Sun Wukong followed Taibai Jinxing and soon entered the Heavenly Court through the South Heaven Gate.
Before him stretched nine tiers of golden palaces. Layer upon layer of jade towers and pavilions appeared and vanished amid a sea of clouds, auspicious energy billowing as ethereal Immortal Music drifted through the air.
Heavenly soldiers stood at attention along the way, and Divine Generals lined up in formation. Even the little immortals guarding the palace gates wore gleaming armor.
"What a magnificent Heavenly Court! It's truly grand!"
"Once I ascend the throne and become emperor, I'll build a Demon Court even grander than this!"
As the thought crossed Sun Wukong's mind, the Hall of Miraculous Mist came into view, its golden light spreading across the floor and its majestic pressure bearing down upon him.
Inside the Hall of Miraculous Mist, the Jade Emperor sat high upon his throne, dignified and imposing.
The assembled immortals stood solemnly on either side.
The entire hall was austere and imposing, its atmosphere tense and solemn.
Soon, Taibai Jinxing led Sun Wukong before the hall.
Taibai Jinxing bowed and announced in a clear voice:
"Your Majesty, I have fulfilled my duty. I have brought Sun Wukong, the Demon Immortal and Handsome Monkey King of Flower-Fruit Mountain in the lower realm, to pay his respects."
The Jade Emperor said nothing. He merely studied Sun Wukong with a deep, appraising gaze.
Huh? This monkey's cultivation is already at the Peak Grand Unity Golden Immortal level?
He's a little stronger than the Grand Unity Golden Immortal peak I'd originally estimated, but he still won't make much trouble!
Everything is under control.
In truth, Sun Wukong had been concealing his true cultivation with a wisp of the Great Dao's aura from Lingxuan Dao Field.
Not even the Jade Emperor—let alone the