The 43rd Chapter

Why didn't you explain it clearly earlier?

By then, the Giant Spirit God had already descended to the mortal realm, so explaining it would have been useless.

Nezha waved his hand and said, "Forget it, let's make new arrangements." He immediately commanded the Four Heavenly Kings, "You shall immediately head to Flower-Fruit Mountain and negotiate the time for the exchange of hostages with the demon monkey."

The Four Heavenly Kings rose and asked for instructions, "May we ask, Deputy Marshal, when should the exchange be scheduled?"

Nezha looked at Zhuang Yan, who replied, "Tomorrow, at the hour of Mao."

"Let's set it for a quarter past the hour of Mao, to be exchanged outside Flower-Fruit Mountain," Nezha ordered.

After the Four Heavenly Kings departed, Nezha said smugly, "Now that demon monkey has nothing to say, right?" But he saw that Zhuang Yan's expression was unusual.

"Lord of Lingtai Dongming, what's wrong?" Before Nezha could finish 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 this Bimawen want?!"

The Heavenly Soldier continued to report, "The demon monkey said he will exchange hostages on time tomorrow, but he's keeping the four Heavenly Kings as guests in his cave for now."

"This is too much!" Nezha drew his weapon, ready to fight, but was held back by the generals.

"Deputy Marshal, please reconsider!"

"We'll just exchange them all back tomorrow."

"That demon monkey is just trying to gain more leverage."

After much persuasion from the generals, Nezha grudgingly put away his weapon and went to rest. When it was the hour of Yin, Zhuang Yan woke Nezha to prepare for the exchange.

Nezha was sound asleep when he was suddenly shaken awake, feeling annoyed. He opened his eyes, saw it was Zhuang Yan, and without a word, threw a punch.

Zhuang Yan tilted his head slightly, precisely dodging the fist, not missing by an inch. Nezha laughed and got up, praising, "Good skill! To be able to dodge my punch, you've got some moves, kid."

Zhuang Yan's lips curved upwards, and he raised his hand to strike at Nezha's head. Nezha was already prepared and turned to dodge, but unexpectedly, Zhuang Yan's palm contained a "guaranteed hit" effect, forcefully pulling him back. He took a solid blow.

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

Zhuang Yan chuckled, "But you didn't dodge this palm, what do you say to that?"

"Fine, I'll remember this palm!" Nezha retorted verbally, but his heart was filled with shock and uncertainty—he had clearly dodged it earlier, why...?

He pondered inwardly, This person's divine abilities are strange. No wonder Grand Supreme Elder Lao recommended him.

After the commotion, Nezha immediately assembled his troops, ordered the monkeys to be brought out, and led the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals straight to Flower-Fruit Mountain.

As the hour of Mao approached, Sun Wukong was already waiting outside the mountain with the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King and others. Seeing Nezha arrayed with the monkeys, Wukong was extremely anxious and shouted, "Third Prince, can we exchange people?"

Nezha said, "We can. But we need to send an inspector to ensure the safe exchange for both sides."

Wukong frowned, "Trying to play tricks again? If you dare to deceive me, my Golden Cudgel won't let you off!"

Nezha rebuked, "Demon monkey! Who was it that detained my messenger last night?"

Wukong chuckled sheepishly, "Fine, who is the inspector? Come out and take a look."

Before his voice fell, Zhuang Yan flew out from among the Heavenly Generals, "I am the inspector."

Upon seeing Zhuang Yan, Wukong's pupils contracted sharply, and cold sweat trickled down his face, "Shi..."

"Impudent monkey!" Zhuang Yan interrupted sternly, "What Shi? What nonsense are you talking about?"

Wukong quickly corrected himself, "Shi... it's you! Does your face still hurt from my gourd at Tushita Palace?"

Zhuang Yan said calmly, "Thank you for your concern, my face is fine, never been so handsome."

Nezha: "..."

Wukong: "..."

The hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers: "..."

With Zhuang Yan as the inspector, Wukong felt greatly relieved. Although they appeared hostile on the surface, how could his uncle harm him? Moreover, his escape from Tushita Palace that day was clearly due to Zhuang Yan letting him go—if he had fought seriously, how could he have escaped the "Earthen Jar divine ability"?

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

As Wukong led the monkeys back to the mountain, the 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, who was in front. Seeing Nezha charging towards him with killing intent, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King's face turned pale with fright. He hurriedly called the Marshal Tianpeng, Five Directional Revealed Truths, Twelve Earthly Branches, Four Heavenly Kings, Giant Spirit God, and others to protect him, and asked tremblingly, "What is my son doing?"

Nezha pouted, clasped his fists, and said, "Your son has come to welcome you, Father."

The Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King looked around, saw the many Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, and finally felt a little relieved, forcing a smile. "Good, good, good. My son is thoughtful."

Suddenly, his expression changed drastically, and he exclaimed, "Not good! The inspector has gone after that demon monkey, there might be danger!"

He quickly took out his command flag and ordered loudly, "All Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, listen to my command! Immediately follow me and attack Flower-Fruit Mountain to capture the demon monkey!"

Before his voice fell, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King led a hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers and Generals to attack Flower-Fruit Mountain. At this moment, Sun Wukong had just led the monkeys back into the cave. He turned and saw Zhuang Yan following closely behind, and then saw the dark mass of Heavenly Soldiers and Generals pressing in.

Seeing the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals approaching, Sun Wukong urgently ordered the monkeys to hide in the Water Curtain Cave. He then held his Golden Cudgel horizontally, blocking the entrance alone.

After Zhuang Yan landed, he extended his hand towards Sun Wukong and said, "The hostages have been exchanged, and the magical artifact should be returned to its owner. Please hand over King Li's Glazed Pagoda."

Sun Wukong's tense expression relaxed, and he nodded, "It was my oversight, I'll return it to you now."

He waved his hand, and the exquisite pagoda flew through the air towards Zhuang Yan. Zhuang Yan steadily caught the pagoda, turned, and flew out of Flower-Fruit Mountain, passing through the Heavenly Soldiers' formation, and arrived before the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, who was supervising the battle from the rear.

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

The Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King clutched the pagoda as if it were a treasure, cupping his hands with immense gratitude. "Thank you, Lord of Lingtai, for your assistance!"

Zhuang Yan returned the gesture. "Your subordinate's mission is complete. I must return to Great Luo Heaven to report to His Majesty. I bid you farewell."

The Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King quickly said, "Farewell, my Lord."

Zhuang Yan nodded slightly and ascended straight to the Ninth Heaven on his cloud.

As soon as he left, a fierce battle erupted on Flower-Fruit Mountain. Nezha personally led a hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, launching a fierce assault on Sun Wukong.

Zhuang Yan arrived at Great Luo Heaven, passed through the South Heavenly Gate, and came to the Supreme Harmony Palace to request a Heavenly General outside the hall to announce his arrival. The Heavenly General, however, said, "Lord of Lingtai, His Majesty has decreed that those with official business need not announce themselves and may enter directly."

Zhuang Yan entered the hall and approached the main throne. He bowed and reported, "Your Subject, Zhuang Yan, respectfully reports to the Great Celestial Venerable. The matter of the hostage exchange has been handled properly. I am here to deliver the decree and report."

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

The Jade Emperor said joyfully, "Lord of Lingtai, you have handled this mission beautifully. I bestow upon you twenty Golden Flowers, twenty pots of Imperial Wine, and three hundred thousand Purple Coins."

Several Immortal Maidens stepped forward holding jade plates. Zhuang Yan thanked them for the reward and accepted the treasures before bowing again and returning to his place in the immortal ranks.

Zhuang Yan looked up at the Haotian Mirror. Dusk was settling over the mortal realm. Sun Wukong was fighting alone against a hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers, yet he showed no signs of weakening.

During the fierce battle, Heavenly Generals were defeated one after another and retreated to their camps.

The fighting continued until dawn. The Heavenly Soldiers were completely routed, with only Nezha, with his three heads and six arms, still struggling to hold on.

After another ten rounds, Nezha finally exhausted his strength and retreated.

"Hahaha!" Sun Wukong roared with laughter as he leaped onto the peak of Flower-Fruit Mountain. He grabbed a flagpole and raised it high, the banner of the Great Sage Equal to Heaven fluttering in the wind.

That splash of crimson stood in stark contrast to the fleeing Heavenly Soldiers, making the immortals of the Heavenly Court feel as if a thorn were in their sides.

An old immortal stepped forward and pleaded, "This demonic monkey is utterly rampant. We implore the Great Celestial Venerable to dispatch more divine generals to the mortal realm."

The assembled immortals echoed his plea.

The Jade Emperor sighed, "Your loyalty is evident, my dear minister. However, the Heavenly Court has no generals left to send, and even if we did, they would not be his match."

The old immortal's gaze flickered towards Emperor Zhenwu and the Heavenly Venerable Puhua of Thunder, but he did not dare to speak directly. He merely bowed and said, "If we allow this monkey to continue unchecked, where will the Heavenly Court's authority lie?"

The Jade Emperor knew the situation clearly but said, "Allow me to consider it."

Suddenly, a report came from outside the hall: Old Mother Li Shan, accompanied by the Bodhisattva of the South Sea and several Bodhisattvas from the Buddhist Sect, requested an audience.

A stir arose within the hall. All the immortals knew that these great Bodhisattvas might be able to subdue the demonic monkey.

The Jade Emperor immediately summoned them.

After the Bodhisattvas entered the hall and paid their respects, the foremost among them said, "This humble monk and his companions were on their way to the Peach Banquet and saw the Jade Pool deserted. Therefore, we have come to report."

The Jade Emperor tapped his forehead lightly and said slowly, "That demonic monkey is arrogant and presumptuous. He disrupted the Peach Banquet, so we have summoned all the immortals to discuss a strategy to capture him."

Having said that, the Jade Emperor added, "Please invite Yuqing Ziyuan Jun, the Bodhisattva, and the other Bodhisattvas to be seated."

Old Mother Li Shan, the Bodhisattva, and the others bowed and thanked the Jade Emperor before gracefully taking their places.

Everyone looked at the Haotian Mirror. The battle had already ceased. Only the banner of the Great Sage Equal to Heaven fluttered in the wind. The Bodhisattva stepped forward and asked, "May I ask Your Majesty, what progress has been made in capturing the demonic monkey?"

The Jade Emperor sighed, "That demonic monkey's magical powers are immense. I sent King Li, Nezha, and a hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers and Generals to subdue him, but none were successful. Instead, they were all repelled."

The Bodhisattva smiled and suggested, "Since that is the case, this humble monk is willing to recommend someone who can surely capture the demonic monkey."

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

The Bodhisattva replied, "Your Majesty's nephew, True Lord Erlang, is currently stationed at Guangjiang River Pass, receiving offerings of incense and fire from the mortal realm. He once slew six monsters and has the Meishan Brothers and twelve hundred Grass Head Gods under his command. His divine abilities are extraordinary. However, he has always been obedient to summons but not to proclamations. Your Majesty may issue a decree to summon him, and he will surely capture the demon."

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

Zhuang Yan stepped forward upon hearing his name and responded with a bow, "Your Subject is here."

The Bodhisattva above looked at Zhuang Yan with compassion, examining him closely, and nodded slightly.

The Jade Emperor issued an order, "You are commanded to descend to the mortal realm immediately and go to Guangjiang River Pass to deliver the decree, ordering True Lord Erlang to lead troops to subdue the demon."

Zhuang Yan respectfully accepted the command. "Your Subject obeys."

After receiving the Jade Emperor's imperial decree, Zhuang Yan bid farewell to the immortals and descended directly to the mortal realm.

Zhuang Yan left the South Heavenly Gate and, in the blink of an eye, arrived at Nanzhanbuzhou.

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

Zhuang Yan flew through the air, and in a short while, he reached the front of the True Lord Erlang's temple at Guangjiang River Pass.

He entered with the imperial decree in hand and said to the gatekeeper ghost official, "I am an envoy from the Heavenly Court, sent by the Jade Emperor to summon True Lord Erlang, the显圣真君."

The ghost official hurried inside to report, "An envoy from the Heavenly Court has arrived with a decree."

True Lord Erlang led the Meishan Brothers out to greet him. Zhuang Yan looked up and saw this True Lord—

His features were as beautiful as a painting, his bearing majestic. His ears hung down to his shoulders, and his eyes held a radiant light.

A phoenix crown adorned his head, set with three mountains. A goose-yellow robe was dyed with a light, elegant hue.

Dragon-patterned socks were paired with golden-threaded boots, and an eight-treasure jade belt reflected his splendor.

A crescent moon bow hung at his waist, a three-pointed, double-edged halberd raised in his hand.

His heart was too proud to acknowledge his Heavenly Court ties, his arrogance leading him to dwell alone by the Guangjiang River.

His fame as the Scarlet City's Sagely Lord Erlang was evident, his divine powers vast, earning him the title True Lord Erlang.

Though Zhuang Yan's official rank was slightly lower, he did not need to proactively bow because he held the Jade Emperor's imperial decree.

Erlang Shen stepped forward, bowed, and ordered an incense table to be set up to receive the imperial decree on his knees.

Zhuang Yan unfurled the imperial decree and read aloud: "Now, the demon monkey of Flower-Fruit Mountain has caused rebellion, stealing the Peaches of Immortality, pilfering the Imperial Wine, and snatching the Immortal Pills, thus disrupting the Peach Banquet. One hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers have laid down the Heavenly Net and Earthly Net, yet have been unable to subdue him. We hereby dispatch our worthy nephew to lead his sworn brothers to Flower-Fruit Mountain to assist in the battle. Upon the successful completion of this mission, there will surely be a generous reward."