The Bull Demon King and Flaming Mountain

Chapter 7: Bull Demon King and Flaming Mountain

During their long and arduous journey in search of the Dragon Balls, filled with hardship and the unknown, Sun Wukong and his companions accidentally heard some deeply unsettling news. It was said that in a distant and mysterious place stood the majestic Flaming Mountain. The raging fires upon that mountain were like demonic flames that never extinguished, wreaking havoc year-round. The scorching heat baked the surrounding land until it was cracked, barren, and devoid of life. The once-fertile soil had become a wasteland, and the common folk struggled to survive on this scorched earth, their lives miserable and trapped in dire straits. The one who controlled this terrifying Flaming Mountain was none other than the powerful, cruel, and notorious Bull Demon King.

Upon hearing of this heartbreaking situation, a strong impulse surged instantly within Sun Wukong's heart, which was filled with justice and kindness. With a firm gaze, he resolutely decided to go and meet this overbearing and tyrannical Bull Demon King, relying on his own strength to help the people escape their endless plight and restore peace and tranquility to this land.

When their party finally arrived near the Flaming Mountain after enduring countless hardships, the sight before them was shocking. Smoke and dust filled the sky, blocking out the sun as if covering the entire world in a thick, gray veil. The scorching air seemed to possess a terrifying power capable of melting all things in an instant; every breath felt like swallowing molten lava, leaving one feeling suffocated and scorched.

Sun Wukong deliberately feigned an innocent and naive appearance, huddling with his companions as they cautiously walked into the Bull Demon King's territory, which was filled with majesty and danger. The Bull Demon King's subordinates sensed the intrusion of strangers and swarmed over like vicious wolves, surrounding them completely. These subordinates were hideous, their eyes revealing a fierce light as if they wanted to tear them apart and devour them alive.

"Where did these brats come from, daring to trespass here!" a burly, jowly underling roared at the top of his lungs, his voice sounding like a thunderclap exploding in their ears, filled with threats and intimidation.

Sun Wukong scratched his head, a silly, naive smile appearing on his face as he chuckled, "Big brothers, we really are just passing through; we took a wrong turn and ended up here by mistake. We're leaving now, we're leaving." His tone was filled with obsequiousness and fear, as if he were truly intimidated by the momentum of these underlings.

Seeing Sun Wukong's weak and easily bullied appearance, the arrogance in the underling's heart grew even more intense. "Hmph, since you've come, don't think you're leaving so easily! Who knows if you have ulterior motives!" He brandished his weapon and pressed forward step by step, attempting to exert even greater pressure on Sun Wukong and his group.

Just then, the tall and fierce figure of the Bull Demon King appeared before them. He was as burly as a small mountain, his thick limbs seemingly containing endless power. His face was hideous and terrifying, and his copper-bell-sized eyes flashed with a murderous light that made one's blood run cold. He held a massive, heavy axe, its blade flashing with a cold light under the sun, looking majestic and awe-inspiring like a demon god from hell.

"What is all this noise about?" the Bull Demon King asked in a gruff voice, his tone like rolling thunder that made the surrounding air tremble slightly.

The underling hurriedly stepped forward in fear and trepidation to report, "Great King, these ignorant little brats didn't know their place and rushed in recklessly."

Watching the Bull Demon King's chilling appearance, Sun Wukong deliberately let a look of deep fear and terror show in his eyes. "Great Bull Demon King, we really didn't mean to offend your majesty, please, spare us!" His voice trembled, and his body shook involuntarily, as if he had been scared out of his wits by the Bull Demon King's presence.

Hearing Sun Wukong's plea, the Bull Demon King threw his head back and laughed loudly. "Just by relying on a few wet-behind-the-ears brats like you, you dare to be so presumptuous before this King! You truly don't know the height of the sky or the depth of the earth!" His laughter was filled with disdain and mockery.

Sun Wukong nodded repeatedly, like a chick pecking at rice. "Yes, yes, yes, Great King, you are majestic and possess vast supernatural powers; how would we dare to be presumptuous before you? You are amazing, Great King, we will leave immediately and never cause you any more trouble." As he spoke, he pulled his companions backward, seemingly eager to escape this terrifying place.

However, the Bull Demon King would not let it go. He took a step forward, blocking their path. "Want to leave? It's not that easy! Let this King test exactly how much weight you have and whether you are qualified to leave my territory!" As he spoke, he swung the massive axe in his hand, bringing with it a gust of wind as he slashed toward Sun Wukong, the momentum seemingly capable of splitting him in two.

Sun Wukong appeared to dodge left and right in a panic, his movements looking utterly wretched. But in reality, he already had a precise plan in his mind. He deliberately pretended to be weak and vulnerable, leading the Bull Demon King to become even more arrogant and let down his guard.

"Is this all the meager skill you have? You're pathetic!" the Bull Demon King mocked wantonly, thinking Sun Wukong was nothing more than a cowardly, incompetent nobody.

Sun Wukong panted heavily, his face covered in sweat, and said, "Great King, you are simply too strong. I surrender, I surrender, is that not enough?" His tone was filled with helplessness and submission.

Hearing Sun Wukong's words, the Bull Demon King's guard dropped completely. At that very instant, a sharp glint flashed through Sun Wukong's eyes, and he erupted with immense power. He unleashed Ape Force Impact, his entire body shooting forward like an arrow from a bow, rushing toward the Bull Demon King with lightning speed.

Caught off guard, the Bull Demon King was knocked back several steps by this sudden, powerful force. He widened his eyes, looking at Sun Wukong in disbelief, as if he could not believe that the weak and incompetent brat from a moment ago could erupt with such formidable strength.

Sun Wukong smiled slightly, a cunning expression on his face as he said, "Great Bull Demon King, this was just a stroke of luck, please don't take it to heart."

The Bull Demon King was humiliated and enraged; feeling he had been greatly insulted, he roared and launched an even more violent attack. Sun Wukong, however, remained calm and composed, his hands quickly forming seals as he summoned Great Ape Protection. A layer of energy shielding, shimmering with mysterious light, appeared before him, easily blocking the Bull Demon King's fierce assault.

Seeing his attacks easily neutralized, the Bull Demon King's anger became uncontrollable. He used all his strength, pouring every ounce of his power into the axe in his hand, and launched attack after attack with all his might.

Sun Wukong seized the opportunity and instantly entered the Berserk Ape Strike state. A violent aura radiated from his body, and his strength and speed increased dramatically in an instant. He engaged the Bull Demon King in an incredibly intense confrontation without a hint of fear, the two trading blows in a battle that was too close to call.

After a thrilling and heart-pounding battle, Sun Wukong finally found the Bull Demon King's opening and unleashed the Great Ape Domain. In an instant, a mysterious and powerful domain trapped the Bull Demon King within. Inside this domain, Sun Wukong's strength was greatly enhanced, while the Bull Demon King's power was weakened by a powerful suppression effect.

The Bull Demon King finally realized he had encountered an unprecedentedly strong enemy. His heart filled with fear and regret, and he began to beg bitterly, "Hero, spare me! I, the Bull Demon King, had eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai; I shouldn't have underestimated your strength. Please, show mercy and spare my life!"

Sun Wukong retracted the domain, a tolerant smile appearing on his face as he said, "Bull Demon King, as long as you promise to stop harming the people and turn over a new leaf from now on, I will spare you."

The Bull Demon King nodded repeatedly, like a pestle pounding garlic. "I promise, I promise! I will never dare to do evil again!"

From then on, the crisis of the Flaming Mountain was resolved, and the people returned to a peaceful life. Once again, relying on his wisdom and great strength, Sun Wukong had successfully played the pig to eat the tiger, creating a legendary story that would be passed down for generations.