Volume 1: Unsayable – Chapter 38: The Great Plan Completed
It turned out that even fate had its seeds; the Twenty-Eight Stars were unrelated to the Heavenly Generals. Wukong had a long conversation with the Bull Demon King and gained much from it. Yet he sensed that though the Bull Demon King seemed honest, his words were vague, and the true secrets still needed to be explored on his own.
When the Bull Demon King said, “Secrets should not be passed on to the Six-Eared,” Wukong smiled inwardly. In his past life, he had read books on psychology. Whenever someone revealed a secret and added, “Don’t tell anyone else,” there was surely something hidden—this secret was not the whole truth. Still, Wukong held no prejudice against the Bull Demon King. From his actions, he could tell that the Bull Demon King was quite familiar with the Heavenly Court but was not on its side. Wukong could only rely on his own actions to gradually influence the Bull Demon King and win him over to his side.
Back in the Water Curtain Cave, Wukong still felt the trip had been worthwhile. Although the Bull Demon King did not support his idea, it was merely out of habit, not because he believed it was unworkable. After thinking for a long time alone, Wukong resolved to teach some suitable cultivation techniques to the lesser demons.
But where could he find such techniques? After some thought, he called over a little monkey and instructed it to invite Fengtong, Wu Zhiqi, and Wang Yu to discuss the matter.
Unaware of what serious matter had arisen, the three entered the cave with solemn expressions. When they heard Wukong’s plan to teach the monkeys and lesser demons cultivation techniques, their expressions were identical to that of the Bull Demon King.
Wu Zhiqi said, “Wukong, though I don’t know what spells you’ve practiced or what elixirs you’ve taken, you are now a true Taiyi Golden Immortal. You should focus on cultivation to advance further. Why waste your energy on such trivial matters?”
Wukong asked, “Advance further? What kind of realm is that?”
Fengtong, used to Wukong’s ignorance, explained, “Whether immortals or demons, realms are ranked from highest to lowest as Heaven, Earth, God, Human, and Ghost. Heavenly Immortals are the highest, followed by Earthly Immortals, then Divine Immortals. As for Human Immortals and Ghost Immortals, they are not at the Mahayana level and are not worth mentioning.”
Wukong said, “With our abilities, we are undoubtedly Heavenly Immortals. But how are Heavenly Immortals further divided?”
Fengtong replied, “There are many ways to classify Heavenly Immortals. Usually, from lowest to highest, they are ranked by grade—Grade 1 is the lowest, and Grade 9 is the highest. Beyond Grade 9 are the Taiyi Scattered Immortals. If a Taiyi Scattered Immortal comprehends the truths of heaven and earth, they become a Taiyi Golden Immortal.”
Wukong asked, “What comes after Taiyi Golden Immortals?”
Fengtongdao said, “For ordinary immortals, above the Taiyi Jinxian is the Hunyuan Jinxian. Hunyuan refers to mastering the primordial energy at the origin of heaven and earth—the power of all things in the universe, which can be harnessed. Even higher is the level of sages, who can stand on par with heaven and earth. Just imagine how great such powers must be.”
Wukong grunted in response, neither affirming nor denying. After some thought, he asked, “If one were to cultivate from Taiyi Jinxian to Hunyuan Jinxian, how many years would it take?”
Fengtongdao replied, “It’s hard to estimate in terms of years. Ordinary immortals would need at least tens of thousands of years. Even if the seven divine apes like us awaken our innate powers early, it would still take seven or eight thousand years.”
Wukong smiled and asked, “Then, how many days would it take to teach these little demons the path of cultivation?”
The three were stunned. After a while, Wu Zhiqi answered, “If we hold lectures, results can be seen in three to five years. If we select some intelligent demons with a solid foundation and teach them individually, it will be even faster.”
Wukong folded his palms and said, “Three to five years—what’s that compared to seven or eight thousand years? Besides, a great battle between my Fruit Mountain and the Heavenly Court is imminent, and it will surely bring disaster. Even if we win, these mortal bodies likely won’t be able to escape the vast net of heaven’s forces. If we lose, how many of us will survive? Even if we manage to escape, left alone, how can we confront the Heavenly Court again? Wouldn’t it be back to the days when everyone hunts us?”
Wang Yu, who was usually very reserved, remained silent. After hearing Wukong’s explanation, he said just two words: “Very good!”
Wu Zhiqi asked, “Why very good?”
Wang Yu replied, “Think back—why were the seven divine apes hunted by the immortals back then? It was because we were careless and lacked strategy at that time. Everyone around us seemed like an enemy, and we didn’t even have anyone to pass messages to. How desolate and lonely! What Wukong is suggesting is to lay a foundation for us brothers, so that even if difficulties arise in the future, we won’t repeat the same mistakes. How isn’t that good?”
Fengtongdao mused, “But just teaching future generations the basics—what real use is that? Can a few tens of thousands of low-level demons really turn the tide of battle?”
Wukong said, “Not at all! My plan isn’t something done in haste. If it were only to deal with this current battle, it would indeed be rushed. But if we can hold off the Heavenly Court for decades or even centuries, among these tens of thousands of demons, there might be those with great fortune and extraordinary wisdom, who could bring about miraculous results.”
Wu Zhiqi urged, “But if they all die in battle, won’t all our efforts be in vain?”
Wukong smiled and said, “There’s no need to worry. I already have a foolproof plan. At that time, we’ll strike at the root of the problem and ensure peace in the world.”
The three of them had already been impressed by Wukong’s plan. Seeing him now, mysterious yet confident, they immediately made up their minds. Wu Zhiqi shouted, “Good, then let’s act right away!” Feng Tong also nodded in approval.
Wukong said, “I’m ashamed to admit it, but all I know is high-level strategy; I don’t have any foundational scriptures of the immortal path. Do any of you three have any?”
The three shrugged and said, “The same here.”
Feng Tong laughed and said, “It’s just a small matter. Why worry? The world is vast, with countless beautiful mountains and peaks. We just need to go to the demons’ lairs and steal some useful ones.”
Wukong’s eyes lit up. Though the plan seemed reckless, it was actually quite practical. Since Huaguo Mountain was full of demons, human magic might not suit them. It would be best to steal some from the demons’ lairs, bring them back, and distribute them according to their species, so they could practice their own cultivation methods.
After thinking for a while, Wukong wore a strange smile and said, “With our abilities, just stealing some scriptures would be underutilizing us. How about we go after them all at once and expand Huaguo Mountain?”
Wu Zhiqi was stunned for a moment before clapping his hands and laughing. “Great idea! If we keep this up and gather all the demons in the world here, who will we fear from the Heavenly Court?”
Wukong said, “That’s exactly what I mean!”
Feng Tong said, “Since we’ve decided to act, the sooner the better. Shall we set off now?”
Wukong replied, “Of course. But for now, you three shouldn’t travel too much. Let Wu Zhiqi and Wang Yu stay behind to guard Huaguo Mountain—this is also an urgent task. Wukong and Feng Tong, along with Brother Ox Demon King, the three of us will be enough to dominate the world. If the Heavenly Court attacks early, never let the minor demons fight against the heavenly generals. Instead, find the Sea Dragon and convey my message; he’ll come up with a plan.”
Wu Zhiqi and Wang Yu agreed to ensure Huaguo Mountain’s safety. Then Wukong and Feng Tong went to find the Ox Demon King. The Ox Demon King was bored, and upon hearing that Wukong wanted to gather all the demons in the world, he was overjoyed and happily agreed to join.
The three set off immediately, first searching in Eastern Victory Continent. After much effort, they only found a few insignificant mountain spirits and wild beasts. Not a single truly powerful demon was to be seen, which made Wukong suspicious—where had all the demons gone? Unaware of it, they arrived at a seaside. Standing on the clouds and looking down, Wukong was overjoyed.
Before him lay a magnificent mountain landscape: endless peaks and rocks overlapping, gullies and valleys winding around. Tigers and wolves moved in groups, while deer and antelopes wandered in herds. Countless hares and wild boars darted about, and foxes and rabbits gathered in clusters throughout the mountains. Giant pythons stretched thousands of feet long, and serpents reached immense lengths. The pythons exhaled mist of sorrow, while the serpents breathed eerie winds. Thorns covered the paths, while pines and cypresses adorned the ridges. Vines and creepers filled the sight, and fragrant grasses stretched to the sky. The shadows fell to the north of the vast sea, and the clouds parted to reveal the southern sky. The mountains stood eternally, their peaks piercing the cold sunlight.
Wukong didn’t know where he was, so he asked the Bull Demon King, “This must be the coast of the Eastern Sea. Going east into the sea leads to the immortal land of Penglai. How could there be such a malevolent atmosphere here?”
The Bull Demon King took a closer look and said with a wry smile, “It seems fate has brought you here. There’s a troublesome figure here. It’s better if we avoid him for now.”
Wukong couldn’t believe it—how could the Bull Demon King say such things? It was as if the sun was rising in the west.
Wukong asked again, “Where exactly is it? Brother, don’t let others’ pride undermine your own authority.”
The Bull Demon King replied, “This place is called Guanjiangkou…”
Wukong didn’t hear what the Bull Demon King said next; his mind was in turmoil. How could Wukong not know Guanjiangkou! Erlang Shen! The Howling Sky Dog! The Three-Pointed Dual-Bladed Sword! Any of these names was well-known!
Then Tongtian Dao asked, “Erlang Shen—what abilities does he have? Could it be that even Brother Bull is afraid of him?”
The Bull Demon King raised his eyebrows. “Who said I’m afraid of him? It’s just that he has an uncle who is the Jade Emperor. If I fight him, it would cause serious trouble.”
Wukong looked at the mountains below, shrouded in gray mist and dense forests, and wondered, “Is Erlang Shen human or a demon? Why does he emit such a fierce aura?”
The Bull Demon King’s expression was very strange, as if he was struggling to find the right words to explain. Wukong grew suspicious and glanced at him. The Bull Demon King quickly said, “Brother, do you still remember what I told you about ‘nurturing fate’? This Erlang Shen is very likely one of them.”
Upon hearing about “nurturing fate,” Wukong became furious. “I was just looking for this man who infuriates both humans and gods. Who would have thought he’s right here? How can I spare him?” In truth, his anger was an opportunity to take action. In “Journey to the West,” Wukong fought Erlang Shen for a long time before being defeated by Laojun’s Vajra Axe. Since then, whenever people discussed the combat strengths of the characters in “Journey to the West,” Erlang Shen was ranked above Wukong. With no heavenly soldiers interfering and no Laojun to help, it was the perfect time to test who was stronger—Wukong or Erlang Shen!
Seeing that Wukong was truly angry, the Bull Demon King said, “To be honest, I do know Erlang Shen. If you two start fighting, I won’t be able to help either of you.”
Wukong said, “Brother, don’t worry. In today’s battle, you two just fight to create a diversion for me. I’ll go alone into the Dragon Pool and won’t return to the mountain until I’ve defeated that brat Yang Jian!”
The Bull Demon King was shocked. “How do you know his name is Yang Jian? Could it be you have a grudge against him?”
Wukong thought to himself, There indeed is a grudge. In this life, I haven’t met him yet, but that grudge is deeply ingrained—it’s a mental obstacle for me. If I don’t get rid of this obstacle, how can I rule the heavens with pride!