Chapter 44

After Erlang Shen received the decree, he was overjoyed. He said to the immortal official delivering it, "Please report back to the Heavenly Court. I shall head there at once to lend my aid."

After conveying the decree, Zhuang Yan returned to the Heavenly Court to report back.

Erlang Shen immediately summoned the Six Sages of Mount Mei—Grand Commandants Kang, Zhang, Yao, and Li, along with Generals Guo Shen and Zhi Jian. Leading his Heavenly Soldiers, bringing his hunting dogs, and bearing their weapons, they rode a violent wind across the Eastern Sea and arrived at the outskirts of Flower-Fruit Mountain.

Though the Heavenly Soldiers had suffered repeated defeats, they still had Flower-Fruit Mountain surrounded on all sides. Erlang Shen came before the lines and shouted, "Generals guarding the formation, heed my command! I am True Lord Erlang, here by the Jade Emperor's order to subdue the Demon Monkey. Open the camp gates at once!"

The divine generals hurriedly reported his arrival, and the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King and Third Prince Nezha led their troops out to welcome him. After exchanging pleasantries, the Heavenly King gave a detailed account of the battle. Erlang Shen smiled. "This time, I must compete with that Demon Monkey in the art of transformations. Please guard the four directions closely and do not obstruct the sky. If I am defeated, my brothers will naturally come to my aid. If I prevail, there will be no need to trouble you. I only ask that the Heavenly King suspend the Demon-Revealing Mirror in the air, to prevent him from fleeing should he lose."

The Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King followed his instructions and immediately ordered the Demon-Revealing Mirror raised to cover Flower-Fruit Mountain.

Erlang Shen led his forces into the mountain. Seeing the banner of Great Sage Equal to Heaven snapping in the wind, he could not help but sneer. "That monkey dares call himself Equal to Heaven?"

The Six Sages of Mount Mei called out a challenge. Before long, Sun Wukong heard them and emerged from his cave. Seeing that the incoming commander possessed extraordinary bearing, he asked, "What divine general are you, daring to challenge me?"

Erlang Shen said coldly, "I am True Lord Erlang, nephew of the Jade Emperor. I have come specifically to capture you!"

Wukong burst into laughter. "Could you be that Young Master Yang who split Peach Mountain with an axe to save his mother?"

Erlang Shen flew into a rage. "Monkey, do not be so insolent!" Before his words had faded, the Three-Pointed Double-Edged Spear had already cleaved through the air. Wukong hurriedly raised his Golden Cudgel to meet it, and the two instantly clashed. The fierce battle between the Great Sage and the Lesser Sage raged until heaven and earth darkened!

Ever since Erlang Shen had been summoned to battle Sun Wukong, the immortals and gods of the Heavenly Court had watched the fight through the Haotian Mirror in Lingxiao Hall.

Sun Wukong and Erlang Shen fought for three hundred exchanges without either gaining the upper hand. Then Erlang Shen's divine might suddenly surged as he unleashed the Dharma Heaven and Earth Manifestation.

In an instant, Erlang Shen transformed into a colossal giant ten thousand zhang tall, with crimson hair, an indigo face, and savage fangs. He swung his blade straight at Sun Wukong's crown.

Sun Wukong was unwilling to be outdone. He too revealed his Dharma Heaven and Earth Manifestation, gripping his Golden Cudgel as he battled Erlang Shen.

At the same time, the Six Sages of Mount Mei led twelve hundred Grass Head Gods, released their hunting dogs, drew their bows and nocked their arrows, and charged into Flower-Fruit Mountain. The monkeys' forces collapsed in disarray, fleeing and hiding in every direction.

The Six Sages led their troops in a search of the mountain to capture the monkeys. In the blink of an eye, they had seized every monkey spirit in the mountain, leaving none behind.

Sun Wukong, who was fighting Erlang Shen with all his might, suddenly heard a commotion in the mountain. Turning back, he saw the monkey troop being captured, and panic instantly filled his heart. He hastily withdrew his Dharma form and broke away to flee.

Seeing this, Erlang Shen shouted, "Demon Monkey, do not run!" He immediately withdrew his Dharma form as well and gave chase with the Three-Pointed Double-Edged Spear in hand.

Sun Wukong had barely fled outside the mountain when the Six Sages of Mount Mei blocked his path. The six surrounded him with weapons in hand and shouted in unison, "Demon Monkey, submit to execution!"

Flustered, Sun Wukong swung his cudgel to force back the Six Sages, then shook himself into a sparrow and flapped away.

When Erlang Shen arrived, he saw the Six Sages searching in all directions and hurriedly asked, "Where is that Demon Monkey?"

The Six Sages answered, "He was just here, but in an instant he vanished without a trace."

Erlang Shen's phoenix eyes flashed like lightning. At a glance, he saw through Sun Wukong's transformation and spotted the sparrow hiding in the treetops. With a cold smile, he took down his Golden Bow, loaded a Silver Bullet, and fired into the air.

There came a sharp whistling sound. Silver light flashed, and the sparrow fell at once after being struck. Yet it fluttered its wings and struggled back into the air.

Erlang Shen immediately transformed into a hawk and spread his wings in swift pursuit.

The immortals and gods watching from Lingxiao Hall all clapped and laughed at the sight.

"The Demon Monkey is about to be executed."

"True Lord Erlang truly possesses boundless divine powers."

"Indeed. He is worthy of the title True Lord of Manifested Sagehood."

The immortals praised him one after another, while Zhuang Yan gazed intently at the scene within the Haotian Mirror. The contest of transformations between Sun Wukong and Erlang Shen was dazzling and endlessly thrilling.

Though the Haotian Mirror could reflect the battle, whenever the two used transformation arts, even the immortals found it difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood. Only after Erlang Shen exposed the transformation did everyone finally understand.

At this moment, Sun Wukong transformed into a temple. Yet this time, not only Erlang Shen, but many immortals within the hall noticed something strange. In the end, Erlang Shen saw through him once more and was about to destroy the temple when Sun Wukong escaped.

Light and shadow shifted within the mirror. The immortals saw only Sun Wukong's figure disappear, while Erlang Shen turned back to question the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King. The Heavenly King used the Demon-Revealing Mirror and declared, "The Demon Monkey has gone to Guangjiang River Pass."

Erlang Shen returned to the temple in an instant and heard a Ghost Judge cry out in alarm, "A Lord Erlang just entered, so why has another Lord Erlang come?" He asked in a deep voice, "Did Great Sage Equal to Heaven come here?"

A fierce shout suddenly rang out from within the temple. "Stop making such a racket! This temple belongs to Sun!" Before the words had ended, the Golden Cudgel tore through the air. Erlang Shen immediately engaged him, and the two fought from earth to sky, from Southern Jambudvipa to the Eastern Divine Continent, before battling their way back to Flower-Fruit Mountain.

Seeing the Demon Monkey return, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King hurriedly led the heavenly generals into strict formation. Just as the Demon-Revealing Mirror firmly locked onto Sun Wukong, the Six Sages of Mount Mei arrived and joined Erlang Shen in encircling him.

In Lingxiao Hall, the Bodhisattva watched the battle in the mirror and said, "Erlang Shen has trapped the Demon Monkey. This humble monk should lend him a hand."

Grand Supreme Elder Lao asked, "What treasure will the Bodhisattva use to assist him?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva answered, "I will throw the willow branch from the Jade Bottle at his head. Even if it does not kill him, it will make him stumble and allow him to be captured."

Laojun said with a smile, "That bottle is porcelain. If it strikes an iron cudgel, it may shatter. Better let this old man take action."

The Bodhisattva asked, "What magic treasure does Laojun possess?"

Laojun took out the Vajra Ring and said, "This was forged from kun steel and refined with elixir. It is impervious to water and fire and can ensnare all things. In the past, it was of great use in converting the Hu into Buddhists." With that, he threw out the ring.

The Vajra Ring passed through the South Heavenly Gate, descended from the Thirty-Three Heavens, and shot straight for Wukong's crown. Zhuang Yan had long known that the two sages intended to act. Seeing the ring miss its target, the corners of his lips curved faintly—when he had been ordered to observe earlier, he had secretly bestowed the effect of "Dodge" upon Wukong, and now it had come into play.

"Strange!" Laojun exclaimed in astonishment. "He actually avoided it?"

One had to know that a great power's magic treasure was not thrown at random. It first locked onto its target before attacking.

Yet Sun Wukong had avoided the Vajra Ring, leaving Grand Supreme Elder Lao deeply shocked.

What surprised him even more was that Sun Wukong sensed his body dodging on its own, then turned and discovered the Vajra Ring lying on the ground.

He immediately realized someone had plotted against him. Furious beyond measure, he grabbed the Vajra Ring and shouted, "What rat dares launch a sneak attack?"

Seeing Sun Wukong grasp the magic treasure, Grand Supreme Elder Lao's expression changed slightly before returning to calm.

At that moment, Erlang Shen and the Six Sages of Mount Mei attacked again. Sun Wukong used the Golden Cudgel to block the Three-Pointed Double-Edged Spear, while casually raising the Vajra Ring to ward off the other weapons.

To everyone's surprise, golden light suddenly burst from the Vajra Ring, and it took away all the Six Sages' weapons.

Everyone was stunned, but Sun Wukong burst out laughing. "Heaven is helping me after all!"

He stepped back and hurled the Vajra Ring at Erlang Shen. His opponent's weapons and bow instantly flew from his hands, all being taken by the magic treasure.

The battle changed abruptly. Sun Wukong split into countless clones to trap his enemies, while his true body charged straight for the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King.

The hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers hurriedly fought back, only to see the Vajra Ring shine again. The gods lost all their weapons and magic treasures.

The Heavenly Court's forces collapsed completely. Sun Wukong laughed as he rode the clouds, brandishing his Golden Cudgel and charging straight toward the Thirty-Three Heavens.

"This is terrible!" the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King cried, leading his troops in desperate pursuit.

After breaking free of the clones, Erlang Shen also mounted the clouds and gave chase.

Sun Wukong had already fought his way to the South Heavenly Gate, and its defenders were no match for him.

Chaos erupted within Lingxiao Hall. The Jade Emperor asked, "My lords, does anyone have a plan to subdue this demon?"

The hall fell silent. The Bodhisattva said, "Allow this humble monk to try the Jade Bottle."

The Jade Emperor granted permission.

The Bodhisattva threw out the Jade Bottle, launching a sneak attack while Sun Wukong was engaged in battle.

But Sun Wukong dodged once again. Turning around and seeing the Jade Bottle fall to the ground, he smashed it with his cudgel without a second word.

In the Supreme Harmony Palace, the Bodhisattva frowned slightly and murmured, "Strange. How did he avoid it? My Jade Bottle has been ruined for nothing."

Laojun stroked his beard and smiled. "Do not worry. Another day, this old Daoist will refine another one for you."

The Bodhisattva's eyes shifted as she gave Laojun a slight nod. "Then I thank Laojun."

Seeing that even the Bodhisattva had returned without success, the gods in the hall grew ever more panicked. Could they truly be facing their destined calamity today? Was there still time to flee?

Yet the Jade Emperor remained calm and composed. Looking around at the immortals, he asked, "Which of my beloved officials is willing to stop that Demon Monkey?"

All the immortals remained silent. Only Marshal Wang and Zhuang Yan stepped forward. Holding a golden whip, Marshal Wang said, "Your servant will temporarily hold back the Demon Monkey until True Lord Erlang and the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King arrive, then we shall capture him together."

Zhuang Yan said, "Reporting to the Great Celestial Venerable, I have a method to subdue the monkey."

At these words, the eyes of all the immortals and Buddhas in the hall turned toward him. Guanyin Bodhisattva showed a doubtful expression, but Laojun suddenly said, "Your Majesty, this Daoist is willing to recommend Lord of Lingtai Dongming. He will certainly be able to subdue this monkey."

The Jade Emperor was surprised. "Lord Zhuang, are you truly confident?"

Zhuang Yan said solemnly, "If I fail, I am willing to accept heavenly punishment."

The Jade Emperor smiled. "Even if you fail, I shall not punish you. Only act within your means and keep yourself safe."

Zhuang Yan bowed. "Your servant accepts the decree." He then took his leave of the Jade Emperor and headed directly for the South Heavenly Gate.

Marshal Wang watched his departing back, a trace of confusion flashing through his eyes, before silently returning to his place.

Outside the South Heavenly Gate, Sun Wukong was battling the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals. Though Erlang Shen had lost his weapons, he could still fight the Monkey King to a standstill barehanded. Suddenly, immortal light streaked over, and Zhuang Yan appeared. Drawing a clay jar from his sleeve, he shouted, "Demon Monkey, receive this!"

The Heavenly Soldiers all looked up. Erlang Shen thought, This heavenly envoy has divine powers too?

Sun Wukong's expression changed sharply at the shout. He hurriedly leaped onto his Somersault Cloud, intending to flee. Zhuang Yan aimed the clay jar at the Monkey King and shouted. A flash of white light appeared, and the Demon Monkey who had thrown the Heavenly Court into chaos was already inside the jar.

In an instant, heaven and earth fell silent.

After a long while, the old immortals in the hall finally cried out in shock, "The Demon Monkey has been subdued!"

The Jade Emperor and the various divine lords looked at one another in stunned disbelief. A Monkey King whom even a hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers and Erlang Shen could not handle had been captured by Zhuang Yan with a single jar? The gods' shock far surpassed their joy at capturing the Demon Monkey.

Grand Supreme Elder Lao stroked his beard and smiled at Guanyin Bodhisattva. "The person the Bodhisattva recommended is certainly remarkable, but the one this old man recommended is no less so, is he?"

The Bodhisattva shook her head and sighed softly. "This old monk was blind. Laojun's disciple has now entered the ranks of the Three Realms' foremost experts."

Though she had heard of Zhuang Yan's divine powers from Zhunti and Akashagarbha, she had never expected them to be so overwhelming.

"Hahaha!" Grand Supreme Elder Lao laughed heartily, his white beard trembling with his laughter.

After Zhuang Yan subdued Sun Wukong, Nezha and the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King arrived in a rush with the Heavenly Soldiers.

The Twelve Earthly Branches looked at the clay jar in Zhuang Yan's hand, their faces filled with admiration. Tiger of the Year cupped his fists and said, "Spirit Platform Prefecture Lord, what impressive skill." Dog of the Year examined the clay jar and laughed. "An ordinary earthen jar has such power in the Prefecture Lord's hands. Truly extraordinary."

Nezha rushed closer and shouted, "Let me have a look!"

With a smile, Zhuang Yan lowered the clay jar. The gods leaned over to peer inside and saw Sun Wukong trapped within, unable to move.

"Demon Monkey, let us see how much longer you can be arrogant!" Nezha clapped in delight.

Sun Wukong looked up and saw Nezha. Grinning, he said, "What are you so pleased about, little brat? You were not the one who captured Old Sun. None of those marshals or heavenly generals were my match. Today, I was defeated by the Spirit Platform Prefecture Lord, and I am fully convinced."

"Still talking tough when death is at hand!" Nezha glared in anger.