The Return of the Great Sage

The Red-buttacked Macaque respectfully replied, "When the Heavenly Soldiers besieged us that day, Prefect, you served as the supervisor overseeing the exchange of hostages. Afterward, the Great King told us you were an elder from his sect."

Zhuang Yan nodded with a smile, "Indeed, he should call me Uncle."

The monkeys then swarmed forward, bowing and scraping, asking in a babble, "May we ask, Prefect, where is our Great King now?"

Zhuang Yan soothed them, "Do not worry. Although your Great King is being punished for causing havoc in the Heavenly Court, his life is not in danger, and there will surely be a day when you are reunited."

The monkeys were overcome with mixed emotions upon hearing this. They cried because their Great King could not return yet, but rejoiced that he was still alive. The Long-armed Ape Monkey and the Red-buttacked Macaque let out long sighs—as long as their Great King was alive, their situation wasn't hopeless.

The two monkeys quickly invited Zhuang Yan into the cave, but Zhuang Yan waved his hand, "Wait. Why have so many hunters been entering the mountains to capture and kill you all recently?"

The Red-buttacked Macaque sighed, "For the past few months, immortals have been coming into the mountains to search, and they even demanded some 'Immortal Pills' from us."

The Long-armed Ape Monkey added indignantly, "Where would we get Immortal Pills? After those immortals returned empty-handed, hunters soon entered the mountains with sharp weapons."

The Red-buttacked Macaque's voice choked with sobs, "Marshal Liu and General Ba both died by their strange weapons... They even took their corpses, saying they were to be offered to the immortals for alchemy."

Zhuang Yan's gaze turned cold, and he immediately understood.

A Four-Turn Golden Elixir requires five years to ascend. A Five-Turn Golden Elixir requires three years to attain the Dao. A Six-Turn Golden Elixir allows one to ascend in two years.

A Seven-Turn Golden Elixir grants immortality in one year. An Eight-Turn Golden Elixir is achieved in a hundred days. A Nine-Turn Golden Elixir allows one to ascend in three days.

In Grand Supreme Elder Lao's palace, there were only Nine-Turn Golden Elixirs, no other grades.

Zhuang Yan poured two Nine-Turn Golden Elixirs from his gourd and summoned the Long-armed Ape Monkey and the Red-buttacked Macaque.

Summoned by a High Immortal? The two monkeys respectfully bowed.

Zhuang Yan distributed the Golden Elixirs, saying, "These are Nine-Turn Golden Elixirs. After taking them, you will ascend in three days. Take them here."

The Golden Elixirs shimmered, illuminating the cave. The air filled with the scent of the elixirs, yet the two monkeys hesitated, afraid to accept them.

"Why the hesitation?" Zhuang Yan asked.

The Long-armed Ape Monkey replied, "This humble one fears he is not fortunate enough to receive such an Immortal Pill."

Zhuang Yan waved his sleeve, "Those without fortune would have already perished. The fact that you are alive today is your destiny. Take them quickly, do not refuse."

Hearing this, the two monkeys recalled the tragic fate of their kin and couldn't help but feel somber.

They then respectfully accepted the Golden Elixirs, sat down, and swallowed them without hesitation.

Zhuang Yan waved his sleeve and cast a restriction, sealing off the Water Curtain Cave.

Seated on a stone platform, he circulated four hundred strands of Heavenly Dao Power, intending to create two new divine abilities.

After the battle of wreaking havoc in the Heavenly Court, he felt his abilities were still insufficient and had been planning this for months.

The new divine abilities were divided into two categories: the first allowed him to wield myriad laws at will; the second allowed him to bestow divine abilities upon living beings as he pleased.

With his goals set, he began refining the Heavenly Dao Power and creating the new techniques.

Sun and moon rotated, tides ebbed and flowed, and a day's time passed in the blink of an eye.

The two new divine abilities were achieved:

[Myriad Laws from the Heart]: All sorts of spells and techniques, moved by the heart.

[Bestow Laws by Fate]: Capable of bestowing supreme methods, but the depth of attainment depends on the recipient's innate talent and comprehension.

Upon completion, Zhuang Yan took a deep breath and adjusted his breathing. Opening his eyes, he saw that immortal light had appeared around the bodies of the two monkeys. The elixir's effects were indeed extraordinary.

Without disturbing the two monkeys' cultivation, Zhuang Yan left the cave to tend to the rest of the monkeys.

At this moment, the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Heavenly Venerable Puhua of Thunder arrived at the Changsheng Imperial Palace in his jade chariot.

Under the respectful welcome of the assembled immortals, he proceeded directly outside the Jade Purity Hall.

The Jade Mansion High Official, serving under the Great Emperor Changsheng, came out to greet him, "Your Subject pays respects to the Ancestor of Thunder Heavenly Venerable."

The Heavenly Venerable smiled and raised his hand, "Fellow Daoist, please rise."

The Jade Mansion High Official bowed respectfully, then rose and stepped aside. He said to the Ancestor of Thunder Heavenly Venerable, "His Majesty has ordered me to escort you into the hall."

The Ancestor of Thunder Heavenly Venerable replied with a smile, "Thank you for your trouble, Fellow Daoist."

"It is my honor," the Jade Mansion High Official bowed again, then led the way. The Ancestor of Thunder Heavenly Venerable adjusted his robes and followed him into the Jade Purity Hall.

Inside the hall, auspicious light filled the space, and golden clouds stretched across the sky. The Great Emperor Changsheng of the South Pole, clad in a magnificent ceremonial robe and wearing a jade crown, was surrounded by profound light and sat upon nine-colored auspicious clouds. Golden Boy and Jade Girl stood at his sides, while the Jade Mansion Left and Right Junior Officials waited below the steps.

The Ancestor of Thunder Heavenly Venerable stepped forward and bowed, "Your Subject, the Chief Commander of the Divine Thunder Jade Mansion, pays respects to Your Majesty."

The Great Emperor Changsheng of the South Pole nodded slightly, "You are dismissed."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," the Ancestor of Thunder Heavenly Venerable said after rising. The Great Emperor Changsheng of the South Pole waved his hand as a signal. The Jade Mansion Left Junior Official immediately brought a treasure scroll to the Ancestor of Thunder Heavenly Venerable.

The Ancestor of Thunder Heavenly Venerable took the scroll. The Left Junior Official returned to his original position. Unfurling it, he saw the words "Treasure Scroll of Heaven and Earth Immortals Responding to Tribulation" written upon it.

The Great Emperor Changsheng of the South Pole spoke, "From ancient times to the present, numerous immortals have rendered meritorious service to the Heavenly Court, enjoying generous stipends and rewards, and receiving blessings to avoid tribulations and extend their lives. However, in recent eons, some immortals have not focused on cultivation and virtue, but instead developed mortal desires, becoming entangled in karma, leading to the accumulation of tribulations.

The previous havoc caused by the Great Sage Equal to Heaven in the Heavenly Court, which resulted in the Peach Banquet and the Pill Origin Convention not being held as scheduled, may have been the will of heaven.

Heaven's will indicates that these immortals should enter Reincarnation and cultivate the Great Dao anew.

The Great Emperor Changsheng of the South Pole pointed to the scroll, "By the decree of the Great Celestial Venerable, I shall bring a great tribulation upon the immortals who are to face it. This tribulation cannot be escaped. Those listed in this scroll are the names of those who will face it.

I have summoned you here to hand this scroll to you. As you are in charge of the Divine Thunder Jade Mansion, you must convey this list to the respective Sovereign Lords."

Henceforth, any gods or immortals listed in this registry, as long as their Primordial Spirit is not extinguished, may enter Reincarnation in the Underworld. The Thunder Department need not concern itself with them.

Remember, this ledger is for the eyes of the Sovereign of each department only. It must not be leaked. Violators will be severely punished.

Great Emperor Changsheng of the South Pole reiterated: You must remember this.

Ancestor of Thunder Heavenly Venerable bowed, holding the scroll: Your Subject obeys your decree.

After leaving Jade Purity Hall, Ancestor of Thunder Heavenly Venerable returned to Divine Thunder Jade Mansion. He distributed the treasure scroll to the Sovereigns of each department and strictly ordered them to keep it secret.

However, just as Great Emperor Changsheng of the South Pole was descending the great tribulation, Zhuang Yan had already learned the entire list of gods and immortals responding to the tribulation through a secret technique. He memorized the list and put away his divine abilities.

Looking up, Flower-Fruit Mountain was enveloped in Immortal Light. Red-buttocked Macaque and Long-armed Ape Monkey had their bodies glowing, standing on auspicious clouds, having already achieved the Earth Immortal Fruit Position.

The two spirit monkeys, having attained the immortal path, their mortal bodies dissipated into heaven and earth. They descended from the clouds and knelt respectfully before Zhuang Yan: Thank you, High Immortal, for your enlightenment!

Zhuang Yan smiled and helped the two monkeys up: Although you have attained the Earth Immortal position, you still lack methods to protect yourselves and cannot shield your kin.

With that, his eyes shone with wisdom: I now bestow upon you both an opportunity. What divine abilities you can comprehend will depend entirely on your own fortune.

Zhuang Yan's fingertips bloomed with divine radiance, and two streams of spiritual light entered the monkeys' brows. The two monkeys' bodies trembled slightly, and they instantly entered a profound state.

When they recovered, both were overjoyed. Zhuang Yan asked: Have you gained anything?

Long-armed Ape Monkey answered first: I have comprehended the Heaven and Earth Dharma Aspect, which can move mountains and overturn seas. If perfected, it can even control the sun and moon.

Red-buttocked Macaque followed: I have seen through the Yin-Yang Twin Vortex. The Yang Vortex can heal injuries and extend life, while the Yin Vortex can dissolve all things.

Zhuang Yan nodded in approval: These are both supreme wondrous methods. He mused that this Bestow Laws by Fate truly matches one's innate potential.

Go and cultivate diligently. Zhuang Yan instructed, They will surely not rest.

The two monkeys solemnly accepted the order.

As expected, in a secluded courtyard in Wubin Town, Juzhou Prefecture, an old man with white hair entered the alchemy room carrying a medicine basket. The young girl guarding the furnace greeted him: Master has returned.

The old man inquired about the Blood Medicine. The girl reported that the Hunters had not come for days: Strange phenomena have suddenly appeared in the mountains, blocking the roads with wind and rain, as if spirits and demons are at work.

The old man pondered for a moment: You watch the furnace. I will go and meet these Hunters.

The girl nodded gently: As you command, Master.

The old man glanced at the alchemy furnace, then turned and left the alchemy room, heading directly to the Hunters' village.

As dusk approached, the story continued...

It is said that Old Immortal Yang Mei arrived at the gathering place of Hunters in Wubin Town. He saw various animal skins hanging in front of each house.

The Hunters were sitting in front of their doors, wiping their bows and arrows. Seeing the Old Immortal arrive, they all greeted him with smiles.

Daoist Yang Mei has returned from gathering herbs? A Hunter greeted the Old Immortal.

The Old Immortal smiled and nodded, then stepped forward and asked: Why haven't you all gone to Flower-Fruit Mountain to hunt Blood Medicine recently? I have never owed any money.

The Hunters gathered upon hearing this and told the Old Immortal about the strange occurrences in the mountains in a torrent of words.

After listening, the Old Immortal said: Someone must be secretly aiding those monkey spirits. Do not worry, everyone. I will go with you tomorrow.

However, the Hunters repeatedly shook their heads: Immortal duels have nothing to do with us. We only take money for our work. Now, there are other experts in the mountains protecting the monkey spirits, so we cannot take this job. We have already received the money, and it will not be refunded. You cannot blame us for this.

Another Hunter added: If Daoist can deal with that expert, we will hunt monkeys as usual. But for now, our lives are more important. We ask Daoist to go first.

That makes sense. Everyone agreed.

The Old Immortal was not offended. He took a purple coin from his sleeve: Do you all recognize this?

The Hunters were initially confused. When they saw the coin emit a purple light, their expressions changed, and they exclaimed: Purple Coin!

It should be known that Purple Coins are the salaries of Immortal Officials in the Heavenly Court. They are not only universally accepted by immortals but are also priceless in the mortal world. Because they contain Acquired Purple Qi, immortals can use them to aid their cultivation, and mortals who wear them can strengthen their bodies and prolong their lives. Therefore, the wealthy and powerful spare no expense to acquire them. A single Purple Coin is a rare treasure in the human world.

Seeing the Purple Coin in the Old Immortal's hand, half of the Hunters immediately stated: We will do as Daoist commands. When shall we depart tomorrow?

The Old Immortal smiled and said: We depart at the Mao hour. If you can help me hunt all the monkey spirits in the mountains to refine pills, I will give each of you one Purple Coin.

As soon as this was said, more Hunters were tempted to join. Only two old Hunters remained silent, wiping their bows and arrows.

The next morning, Old Immortal Yang Mei led thirty-four Hunters and set off for Flower-Fruit Mountain in a mighty procession.

Old Immortal Yang Mei led the way, followed closely by a group of Hunters armed with bows and arrows.

They ventured deep into the heart of Flower-Fruit Mountain but found no abnormalities. Suddenly, Old Immortal Yang Mei spotted two figures squatting on a rock ahead, exuding a sinister aura.

The two shadowy figures sensed Old Immortal Yang Mei's gaze and immediately stood up. Old Immortal Yang Mei recognized them by their Underworld official uniforms as Soul Reaping Emissaries.

Why has Daoist stopped? A Hunter behind him asked.

Old Immortal Yang Mei smiled: Everyone, rest for a moment. I will go ahead and scout.

After the Hunters sat down to rest, Old Immortal Yang Mei stepped forward and asked: What business do you two have here?

The Underworld Officials cautiously asked: May I know how Upper Immortal is addressed?

Old Immortal Yang Mei revealed his Jade Edict: This humble one is Yang Mei, a Third-Rank Salary Immortal of the Heavenly Court.

Upon hearing this, the Underworld Officials were greatly alarmed and quickly bowed. Old Immortal Yang Mei asked again about their purpose. The Underworld Officials retorted: What is Upper Immortal doing with these Hunters?

To eliminate the remnants who followed the demon monkey back then. Old Immortal Yang Mei replied.

The Underworld Officials understood and claimed they were there to apprehend souls. Just as they were speaking, the ground suddenly trembled, and the Hunters cried out in alarm. The two Underworld Officials transformed into an ominous wind and fled.

A roar echoed from Flower-Fruit Mountain, and a giant monkey rose from the ground, its body swelling to a hundred zhang tall.

Physical Dharma Aspect! Old Immortal Yang Mei exclaimed. The Long-armed Ape Monkey swung its massive fist down.