The next day, within the Hall of Divine Mists.

  Today was a small assembly in the Heavenly Court. As celestial attendants called the meeting to order, the Jade Emperor sat firmly on his golden throne.

  “Greetings, Your Majesty—”

  Many deities lined the sides, bowing respectfully. The Jade Emperor nodded, his gaze flashing with a hint of coldness. “Why do I not see the Demon-Slaying General in attendance today?”

  Given Xu Fang’s rank and strength, he naturally held a prominent position in the Hall of Divine Mists, one that was particularly conspicuous.

  However, Xu Fang was concerned that if Sun Wukong impersonated him at the assembly, it might expose their plan. Therefore, he had instructed Sun Wukong to remain in the Divine Strategy Camp.

  As for the assembly, Xu Fang had taken a month-long leave!

  “Your Majesty, the Demon General felt that the soldiers of the Divine Strategy Camp were not adequately trained. In preparation for future battles to serve you, he has decided to intensify their training and has thus taken leave from the Hall,” the Lord of the Martial Star hurriedly reported.

  The Jade Emperor was taken aback, clearly not believing this excuse.

  “Could it be that he holds a grudge because I assigned that monkey to guard the Peach Garden yesterday?”

  The first thought that crossed the Jade Emperor's mind was that Xu Fang was angered by his decision to send Sun Wukong to the Peach Garden, and a surge of fury ignited within him!

  As the ruler of the three realms, he naturally wanted to be a true sovereign!

  But now, even the trusted aide he had promoted dared to defy him!

  “Hmph…”

  The Jade Emperor snorted coldly, slamming his hand down on the armrest of his throne. Just as he was about to issue a punishment, another possibility crossed his mind.

  “No, wait!”

  The Jade Emperor's eyes flickered as he began to ponder Xu Fang’s thoughts: “Based on Xu Fang's previous reactions, he must be aware that I have plans for that monkey. If he truly opposed me, he would have done everything in his power to dissuade me. Instead, he has not only failed to prevent Sun Wukong from taking on his duties but is now openly declaring his intention to reorganize the Divine Strategy Camp… It seems he wishes to protect himself.”

  “Power, how intoxicating! Once one tastes the fruit of power, it becomes hard to let go. In Xu Fang's heart, Sun Wukong certainly pales in comparison to the allure of power!”

  The Jade Emperor stroked the golden throne, a smirk of sarcasm appearing in his eyes. “However, your greed for power, Xu Fang, is your weakness…”

  ……

  Of course, the Jade Emperor would not fully trust the words of the Lord of the Martial Star. It was only after sending someone to the Peach Garden and the Divine Strategy Camp to inquire about the situation that he became convinced.

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  Indeed, Sun Wukong was guarding the Peach Garden, while Xu Fang was diligently training the soldiers of the Divine Strategy Camp!

  As time passed, over twenty days went by, and the Peach Banquet drew closer.

  With the banquet approaching, the entire Heavenly Court became busier.

  ……

  In the Hall of Fragrant Offerings.

  The Lord of the Breaking Army monitored the situation in the Peach Garden daily. When he came to report, the Jade Emperor turned around abruptly.

  “What did you say? That monkey is merely patrolling the garden daily and has not touched a single peach?”

  The surprise in the Jade Emperor's voice was evident, for this was a predetermined plan, yet it seemed the script had taken an unexpected turn.

  “Yes, Your Majesty,” the Lord of the Breaking Army replied, cupping his hands.

  The Jade Emperor furrowed his brow, sensing that things were not as simple as they seemed.

  “That monkey hasn’t touched a single peach? No, this doesn’t make sense. Even immortals find it hard to resist the allure of the peaches. How could Sun Wukong, after all this time, remain indifferent? Could it be…”

  As this thought crossed his mind, a flash of anger crossed the Jade Emperor's eyes. “Well played, Xu Fang! I wondered why you chose to train the Divine Strategy Camp and refused to attend the assembly! What a clever ploy to steal the heavens and swap the sun! You nearly ruined my grand scheme!”

  With the Jade Emperor's wisdom, he quickly deduced the course of events.

  “Well played, Xu Fang. You could see through my intentions; you truly are a talent. It’s a pity you cannot be utilized by me!”

  Realizing this, the Jade Emperor turned to the Lord of the Breaking Army and spoke coldly. “Breaking Army, my plans have been seen through by Xu Fang. He has exchanged identities with Sun Wukong, and that monkey in the Peach Garden must be Xu Fang in disguise!”

  The Lord of the Breaking Army was taken aback. “What? Then all those days I spied at the Divine Strategy Camp, the Xu Fang I saw was actually… Sun Wukong?”

  “Correct!”

  The Jade Emperor nodded, a glint of severity in his gaze. “Had you not reported the unusual situation in the Peach Garden just now, I might still have been kept in the dark by Xu Fang.”

  “What audacity! Xu Fang dares to play such a double game! Please, Your Majesty, issue an edict, and I will immediately lead men to capture him and throw him into the heavenly prison!”

  The Lord of the Breaking Army was filled with righteous indignation, but the Jade Emperor cast a knowing, sardonic glance at him, saying lightly, “Breaking Army, I am well aware of Xu Fang’s situation. I know there are many who wish to eliminate him. Today, I inform you of this matter so that you and those behind you understand: Xu Fang is mine. Even if he is to be punished, that right belongs to me!”

  “Yes, I understand my error…”

  The Lord of the Breaking Army was shocked and immediately prostrated himself.

  The Jade Emperor paid no heed to his pleas for forgiveness and continued, “You need not concern yourself with this matter. As for Sun Wukong, let’s pretend we know nothing. Everything will proceed as usual; I have my plans.”

  With that, the Jade Emperor waved his hand, signaling for the Lord of the Breaking Army to leave.

  Sighing in relief, the Lord of the Breaking Army quickly expressed his gratitude and withdrew from the Jade Pool.

  However, the Jade Emperor seemed to recall something and called out to him again, “Wait, Breaking Army, during these years you’ve been lurking under the banner of Emperor Ziwei, have you discovered how much his strength has increased?”

  The Lord of the Breaking Army quickly turned back and cupped his hands, replying, “This is precisely what I intended to report, Your Majesty. I have learned that Emperor Ziwei now commands an elite army of eight hundred thousand!”

  “Eight hundred thousand?!”

  The Jade Emperor was taken aback, utterly astonished that Emperor Ziwei now commanded so many heavenly soldiers!

  It should be noted that the Jade Emperor, who nominally ruled the three realms, did not even have that many troops at his disposal!

  Considering that he had conferred Xu Fang, a second-rank deity with actual authority, only three thousand soldiers, one could grasp the magnitude of the eight hundred thousand troops.

  “Very well, you may leave for now. I will remain here for a while.”

  The Jade Emperor’s expression became somewhat unnatural as the Lord of the Breaking Army quickly bowed and retreated.

  ……

  Within the Jade Pool.

  At this moment, the Jade Pool was bustling with activity, as many fairies and strongmen busily prepared for the Peach Banquet.

  Suddenly, the Jade Emperor appeared beside the Lady Queen Mother.

  “What audacity! What audacity!”

  The Jade Emperor's expression darkened, and the Lady Queen Mother asked in surprise, “Your Majesty, why do you arrive at my Jade Pool in such a rage? Has someone angered you?”