowed. “Since the Great Sage Equal to Heaven has already submitted to Heaven, the virtuous ones among the demon tribe could become our Heaven’s strength. We could use this opportunity to dissolve their demon roots.”
Another minister spoke:
“Your subject considers this inappropriate. The demon tribe has long been Heaven’s trouble. In the past, Heaven made the demon tribe enemies of Heaven and Earth. How can we now recruit them extensively without affecting Heaven’s authority?”
“This humble general, in my foolishness, thinks we could eliminate all demon tribe beings above the Heaven Immortal realm and disperse the remaining demons into the wilderness.”
“But consider whether these demons above Heaven Immortal realm have offspring or close friends. Their hatred toward Heaven would only breed more chaos in Heaven and Earth.”
At this point, with everyone offering their opinions, the Lingxiao Hall grew unusually lively.
Marshal You Qin had already retreated to the side. She had offered her remonstration at the risk of death and now could be considered to have accomplished her task and withdrawn.
But watching this scene, Li Changshou felt somewhat helpless.
This foolish girl was being used as a pawn by Heaven’s Way…
Meanwhile, above the Thirty-Three Heavens, in the Purple Void Palace at the very top of the Great Wilderness.
The Dao Ancestor and the grey-robed Daoist sat beside the Jade Plate of Creation, both wearing solemn expressions as they watched the situation in the Lingxiao Hall.
They weren’t worried about maintaining the script but rather analyzing the direction of today’s events.
The grey-robed Daoist spoke gravely: “Why has another variable appeared that we cannot directly control?”
“You Qin Xuanya’s connection to Li Changshou is too deep, influence was inevitable,” the Dao Ancestor’s eyes flashed with coldness. “Wait until this matter is finished, control her soul, and don’t let her cause any more trouble.”
“The key now is the matter of variables.”
The grey-robed Daoist spoke firmly: “According to the path we set, Sun Wukong’s rebellion against Heaven should happen after the Peach Banquet. Today the immortals have already built up this matter, and if we don’t destroy the demons of Flower Fruit Mountain soon, it will be difficult to conclude. Thus, the whole situation is no longer under control.”
“The impact won’t be too great,” the Dao Ancestor said. “Such variables only arise from the uncertainty of hearts. You just need to find the right moment to arrange for You Qin Xuanya to lead troops against Flower Fruit Mountain. Simply use these variables to our advantage.”
The grey-robed Daoist spoke gravely: “When Li Changshou escaped from Heaven and Earth, I had already sealed Heaven’s Way. There shouldn’t have been any more variables. Now that such variables have emerged, if it’s not due to my insufficient comprehension of the Great Dao, then… the One who escaped hasn’t truly escaped.”
The Dao Ancestor was silent for a moment before saying: “Has there been any movement in the Kun Peng Secret Realm?”
“No movement. Li Changshou is there… Paper Avatar Method?”
“He shouldn’t have fully comprehended the hidden principles of the Paper Avatar Method, otherwise the Jade Plate of Creation would have reacted.”
Light flashed in the Dao Ancestor’s eyes as he said: “You should investigate the Kun Peng Secret Realm again. I will once more comprehend the Jade Plate of Creation. Handle You Qin Xuanya according to our previous discussion.”
“Very well.”
The grey-robed Daoist agreed, his form gradually fading into nothingness.
In the Lingxiao Hall, after much discussion, the immortals couldn’t come up with a solution that would satisfy all parties.
The method with the least negative impact would be to proclaim to the Three Realms that Sun Wukong was an Innate Spirit rather than a demon, with great connections to Goddess Nüwa. Heaven had given Sun Wukong this honorary title out of respect for Goddess Nüwa.
This could barely explain things.
Then they could swiftly eliminate the demons gathered at Flower Fruit Mountain, launching a campaign to eliminate demons and evil throughout the Three Realms, making Sun Wukong draw a clear line between himself and the demon tribe.
Most immortals thought this feasible.
Some immortals suggested inviting the Great Sage Equal to Heaven to discuss together, but the fake Star Lord Taibai directly refused, citing that ‘the Great Sage Equal to Heaven has no rank and cannot enter Lingxiao Hall.’
Duke Mu sighed: “This way, Heaven has failed the Great Sage Equal to Heaven.”
The immortals remained silent, but the Jade Emperor said: “Spare the lives of those originally registered at Flower Fruit Mountain.”
This would at least show consideration for Sun Wukong’s feelings.
Although Sun Wukong was still drinking in the Palace of the Great Sage at this time, completely unaware of what was happening regarding him.
Just as the immortals thought the matter was settled and they could let Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King Li handle the aftermath, the False Taibai spoke again.
This old fellow said with a smile:
“General Li Jing, today it was Marshal You Qin’s remonstration that led to this campaign. Shouldn’t she share half the merit? Your Majesty, perhaps let Marshal You Qin lead troops together, so she can be properly rewarded after the battle.”
At this moment, in the Lingxiao Hall, the Jade Emperor, Duke Mu, and several Severing Sect immortals with sufficiently high cultivation to retain their memories all frowned slightly.
By the Lotus Pool on Spirit Mountain, Li Changshou and Buddha Duobao’s expressions rarely synchronized as they both frowned.
But Li Changshou quickly gave a cold laugh and said: “This Marshal You Qin seems to be in trouble.”
“How strange,” Buddha Duobao puzzled. “You Qin is just a minor Golden Immortal, how did she catch Heaven’s Way’s attention? Today she offered remonstration, and if she leads troops to attack Flower Fruit Mountain, when the monkey tribe suddenly dies, won’t that monkey hate her to death? Killing the person while destroying their spirit – it couldn’t be more obvious.”
Li Changshou sighed inwardly, instantly understanding why the Dao Ancestor was targeting You Qin.
Variables.
Under his influence, You Qin’s intervention created variables in the Journey to the West tribulation.
If the Dao Ancestor were more cautious now, he might begin monitoring the Three Thousand Great Daos.
After all, the Dao Ancestor had previously gone to great lengths to make him, the Escaped One, leave Heaven and Earth, allowing Heaven’s Way to achieve temporary ‘perfection’ and freeze this state of ‘perfection.’
A moment becomes eternal.
Well, it wasn’t a major issue.
Li Changshou watched the situation in the Lingxiao Hall, prepared to appear and rush to protect You, Qin, taking the opportunity to reveal himself to Heaven’s Way.
However, before he could make up his mind, several streams of light flew toward the Lingxiao Hall, materializing at the hall entrance and stepping inside.
The first person wore celebratory robes and had a long, beautiful beard. Golden light radiated from around him, full of fortune.
It was naturally the True Lord of the Dragon-Tiger Mystic Altar, the God of Wealth Zhao Gongming.
As soon as Zhao Gongming appeared, he slightly bowed and clasped his hands in greeting to all directions, his face constantly smiling yet maintaining dignity.
Behind him were the four “working” deities: Zhaobao, Nazhen, Zhaocai, and Lishi.
All the immortals bowed in unison, and the Jade Emperor showed a slight smile.
Zhao Gongming smiled: “This minor deity pays respects to Your Majesty!”
“Mm,” the Jade Emperor raised his hand to excuse Zhao Gongming from the ceremony and said warmly, “Why isn’t the God of Wealth attending to Mother of the Big Dipper in the Big Dipper Palace? What urgent matter brings you here?”
“Your Majesty, this minor deity has come to request a marshal,” Zhao Gongming sighed. “Currently, my two children are quite restless in their mother’s womb. I was wondering if I could request an upright, strong general to go and discipline them.”
All the military commanders immediately straightened their chests and raised their heads.
Zhao Gongming smiled again: “Preferably, it should be a female general, since we have a pregnant immortal at home, and male immortals would be inappropriate.”
The Jade Emperor smiled: “Then, how about Marshal You Qin?”
“Perfect, perfect,” Zhao Gongming turned to look at You Qin Xuanya and smiled. “She’s the one.”
You Qin Xuanya frowned slightly, hurriedly saying: “God of Wealth, this general still needs to go to the mortal realm to subjugate…”
“Ah, Marshal You Qin, what do you see beneath your feet?”
Zhao Gongming suddenly spoke, and You Qin Xuanya instinctively looked down to see several gold ingots lying at her feet. Just as she was distracted, a light flashed around her, and a ten-zhang-long gold ingot appeared out of nowhere, sealing her inside.
“This is Marshal You Qin’s payment!”
Zhao Gongming said with a laugh, then repeatedly bowed to the Jade Emperor and False Taibai, having Zhaobao, Nazhen, Zhaocai, and Lishi step forward to carry the gold ingot and fly out of the Lingxiao Hall.
“Your Majesty, please continue with your important matters. This minor deity will return to protect the mother and children.”
The Jade Emperor said: “If you need anything, seek it from the Jade Pool. Go quickly.”
“Hehe.”
Zhao Gongming laughed thick-skinnedly and quickly left the Lingxiao Hall.
False Taibai hadn’t spoken throughout, and the Jade Emperor took the opportunity to order Li Jing to lead the Stars of War Department to eliminate the demons of Flower Fruit Mountain, letting Sun Wukong’s monkey descendants escape.
Li Jing accepted the order and hurried toward the East Heaven Gate.
There, the army was already waiting.
In the Netherworld, at the ruins of the Blood Sea, beneath the Tower of Samsara.
Wisps of grey qi gathered, forming the Dao Ancestor’s towering figure.
He frowned as he looked at Ksitigarbha in the Tower of Samsara, then waved his great hand at the bottom of the tower, silently shattering that huge spirit core.
But even though the Demon Venerable’s spirit core was shattered, that Great Dao remained in the Great Wilderness, becoming a rule of Heaven and Earth that Heaven’s Way couldn’t erase.
Li Changshou…
The Dao Ancestor’s nostrils quivered slightly, clearly truly angered.
After all, being deceived didn’t feel good.
Throughout Heaven and Earth, waves of Heaven’s Way power swept back and forth; while ‘False Puthi’ sitting by the Lotus Pool frowned slightly and sighed inwardly.
As expected…
He could only do one thing next and only had one chance to do it.
The Kun Peng was still far from the Great Wilderness, but he had to remain patient.
As long as Kun Peng approached the boundary of Heaven’s Way, the initiative would still be in his hands.