The Jade Emperor's Decree

After receiving the decree, Erlang Shen was overjoyed and said to the Immortal Official who delivered it, "Please relay to the emissary that I will depart immediately to assist in the battle."

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

Erlang Shen immediately summoned the Six Sages of Mount Mei—Commanders Kang, Zhang, Yao, and Li, along with Generals Guo Shen and Zhi Jian. He led his Heavenly Soldiers and hunting dogs, carrying their weapons, and crossed the East Sea on a fierce wind, heading directly for the outskirts of Flower-Fruit Mountain.

At this time, although the Heavenly Soldiers had repeatedly suffered defeats, they still had Flower-Fruit Mountain completely surrounded. Erlang Shen arrived at the front lines and shouted, "Heavenly Generals guarding the formation, heed my command! I am the True Lord Erlang, who Manifests the Sacred. I have been ordered by the Jade Emperor to subdue the demon monkey. Open the camp gates quickly!"

The Divine Generals hurriedly reported the situation. The Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King and Third Prince Nezha led their troops out to meet him. After exchanging pleasantries, the Heavenly King detailed the battle situation. Erlang Shen laughed and said, "In this contest, I will definitely compete with that demon monkey in the art of transformation. Please guard the four directions strictly and do not obstruct the sky above. If I am defeated, my brothers will assist me; if I win, there will be no need to trouble you all. Just ask the Heavenly King to hang the Demon-Revealing Mirror in the sky to prevent its escape."

The Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King acted accordingly and immediately ordered the Demon-Revealing Mirror to be set up, covering Flower-Fruit Mountain.

Erlang Shen led his troops into the mountain and saw the banner of the Great Sage Equal to Heaven fluttering in the wind. He couldn't help but sneer, "This monkey actually dares to call himself 'Equal to Heaven'?"

The Six Sages of Mount Mei challenged them. Before long, Sun Wukong heard the commotion and emerged from his cave. Seeing the extraordinary bearing of the approaching general, he asked, "Which divine general are you, who dares to challenge me?"

Erlang Shen said coldly, "I am the Jade Emperor's nephew, the True Lord Erlang, who Manifests the Sacred. I am here to capture you!"

Wukong heard this and laughed heartily, "Are you that Young Master Yang who split Mount Peach to save his mother?"

Erlang Shen became furious, "Monkey, do not be presumptuous!" Before his words fell, his Three-Pointed Double-Edged Spear had already cleaved through the air. Wukong quickly raised his Golden Cudgel to meet it, and the two immediately engaged in a fierce battle. This great battle between the Great Sage and the Lesser Sage raged until the heavens and earth were darkened!

Since Erlang Shen was dispatched to fight Sun Wukong, the immortals and gods of the Heavenly Court had been watching the battle in Lingxiao Hall through the Haotian Mirror.

They saw Sun Wukong and Erlang Shen fight for three hundred rounds without a clear victor. Suddenly, Erlang Shen's divine might surged, and he unleashed the Dharma Heaven and Earth Manifestation divine ability.

In an instant, Erlang Shen transformed into a giant of ten thousand feet, with red hair, a dark face, and terrifying fangs. He swung his saber directly at Sun Wukong's crown.

Sun Wukong, unwilling to be outdone, also revealed his Dharma Heaven and Earth Manifestation form, holding his Golden Cudgel and battling Erlang Shen.

At the same time, the Six Sages of Mount Mei led twelve hundred Grass Head Gods, releasing their hunting dogs, drawing their bows, and raining arrows upon Flower-Fruit Mountain. The monkey horde was routed, fleeing and hiding in all directions.

The Six Sages led their troops in searching the mountain and capturing monkeys. In the blink of an eye, all the monkey spirits in the mountain were captured, not a single one escaping.

Sun Wukong, who was still locked in a fierce battle with Erlang Shen, suddenly heard the commotion in the mountain. He turned his head and saw his monkey clan being captured. His mind was thrown into chaos, and he hastily retracted his Dharma form and fled.

Seeing this, Erlang Shen roared, "Demon monkey, do not flee!" He immediately retracted his Dharma form as well and pursued relentlessly with his Three-Pointed Double-Edged Spear.

As soon as Sun Wukong fled outside the mountain, he was intercepted by the Six Sages of Mount Mei. The six men surrounded him, each holding their weapons, and shouted in unison, "Demon monkey, do you not submit?"

Sun Wukong was flustered and panicked. He swung his cudgel, forcing the Six Sages back, and then transformed into a sparrow, flapping its wings to escape.

Erlang Shen, who had arrived, saw the Six Sages searching everywhere and quickly asked, "Where is that demon monkey?"

The Six Sages replied, "He was just here, but vanished in the blink of an eye."

Erlang Shen's phoenix eyes flashed like lightning, and he saw through Sun Wukong's transformation into a sparrow hiding in the treetops. With a cold sneer, he took down his Golden Bow, nocked a silver bullet, and shot it into the air.

A whistling sound filled the air, a flash of silver light, and the sparrow was hit by the arrow and fell. However, it struggled and flapped its wings, rising into the air again.

Erlang Shen immediately transformed into a goshawk and pursued it fiercely.

Watching this scene in Lingxiao Hall, all the immortals and gods clapped their hands and laughed.

"The demon monkey is about to be captured."

"True Lord Erlang is indeed immensely powerful."

"Indeed, he is worthy of being called the True Lord who Manifests the Sacred."

The immortals praised him in unison. Zhuang Yan gazed at the scene in the Haotian Mirror, watching Sun Wukong and Erlang Shen's magical transformations and battles, which were both spectacular and thrilling.

Although the Haotian Mirror could reflect the battle, if the two unleashed their transformation arts, it would be difficult for the immortals to discern the truth. Only when Erlang Shen saw through their disguise would everyone finally understand.

At this moment, Sun Wukong transformed into a temple. However, this time, not only Erlang Shen but also many of the immortals in the hall sensed something amiss. Finally, Erlang Shen saw through it again. Just as he was about to destroy the temple, Sun Wukong escaped.

The light and shadows in the mirror flowed. The immortals saw Sun Wukong's form disappear, and Erlang Shen returned to ask the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King. The Heavenly King shone the Demon-Revealing Mirror, and declared, "The demon monkey has gone to Guangjiang River Pass."

Erlang Shen instantly returned to the front of the temple and heard a Ghost Judge exclaim, "Just now, one Erlang Shen entered, and now another Erlang Shen has arrived!" He asked in a deep voice, "Is the Great Sage Equal to Heaven here?"

A fierce roar suddenly erupted from within the temple, "Do not make noise! This temple belongs to me, Sun!" Before the words even fell, the Golden Cudgel had already struck through the air. Erlang Shen immediately engaged him in battle. The two fought from the ground to the sky, from Southern Jambudvipa to the Eastern Divine Continent, and then back to Flower-Fruit Mountain.

Seeing the demon monkey return, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King quickly led the Heavenly Generals to stand ready. As the Demon-Revealing Mirror firmly locked onto Sun Wukong, the Six Sages of Mount Mei arrived and, along with Erlang Shen, surrounded the demon monkey.

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

The Grand Supreme Elder Lao asked, "With what treasure will the Bodhisattva assist?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva replied, "I will strike his head with the willow branch from my Pure Bottle. Even if it doesn't kill him, it will make him stagger, making him easier to capture."

Laojun chuckled, "This bottle is made of porcelain. If it collides with an iron staff, it might break. It would be better for me to act."

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

Laojun took out the Vajra Ring and said, "This item is forged from Kunlun steel and refined by the elixir of immortality. It is impervious to water and fire and can capture all things. In the past, I relied on its power to convert barbarians into Buddhas." With that, he threw the ring.

The Vajra Ring pierced the South Heavenly Gate, fell through the thirty-third heaven, and headed straight for Wukong's crown. Zhuang Yan had known that the two sages intended to act. Seeing the ring fall empty, the corners of his lips curved upwards—earlier, while carrying out his mission to monitor, he had secretly imbued Wukong with the effect of "evasion," which was now proving useful.

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

It should be known that powerful magic treasures are not thrown randomly; they first lock onto the target before attacking.

Yet, Sun Wukong had dodged the Vajra Ring, which greatly shocked the Grand Supreme Elder Lao.

What surprised him even more was that Sun Wukong, sensing his body automatically evading, turned his head and saw the Vajra Ring lying on the ground.

He immediately understood that he had been ambushed and, filled with rage, grabbed the Vajra Ring and shouted, "What lowly rat dares to attack me sneakily!"

Seeing Sun Wukong holding the magic treasure, the Grand Supreme Elder Lao's expression changed slightly before he quickly regained his composure.

Erlang Shen and the Six Sages of Mount Mei attacked again. Sun Wukong blocked the Three-Pointed Double-Edged Spear with his Golden Cudgel, and casually used the Vajra Ring to parry the other weapons.

Unexpectedly, the Vajra Ring flashed with golden light, and confiscated all the weapons of the Six Sages.

Everyone was shocked, but Sun Wukong laughed heartily, "Heaven is helping me!"

He took a step back and threw the Vajra Ring at Erlang Shen. The latter's slingshot immediately flew out of his hand, and all his weapons were confiscated by the magic treasure.

The battle situation changed drastically. Sun Wukong created thousands of clones to trap the enemies, and his true body went straight for the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King.

The hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers hastily engaged, but then they saw the Vajra Ring shine again, and all the divine soldiers' weapons and magic treasures were lost.

The Heavenly Court was in disarray. Sun Wukong laughed and soared into the clouds, wielding his Golden Cudgel and charging straight for the Thirty-Third Heaven.

"This is bad!" the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King exclaimed, leading his troops in a desperate pursuit.

Erlang Shen broke free from the clones and also rode his cloud to chase after them.

Sun Wukong had already reached the South Heavenly Gate, and the guarding general was no match for him.

Lingxiao Hall was in chaos. The Jade Emperor asked, "Do any of my ministers have a plan to subdue this demon monkey?"

Silence filled the hall. A Bodhisattva said, "Allow this humble monk to try with the Pure Bottle."

The Jade Emperor agreed.

The Bodhisattva threw the Jade Bottle and ambushed Sun Wukong while he was fighting.

Unexpectedly, Sun Wukong dodged again. He turned around, saw the Pure Bottle fall to the ground, and without a word, smashed it with his cudgel.

Above the Supreme Harmony Palace, the Bodhisattva frowned slightly and murmured, "Strange, how did he dodge it? What a pity my Pure Bottle was lost for nothing."

Laojun stroked his beard and smiled, "Don't worry, I'll forge another one for you another day."

The Bodhisattva's eyes flickered, and she nodded slightly at Laojun, "Thank you, Laojun."

Seeing that the Bodhisattva had also returned without success, the gods in the hall became even more panicked. Was today truly the day of tribulation? Was it still possible to escape now?

The Jade Emperor, however, remained calm and composed, surveying the immortals. "Which of my esteemed ministers is willing to go and stop that demon monkey?"

All the immortals remained silent, except for Marshal Wang and Zhuang Yan, who stepped forward. Marshal Wang held his golden whip and said, "Your subject will temporarily hold back the demon monkey, waiting for True Lord Erlang and the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King to arrive, so we can capture him together."

Zhuang Yan said, "Reporting to the Great Celestial Venerable, your subject has a method to subdue the monkey."

As soon as he said this, all eyes in the hall, both immortal and divine, turned to him. Guanyin Bodhisattva looked doubtful. Laojun suddenly said, "Your Majesty, this humble Taoist is willing to recommend Lord of Lingtai Dongming; he will surely be able to subdue this monkey."

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

Zhuang Yan said solemnly, "If I fail, I will accept heavenly punishment."

The Jade Emperor laughed, "Even if you fail, I will not punish you. Just do your best and protect yourself."

Zhuang Yan bowed. "Your subject accepts the decree." He then bid farewell to the Jade Emperor and headed straight for the South Heavenly Gate.

Marshal Wang watched his retreating figure, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes, and silently returned to his place.

Outside the South Heavenly Gate, Sun Wukong was fighting fiercely with the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals. Although Erlang Shen had lost his weapons, he was still fighting the Monkey King to a draw with his bare hands. Suddenly, he saw a flash of immortal light, and Zhuang Yan appeared. He took an earthen jar from his sleeve and shouted, "Demon monkey, prepare to be captured!"

All the Heavenly Soldiers looked up. Erlang Shen thought, Does this celestial being also possess divine powers?

Sun Wukong's expression changed drastically upon hearing the sound. He quickly used his Somersault Cloud to try and escape. Zhuang Yan aimed the earthen jar at the Monkey King and shouted. With a flash of white light, the demon monkey who had thrown the Heavenly Court into chaos was already inside the jar.

Instantly, heaven and earth fell silent.

After a long while, an old immortal in the hall finally exclaimed, "The demon monkey has been subdued!"

The Jade Emperor and the other great lords looked at each other in shock. This monkey king, whom even a hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers and Erlang Shen could not defeat, was actually subdued by Zhuang Yan with a single jar? The shock of the gods far surpassed their joy at capturing the demon monkey.

Grand Supreme Elder Lao stroked his beard and smiled, saying to Guanyin Bodhisattva, "The person you recommended is indeed extraordinary, but the person I recommended is no less impressive, wouldn't you agree?"

The Bodhisattva shook her head and sighed softly, "It was this old monk's poor judgment. Laojun's disciple has now joined the ranks of the top powers in the Three Realms."

Although she had heard of Zhuang Yan's divine powers from Bodhisattvas Zhunti and Akashagarbha, she had not expected him to be so formidable.

"Hahaha!" Grand Supreme Elder Lao burst into laughter, his white beard trembling with his mirth.

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

The Twelve Earthly Branches looked at the earthen jar in Zhuang Yan's hand with admiration. Tiger of the Year clasped his fist and said, "Spirit Platform Prefecture Lord, you have excellent skills." Dog of the Year examined the earthen jar and laughed, "An ordinary clay pot possesses such power in the hands of the Prefecture Lord. Truly remarkable."

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

Zhuang Yan smiled and lowered the earthen jar. The gods peered inside and saw Sun Wukong trapped within, unable to move.

"Demon monkey, how much longer can you be so arrogant!" Nezha clapped his hands in delight.

Sun Wukong looked up and saw Nezha, then grinned and said, "What are you so proud of, little brat? It wasn't you who caught me, old Sun. Those marshals and heavenly generals were no match for me. Today, I am truly convinced of my defeat at the hands of the Spirit Platform Prefecture Lord."

"You're still tough-mouthed even when death is upon you!" Nezha's eyes widened in anger.