The Jade Emperor observed the battle below with cold detachment, noting how Xu Fang had fought without restraint. While Xu Fang remained one of Heaven’s strongest warriors, others like Zhao Gongming—the Wealth God who once humiliated the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect during the Investiture Wars—lurked in the Heavenly Court’s ranks. Yet these deities, bound by the constraints of the Fengshen Bang, often paid only lip service to celestial decrees. With three rival Heavenly Emperors scheming in the shadows, the Jade Emperor had long sought loyal lieutenants—a quest that led him to groom Xu Fang.

  Still, suppressing this rebellious monkey might require the Heavenly Sovereign’s personal intervention. But the Lord of Three Realms would not debase himself.

  “Summon my nephew,” the Jade Emperor declared after a moment’s contemplation. He scribbled a mobilization order and handed it to the Gold Star of Venus. “Have Erlang Shen reinforce the Heavenly Army at Guanjiankou.”

  As the Gold Star of Venus hurried toward the Mouth of Guan River, turmoil brewed on Flower-Fruit Mountain.

  Fresh from his victory over Xu Fang, Sun Wukong paraded his triumph, taunting the Heavenly soldiers who cowered behind their barricades. When no retaliation came, the Monkey King withdrew to consolidate his cultivation—only to be interrupted by a booming voice:

  “Sixth Brother!”

  Sun Wukong’s eyes lit up as five figures materialized outside the Water Curtain Cave: his sworn brothers, the Demon Kings of the Seven Great Sages. Though their ranks had thinned since Roc Demon King’s death at Yang Jian’s hands, their presence radiated menace.

  “We heard Heaven besieges your mountain!” Bull Demon King roared, his bullish nostrils flaring. “First they destroyed the Sea King’s Palace, slaughtered our Third Brother, and stole Second Brother’s bride! Today, we repay their arrogance!”

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  Sun Wukong scoffed. “These celestial weaklings barely warrant your aid, brothers! Come, let us drink!”

  As monkey attendants brought wine, Bull Demon King nudged Serpent Demon King. “Second Brother, share that rare vintage you’ve hoarded! Let us toast our Sixth Brother’s triumph!”

  With exaggerated reverence, Serpent Demon King produced an ancient urn. The moment its seal cracked, an aroma richer than the Jade Pool’s finest wines filled the cave.

  “Plundered centuries ago from the North Sea Dragon King,” Serpent Demon King purred. “Reserved for this glorious hour!”

  Sun Wukong’s simian impatience surfaced. “Enough theatrics! Pour!”

  Golden liquid cascaded into stone bowls. Bull Demon King raised his cup. “To Sixth Brother—the scourge of Heaven!”

  The Monkey King drained his bowl in one gulp. His brothers sipped sparingly, their eyes glinting.

  A thunderous belch echoed. “Hah! Magnificent… urk—” Sun Wukong collapsed, his golden armor clattering against stone.

  Serpent Demon King prodded the unconscious form. “Out cold.”

  Bull Demon King nodded. “The Draught of Ten Thousand Dreams never fails. Begin.”

  “Brother,” Macaque Demon King interjected, his simian features conflicted, “draining his Primordial Qi will cripple him! With Heaven’s armies—”

  “Silence!” Bull Demon King’s roar shook stalactites. “Was our oath empty words? We endured humiliation while Yang Jian slaughtered Roc Brother! This monkey’s Primordial Qi is our key to vengeance!”

  Serpent Demon King’s forked tongue flickered. “Legends say his essence can elevate our cultivation entire realms. We nurtured him to Great Luo Golden Immortal precisely for this harvest!”

  As the conspirators circled their quarry, Macaque Demon King hesitated. Bull Demon King’s eyes narrowed. “Recall Heaven’s ambush! Where was our ‘brother’ then? His cowardice cost Roc Brother’s life! This simian was never kin!”

  Golden light erupted from five demonic palms, tendrils of energy piercing Sun Wukong’s torso. The Monkey King’s face contorted as luminous essence streamed from his pores.

  “Nggh…” A stifled groan escaped his lips.

  Macaque Demon King winced, but Bull Demon King’s glare froze dissent. “Sentiment dies with the weak. Soon, Yang Jian will kneel before our newfound power!”