Journey to the West (Black Myth)

No one expected The Heavenly Court to concede and recognize Sun Wukong as The Great Sage Equal to Heaven. The Jade Emperor, the supreme ruler of the heavens, truly knows how to execute moves that are beyond comprehension!

As Flower Fruit Mountain's close neighbor, the Dragon Palace of the Eastern Sea was the first to receive the news. Once again, the Four Dragon Kings gathered, full of concern. They couldn't believe that Flower Fruit Mountain repelled the hundred thousand celestial soldiers. Not only that, but Sun Wukong also managed to slay Perfected Taiyi's disciple Ne Zha, and The Heavenly Court eventually succumbed and acknowledged Sun Wukong's status as The Great Sage Equal to Heaven.

The other three Dragon Kings were deeply alarmed, but the Dragon King of the East Sea pondered quietly before saying, "Isn't it common strategy to first gift before conquering? The Heavenly Court has long intended to attack Flower Fruit Mountain and desires to eliminate Sun Wukong quickly. I’ve heard a rumor, though, that Sun Wukong is actually a Body of Pure Yang."

"What? Sun Wukong is a Body of Pure Yang?"

The three Dragon Kings exclaimed in unison. If that's true, the matter is far from over. The Heavenly Court, or more specifically The Jade Emperor, will not tolerate the existence of someone who could potentially shake his throne; they are likely preparing for a bigger storm.

What the Dragon King of the East Sea did not mention is that Ne Zha, being the disciple of Heavenly Court’s Perfected Taiyi, is effectively a follower of a sage. With the calamity upon them and cause and effect established, this matter won't end easily.

Thus, the Four Dragon Kings decided to withdraw their influence and observe events as they unfold, contrary to the bustling atmosphere at the renowned Pass of Guanjiangkou in the human world.

When Erlang Shen, Yang Jian, heard the news, he heartily shouted "Good!" three times, his eyes shining brightly. He gathered his brothers from Plum Mountain to drink and celebrate, boldly proclaiming, "I never imagined Sun Wukong would have such courage and skill. Even I, Yang Jian, feel inferior in comparison."

Yang Jian, too, had sworn brothers, each a respected demon king, collectively known as the Seven Brothers of Plum Mountain.

As soon as he spoke, one brother remarked, "Big brother, no need to belittle yourself. After all, it was The Heavenly Court that sent Li Jing, that coward. How else could Flower Fruit Mountain withstand a hundred thousand celestial soldiers?"

Yang Jian shook his head, "No, my humility is toward Sun Wukong's courage. He fears not the hundred thousand celestial soldiers and killed that young Ne Zha. What I admire most is his defiance. Who dares to call themselves equal to The Heavenly Court? On this, I, Yang Jian, must concede; I would not dare. Should the opportunity arise, I shall make an acquaintance with Sun Wukong."

Another brother chimed in, "You're right, Sun Wukong is truly exceptional. Rumor has it that Flower Fruit Mountain boasts tens of thousands of demon soldiers, all armored, shaking the heavens and earth. It’s no wonder he's a grand demon king. It wouldn't be difficult to meet him, especially now that he's gone to The Heavenly Court as The Great Sage Equal to Heaven. Isn't the Peach Banquet approaching soon? Big brother could meet him then."

Yang Jian tossed back a cup of wine, eyes gleaming, "Good! When the time comes, I'll make his acquaintance."

Someone else said, "Not long ago, I heard that Flower Fruit Mountain isn't ruled by just one Great King."

Yang Jian became interested and quickly asked, "Tell me, I've heard some about it, but not in detail."

The person replied, "It's said that Flower Fruit Mountain actually has three Great Kings. Along with Sun Wukong's title of The Great Sage Equal to Heaven, two other banners were raised: the Great Sage Measuring Heaven and the Demon Lord of Six Paths. Yet, for some reason, The Heavenly Court only targets Sun Wukong."

Yang Jian murmured to himself, "The Great Sage Measuring Heaven, such audacity! And the Demon Lord of Six Paths, he must surely be no ordinary person."

Another person chimed in, "I know a bit about these two. The Great Sage Measuring Heaven, known as Shi Yue, is said to be Sun Wukong's twin brother, also a Taiyi-level great demon king, though not widely recognized. To claim such a title, he must be quite formidable. The Demon Lord of Six Paths, on the other hand, is well-known in Western Aparagodaniya and Northern Uttarakuru, a respected demon king in his own right. It's curious how he came to align with Sun Wukong."

Yang Jian’s eyes gleamed with admiration, praising, "They must all be heroes. I, Yang Jian, though not very talented, would like to meet them if given the chance."

Another immediately agreed, "Brother, you're right. Sun Wukong is known for valuing friendships and has sworn brothers. Yet during the celestial assault, most fled without a trace, proving themselves faithless. Those who stayed at Flower Fruit Mountain must be true heroes."

Yang Jian, being the quintessential noble scion with significant power, was known for his sense of justice and had accumulated much renown on earth. He loved to oppose his uncle, The Jade Emperor. Hearing of someone daring to rebel against his uncle excited him immensely.

As for Sun Wukong’s sworn brothers, they seemed to find their destiny upon realizing Sun Wukong not only defeated The Heavenly Court's hundred thousand celestial soldiers but earned their recognition. They became active again, each declaring themselves as a "Great Sage." However, no matter how grand their claims, they remained mere demon kings—nothing like Sun Wukong.

At Cloud Pathway Cave of Mount Fuling, "Second Brother" Zhu Ganglie also heard of The Great Sage Equal to Heaven, even contemplating joining Flower Fruit Mountain. But recalling The Heavenly Court's might—he once commanded three hundred thousand celestial river soldiers, making the hundred thousand celestial soldiers seem trivial—he quickly dismissed the idea as suicidal.

When Sun Wukong ascended to heaven again and entered the Hall of Miraculous Mist, the difference was palpable. The disdainful looks he previously faced were replaced with respect. Many recognized that if he could kill Ne Zha, he could as easily dispatch them without leaving a chance for rebirth. He wasn’t someone to be trifled with.

This time, no one dared to speak out, and Venus Tai Bai felt a subtle sense of pride, knowing he had chosen well—though he only acknowledged this subconsciously. He wasn't yet as rebellious as Sun Wukong but felt deep disappointment with The Jade Emperor’s policies.

An exception was The Jade Emperor’s confidant at the forefront, Perfected Taiyi. The icy glint in his eyes as he gazed at Sun Wukong revealed his deep-seated enmity, a sign that he now harbored a grudge against Sun Wukong.

Sun Wukong paid no heed to Perfected Taiyi's glare, already resolved to strike him down given the opportunity. How could he, the revered brother of Sun Wukong, tolerate such insolence from Taiyi?

The simplicity with which Sun Wukong was summoned to the Hall of Miraculous Mist seemed to surprise The Jade Emperor, who gave Venus Tai Bai a meaningful glance but continued to ignore Sun Wukong entirely. Without even looking at him, The Jade Emperor spoke coolly:

"Since your Great Sage Mansion is next to the Peach Garden, I would have you manage it. Would you be willing?"

This proposal shocked everyone present. The Peach Garden was a place of great importance—entrusting it to someone as unruly as Sun Wukong seemed akin to offering delicacies directly to his mouth.

Some officials seemed ready to protest, but The Jade Emperor’s calm gaze silenced them, bringing a sudden stillness to the hall.

Meanwhile, Venus Tai Bai was internally astounded. Although he had anticipated this scenario, just as Great King Shi Yue predicted, the confirmation still left him in silent shock. Shi Yue's foresight was uncannily accurate!

Unbeknownst to Venus Tai Bai, although the overarching plan remained, The Jade Emperor was indeed anxious, acting much sooner than anticipated by assigning Sun Wukong to oversee the Peach Garden immediately upon his arrival at the court.

Unable to resist, Venus Tai Bai glanced at Sun Wukong, wondering whether Great King Shi Yue had somehow infiltrated the Hall of Miraculous Mist again. Shi Yue seemed increasingly enigmatic to him, with one brother overtly in the spotlight while Shi Yue worked from the shadows, leaving His Majesty constantly off balance. With the equally mysterious Six Paths Great King involved, how would His Majesty contend?

Sun Wukong, hearing The Jade Emperor's words, was filled with excitement. His brother Shi Yue had accurately predicted The Jade Emperor's move, making him feel reassured, especially recalling Shi Yue's guidance.

Casually clasping his hands, Sun Wukong chuckled innocently, "Thank you, thank you, this old Sun won't be shy."

A peculiar silence enveloped the Hall of Miraculous Mist. Whereas previously Sun Wukong’s casual words would have elicited immediate rebuke, now none dared underestimate him.

Unbeknownst to Sun Wukong, Shi Yue had indeed tagged along with him but was keeping his presence a secret. Shi Yue’s intention wasn’t to undermine Sun Wukong, who was his only true family. Although he aimed to eventually claim the Queen Mother's peach trees, the time wasn’t yet ripe; he intended merely to observe for now.

Unexpectedly, The Jade Emperor’s haste caught him off guard, prompting him to wonder if the Queen Mother’s Peach Banquet might also be moved up. Once again, Shi Yue felt the era revolved around Sun Wukong’s every action.

Six Paths hadn’t followed this time, as he sensed impending calamity for Flower Fruit Mountain and stayed back to fortify their defenses.

As the momentum of the Journey to the West progressed unstoppably, Shi Yue earnestly desired to challenge fate. Even if Sun Wukong couldn’t escape his destinal trial, Shi Yue was determined to take a substantial bite out of The Heavenly Court, thwarting Tathagata's expectations.

Enthralled by the peaches, Sun Wukong embraced his new role, not even returning to the Great Sage Equal to Heaven Mansion before a star officer led him to take over the Peach Garden. Remembering Shi Yue’s advice to speak irreverently about the Queen Mother in private but refrain from jesting in her presence, as it could end disastrously.

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