Journey to the West (Black Myth)

Chapter 57: Guanyin’s Shrewd Tactics, the Nine Luminaries Prepare to Engage



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In the sky over Flower Fruit Mountain, three hundred thousand celestial soldiers obscured the sun, banners rippling in the wind.

Below, a million demon soldiers of Flower Fruit Mountain stood ready, their fierce and bloodthirsty eyes locked on the celestial army above, wishing to smash them to pieces.

The demon army was ablaze with battle lust, their minds consumed by the fervor of Shi Yue’s rousing words. These beings, transformed from the essence of wild beasts, lacked human cunning but made up for it in straightforward ferocity. They had forgotten fear, ready to battle these celestial soldiers to the death.

There were exceptions, of course, such as the Unihorn Ghost King, who was secretly anxious.

The Unihorn Ghost King was indeed a pawn placed by The Heavenly Court, as Shi Yue suspected. He had made his way from the Netherworld and held a status in the Netherworld comparable to the Ten Yama Kings. Now, after witnessing the might of Flower Fruit Mountain's demon army and the terrifying power of Great King Shi Yue, he deeply regretted his assignment. Hearing Shi Yue's stirring oration had even inflamed the ghost king’s own spirit; after all, who wants to die on this mountain?

At present, escaping was impossible; he would be smashed to bits by the three Great Demon Kings before he could flee, and trying to cause chaos among the frenzied demon soldiers would get him torn apart. All he could do was fret silently.

At the entrance of Water Curtain Cave, as South Sea Guanyin observed Flower Fruit Mountain below, Shi Yue watched The Heavenly Court’s grand formation. Among the celestials, he recognized only a few from his time in the Hall of Miraculous Mist.

South Sea Guanyin stood out immediately to him—one couldn’t fail to recognize her presence. Shi Yue warned Sun Wukong, "Remember that woman who pretends to be merciful. She may well be your nemesis. Outwardly compassionate, she is deeply deceptive and incredibly powerful. Be cautious of her potential sneak attacks."

At that moment, Sun Wukong and Six Paths both clearly deferred to Shi Yue, accepting him as leader. Thus, Shi Yue did not hesitate to act as Flower Fruit Mountain’s commander, including Sun Wukong and The Six-Eared Macaque Six Paths.

His irritation grew at the sight of South Sea Guanyin. Was there no shame left for such powerful beings?

Shi Yue knew that someone like South Sea Guanyin wouldn’t directly fight the demon soldiers below. However, in a battle with him, Sun Wukong, and Six Paths, she would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to ambush them.

Although Guanyin never engaged in direct conflicts in Journey to the West, Shi Yue understood this indicated her as one of the most insidious, enigmatic, and shameless figures—or perhaps, someone indifferent to shame. Such people are often the most formidable.

While pointing out South Sea Guanyin, Shi Yue was startled when she seemingly sensed his gaze, her eyes briefly meeting his. He couldn’t help but mutter, moving his eyes away quickly.

In that instant of eye contact, he discerned the indifference behind Guanyin's compassionate smile and her curiosity about him, realizing she had taken note of him and was already forming an impression. This awareness underlined her complexity.

Unbeknownst to Shi Yue, Guanyin's look was not merely curiosity, but outright astonishment. Yet, as Shi Yue had observed, she was excellent at maintaining composure—the polite way to put it is that she was adept at concealment. Recognizing Shi Yue's scrutiny, she had overheard his words, and her shock came from his casual but accurate insights.

She wondered, "How can that demon monkey Shi Yue know me so well, even foreseeing my future guidance over Sun Wukong?"

Frowning slightly, Guanyin couldn't help but feel a pang of regret, intrigued as she was by Shi Yue, yet suspecting there would be no opportunity this time. While Sun Wukong might survive, she believed Shi Yue's chances were grim.

Guanyin averted her gaze from Shi Yue, and just then, True Lord Erlang, Yang Jian, suddenly appeared, eager to fight. Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King Li Jing dared not stop him and looked beseechingly at both Lord Laozi of the Great Monad and Guanyin. Clearly, he didn't wish to challenge the Bodhisattva's authority.

Lord Laozi remained meditative, eyes closed. Guanyin, smiling slightly, intervened, "True Lord, no need to rush. Sun Wukong possesses some skill. Let the celestial generals test him first, setting the stage for the eighteen heavenly nets to trap these Flower Fruit Mountain demons. Afterward, you may engage Sun Wukong with Laozi and I supporting you, ensuring you do not fail."

On hearing this, Erlang Shen was nearly driven to curse aloud. Would these mighty beings never tire of their duplicitous games? Scheme to wear down Sun Wukong with a series of challengers, then expect him to act as the final "villain"? Guanyin and Laozi standing by, supposedly to "assist," was utterly shameless.

Barely managing to contain his indignation, Erlang Shen returned to his ranks, resolved to find a way to lead Sun Wukong away, thwarting their plans.

Putting aside Erlang Shen’s thoughts, as soon as he appeared, Shi Yue and his companions at Water Curtain Cave quickly noticed him. Sun Wukong recognized the immense power emanating from him, marking him as more than an ordinary celestial. Six Paths sensed the commonality in their mystical techniques and felt an urge to engage him in battle.

Shi Yue noticed Erlang Shen’s third eye immediately, identifying him without a doubt but puzzled by his apparent irritation. Then an idea ignited within him, compelling Shi Yue to advise Sun Wukong, "Remember this: if a great adept challenges you to a wager, do not accept. This confrontation poses significant risks but also immense opportunity. If you endure, it will lead to Nirvana and Enlightenment, bestowing profound powers. Can you remember this?"

Sun Wukong was taken aback; it was the first time he heard Shi Yue speak so seriously. Unable to resist, he scratched his head, but seeing Shi Yue’s solemn expression, he dared not argue, instead silently repeating Shi Yue's words in his heart.

After speaking to Sun Wukong, Shi Yue turned to The Six-Eared Macaque, Six Paths: "This time, it seems our brotherhood must part ways for a while."

The Six-Eared Macaque's eyes gleamed with excitement, "Brother, what do you mean by this?"

Shi Yue smiled slightly, "When the time comes, you will understand. I need you to look after each other while Sun Wukong handles the battle. You and I should hold back from joining the fight."

Though Six Paths felt some insight into Shi Yue's plans, the mysteriousness left him uncertain. His fierce eyes reddened, and Sun Wukong was even more confused, wanting to ask Shi Yue's true intentions. But seeing Shi Yue's determined demeanor, he put his questions aside.

Shi Yue sighed lightly and continued, "There's no alternative but to do this. You both will understand afterward. I'm searching for a chance for Flower Fruit Mountain and won't let them have it easy. You both know my abilities; if they aim for my life, it won't be simple, so there's no need to worry about me."

Initially, Shi Yue intended to fight the Heavenly Court to the bitter end, but that was under the assumption it would only be the forces of the Heavenly Court. Seeing Guanyin and Erlang Shen present, he realized Sun Wukong's "opportunity" had arrived and was inescapable. With cunning Guanyin involved, even if the three brothers fought together, they wouldn’t stand a chance. Persisting would ensure Flower Fruit Mountain’s ruin.

However, going along with the current course could offer Flower Fruit Mountain a sliver of hope because Shi Yue understood that both Buddhism and the Heavenly Court sought nothing more than Sun Wukong.

Once Sun Wukong was captured, at the very least, Guanyin would leave, as she was merely a friendly participant. Even if interested in Sun Wukong, she wouldn’t focus on Flower Fruit Mountain. That would be the moment for Flower Fruit Mountain to fight for its survival.

This battle was also a celestial opportunity for Sun Wukong, directly leading to Nirvana and Enlightenment, becoming a Taiyi Golden Immortal, and gaining the mystical Fiery Eyes and Golden Gaze! Then Flower Fruit Mountain could truly fight for survival, performing an epic for all the beings of the three realms. Its banner would never fall! As long as one remains, they would fight to the end, shaking the very heavens and earth, leaving the three realms in awe.

Furthermore, they wouldn’t be overwhelmed by the Heavenly Court's heavenly nets, and Shi Yue had plans to serve the celestial army a significant surprise. He might then help Sun Wukong escape from Tathagata’s grasp.

Yet, unknown to Shi Yue, The Jade Emperor had prepared an equally substantial challenge for him, aiming to eliminate him directly, which was why Guanyin was so certain he wouldn’t survive.

As Shi Yue finished his instructions, the Nine Maleficent Stars of the Heavenly Court descended, standing just above Flower Fruit Mountain, loudly boasting and exchanging barbs, only to gain the upper hand verbally.

Shi Yue’s eyes flashed with fierce determination as he said to Sun Wukong, “Go to the heavens and engage them in battle; just let loose and fight. If anyone crosses you, strike them down! Although The Heavenly Court has come in numbers, aside from Erlang Shen with his three eyes, none are your match.”

Hearing this, Sun Wukong’s eyes gleamed with excitement. He couldn't help but glance toward the three-eyed Erlang Shen in the sky, while a flicker of curiosity arose—how did Shi Yue know about the three-eyed man…

Sun Wukong then reached into his ear and pulled out the Ruyi Jingu Bang, which seemed to resonate with his blazing fighting spirit, radiating golden light.

With a single leap, he shot up into the sky and sprang onto the clouds.


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