Journey to the West (Black Myth)

No one expected Shi Yue to remain in place. In fact, only The Jade Emperor realized that someone had slipped into his Hall of Miraculous Mist. Perfected Taiyi had suspicions, Venus Tai Bai was completely unaware, and the rest of the celestial ministers and generals knew nothing.

As a result, it appeared as though the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King had simply angered The Jade Emperor, causing the Curtain-Lifting General to suffer misfortune, inexplicably going mad and then being further victimized by Li Jing's opportunistic slander.

Unable to defend himself, the Curtain-Lifting General was taken away, and Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King Li Jing returned dejectedly to his place, now avoided even by his closest associates.

Seeing this, Li Jing couldn't help but scoff at their behavior, thinking disdainfully, "What does this have to do with me? It was the Curtain-Lifting General who went mad and angered His Majesty."

As for the "gods" of The Heavenly Court, after countless years of being deities, they had long since become jaded. Their Primordial Spirits were under the control of The Jade Emperor's Divine Whip, essentially placing their lives in his hands at all times, which made them resentful in their duties.

They would only act when pushed, otherwise content to let things be. They'd cheer if there was entertainment, otherwise they'd sleep.

The only one who retained a consistent dedication was Venus Tai Bai, who was both scorned by The Jade Emperor and marginalized by the other celestial officials and generals.

Moreover, The Heavenly Court was divided into two factions. One faction consisted of the elder gods, powerful with physical forms, but too disunited to hold significant influence and often sidelined.

The other faction was composed of those given divine titles through the Investiture of the Gods, without true physical forms, condemned to stagnated cultivation. This group was the loudest in peacetime, but the quickest to flee at the sign of trouble, often reprimanded by Venus Tai Bai.

To The Jade Emperor, neither group mattered much anymore. Whether he favored them depended largely on his mood; only Sun Wukong was of real importance, someone he insisted on eliminating! But as the supreme ruler of the three realms, he had to maintain some semblance of decorum, unable to act against Sun Wukong openly.

Shi Yue continued to follow the Curtain-Lifting General until he was taken out of the hall, only then withdrawing his consciousness. In the space of the Measuring Sky Staff, as the master of this microcosm, he could observe the outside world—a view Six Paths, lacking this insight, had to wait patiently for Shi Yue to reveal.

Seeing Shi Yue no longer deep in thought, Six Paths glanced around in awe and couldn't help but ask, "Brother, what is this place? It's truly mystical."

Shi Yue nodded and smiled, "Since we are brothers, I won't hide it from you. I just didn't want to show off in front of you guys, so I haven't mentioned it. Even Sun Wukong doesn't know yet. This place is inside my Measuring Sky Staff, an independent universe. I don't fully understand it myself. You were lucky I managed to bring you in. Honestly, I was ready to risk everything, just in case it didn't work."

Hearing Shi Yue mention risking his life, Six Paths' eyes reddened with emotion, his voice trembling, "Big Brother has been so kind to Six Paths, first by naming me, treating me like a brother and father, transforming me from a mere demon into someone meaningful, and now by saving my life. Six Paths has no way to repay you."

Six Paths' voice became choked with emotion, making Shi Yue a little embarrassed. Thinking to himself, “I should have known how sensitive he is, giving him a name doesn't change being a demon! I enjoy being a great demon king.”

Shi Yue quickly waved it off with a smile, "We're family, no need for such words. Don't mention it again. Just say it ten more times, okay?"

Six Paths was dumbfounded, then chuckled with reddened eyes, "Brother."

Shi Yue laughed, "That's more like it. We're brothers, so I can't watch you suffer at The Jade Emperor's hand. Even if it costs my life, I will... uh..." Seeing the red-eyed Six Paths, Shi Yue stopped, and Six Paths continued, "I understand Brother's protection of Six Paths without it being said."

Shi Yue sighed with a wry smile, "You sentimental fool, I didn’t expect you to be so emotional."

Six Paths grinned and scratched his head, "I really like it when Brother calls me that. It warms my heart. By the way, Brother, can you tell me your current cultivation level? I've been curious for a long time."

Shi Yue couldn't help but laugh, nodding, "I thought you and Sun Wukong would never ask. If you had, I wouldn’t have hidden it. I’m a step ahead of you both and have reached the Taiyi Celestial Immortal stage."

This revelation didn’t shock Six Paths, but his eyes shone brightly, "I suspected as much. I can't believe Brother has reached such a level in just a few decades, leaving me far behind."

Shi Yue then said seriously, "You shouldn't underestimate yourself. You have reached the Golden Immortal stage in just as little time. The three of us each have our own destinies. Your and Sun Wukong's time has yet to come; I've only moved a step ahead for now."

Reflecting on this, Six Paths asked softly, "Honestly, I've heard of your past glories, Brother. It’s said you reached Taiyi during your battle with the formidable Pusa Pilanp. Though your name is unknown, your reputation is widespread. Otherwise, why would The Bull Demon King flee in terror? I've tried to emulate you but now..."

Sensing his hesitation, Shi Yue chuckled, "Why hold back with me? Speak freely."

Six Paths continued, "Might I ask if there’s a method to achieving Taiyi? I've heard of those who’ve struggled for thousands of years without success. I don’t want to fall too far behind my brothers. If there's a way, I implore you to share it."

Shi Yue paused to think deeply about his breakthrough to Taiyi, pondering the process.

After a moment, Shi Yue shared thoughtfully, "I can only tell you how I felt at the time. It might not work for you, but listen: it's about 'letting go,’ releasing your body and mind completely, moving forward fearlessly."

Six Paths pondered this deeply, and after a while, he smiled wryly, "Maybe you're right, Brother. Since hearing of your past glories, Brother, I've been riddled with worries, unable to ascend. Your advice today has opened my eyes. I believe it won’t be long before I find the opportunity, thanks to your guidance."

"That's good to hear."

Shi Yue nodded with a smile, his expression suddenly shifting as he extended his consciousness to observe the scene outside.

The Curtain-Lifting General, supposedly being led to execution, was instead taken into a celestial palace.

Inside, there was only a young man in a purple robe, exuding a majestic presence. What caught Shi Yue's attention was the distinct feature of his nose, which made Shi Yue's eyes flash with recognition.

Six Paths suddenly asked, "Brother, what's happening outside?"

Shi Yue couldn't help but smile and say, "I assume you came for that High Sun Officer as well. Let me thank you on behalf of your sister-in-law for your intentions. Although I've never met the High Sun Officer, the man outside must be him."

"Oh?" Six Paths instantly became excited, his eyes full of amusement. "I was planning to have a gift ready when meeting my sister-in-law in the future, but it seems my brothers both share this intention. If Pusa Pilanpo dares to pursue my sister-in-law, then this High Sun Officer must be dealt with. I am determined to eliminate him."

Shi Yue couldn't help but laugh. "I suppose you and Sun Wukong don’t know Pusa Pilanpo's other identity—as a concubine of The Jade Emperor, and the High Sun Officer is The Jade Emperor's illegitimate child. Otherwise, how could he reside in the celestial palace? Are you truly daring enough to kill someone with such a background?"

Six Paths' face flushed with excitement. "Why wouldn’t I dare? Brother, release me, and I’ll kill him immediately."

Shi Yue smiled, thinking how plans of rebellion always stir one's blood. Killing the son of the Supreme Jade Emperor—without such boldness, how could anyone dare change the heavens under the eyes of Tathagata in the future?

Suddenly, Shi Yue frowned and said urgently, "Not good! My Measuring Sky Staff has been detected by the High Sun Officer. I didn’t expect his Pure Yang Eyes to have this ability."

Beside him, Six Paths also grew tense and asked, "Brother, what should we do?"

Shi Yue's expression shifted as he said, "A Taiyi Golden Immortal has already arrived outside, and The Jade Emperor seems to be approaching quickly! I don’t want to waste this opportunity. Today, let's act wildly together! I’ll distract them and release you. Wait for the moment, then strike and kill the High Sun Officer with a single blow."

Six Paths couldn’t help but show a hint of madness in his eyes. "Be extremely careful, brother. But what does the High Sun Officer look like?"

Shi Yue said, "The man in the purple robe with the eagle-like nose outside. Don’t worry about me; I have a way to escape. But you must be extremely careful yourself. After killing the High Sun Officer, don’t linger for a second; return to Flower Fruit Mountain immediately and prepare the army!"

"Brother! I, Six Paths, will not fail you!"

Hearing about preparing the army instantly ignited the blood in The Six-Eared Macaque, turning his eyes crimson.

Shi Yue grinned broadly and chuckled, "Remember what Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King looks like. I find him annoying. Disguise yourself as him, whatever you do, just to disgust them a bit."

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