Above the East Sea, the waters stretched vast and boundless.
Sun Wukong gripped the Ruyi Jingu Bang tightly, watching the Daoist before him with vigilance.
Venus Tai Bai was a capable subordinate of the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother. He oversaw many of the Heavenly Court's affairs, was one of its senior veterans, and held an extremely exalted position.
Seeing his smiling face, Sun Wukong felt a chill run down his spine. After all, this was a Quasi-Sage Great Being who wielded the path of Geng Metal and presided over slaughter. He was no ordinary figure.
"Great Sage, I have come to invite you to Heaven under the Jade Emperor's imperial decree of recruitment, where you will receive an immortal register. The Jade Emperor has permitted you to take Great Sage Equal to Heaven as your honorable title. You may establish your own immortal residence in the Thirty-three Heavens and receive the offerings of all living beings."
"As for the past grievances and misunderstandings, I hope the Great Sage will be magnanimous and not take them to heart."
Venus Tai Bai spoke gently, his face full of goodwill.
He was the most suitable person for the task of recruiting Sun Wukong. He usually kept a low profile and was well versed in the ways of the world; he could surely talk this monkey into a daze.
"Old sir, are you serious?"
Sun Wukong narrowed his eyes as he looked at Venus Tai Bai.
He had proclaimed that he would make all the gods and Buddhas in the heavens vanish into smoke. What was this, accepting recruitment from the Heavenly Court now?
"The Jade Emperor's word is golden. Why would he deceive you?"
"If you enter the Heavenly Court, you will receive the offerings of the mortal world. Those Monkey Descendants