Chapter 39

Zhuang Yan chuckled and consoled them. "Forget it, forget it. They're only a few peaches. Why fuss over them?"

He turned to the Purple-robed Fairy and teased, "Surely no one would dare steal the peaches from the Jade Pool?"

The Purple-robed Fairy froze at his words, then replied, "You jest, Prefecture Lord. The Queen Mother's Peach Garden is guarded by an Earth God, and lately, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven has personally been stationed there. Who would dare act rashly?"

"Great Sage Equal to Heaven?" Fire Spirit True Immortal asked in surprise. "Who is this? How have I never heard of him?"

The Purple-robed Fairy then recounted Sun Wukong's appointment in detail.

"That monkey head became the Great Sage Equal to Heaven?" Fire Spirit True Immortal and the other two exchanged looks.

The Purple-robed Fairy noticed their strange reaction. "Could it be that you all know this Great Sage?"

Fire Spirit True Immortal was about to answer when Zhuang Yan stopped him with a look.

Zhuang Yan considered it. "Then this Great Sage Equal to Heaven is a monkey immortal of immense divine power?"

"Precisely." The Purple-robed Fairy nodded. "Earlier, he wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Court. Even the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King and his son could do nothing to him, so the Jade Emperor had no choice but to grant him an Imperial Edict and placate him."

Zhuang Yan smiled meaningfully. "Since he is such an unruly monkey demon, is it truly appropriate to send him to guard the Peach Garden?"

The Purple-robed Fairy's expression shifted slightly, and she forced a smile. "Prefecture Lord worries too much."

After the fairy departed, Zhuang Yan watched her return to the Heavenly Court.

After reporting to Immortal Lord Yaohua, Minister of the Jade Palace, the Purple-robed Fairy received a new order: five days later, she was to lead others in harvesting peaches and preparing for the Jade Pool banquet, with no delays permitted.

"I respectfully obey the decree." The Purple-robed Fairy accepted the order reverently.

Five days later, Zhuang Yan received an invitation from the True Palace of Great Mystery. Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion had invited him to attend the Peach Banquet.

When Zhuang Yan arrived at the First Heaven, he saw that all Eight Immortals had already returned. The immortals gathered in the Hall of Grotto-Heavens, where Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion, True Lord Xuandu, and the other high gods waited in formal attire.

True Person Xuji Chongying, who had once been punished for his crimes, was especially respectful this time, his features carrying a calm steadiness.

"Since everyone is here, let us depart," Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion declared.

Zhuang Yan and the other immortals saluted. "We respectfully obey Emperor Shaoyang's decree."

Led by the three honored gods, the immortals rode the clouds straight up to Great Luo Heaven and reached the South Heavenly Gate in the blink of an eye.

Outside the South Heavenly Gate, king Virūḍhaka stood guard with the heavenly soldiers. Upon seeing Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion arrive, he hurried forward to greet him.

"Greetings, Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion." King Virūḍhaka clasped his fists in salute.

Emperor Shaoyang returned the gesture with a smile. "Heavenly King, you are too courteous."

He turned slightly and introduced the immortals behind him. "These are the immortal officials of my Department of the Mortal Realm. By the Queen Mother's decree, we have come to attend the Peach Banquet."

At once, king Virūḍhaka ordered the heavenly soldiers to clear a path and said respectfully, "Please enter, Emperor Shaoyang."

Emperor Shaoyang gave a slight nod and led the immortals through the South Heavenly Gate.

Once inside the heavenly gate, Zhuang Yan looked all around and saw:

Ten thousand streams of golden light reflected crimson clouds, while a thousand strands of auspicious vapor curled around Purple Smoke. Bright mists illuminated the heavens, and green jade fog blanketed the stars. The thirty-three layers of heavenly palaces rose in majestic splendor, with golden beasts guarding the ridges of palaces such as Qianyun, Pisha, and Wuming.

Seventy-two treasure halls stood in solemn rows, with jade qilin winding around the pillars of halls such as Chaohui, Lingxu, and Baoguang.

The covered corridors and winding passageways were exquisitely crafted, their layered eaves crowned with auspicious dragons and phoenixes. Heavenly consorts held fans, while jade maidens carried towels. Golden gates and silver towers shone upon the Purple Mansion, while Jade Flowers and Auspicious Grasses adorned the jade forests. Jade rabbits darted past altars, and golden crows wheeled around the halls. The Heavenly River draped itself like scarlet gauze, while brilliant stars illuminated the nine heavens.

Zhuang Yan could scarcely take it all in and marveled endlessly. Lü Dongbin smiled and asked, "What does Prefecture Lord think of this heavenly scenery?"

Zhuang Yan withdrew his gaze and smiled. "Only today do I understand what an immortal realm truly is."

The immortals rode their clouds directly toward the Jade Pool. Along the way, they encountered immortals and gods from every direction, exchanging greetings as they passed. Lü Dongbin introduced them to Zhuang Yan one by one.

"These are the Three Stars of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity."

"Those are the Five Virtues Star Lords."

"The three over there are True Lord Tianpeng, True Lord Tianyou, and True Lord Yisheng of the Thunder Department."

"The Pagoda-Bearing King Li is ahead."

"The Four Great Marshals Ma, Zhao, Wen, and Guan are proceeding in formation."

"That group consists of Daoist Sect True Immortals: True Man Taiyi, True Man Yuding, True Man Yunzhong, and others. The Three Ladies of the Three Skies and Yuanjun Bixia are among them as well. Most reside in the Ten Continents and Three Islands, so they are rarely seen in ordinary times."

"Surely Prefecture Lord recognizes Third Prince Nezha."

Lü Dongbin paused before adding that.

Zhuang Yan nodded. "When we subdued the yaksha in the Western Sea before, I met Third Prince Nezha once."

At that moment, Nezha seemed to sense something and looked over. Their gazes met, and Zhuang Yan hurriedly clasped his fists in greeting. Nezha's brows twitched as he turned into a streak of light and flashed before them.

"He's here for you." Lü Dongbin patted Zhuang Yan's shoulder, then smiled at Nezha. "Third Prince, I trust you have been well."

Nezha returned the salute and asked directly, "I heard the Eight Immortals were caught up in the Buddhist-Demon tribulation. Why are you all still in the mortal realm?"

Up ahead, Tieguai Li suddenly whispered to Zhongli Quan, "The other day, I saw the Sky-Howling Hound spit out three white jade elephant tusks. It was most peculiar."

Zhongli Quan looked astonished. "How could that be? How could a dog's teeth grow elephant tusks?"

Lü Dongbin watched Nezha with a smile, and Nezha grinned as well. He turned to Tieguai Li and Zhongli Quan. "Just say what you mean. Do you really think I would take your lives?"

Lü Dongbin waved his hand. "Third Prince misunderstands. They were discussing the Sky-Howling Hound."

Nezha nodded in realization and shifted his gaze to Lü Dongbin. "I see. I recall that True Immortal Lü was once injured by the Sky-Howling Hound. Have your injuries healed?"

Lü Dongbin replied, "Thank you for your concern, Third Prince. I recovered long ago."

He Xiangu, standing nearby, interjected, "The injury healed, but it left him with a problem."

Nezha asked curiously, "What problem?"

Lü Dongbin looked at He Xiangu in equal confusion. "How did I not know I had any problem?"

He Xiangu covered her smile with her lips. "The problem is that he has grown fond of eating dog meat."

Lü Dongbin coughed lightly and admitted frankly, "It is rather embarrassing to say, but ever since the Sky-Howling Hound bit me, I have indeed developed a taste for it."

Everyone laughed at that. Nezha then asked Zhuang Yan, "How has Spirit Platform Prefecture Lord been lately?"

Zhuang Yan replied with a smile, "Nothing but my routine mountain patrols and cultivation. Has Third Prince had any important business of late?"

Nezha looked away. "Nothing particularly important."

"Perhaps not." True Lord Xuandu, who was ahead of them, suddenly spoke. "I heard that some time ago, Third Prince and the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King descended to capture the Demon Monkey—now the Great Sage Equal to Heaven—and returned defeated?"

"Such a thing happened?" Everyone looked at Nezha in surprise.

Nezha's face reddened slightly, and he snorted coldly. "That Great Sage Equal to Heaven does possess some ability. In my view, his divine powers and martial skill are no less than True Lord Erlang's."

The others had intended to tease him, but upon hearing that, they all revealed looks of astonishment. Even Nezha gave him such an assessment, which showed that the Great Sage Equal to Heaven was far from ordinary.

Lü Dongbin clapped his hands and laughed. "Then when the eight of us lost to him back then, it was not entirely undeserved."

As they talked and laughed, they arrived at the Jade Palace. Immortal towers rose high before them, heavenly light and cloud shadows blending together. The jade halls shimmered with flowing radiance, while purple vapor swirled upward. Fragrant jade incense curled through the air, auspicious clouds coiled around the grounds, brocade adorned the jade terraces, and misty clouds veiled the treasure pavilions.

Led by a Jade Pool fairy, the group headed straight for the jade terrace. Before they reached it, they heard waves of clamor from within. The guiding fairy's delicate brows furrowed slightly as she gazed suspiciously at the jade terrace shrouded in Purple Smoke.

"What is happening?" Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion asked.

The guiding fairy quickly saluted. "Perhaps the immortal maidens are tuning their strings and pipes. Please proceed, Emperor Shaoyang."

Emperor Shaoyang nodded slightly and followed the fairy into the jade terrace garden.

The moment they entered, an exotic fragrance washed over them. Zhuang Yan looked around and saw pavilions and towers arranged in elegant tiers, with gilded tables and emerald jade flower pots displayed amid carved railings and jade steps. Dragon Liver and Phoenix Marrow, bear paws, ape lips, and countless other delicacies covered the tables, along with every manner of immortal fruit and jade nectar.

Yet—the immortal officials and strongmen bustling back and forth, the Jade Pool Fairies carrying wine and offering peaches, were all sprawled across the ground, snoring like thunder. Delicacies had overturned across the banquet tables, fine wine streamed everywhere, and golden goblets and jade cups lay scattered in disarray. Even the immortals who had arrived earlier were slumped about, fast asleep.

"Oh no!" The guiding Jade Pool fairy cried out and rushed forward to inspect them. "What happened?"

"Hahaha, splendid, splendid! This truly is fine wine." A bold laugh rang out from the covered corridor on the left.

Everyone followed the sound and saw a drunken figure stagger out of the corridor. He carried a wine jug in his right hand and clutched a bunch of grapes in his left, eating with great relish.

Zhuang Yan and the others examined him closely. He wore a Phoenix-Winged Purple-Gold Crown, Chain Mail Golden Armor, and Lotus-Root Silk Cloud-Treading Boots. With his gallant bearing, he was none other than Sun Wukong, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven.

"Great Sage?!" the Jade Pool fairy cried. "Wasn't he guarding the Peach Garden? How is he here?"

Sun Wukong turned at the sound and grinned. He plucked out a handful of fine hair, transformed them into sleep bugs, and sent them flying at the group. The immortals of shallow cultivation were struck by the sleep bugs and immediately collapsed into slumber. But a flash of immortal light surrounded those gods and immortals with profound cultivation, dispersing the sleep bugs.

Sun Wukong froze when he saw this. This is bad. He turned and shot into the air, staggering as he fled from the jade terrace.

True Lord Tianpeng immediately shouted, "Not good! This monkey has disrupted the Peach Banquet!"

True Lord Tianyou and True Lord Yisheng said in unison, "We will capture him." With that, they gave chase.

Zhuang Yan stepped forward and requested, "Emperor Shaoyang, please permit your servant to assist."

Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion nodded. "Go. Be sure to take care."

"Yes, sir." After saluting, Zhuang Yan rode away on a cloud.

Nezha's eyes darted, and he shouted, "Demon Monkey, do not flee!" He stepped onto his Wind Fire Wheels and chased after him.

Lü Dongbin was about to suggest going along when Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion stopped him. "Those few will be enough."

Zhongli Quan looked at the spread of delicacies and smiled. "Then we can enjoy these fine dishes."

True Man Taiyi looked at the unconscious immortal officials and maidens scattered across the ground and said to the others, "Let us wake them first."

True Man Yuding and the others readily agreed.

Star of Fortune sighed. "That monkey has caused trouble again."

Star of Prosperity counted on his fingers. "He stirred up the Dragon Palace, stirred up the underworld, rebelled against the Heavenly Court—this makes the fourth time already."

Star of Longevity shook his head. "This time, he disrupted the Queen Mother's Peach Banquet. I fear he will not escape punishment."

The immortals nodded. The peaches had not yet been served, and though the banquet was in disarray, that was no great matter.

For the Heavenly Court, preparing exquisite dishes and fine wine was an easy task. The true trouble this time was disturbing the Queen Mother's Peach Banquet, not wasting that Dragon Liver and Phoenix Marrow.

Meanwhile, Sun Wukong flew drunkenly out of the jade terrace. As he staggered about in wild flight, True Lord Tianyou and True Lord Yisheng pursued him relentlessly. In his panic, he randomly chose a route to flee, only for Nezha and Zhuang Yan to catch up as well. In the blink of an eye, the two True Lords had blocked his path.

"Wretched monkey, stop!" True Lord Yisheng roared. "Come with us at once and beg the Queen Mother's pardon!"

Sun Wukong turned back and laughed. "The Peach Banquet laid out immortal wine and spirit fruits precisely for people to enjoy. What crime is there in Old Sun tasting some? Would the Queen Mother truly be so stingy?"

True Lord Tianyou said no more and attacked alongside True Lord Yisheng. Sun Wukong had no choice but to turn and fight. The three fought barehanded for over a hundred exchanges. The two True Lords gradually showed signs of exhaustion before Sun Wukong sent them flying with a palm strike and a kick. He took the chance to continue fleeing.

Zhuang Yan and Nezha each caught the falling Tian You and Yi Sheng. Seeing the two True Lords pale-faced and gasping, Zhuang Yan clasped his fists and said, "Please tend to your injuries, True Lords. Allow this lesser god to pursue and capture the Demon Monkey." With that, he transformed into a streak of light and gave chase.

True Lord Tianyou watched the fleeing light and asked, "Who is that?"

"Zhuang Yan, Lord of Lingtai Dongming," Nezha answered. True Lord Yisheng hurriedly said, "Third Prince, go assist him at once. That Demon Monkey possesses immense divine power!"