Volume 1: Unsayable – Chapter 55: Moving to the Cave Residence

Undoubtedly, if the Great Heavenly Venerable Taiyi saved the suffering would take in the Nine Spirits Primordial Sage, and by leveraging the sage’s unique powers, he could alone enjoy the blessings bestowed upon the immortals in the nine heavens, the spirits in hell, and the hungry ghosts. Wouldn’t that be a treasure more precious than anything else?

After hearing the Bull Demon King’s words, the Nine Spirits Primordial Sage sighed deeply and said, “Brother Niu is right. Our demon race also possesses spiritual powers and magical abilities that are no less formidable than theirs. Yet why do the immortals thrive while our race declines? The reason lies right here.”

Tongfeng shared the same sentiment as the Bull Demon King, sighing deeply.

This “not-so-secret” secret sparked endless thoughts in Wukong, who became lost in reflection. When he heard the despair in the Nine Spirits Primordial Sage’s words, he suddenly stood up and exclaimed, “That’s not true!”

The other three were shocked, not understanding why Wukong said so. Then Wukong spoke earnestly, “Brother Primordial Sage, you’re mistaken. Though the Heavenly Court is strong, our demon race is by no means weak. The fundamental difference between the immortals and demons doesn’t lie in their blessings but in unity versus fragmentation. The Heavenly Court has been entrenched for years and has formed a structured hierarchy. As for us demons, though we are numerous and strong, we are like scattered sand—how can we compete with them? Among us, some submit to the Heavenly Court, some become others’ mounts, some oppress the weak and kill recklessly, and some even harm their own kind. Born as demons, we may start from humble origins, but if we accept our fate, how can we ever ascend to high positions?”

His words were persuasive, and the three fell into deep thought.

After a long while, the Nine Spirits Primordial Sage said, “As Wukong says, it’s indeed true. But now that things have reached this point, how can we reverse the decline?”

Wukong gave him a meaningful look and said, “There’s only one way: unite with one heart and one mind. Then the demon race will surely thrive!”

The Nine Spirits Primordial Sage also stood up and said, “What a wonderful idea of unity! I’m still shaken by today’s events. To be honest, I’m not afraid if that Taoist comes back—what worries me is that he might seek help. How can the three of you save me every time?”

Wukong was secretly delighted—this was the perfect opportunity! He said, “If Brother Primordial Sage isn’t too bothered by moving, why not relocate to my Flower-Fruit Mountain? It’s a place of stunning beauty and natural wonders, an ideal site for cultivation.”

The Nine Spirits Primordial Sage was overjoyed. “There’s no trouble with moving. I just worry about troubling you, Wukong.”

Wukong waved his hand and said, “No trouble at all. Those who aim for great things don’t care about trivial matters. Let’s be brothers for life, and we can discuss many things in detail later. I guarantee you won’t speak of the decline of our race again.”

Jiuling Yuansheng said, “Good! Our Lion and Panther clan has always had few members. Now, there are only a few hundred descendants in this cave, all of whom obey discipline and never cause trouble.”
Wukong thought to himself, Not to mention causing trouble, even if the sky were torn apart, what does it have to do with me?
With just a few words, Wukong convinced Jiuling Yuansheng, filling him with joy. Though Jiuling Yuansheng, like many other demons, was also a mount for others, his powers were earth-shattering—far beyond what ordinary demons could match.
Putting aside other things for now, just look at his name—Jiuling Yuansheng. Those unaware of his true nature would surely think he was a sage of lofty virtue. With words like “Yuan” and “Sheng,” how could an ordinary demon even bear such a title?
As for his abilities, throughout *Journey to the West*, aside from Zhenyuanzi who could use his “Pocket Universe” technique, only Jiuling Yuansheng was able to capture Sun Wukong alone through his strength. Even Buddha had to trick the monkey into falling into his grasp. Of course, this doesn’t mean Jiuling Yuansheng was stronger than Buddha—each had their own strengths and weaknesses.
During the battle with the pilgrimage team, Jiuling Yuansheng simply “shook his head; his eight heads opened simultaneously, and he gently picked up Wukong and Sha Seng and carried them into the cave.” What remarkable ease! Even the mighty Sun Wukong couldn’t resist at all. This scene alone shows his combat prowess.
Thinking of this, Wukong was filled with emotion. What must Jiuling Yuansheng, hailed as the greatest demon in the Journey to the West, think as he traveled through the world carrying his master on his back, seeing all those gods, demons, and mortals who were inferior to him yet free?
In deep hatred, nothing beats drinking from the River of Forgetfulness…
After chatting for a while, the Bull Demon King suddenly said, “Brother Yuansheng, you said earlier that you wouldn’t fear that Taoist if he came alone. Is that true?” Jiuling Yuansheng raised his eyebrows and asked, “Brother Niu, do you doubt it?”
The Bull Demon King smiled and asked, “Do you know who that man is?”
Jiuling Yuansheng replied, “If I knew who he was, I’d have gone to his doorstep long ago!”
The Bull Demon King said, “That man is the Eastern Extreme Qinghua Emperor among the Three Purities and Four Emperors, also known as the Supreme Lord Taiyi who Saves from Suffering.”
Jiuling Yuansheng shook his head, his mane flying everywhere, and said, “I’ve never heard of him!”
The Bull Demon King was surprised and laughed with Wukong, “This is quite like you—asking three questions and getting none answered. Even when I answered, you didn’t know.”
Wukong smiled and said, “I don’t know either. Please explain in detail, Brother Niu.”

The Bull Demon King said, “Do you know about the Six Directions and Eight Extremities? The Six Directions refer to up, down, east, south, west, and north. In the Heavenly Court, each direction is governed by a deity. Specifically, the Jade Emperor oversees all heavens and is thus the most revered; the Earthly Mother Goddess governs all lands and ranks second only to the Jade Emperor. These two deities are also known as the Emperor of Heaven and the Queen of Earth, the rulers of heaven and earth, and no one can replace them.”

Wukong laughed and asked, “What if someone tries to seize the throne?”

The Bull Demon King replied, “Such a person probably hasn’t even been born yet.” He continued, “Besides these two, there are four more Emperors who govern the four directions: the Supreme Emperor of the Purple Micro Pole in the middle sky who oversees all stars, the Eastern Extreme Green Light Emperor who governs all living beings, the Gou Chen Emperor who controls all thunder, the Western Extreme Mysterious Origin Gou Chen Upper Palace Heavenly Emperor, and the Southern Extreme Eternal Life Emperor who rules over all spirits. You must have heard of this last one—he is the Immortal of the Southern Pole, the God of Longevity.”

Wukong and the others nodded slightly. They hadn’t expected such intricate knowledge; they realized they were quite ignorant.

The Bull Demon King smiled at the Nine Spirits Sacred One and said, “Although you claim to be the king of all beasts, the Eastern Extreme Green Light Emperor governs all living beings. There’s no need to debate who is greater or lesser between you two.”

The Nine Spirits Sacred One’s face turned red. Though he didn’t know about the four Emperors, hearing the Bull Demon King’s words, he understood that these were the six highest deities in the world. No matter how skilled he might be, how could he compare to them?

Wukong suddenly said, “Elder brother, don’t boost others’ morale and undermine your own. The Three Pure Ones and the Four Emperors didn’t reach their positions by birth. They have practiced for tens of thousands of years. We may not be able to match them now, but it doesn’t mean we won’t be able to in the future!”

Tongfeng added, “Wukong is right. If we lose our morale now, it’s better to submit early and ensure safety.”

Hearing this, the Nine Spirits Sacred One’s face turned even redder. Seeing that the Bull Demon King and Tongfeng were speaking bluntly, Wukong thought to himself that these two didn’t understand his feelings, and since the Nine Spirits Sacred One couldn’t tolerate provocation, he stepped in to mediate, saying, “Brother Sacred One surely understands this. Otherwise, how could you have fought against the Eastern Extreme Emperor for so long without surrendering, even at the cost of your life? I truly admire your courage. If it were me, I’d have cried for help long ago, haha!”

The Nine Spirits Sacred One knew Wukong was joking and replied, “That Nine-Colored Divine Light is truly an amazing power. At that time, I didn’t even have the strength to cry for help.”

The Bull Demon King said, “After talking for so long, it’s time to set off.”

The Nine Spirits Sacred One nodded and shouted, “Children, pack up all necessary items. Throw away the useless ones. Set fire to this cave and burn it thoroughly!”

The four left the cave. After fifteen minutes, the little demons came out carrying some household items. Wukong said with a smile, “Brother Yuan Sheng, these are just some crude items; Flower-Fruit Mountain has everything, so we might as well burn them.” Jiuling Yuan Sheng replied, “Good! Then let’s throw them all away together!”
Jiuling Yuan Sheng gazed at the cave dwelling, filled with deep emotions. He had lived there for at least a thousand years, and now that it was abandoned, he felt truly sad. That damned Taiyi Jiu Ku Tianzun ruined his joy of family life here. Unless I avenge this, I won’t rest!
By now, dusk was approaching. The setting sun illuminated the small trees, dry grass, and withered vines, while the flames reflected on everyone’s faces. Amidst this scene, an indescribable sense of solemnity arose in their hearts.
Wukong looked at the many demons under Jiuling Yuan Sheng’s command one by one. Each of them had a clear and resolute gaze, their eyes burning with hatred—far stronger than those of the confused demons in the seventy-two caves of Flower-Fruit Mountain.
A vast area once peaceful and free from conflict turned into scorched earth in an instant.