Chapter 31

Sun Wukong was about to head to the Divine Manor to find Zhuang Yan when he suddenly saw clouds descending ahead.

Zhuang Yan appeared atop a cloud and asked with a smile, "Wukong, do you truly intend to fight me?"

Sun Wukong immediately stepped forward and saluted. "Greetings, Prefect." Fire Spirit True Immortal and the other two followed close behind. Sun Wukong smiled. "I hope Prefect will offer me some guidance."

Zhuang Yan shook his head. "A spar is fine, but do not expect to learn anything from it."

"What do you mean?" Sun Wukong asked in confusion.

Zhuang Yan did not answer, only asking, "Are you ready?"

Sun Wukong immediately circulated the Great Celestial Immortal Art, unleashing the full might of a Grand Unity Golden Immortal. His dharma form manifested in the world, changing the color of wind and clouds and making mountains and rivers tremble. Fire Spirit True Immortal and the other two retreated in shock.

"Prefect, be careful," Sun Wukong said solemnly.

Zhuang Yan calmly took out a clay jar and gave a light shout:

A flash of golden light passed, and Sun Wukong was instantly drawn into the jar. Zhuang Yan put away the Magic Tool and smiled at the dumbfounded three. "When dealing with a stubborn monkey, thunderous measures are the best policy."

The three exchanged horrified glances, their eyes filled with reverence. A dignified Grand Unity Golden Immortal had been like an ant before an Earth Immortal Prefect. Their hearts surged with emotion, and they felt immensely honored.

Zhuang Yan summoned Chi Ling, lightly patted the top of her head, and applied his power.

Chi Ling suddenly felt an ache and swelling in her left cheek, then spat out shattered teeth and broken roots. When she bit down again, new teeth had already grown in. She looked at herself in a mirror and bowed in ecstatic gratitude. "Thank you for your grace, Prefect."

"Rise." Smiling, Zhuang Yan turned to Fire Spirit True Immortal and took out the Dinguang Glazed Lamp and Kunlun Mirror. "These two items are immortal treasures. I bestow them upon the Assistant Prefect for safekeeping."

Fire Spirit True Immortal hurriedly saluted. "Prefect, how could I dare accept such a reward without merit? I truly cannot accept treasures of this caliber."

Zhuang Yan said with a smile, "Only with ability can you render merit. If you do not even have suitable Magic Tools, how will you serve the Divine Manor? Take these treasures and refine them. They will have great use in the future."

Fire Spirit True Immortal hesitated for a moment before adding, "But if Prefect bestows all these treasures, then what will you yourself..."

"External objects are useless to me," Zhuang Yan replied calmly.

Only then did Fire Spirit True Immortal respectfully accept the Dinguang Glazed Lamp and Kunlun Mirror, storing the two treasures within her Niwan Palace. She then gave a deep bow. "This subordinate thanks Prefect for your generous gift."

Zhuang Yan nodded slightly. "These two treasures each possess profound mysteries. Once you have refined them thoroughly, you will naturally understand their wonders."

"I shall heed Prefect's instruction."

With that, Zhuang Yan transformed into a streak of light and returned to the Lingtai Divine Manor. Fire Spirit True Immortal, Vanguard Hu, and Chi Ling all bowed to see him off.

After returning to the Divine Manor, Zhuang Yan went straight to the Mountain God Hall and took out the clay jar for a careful look. Sun Wukong was sprawled at the bottom, panting heavily.

Zhuang Yan could not help laughing. "What? Still trying to break my seal?"

Hearing his voice, the monkey rolled to his feet. Looking up and seeing Zhuang Yan's face, he hurriedly cried out, "Prefect, it's pitch-black inside this jar!"

"Shall I light a candle for you?"

"No, no!" Sun Wukong waved both hands repeatedly. "Prefect, please show mercy and let me out. Old Sun knows his mistake."

"Where did you go wrong?"

"I should not have offended Prefect's Heavenly Might."

"Do you now know my methods?"

"I have learned my lesson, I have learned my lesson. Please forgive me, Prefect."

Zhuang Yan chuckled and casually tossed the clay jar to the ground. With a crisp crack, the jar shattered, and Sun Wukong somersaulted out, landing steadily on the ground.

The monkey first glanced at the shards scattered across the floor, then sidled up to Zhuang Yan with a cheeky grin. "Prefect, that divine ability of yours is truly remarkable. Might I ask what it is called?"

"Heavenly secrets must not be revealed."

"Ah, what harm is there in telling me?" Sun Wukong scratched his ears and cheeks. His eyes spun as he added, "Actually, Old Sun has another thought..."

Zhuang Yan raised an eyebrow.

"Old Sun wants to see whether the Somersault Cloud can escape Prefect's divine ability." The monkey scratched his cheek. "It isn't that I refuse to accept defeat. I simply want to broaden my horizons."

"What a crafty monkey!" Zhuang Yan pointed at him and laughed. "You are clearly unconvinced, yet you insist on talking tough. Fine. Today, I will make you submit completely."

Sun Wukong was overjoyed and repeatedly bowed. "Thank you, Prefect, for granting my wish!"

The two arrived at the steps outside the hall. Zhuang Yan took a new clay jar from his sleeve. "Are you ready?"

"Please wait a moment, Prefect..." As Sun Wukong spoke, he suddenly sprang away with a somersault.

Zhuang Yan raised the clay jar and used One Thought Capture, shouting lightly at the sky, "Capture!"

Sun Wukong was in the midst of turning on his Somersault Cloud when his body suddenly stalled. Before he knew it, he was plunged into familiar darkness amid a spinning world.

Zhuang Yan looked down into the jar and saw the monkey flip several times before steadying himself. He could not help smiling. "What a clever little rascal. Trying to sneak away?"

Sun Wukong sat cross-legged at the bottom of the jar, scratching his head and laughing. "No matter how clever I am, I cannot escape Prefect's palm. Old Sun submits!"

Once locked in by the rules, how could he possibly escape? Zhuang Yan thought, but said nothing more and waved a hand to remove the seal.

Sun Wukong leaped out of the clay jar and bowed solemnly. "Thank you for your mercy, Prefect."

"No need for such ceremony." Zhuang Yan helped him up. "Why not stay at Danchi Ridge for a few days before returning to Flower-Fruit Mountain?"

Ripples appeared in the Monkey King's eyes. "The Eastern Continent of Victory lies beyond vast oceans. Once I leave, it will be difficult to gather with everyone again..." He recalled the carefree days of cultivation on Spirit Platform Mountain—cultivating and visiting friends between morning bells and evening drums, Spirit Fruit covering the mountains in endless supply, even his dreams steeped in the fragrance of wine and fruit.

Zhuang Yan patted his shoulder. "Now that one somersault carries you a hundred and eight thousand li, you can come whenever you wish."

"Right, right!" Sun Wukong's eyes lit up as he secretly glanced toward Mount Fangcun. Though he had been expelled from the sect, he could still return in the future under the name of his Mountain God uncle. Suddenly, he dropped to his knees and knocked his head against the ground. "Please acknowledge me as your nephew, Prefect!"

"Very well." Zhuang Yan agreed with a smile.

For more than a month afterward, Sun Wukong discussed the Dao and sparred day and night with Fire Spirit True Immortal and the others. When it was time to part, everyone escorted him all the way beyond Guangci Prefecture. The Monkey King gave the surrounding mountains one final look, then vanished into the clouds with a somersault.

Vanguard Hu and Chi Ling watched Sun Wukong depart, unable to suppress their melancholy. Seeing this, Fire Spirit True Immortal smiled. "Once you achieve the immortal Dao and can ride clouds and mist, how difficult will meeting again be?"

The two felt somewhat comforted by her words and returned with Fire Spirit True Immortal to Danchi Ridge on Spirit Platform Mountain.

Time flowed on. One day, dazzling clouds filled the sky above Danchi Ridge, and purple vapor coiled through the air. Standing atop Eight Immortals Tower, Fire Spirit True Immortal saw two streaks of immortal light shooting from the peach grove into the heavens, stirring the wind and clouds. A pleased expression appeared on her face.

Within the clear heavens and earth, the dharma forms of a snake and a tiger, both Earth Immortals, appeared amid the immortal light. The snake's hiss and tiger's roar shook the forest, making all beasts bow and tremble. Once the immortal light gradually faded and the dharma forms returned to their places, Vanguard Hu and Chi Ling had attained the fruition of Earth Immortals.

The two rose into the air as their mortal shells scattered on the wind below. After reining in their immortal might, they descended to Eight Immortals Tower and saluted Fire Spirit True Immortal.

Fire Spirit True Immortal returned the salute. "Congratulations to you both for joining the Immortal Rank. Immortality is now within reach."

Vanguard Hu said sincerely, "It was all thanks to Prefect's grace and the Assistant Prefect's guidance that we were able to attain this true fruition."

Fire Spirit True Immortal smiled. "Wukong's discussions and sparring before his departure gave all of us some insight. You should stabilize your cultivation first. I will patrol Guangci Prefecture for the next three months."

Upon returning to the Divine Manor, Vanguard Hu's wife, Lan'er, welcomed them with their two sons. Seeing the table full of delicacies, Chi Ling said happily, "Sister Lan'er is always so thoughtful!" Her words made everyone laugh heartily.

Hu Lailai and Hu Ququ looked utterly confused and turned to ask their father, Vanguard Hu, "Dad, what is a green hat?"

Without a word, Vanguard Hu raised his foot and kicked both sons away, roaring, "Why aren't you practicing yet?!"

"What are you doing?!" Lan'er immediately glared at him.

Seeing his wife angered, Vanguard Hu hurriedly forced a smile. "Don't be angry, dear. Those two brats are tough."

Lan'er shot her husband a glare, then turned and left with Chi Ling. Vanguard Hu quickly followed after them.

"Prefect has been in seclusion for quite some time, hasn't he?" Chi Ling asked.

Lan'er nodded. "It has already been four months."

"Such a long seclusion this time..." Chi Ling mused. "I wonder how much his cultivation will improve when he emerges?"

Vanguard Hu interjected, "With Prefect's talent, it would not be surprising if he directly attained the Celestial Immortal Rank."

Yet the truth differed greatly from their guesses. Zhuang Yan's seclusion this time was not for cultivating Daoist methods, but for studying a new function.

At present, Heavenly Dao Power manifested only once each year, making Zhuang Yan's rate of obtaining Heavenly Dao Power far too slow. He had to find a way to obtain Heavenly Dao Power more efficiently under the ever-changing Heavenly Dao Rules.

However, his strength had yet to recover, so directly seizing it was clearly impossible. Thus, Zhuang Yan turned his attention to the abundant power of incense offerings he had accumulated over many years—these offerings from all living beings were originally part of the Heavenly Dao. If he could develop a function that converted incense power into Heavenly Dao Power, would that not yield twice the result with half the effort?

After four months of research, he had already gained a preliminary grasp of the principles behind this function. In a little while longer, it would be complete.

Meanwhile, because Vanguard Hu and Chi Ling needed to consolidate their realms, patrol duties were temporarily entrusted to Fire Spirit True Immortal.

Just after she left Spirit Platform Mountain, she saw the Earth God of Guangci Prefecture standing at the foot of the mountain.

Fire Spirit True Immortal descended from her cloud and asked, "Why are you here instead of keeping watch at your temple, Earth God?"

The Earth God hurriedly saluted. "This minor god greets the Assistant Prefect. I have an urgent matter to report to Prefect."

"Prefect is in seclusion," Fire Spirit True Immortal said. "Speak freely if you have something to report."

"Recently, Demonic Energy has been permeating the Prefectural Governor's residence. It is extremely strange and sinister." The Earth God reported, "This minor god wished to investigate, but feared alerting the enemy, so I came specifically to report it."

"Anyone who commits evil, whether immortal or demon, will emit wicked Demonic Energy."

"You did well." Fire Spirit True Immortal nodded. "Does the Prefectural Governor's residence have door gods standing guard?"

"No." The Earth God shook his head. "Imperial officials have soldiers guarding them, so they do not install door gods."

"What about the Kitchen God?"

The Earth God's expression turned grave. "I was about to report that. There was originally a Kitchen God in the residence, but contact has now been lost."

Fire Spirit True Immortal frowned slightly. "It seems a demon is indeed causing trouble. Even the Kitchen God has fallen victim?"

The Earth God nodded. "That must be the case."

Fire Spirit True Immortal nodded slightly and instructed, "Lead the way. Let me take a look."

The Earth God respectfully agreed. Fire Spirit True Immortal took him into the clouds, and they flew straight toward Guangci Prefecture City.

In the blink of an eye, they reached the city. Fire Spirit True Immortal descended from her cloud and landed before a magnificent residence. Pointing at the estate with its vermilion gates and green tiles, the Earth God said, "Assistant Prefect, this is the residence of the Governor of Guangci."

Fire Spirit True Immortal activated her divine sight and saw Demonic Energy pervading the sky above the residence.

"A wicked demon is indeed entrenched here." She turned to the Earth God. "Go back first. Leave this matter to me."

The Earth God bowed, then transformed into a wisp of green smoke and vanished into the earth.

Fire Spirit True Immortal found a secluded spot and cast a spell to transform into a Daoist nun in green robes. Concealing her immortal aura, she revealed herself and walked straight toward the gates of the Governor's residence.

When she reached the entrance, the guards immediately blocked her path.

Fire Spirit True Immortal performed a formal salute. "This humble Daoist has come from the mountains to call upon the Governor. Please announce me."

The two guards exchanged glances. The one on the left replied, "Please forgive us, Daoist. Without an invitation or token, we cannot relay your request."

Fire Spirit True Immortal smiled faintly and reached into the air. A stone from the corner of the wall flew into her hand. The guards' expressions immediately became reverent.