Chapter 43

Why hadn't you made that clear earlier?

The Giant Spirit God had already descended to the mortal realm by then; saying anything would have been useless.

Nezha waved a hand. "Forget it. Make new arrangements." He then ordered the Four Heavenly Kings, "Go to Flower-Fruit Mountain at once and arrange a time with the Demon Monkey to exchange the hostages."

The Four Heavenly Kings rose and asked, "May we ask, Deputy Marshal, when shall the exchange take place?"

Nezha looked toward Zhuang Yan, who answered, "Tomorrow at dawn."

"Then it will be at a quarter past dawn, outside Flower-Fruit Mountain," Nezha ordered.

After the Four Heavenly Kings left, Nezha said smugly, "Now that Demon Monkey has nothing to say, right?" Yet Zhuang Yan's expression was strange.

"Spirit Platform Prefecture Lord, what is it?" Before Nezha had finished speaking, eight Heavenly Soldiers rushed into the tent in a panic.

"Report! The Four Heavenly Kings have also been captured by the Demon Monkey!"

Nezha flew into a rage. "What exactly does that Bimawen want?!"

The Heavenly Soldier continued, "The Demon Monkey said he would exchange the hostages on time tomorrow. He merely wished to keep the four Heavenly Kings in his cave as guests for now."

"This is outrageous!" Nezha drew his weapon and prepared to fight, but the generals desperately held him back.

"Deputy Marshal, please think twice!"

"We can exchange them all back tomorrow."

"That Demon Monkey merely wants more bargaining chips."

Only after the generals talked him down did Nezha angrily withdraw and rest. At the hour of the Tiger, Zhuang Yan woke Nezha to prepare for the exchange.

Nezha had been sleeping soundly when someone suddenly shook him awake, leaving him irritated. Seeing that it was Zhuang Yan, he threw a punch without a word.

Zhuang Yan tilted his head slightly and avoided the punch exactly, without the slightest error. Nezha rose with a laugh and praised him. "Excellent skills! You dodged that punch of mine. You've got some ability, kid."

The corners of Zhuang Yan's lips lifted slightly as he raised a hand and slapped toward Nezha's head. Nezha had already been on guard and tried to dodge sideways, but Zhuang Yan's palm secretly carried the effect of "certain hit," forcibly dragging him back and landing solidly on him.

"You!" Nezha clutched his head and glared angrily at Zhuang Yan.

Zhuang Yan smiled. "But you failed to dodge this palm strike. What do you say to that?"

"Fine, I'll remember this slap!" Nezha refused to concede aloud, but inwardly he was filled with uncertainty. He had clearly dodged just now, so why...

This man's divine abilities are strange indeed. No wonder Grand Supreme Elder Lao recommended him.

After the scuffle, Nezha immediately mustered the troops, ordered the monkey captives brought out, and led the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals down to Flower-Fruit Mountain.

As dawn approached, Sun Wukong had already brought Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King and the others to wait outside the mountain. Seeing Nezha's formation escorting the monkeys, Wukong grew frantic and shouted, "Third Prince, can we exchange them now?"

Nezha said, "Yes. But an inspector must be sent to ensure both sides complete the exchange safely."

Wukong frowned. "Trying to play tricks again? If you dare deceive Old Sun, the Golden Cudgel will show no mercy!"

Nezha snapped, "Demon Monkey! Who detained my messenger last night?"

Wukong gave an awkward laugh. "Fine, then who is this inspector? Come out and let me see."

Before his words had faded, Zhuang Yan flew out from among the heavenly generals. "I am the inspector."

At the sight of Zhuang Yan, Wukong's pupils contracted sharply, and cold sweat streamed down his face. "Uncle..."

"You insolent monkey!" Zhuang Yan cut him off sharply. "Uncle what? What nonsense are you spouting?"

Wukong hurriedly changed his words. "Uncle... it's you! After taking a gourd to the face from me at Tushita Palace, does your face still hurt?"

Zhuang Yan replied calmly, "Thank you for your concern. My face is perfectly fine. It has never been this handsome."

Nezha: "..."

Wukong: "..."

The hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers: "..."

With Zhuang Yan acting as inspector, Wukong was greatly relieved. Though they appeared to be enemies, how could his uncle harm him? Besides, his escape from Tushita Palace that day had clearly been because Zhuang Yan held back—if he had fought seriously, how could Wukong have escaped that "earthen jar divine ability"?

The hostage exchange proceeded smoothly, and neither side caused trouble.

As Wukong led the monkeys back toward the mountain, Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King urgently called out to Zhuang Yan, "Inspector! My pagoda is still in the Demon Monkey's hands!"

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Yan immediately flew after Sun Wukong. When Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King saw Nezha charging over with murderous intent, his face turned pale. He hurriedly called for Marshal Tianpeng, the Five Directional Jiedi, the Twelve Earthly Branches, the Four Heavenly Kings, Giant Spirit God, and the others to protect him, then asked in a trembling voice, "What is my son planning to do?"

Nezha curled his lips and cupped his fists. "Your son has come especially to welcome Father King."

Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King looked around. Only after seeing the vast numbers of Heavenly Soldiers and Generals did he relax slightly, forcing out a smile. "Good, good, good. My son is thoughtful."

Suddenly, his expression changed drastically, and he cried out, "Not good! The inspector has gone after that Demon Monkey. He may be in danger!"

He quickly took out a command banner and shouted, "All Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, heed my command! Follow me into Flower-Fruit Mountain at once and capture the Demon Monkey!"

Before his words had ended, Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King had already led the hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers and Generals toward Flower-Fruit Mountain. Sun Wukong had just brought the monkey troop back into the cave when he turned and saw Zhuang Yan following close behind, followed by a black mass of Heavenly Soldiers and Generals pressing toward them.

Seeing the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals draw near, Sun Wukong urgently ordered the monkeys to hide in the Water Curtain Cave. He then gripped the Golden Cudgel horizontally and stood alone at the cave entrance.

After landing, Zhuang Yan extended a hand toward Sun Wukong. "Now that the hostages have been exchanged, the magical treasure should also be returned to its owner. Please return King Li's Glazed Pagoda."

Sun Wukong's tense expression eased, and he nodded. "Old Sun overlooked that. I'll return it now."

With a wave of his hand, the exquisite pagoda flew through the air toward Zhuang Yan. Zhuang Yan caught it steadily, then turned and flew out of Flower-Fruit Mountain. Passing through the ranks of Heavenly Soldiers, he arrived before Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, who was supervising the battle from the rear.

"King Li, your pagoda." Zhuang Yan handed over the pagoda.

Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King held the pagoda tightly as if it were a priceless treasure. With a face full of gratitude, he cupped his fists and said, "Many thanks to Spirit Platform Prefecture Lord for your assistance!"

Zhuang Yan returned the gesture. "This official has completed his mission and must return to Great Luo Heaven to report to His Majesty. Farewell."

Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King hurriedly said, "Safe travels, Prefecture Lord."

Zhuang Yan nodded slightly and rode the clouds straight up to the Ninth Heaven.

The moment he left, war erupted at Flower-Fruit Mountain. Nezha personally led the hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers and Generals in a fierce siege against Sun Wukong.

Zhuang Yan reached Great Luo Heaven, passed through the South Heavenly Gate, and came to the outside of the Supreme Harmony Palace, where he asked the heavenly general before the hall to announce him. The general said, "Spirit Platform Prefecture Lord, His Majesty has decreed that anyone with official business need not be announced and may enter the hall directly."

Zhuang Yan entered the hall, walked to the center, and bowed as he reported, "This minister, Zhuang Yan, reports to the Great Celestial Venerable. The hostage exchange has been properly concluded. I have come to return the edict and report my completion of the mission."

The Jade Emperor had already witnessed everything through the Haotian Mirror and was quite satisfied with Zhuang Yan's ability, especially his retrieval of the pagoda.

The Jade Emperor said happily, "Spirit Platform Prefecture Lord, you handled this assignment splendidly. I grant you twenty Golden Flowers, twenty jars of Imperial Wine, and three hundred thousand Purple Coins."

Several immortal maidens stepped forward carrying jade trays. Zhuang Yan bowed in thanks for the reward, accepted the treasures, then bowed once more and returned to the ranks of immortals.

Zhuang Yan raised his eyes toward the Haotian Mirror. The mortal realm was already shrouded in dusk. Sun Wukong fought the hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers alone, yet showed no sign of weakening.

Amid the fierce battle, heavenly generals retreated one after another in defeat, withdrawing to camp.

The fighting continued until dawn. The Heavenly Soldiers were completely routed, leaving only Nezha in his Three Heads Six Arms form still struggling to hold on.

After more than ten exchanges, Nezha finally ran out of strength and retreated in defeat.

"Hahahaha!" Sun Wukong leaped onto the summit of Flower-Fruit Mountain with wild laughter and yanked up the flagpole. The banner of the Great Sage Equal to Heaven snapped loudly in the wind.

That flash of scarlet stood in piercing contrast to the fleeing Heavenly Soldiers, making the immortals of the Heavenly Court feel as though thorns were at their backs.

An old immortal stepped forth and petitioned, "That Demon Monkey has become this arrogant. I beseech the Great Celestial Venerable to send another divine general to the mortal realm."

The immortals all voiced their agreement.

The Jade Emperor sighed. "Your loyalty is plain for all to see, but the Heavenly Court has no generals left to send. Even if there were any, they would not be his match."

The old immortal's gaze swept discreetly over True Martial Emperor and Heavenly Venerable Puhua of Thunder. He ultimately did not dare speak plainly and merely bowed. "If this monkey is allowed to run rampant, where will the Heavenly Court's dignity remain?"

The Jade Emperor understood perfectly well, yet said, "Allow me to consider it."

A report suddenly came from outside the hall. "Old Mother Li Shan has arrived with the Bodhisattva of the South Sea and the Buddhist bodhisattvas, requesting an audience."

A commotion immediately stirred within the hall. The immortals all knew that these Buddhist Great Beings might be able to subdue the Demon Monkey.

The Jade Emperor immediately summoned them.

After the bodhisattvas entered the hall and paid their respects, the leader said, "This humble monk and the others were on our way to the Peach Banquet when we found the Jade Pool deserted, so we came specifically to report the matter."

The Jade Emperor nodded gently and said slowly, "That Demon Monkey acted wildly and recklessly, disrupting the Peach Banquet. Thus, I summoned all the immortals to discuss a plan for capturing him."

After speaking, the Jade Emperor added, "Please, Yuqing Ziyuan Jun, Bodhisattva, and all the bodhisattvas, take your seats."

Old Mother Li Shan, the Bodhisattva, and the others bowed to thank the Jade Emperor, then drifted gracefully into the ranks.

Everyone looked toward the Haotian Mirror and saw that the battle had ended, with only the banner of the Great Sage Equal to Heaven fluttering in the wind. The Bodhisattva stepped forward and asked, "May I ask, Your Majesty, how is the matter of capturing the Demon Monkey progressing?"

The Jade Emperor sighed. "That Demon Monkey possesses formidable magic. I sent King Li, Nezha, and a hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers and Generals to subdue him, but none could prevail. Instead, they were all driven back by him."

The Bodhisattva smiled and suggested, "In that case, this humble monk would like to recommend someone who will certainly capture the Demon Monkey."

The Jade Emperor quickly asked, "Whom does the Bodhisattva wish to recommend?"

The Bodhisattva replied, "Your Majesty's nephew, Erlang Shen, currently guards Guangjiang River Pass and receives the offerings of the mortal world. He once slew the Six Monsters, and he commands the Meishan Brothers and twelve hundred Grass Head Gods. His divine abilities are extraordinary. However, he has always obeyed assignments but not summons. Your Majesty may issue an edict to mobilize him, and he will surely capture the Demon Monkey."

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor immediately called, "Where is Lord of Lingtai Dongming?"

At the call, Zhuang Yan stepped forward and bowed. "This minister is here."

The Bodhisattva above regarded Zhuang Yan with compassionate eyes, studying him closely before giving a slight nod.

The Jade Emperor ordered, "I command you to descend to the mortal realm at once and proceed to Guangjiang River Pass to deliver the edict, ordering Erlang Shen to lead troops and subdue the demon."

Zhuang Yan respectfully accepted the order. "This minister obeys."

After receiving the Jade Emperor's Edict, Zhuang Yan bade farewell to the immortals and headed directly down to the mortal realm.

After leaving the South Heavenly Gate, Zhuang Yan arrived in Southern Jambudvipa in the blink of an eye.

The mountains and rivers here were vast, the population dense, and its prosperity far surpassed that of the other continents.

Zhuang Yan traveled through the air and soon arrived before Erlang Shen's temple at Guangjiang River Pass.

Holding the imperial edict, he entered and said to the gatekeeping Ghost Judge, "I am an envoy of the Heavenly Court, sent by the Jade Emperor's decree to summon True Lord Erlang."

The Ghost Judge hurried inside to report, "A Heavenly Court envoy has arrived bearing an edict."

Erlang Shen led the Meishan Brothers out to receive him. Zhuang Yan looked up and beheld this True Lord—

His brows and eyes were like a painting, his bearing proud and lofty; his long ears hung to his shoulders, and light gleamed within his gaze.

A flying-phoenix crown crowned his head in the shape of three mountains, while his pale yellow robe was dyed in elegant hues.

Dragon-wound stockings matched golden-threaded boots, and an eight-treasure jade belt reflected his splendor.

A crescent bow hung at his waist, while a three-pointed, double-edged blade was raised in his hand.

Too proud to acknowledge the Heavenly Court's favor, too haughty to live anywhere but beside Guangjiang River Pass.

His name, Chicheng Zhaohui, was renowned for its might; his vast divine powers earned him the title of Erlang.

Though Zhuang Yan's official rank was slightly lower, he held the Jade Emperor's imperial edict and therefore did not need to offer greetings first.

Erlang Shen stepped forward and bowed, ordering someone to set up an incense table before kneeling to receive the imperial edict.

Zhuang Yan opened the edict and read aloud, "A Demon Monkey of Flower-Fruit Mountain has caused disorder, stealing peaches, Imperial Wine, and Immortal Pills, and disrupting the Peach Banquet. A hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers deployed the Heavenly Net and Earthly Net but failed to subdue him. Therefore, I specially command my worthy nephew to lead his sworn brothers to Flower-Fruit Mountain and reinforce the battle. Upon success, there shall surely be great rewards."