Wukong tried to persuade the gods and Buddhas to withdraw their troops.
But while Wukong trusted Ao Tu, the gods and Buddhas did not.
To gods and Buddhas, how could the words of demons and ghosts be trusted?
Even those on very good personal terms with Ao Tu could hardly step forward and openly support him on such a public occasion.
Thus, the voices opposing withdrawal held the majority.
Heavenly King Li counseled Wukong, "Great Sage, the gods speak reasonably. A demon's words cannot be lightly trusted. Besides, Bull Demon King has gathered demons far and wide and secretly harbors intentions of rebelling against Heaven. His Majesty has decreed that the demons be exterminated. How could we withdraw without authorization?"
Hearing this, Wukong recalled that although he had brought the gods down to the mortal realm, the Jade Emperor had issued his decree before Wukong ever went to the Heavenly Court. He had merely happened to arrive at the right time. Even without his request for troops, the gods would have descended to attack Banana Cave.
Yet he had already given Ao Tu his word. What was he to do?
It truly gave him an endless headache.
That Demon Dragon might as well actually recite a few lines of the Tight-Fillet Spell.
Unable to think of a solution, Wukong could only discuss it politely with Heavenly King Li. "Heavenly King, for Old Sun's sake, could you withdraw for the moment and report to His Majesty the Jade Emperor that Bull Demon King has no intention of rebelling, then ask His Majesty to decide? What do you think?"
Heavenly King Li shook his head. "Great Sage, how could we do that? Bull Demon King has colluded with Blood Sea Old Monster and the Demon Dragon Ao Tu. Both demons are wanted