The Heavenly Dao's Power

Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King urgently asked, "Prefect, have you retrieved the Magic Treasures and weapons that were taken from us?" As soon as he spoke, all the Heavenly Generals looked towards Zhuang Yan.

Zhuang Yan nodded and said into the jar, "Wukong, give me the Vajra Ring."

Sun Wukong muttered to himself, Is Uncle really going to disown his family?

Zhuang Yan smiled and replied, "I'm just borrowing your monkey head to earn some military merit."

Sun Wukong's eyes darted around. "These gods aren't very skilled. I'm not convinced."

"There will be a time for you to show off your skills later," Zhuang Yan said meaningfully.

"Then Uncle mustn't interfere again."

"Naturally."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong readily handed over the Vajra Ring. Zhuang Yan tossed it into the air, and instantly, ten thousand rays of golden light erupted, and countless Magic Treasures and weapons rained down.

Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King was the first to retrieve his Exquisite Pagoda, while Nezha leaped up to catch the Fire-Tipped Spear and other treasures. True Lord Erlang casually summoned his Three-Pointed Double-Edged Spear and slingshot, and also retrieved the weapons of the Six Sages of Mount Mei.

As True Lord Erlang stepped forward, the Heavenly Soldiers all retreated. Although it was Zhuang Yan who captured the demon monkey, all the gods had personally witnessed this True Lord Erlang fighting the Great Sage Equal to Heaven bare-handed to a standstill. He was truly the God of War of the Three Realms.

True Lord Erlang strode before Zhuang Yan. Zhuang Yan quickly tucked the earthen jar into his sleeve and cupped his fists in salute. "Greetings, True Lord Erlang."

True Lord Erlang returned the salute and then gazed at Zhuang Yan. "You snatched my first merit."

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Yan's expression faltered slightly. Behind him, Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, Nezha, and the other Heavenly Generals exchanged glances, and the atmosphere suddenly tensed.

Unexpectedly, True Lord Erlang threw his head back and laughed heartily, patting Zhuang Yan on the shoulder. "Just kidding."

Zhuang Yan broke into a smile, and the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals around them also burst into laughter.

True Lord Erlang asked curiously, "I only knew you as a messenger immortal before. You actually possess such divine abilities?"

Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King interjected, "True Lord, you may not know, but this is the Lord of Lingtai Dongming, personally appointed by the Jade Emperor. He is currently the Mountain God of Lingtai and holds the rank of a Seventh-Rank Immortal Official."

"Seventh-Rank?" True Lord Erlang raised an eyebrow. "With such cultivation, why is he only a Seventh-Rank? The Heavenly Court truly buries talent."

The Heavenly Generals could only offer dry laughter. Only Zhuang Yan calmly replied, "The rank of an immortal official matters little; we all serve the Heavenly Court."

True Lord Erlang nodded and suddenly asked, "Fellow Daoist, what is your name?"

Zhuang Yan cupped his hands. "I am Zhuang Yan."

True Lord Erlang patted his shoulder again. "If you have time, come find me at Guangjiang River Pass."

Zhuang Yan smiled and replied, "I will certainly pay a visit."

True Lord Erlang turned to the assembled generals and said, "You all go to face His Majesty first. I will escort the demon monkey down to the mortal realm."

After the generals agreed, they split into two groups: Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, Zhuang Yan, and others headed to Lingxiao Hall to report, while True Lord Erlang led the Heavenly Soldiers down to the mortal world.

The Six Sages of Mount Mei, seeing their lord return, eagerly inquired about the battle. True Lord Erlang smiled and said, "Thanks to the Lord of Lingtai Dongming capturing the demon monkey, all your weapons have been retrieved."

The Six Sages were astonished. "Who is this Lord of Lingtai Dongming?"

True Lord Erlang waved his sleeve and said, "The Three Realms are full of talented individuals, what is so strange about that?" He then ordered the Heavenly Soldiers to escort the monkeys and instructed the Six Sages to return to Guangjiang River Pass to await rewards.

In Lingxiao Hall, True Lord Erlang alone reported the merits of his subordinates. The Jade Emperor asked curiously, "Why did my loyal subject not report his own merits?"

True Lord Erlang cupped his hands. "Your Majesty, your subject was incompetent. Although I led my troops to search the mountains and caves and capture the monkey demon, I was unable to apprehend Sun Wukong. I truly have no face to claim merit."

Zhuang Yan suddenly stepped forward and bowed. "Your Majesty, your subject has a memorial to present."

The Jade Emperor's gaze turned to him. "Speak freely, my loyal subject."

Zhuang Yan respectfully said, "If not for True Lord Erlang's divine abilities and countless transformations, which exhausted the demon monkey, how could I have easily captured him? This capture of Sun Wukong was half due to True Lord's merit and half due to the might of the one hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers. Your subject merely obtained it by chance."

The immortals present were all astonished. They did not expect Zhuang Yan to be willing to cede all the credit. Among the Twelve Earthly Branches, Dragon of the Heavenly Stem sighed softly, "The Prefect of Spirit Platform is truly magnanimous." The other immortals also nodded in agreement.

The Jade Emperor's smile deepened. "Subduing the demon monkey was the collective effort of all my loyal subjects, and I shall reward you accordingly." He then said sternly, "True Lord Erlang, receive your reward!"

True Lord Erlang stepped forward. The Jade Emperor announced loudly, "I hereby appoint True Lord Erlang as the Heavenly Lord of Laws in the Divine Thunder Jade Mansion, promote him to a Third-Rank Immortal Official of the Upper Yuan, and he shall continue to guard Guangjiang River Pass. He is specially granted the authority to be summoned but not to attend court, and is further bestowed ten pots of Imperial Wine and ten Golden Flowers." This reward honored both the emperor and his subject, and dispelled past grievances.

True Lord Erlang bowed deeply to express his gratitude. "Your subject thanks Your Majesty."

The Jade Emperor continued, "The Six Sages of Mount Mei are appointed as Divine Generals of Guangjiang River Pass and granted the rank of Seventh-Rank Immortal Official of the Lower Yuan, with six pots of Imperial Wine and six Golden Flowers. Each of the twelve hundred minor gods shall be rewarded with fifty thousand Purple Coins and one pot of Immortal Wine." True Lord Erlang bowed again to express his thanks and returned to Guangjiang River Pass to await further orders.

The Jade Emperor then called, "Lord of Lingtai Dongming, step forward." Zhuang Yan walked forward and bowed.

"I hereby promote you to Spirit Platform Manifesting Wonder Divine Lord, you shall continue to govern the Spirit Platform Prefecture, concurrently hold the positions of Mountain God and Demon-Subduing True Person, be promoted to a Fifth-Rank Immortal Official of the Middle Yuan, and be bestowed ten pots of Imperial Wine and ten Golden Flowers."

Zhuang Yan secretly rejoiced at the two-rank promotion, but thinking of his agreement with Wukong, he could only bow respectfully. "Your subject Zhuang Yan thanks the Great Celestial Venerable for your grace."

The Jade Emperor waved his hand with a smile. "Divine Lord, you may hand over the demon monkey to the Thunder Department and return to your manor to await further orders."

Zhuang Yan respectfully bowed. "Your subject obeys." He then immediately handed the earthen jar that sealed Sun Wukong and the unsealing talisman to the gods of the Thunder Department, and then took his leave.

The Jade Emperor then commended Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, Third Prince Nezha, and the one hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers and Generals. However, their official ranks were not increased; they were only bestowed with Immortal Pills, Imperial Wine, Golden Flowers, and other treasures.

After the rewards were distributed, the Heavenly Court began the trial of Sun Wukong. The gods of the Thunder Department used Zhuang Yan's talisman to remove the seal. With a single sound, Sun Wukong burst out of the jar. Grand Supreme Elder Lao quickly threw out the Golden Rope of Illusion, binding him to the ground.

The immortals questioned the whereabouts of the Peaches of Immortality and the Golden Core. Sun Wukong replied that he had distributed them to the monkeys and their offspring. The immortals were enraged and urged for the demon monkey to be executed. The Jade Emperor then ordered the True Lord Pi Li, Divine Might Subduing Demons, to lead the gods of the Thunder Department to escort Sun Wukong to the Demon Slaying Platform.

An Immortal Official suggested executing the other monkeys. The Jade Emperor said, "Sun Wukong is the main culprit. The other monkeys were merely accomplices and did not commit evil. Executing the ringleader is sufficient." Another Immortal Official reported that the monkeys on Flower-Fruit Mountain had their life and death records erased, and feared they would live forever. The Jade Emperor ordered the monkeys to be escorted to the Southern Dipper and Northern Dipper prefectures to have their life and death records re-registered before being released back into the mountains.

The Thunder Department carried out the execution, but blades, axes, thunder, and fire could not harm Sun Wukong in the slightest. True Lord Pi Li, Divine Might Subduing Demons, reported to the Jade Emperor. Grand Supreme Elder Lao advised, "This monkey has eaten Peaches of Immortality, drunk Imperial Wine, and stolen Immortal Pills. He has already achieved an indestructible body of Vajra. Why not hand him over to this old Daoist to be refined in the Eight Trigrams Furnace?" The Jade Emperor approved the request and ordered the Six Ding and Six Jia to escort Sun Wukong to Tushita Palace.

Shortly after Zhuang Yan returned to Danchi Ridge on Spirit Platform Mountain, the Heavenly Court's decree of rewards arrived. Zhuang Yan led his followers to receive the decree. After the angel read it, he left behind the bestowed gifts and departed.

Fire Spirit True Immortal and Vanguard Hu, along with Chi Ling, received their rewards, and everyone thanked the Heavenly Court's grace. Zhuang Yan ordered Fire Spirit True Immortal to distribute the Imperial Wine and Golden Flowers among the others, storing the remainder for future use.

Afterward, Zhuang Yan traveled to the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars on Mount Fangcun. Cloudy Boy was already waiting at the mountain gate and led him inside.

Zhuang Yan entered the main hall. Patriarch Bodhi had prepared fragrant tea at his desk. Seeing him arrive, he smiled and beckoned, "Little friend, you've come at just the right time."

Zhuang Yan cupped his fist in salute and sat directly opposite the Patriarch.

Patriarch Bodhi stroked his beard and chuckled, "Congratulations, little friend, on your promotion to a Fifth-Rank Immortal Official, taking your place as a Divine Lord in the Heavenly Court."

"Fellow Daoist, please don't tease me," Zhuang Yan said, shaking his head. "This official position was earned by that monkey."

Patriarch Bodhi laughed heartily, "The monkey head is still just a monkey. Yet, you were able to soar to great heights because of him. You certainly owe him a great debt of gratitude."

"Indeed," Zhuang Yan nodded. "This debt must be repaid. At this moment, he should already be in Laojun's Eight Trigrams Furnace, so there's no need to find any wind to hide from anymore."

Patriarch Bodhi showed surprise, "What do you mean by that?"

Zhuang Yan explained, "The true fire in that furnace cannot harm him. Instead, it can help him refine his Golden Core and even forge his Fiery Eyes Golden Gaze."

Patriarch Bodhi was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, then suddenly realized, "Could it be that the methods used to evade Laojun's Vajra Ring and the Bodhisattva's Jade Bottle earlier were actually orchestrated by you, little friend?"

Zhuang Yan was somewhat surprised in return, "Fellow Daoist, you didn't know about this?"

Patriarch Bodhi smiled and shook his head, "The Heavenly Secrets surrounding you, little friend, how could anyone else perceive them?"

Zhuang Yan nodded slightly. He was an anomaly, and he had stolen the Heavenly Dao Power for his own use. Let alone others, even the Heavenly Dao of this realm could hardly detect him.

Patriarch Bodhi suddenly chuckled again, "At the time, I thought it was someone from Spirit Mountain secretly protecting you."

Zhuang Yan was taken aback. He hadn't expected someone to take the blame for him.

Meanwhile, within Lingxiao Hall.

Sun Wukong had already been thrown into the Eight Trigrams Furnace. The various immortals dispersed, leaving only the Jade Emperor and the other Imperial Lords in the hall.

Great Emperor Gouchen said gravely, "Great Celestial Venerable, when Laojun previously unleashed the Vajra Ring, the demon monkey's evasive technique was quite peculiar."

Great Emperor Ziwei concurred, "It was indeed strange, as if some external force was secretly assisting him."

Great Emperor Houtu added, "The same feeling arose when he later dodged Guanyin's Jade Bottle."

The Jade Emperor gently stroked his long beard, lost in thought.

Great Emperor Changsheng of the South Pole pondered, "There are very few in the Three Realms who could interfere with Laojun without leaving a trace."

Heavenly Venerable Puhua of Thunder's eyes flashed, "Could it be Tathagata from the Western Heaven?"

"What is the intention behind the Buddhist elder's actions?" Great Emperor Zhenwu immediately negated.

He deduced, "Perhaps it is because the great tribulation between Buddhas and demons is imminent, and the Buddhist Sect wishes to take the monkey head into their fold to face the calamity?"

Silence fell upon the hall for a moment. This theory was indeed plausible.

The Jade Emperor closed his eyes, concentrating. All the immortals knew His Majesty was deducing Heavenly Secrets.

Jade Emperor slowly opened his eyes and said with a smile, "Just now, I deduced Heavenly Secrets and discovered that the person who helped Sun Wukong evade the Vajra Ring and the Jade Bottle is indeed in the West."

Upon hearing this, all the immortals and gods showed surprise. "Could it really be the Buddha? Is he protecting that monkey head?"

Jade Emperor shook his head, "It may not be the Buddha. There are not a few Buddhas in the Buddhist Sect with such magical power." He paused, then added, "Moluo is about to appear, and in a hundred years, it will be the great tribulation of Buddhas and demons. The Buddhist Sect needs to find someone to face this calamity, and Sun Wukong, with his vast divine abilities, fits this role perfectly."

Queen Mother of the West still had doubts, "Then why was Spirit Platform Divine Lord able to subdue Sun Wukong so easily afterward?"

Heavenly Venerable Taiyi of Salvation explained, "The subduing technique of Spirit Platform Divine Lord could not be evaded." The Four Imperial Lords echoed this, recalling how Sun Wukong, upon seeing Zhuang Yan appear, had used his Somersault Cloud, yet was still captured within the Earthen Jar.

The Jade Emperor and the various Immortal Lords discussed this matter until it became clear: the Buddhist Sect intended to subdue Sun Wukong.

"When the gods were present earlier, I had already secretly discussed this matter with Grand Supreme Dao Ancestor, which is why I ordered True Lord Erlang and Zhuang Yan to return to their respective manors," the Jade Emperor said. "Since that is the case, we might as well fulfill the Buddhist Sect's wishes."

He sighed, "The stability of the Buddhist Sect is a blessing to the Three Realms. Buddhas are always better than demons. Since this matter benefits all living beings, what harm is there in gifting the Buddhist Sect a Great Sage Equal to Heaven?"

East Duke, Queen Mother of the West, and other Immortal Lords looked bewildered. "Wasn't Sun Wukong already thrown into the Eight Trigrams Furnace to be refined? What does gifting a Great Sage Equal to Heaven mean?"

Only the Four Imperial Lords understood, and they said in unison, "Your Great Celestial Venerable is merciful."