“Such audacity!”
The Jade Emperor slammed his palm on the throne, subtly concealing a smirk at the corner of his mouth, but Xu Fang was quick to catch the glimmer in his eyes.
“Looks like the Jade Emperor isn’t as innocent as he appears.”
A realization dawned upon Xu Fang. The Jade Emperor seemed to know more than he let on, making the entire conspiracy of the Journey to the West quite apparent.
Poor Sun Wukong had become a pawn in the power struggle of various factions!
“Since everyone wants to play, let’s indulge them…”
Xu Fang looked at Ao Guang’s tearful face, and a decision formed in his heart.
“A bold monkey demon! How dare he act so recklessly!”
The Jade Emperor waved his hand, commanding, “Immediately issue a decree to dispatch ten thousand heavenly soldiers to capture the monkey demon!”
As he spoke, the Jade Emperor’s gaze flickered toward Xu Fang for a brief moment.
Xu Fang’s heart sank as he suddenly understood something.
He was a disciple of Master Bodhi of Mount Fangcun, and so was Sun Wukong!
Xu Fang’s background was hardly a secret; nearly the entire Three Realms were aware of it. But what about Sun Wukong? Few knew of his origins, apart from a handful of behind-the-scenes players. The expressions of the immortals in the hall made that much clear.
At this moment, the Jade Emperor's glance at Xu Fang was unmistakable!
You, the newly appointed Demon-Slaying General, should stay out of this mess. Just watch the show from the Heavenly Court!
After all, the Jade Emperor was one of those who knew the connection between Xu Fang and Sun Wukong.
……
“Your servant, King Qin Guang, pays his respects to Your Majesty and has urgent matters to report…”
Just then, a voice boomed from outside the Hall of Divine Mists, and King Qin Guang strode in.
The immortals were taken aback. What was happening today? So many came to report!
Upon entering, King Qin Guang bowed to the Jade Emperor, and when he saw Xu Fang, his eyes lit up. “Ah! The esteemed immortal is also here! I pay my respects!”
Actually, when King Qin Guang saw Xu Fang, he immediately recalled the time Xu Fang had frantically pursued Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, shaking the entire Underworld!
His respect for strong warriors was perfectly understandable.
The Ten Yama Kings and the Underworld were technically under the Heavenly Court’s jurisdiction, but most of their denizens were remnants of the Witch Clan from the Chaos War.
The Witch Clan only revered Pangu!
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Thus, although they served the Heavenly Court, they didn’t hold the Jade Emperor in high regard. Instead, they deeply respected figures like Xu Fang, who was powerful and decisive.
“King Qin Guang, you are courteous. You may speak to the Jade Emperor. What urgent matter do you have?”
Xu Fang cleared his throat. The Jade Emperor was present, so he didn’t want to linger in small talk with King Qin Guang.
King Qin Guang then turned his attention to the Jade Emperor and said, “Your Majesty, a monkey demon named Sun Wukong from Flower-Fruit Mountain has invaded the Underworld, defied the laws of life and death, forcefully altered the Death Records, and injured countless messengers of the underworld. Please, Your Majesty, take action!”
At such a critical moment, it was only then that these remnants of the Witch Clan thought to look to the Jade Emperor for help.
As soon as King Qin Guang finished speaking, the immortals in attendance were taken aback. What was the origin of this monkey from Flower-Fruit Mountain?
Having just offended the East Sea Dragon Palace, now he was causing chaos in the Underworld. Did he not fear for his life?
In comparison, the Jade Emperor’s acting skills were truly unparalleled!
“What a daring and reckless monkey demon!”
The Jade Emperor suddenly slammed his palm on the throne, exclaiming, “Immediately issue a decree to the Mighty Spirit God to dispatch thirty thousand heavenly soldiers to capture the monkey demon!”
After saying this, the Jade Emperor appeared to think for a moment, then turned to Xu Fang: “Xu, since you’ve just entered the Heavenly Court and your mansion is still under construction, why not accompany the Mighty Spirit God to the mortal realm and oversee the operation?”
If it were just the Dragon King’s complaint, the Jade Emperor could have easily sent down ten thousand soldiers.
However, now that King Qin Guang had also come to report, the Jade Emperor had to send more forces!
At this moment, he felt a twinge of worry—what if the monkey demon was too weak and got captured by the Mighty Spirit God? If that happened, his plans would be thrown into disarray!
It was precisely at this moment that he thought of Xu Fang!
As fellow disciples, Xu Fang and Sun Wukong would undoubtedly assist each other if necessary!
And that was exactly what the Jade Emperor wanted!
He didn’t want Sun Wukong to be captured outright since the monkey was integral to his future plans.
“I obey the decree!”
Xu Fang quickly grasped the Jade Emperor’s underlying intentions and immediately responded.
Although he had no desire to betray Sun Wukong, this was a perfect opportunity to provide some legitimate cover for the monkey. Besides, who knew when he could leverage the Jade Emperor’s influence to disrupt the Buddhist faction?
As for future plans, he would adapt as needed.
Seeing Xu Fang agree to descend to the mortal realm, the immortals exchanged curious glances, especially Ao Guang and King Qin Guang!
Ao Guang had already heard of Xu Fang’s heroic deeds through his daughter, while King Qin Guang had witnessed Xu Fang’s prowess firsthand!
With such a powerful ally involved, capturing the monkey demon would surely be a piece of cake!
However, they all inadvertently overlooked those two crucial words from the Jade Emperor: “oversee the operation!”
Implying that Xu Fang wasn’t meant to intervene directly!
A silent command was successfully conveyed between Xu Fang and the Jade Emperor through their subtle glances!
……
Outside the Southern Heavenly Gate, thirty thousand heavenly soldiers were ready for deployment!
The Mighty Spirit God respectfully bowed to Xu Fang, then stepped onto the clouds, issuing commands to the entire army as they set off towards Flower-Fruit Mountain!
Meanwhile, atop Flower-Fruit Mountain, the skies had been clear just a moment ago, but suddenly dark clouds rolled in, bringing a chilling wind!
In the Water Curtain Cave, Sun Wukong was proudly recounting his heroic exploits in the Underworld to his monkey kin when he felt a sudden change in the atmosphere. His eyes gleamed with golden light as he peered through the Water Curtain, spotting the dark mass of heavenly soldiers in the clouds above!
“Celestial beings from the Heavenly Court?”
Sun Wukong’s brows furrowed, and just then, a frantic monkey tumbled in. “Your Majesty! Your Majesty! It’s bad! Outside…”
Before he could finish, Sun Wukong nodded, declaring, “All of you wait here! I shall return shortly!”
With his cultivation, he appeared above the clouds in the blink of an eye, gazing at the Mighty Spirit God among the heavenly soldiers. Sun Wukong shouted, “Who are you, giant? What brings you to my Flower-Fruit Mountain?”
This mischievous monkey had always respected only Master Bodhi and his elder brother Xu Fang. Now, with his immense powers and control over the Death Records, he naturally spoke without restraint!
