Volume 2: The Path That Can Be Told, Chapter 170: Refuting the Divine Treasure

In the three realms, there was no longer the Mysterious Gate of Life and Death; instead, a passage spanning several miles connected them. Wukong and the others passed through this passage and arrived in the Realm of Calamity.
The Realm of Calamity was also utterly empty, its silence unsettling. Only a red sun shone in the sky—there, the Fire Cloud Palace lay.
Upon entering the Fire Cloud Palace, an unbearable heat hit them. The Bull Demon King, protected by the essence of the Moon Goddess, paid it no mind. Concerned for Red Boy, he rushed straight in.
When they reached the inner hall of the Fire Cloud Palace, they heard the Bull Demon King exclaim “Ah!” Wukong followed closely and was shocked upon seeing a child around six or seven years old, covered in red flames, sitting cross-legged with eyes closed on a flaming mat, his face twisted in pain. From his mouth protruded a bird’s head. Beside him lay a small golden crow, motionless on the ground.
The Bull Demon King called out several times, but Red Boy showed no reaction. Anxiously, the old bull asked, “What shall we do?” Wukong suddenly remembered Red Boy’s strange dream, in which the Fire Phoenix and the Golden Crow were swallowed by Red Boy and transformed into the Triple True Fire. He had arrived at just the right time, during the critical moment when Red Boy was creating the true fire.
The Bull Demon King, of course, knew nothing about the details. Seeing Red Boy’s abdomen illuminated by the fire, almost transparent, revealing his internal organs clearly, with what seemed to be another large bird’s body inside, he rubbed his hands together and said, “How did that evil bird get into my son’s belly?”
Wukong, however, was conflicted. If Red Boy swallowed those two birds, the Triple True Fire would be created, and he would ascend to the rank of Taiyi Golden Immortal. Given his current relationship with the Three Pure Ones, the Bull Demon King, and the Rakshasi, Red Boy was naturally an ally, not an enemy. The stronger he became, the more beneficial it would be for Wukong.
But from Red Boy’s dream, it was known that the Fire Phoenix and the Golden Crow had accompanied him since childhood and shared deep affection. If he were conscious, Red Boy would never do such a thing. It was unclear what tricks the Divine Treasure Lord had used, but by the time Red Boy woke up, it was too late—regret would be of no use.
Should Wukong stop this from happening? Seeing the bird’s head gradually sink into Red Boy’s mouth, with only the beak left outside, he thought, “Let one not lose their true nature. It’s best to follow Red Boy’s will.”
With determination, he bit down and grabbed the bird’s beak, pulling it outward.
With his immense strength, Wukong didn’t just pull out the Fire Phoenix but also lifted Red Boy’s body along. Then he shouted, “Brother, help me!”

The Bull Demon King finally realized what was happening and stepped forward to grab Honghai’s two delicate little feet. The two of them struggled fiercely as if in a tug-of-war. Fortunately, Honghai had practiced cultivation since childhood; his inner muscles and outer bones appeared weak but were actually as strong as iron. With a slight exertion, they pulled the Fire Phoenix out. Unable to control their momentum, they both sat down on the ground. The Bull Demon King held the unconscious Honghai in his arms, calling out repeatedly, “My child, my child!” Wukong looked at the Fire Phoenix in his hands—its feathers had lost their luster. What had once been bright red and splendid now resembled those of a black chicken, paired with a red bird’s head, appearing extremely strange. It seemed the Fire Phoenix had had much of its magical energy drained by Honghai. If he had arrived a few days later, both birds might have turned into part of Honghai’s body. Wukong shouted, “Hurry and take my nephew to find the Old Lord!” The Bull Demon King finally came to his senses, rolled up his clothes, wrapped Honghai in them, and rushed out. Wukong carefully examined the two birds. With his knowledge of fire-related powers, he could easily see that the Fire Phoenix and the Golden Crow were truly precious treasures for immortals practicing fire magic. At this moment, the Fire Phoenix was weakened but unharmed, while the Golden Crow was only unconscious. He picked up one of them and chased after the Bull Demon King. When they arrived at the Demon Subduing Tower, Honghai was already in the Old Lord’s arms. Lingbao Daozun stood nearby, staring coldly at the Bull Demon King, who remained silent, as if terrified. Wukong placed the Fire Phoenix and the Golden Crow on the ground, bowed to Lingbao Daozun first, and said, “This was my idea. Please do not blame my brother, Daozun.” Lingbao Daozun glanced at Wukong and asked, “Do you realize you’ve ruined my plans?” Wukong replied, “Not at all!” Lingbao Daozun raised his eyebrows. “Not at all? Such a great Taiyi Golden Immortal, ruined just like this by you!” The Bull Demon King was shocked, exclaiming, “Ah!” Wukong dismissed it, saying, “My nephew is still young. He will have plenty of time to become a Taiyi Golden Immortal in the future. But if I don’t stop this now, it will hinder his cultivation later.” Lingbao Daozun said, “You monkey! I spent three hundred years helping him lay the foundation, just for this moment. You… sigh!” Facing Wukong, Lingbao Daozun truly had no temper left—neither able to strike nor scold, he could only sigh. Then he turned to the Bull Demon King and shouted, “And you, you foolish father!” The Old Lord, however, was not as irritable as Lingbao Daozun. He smiled and asked Wukong, “Well then, explain how this will be harmful.” Wukong said, “Lingbao Daozun, please calm down and listen to me. My nephew has extraordinary talents. If I’m not mistaken, he has a pure yang constitution. Am I right?” The Old Lord replied, “Exactly.”

Wukong said, “Using a pure yang body to cultivate a true fire body is indeed good. But it’s too early to do so now. First, my nephew is only a little over three feet tall. If he achieves the rank of Taiyi Golden Immortal now, his stature will be fixed and he won’t be able to grow any taller. Second, you’ve advised him to swallow the Fire Phoenix and the Golden Crow to gain power. Though this method might work, he surely won’t want to do it. Although it could lead to quick success, it would hinder the growth of his Dao heart. Am I wrong in these two points?”
Lingbao Daozun laughed and said, “If he can become a Taiyi Golden Immortal, what’s the harm in him remaining in a childlike appearance? There are countless obstacles on the path of cultivation. If swallowing those two birds hinders his Dao heart, then what’s the point of cultivating at all?”
Wukong also laughed and said, “I’m afraid that’s just Lingbao Daozun’s own opinion.”
Lingbao Daozun was stunned and asked, “So what if it is?”
Wukong replied, “Although my nephew seems young, he’s actually several hundred years old. Don’t treat him like a child. We should ask what he thinks instead.”
Lingbao Daozun was immediately shocked. Since Honghui was born, he and Laojun had treated him as their own grandson. They had decided everything about how Honghui should cultivate, given their high status and powers. Who else would they need to consult? Even Honghui’s biological parents wouldn’t dare say “no,” let alone consider what the child thought.
Hearing Wukong’s words, Lingbao Daozun couldn’t wrap his head around it. He thought it was only natural—could the Three Pure Ones not decide for their own grandson?
Wukong continued, “It’s understandable that Lingbao Daozun cares for his grandson and thinks of everything for him. That’s certainly not wrong. But…”
“What but? Don’t be vague!” Lingbao Daozun snapped.
“I’ve heard that people always compare others’ virtues to their own shortcomings. Honghui is still young now and may not understand what beauty or ugliness, height or lowliness is. But after thousands of years, when he sees everything else growing while he remains unchanged, what will he think?”
“It is also said, ‘Heaven and Earth can endure forever because they do not seek their own survival; thus they can live forever.’ This means that Heaven and Earth are fair and impartial, refrain from excessive interference, nurture all things, and never interfere with their growth. Only in this way can they continuously nurture life. This is both ‘doing nothing yet achieving everything’ and ‘following the way of nature.’”
“My nephew has the Three Pure Ones as his ancestors, the mighty Bull Demon King and the Rakshasi as his parents, and seven highly skilled uncles. His future achievements will surely be boundless. If he cultivates on his own, he will naturally have great blessings. Why rush? As the saying goes, ‘Great things take time to achieve.’ Even many ordinary people in the mortal world can become immortals—why worry that my nephew won’t surpass them?”

Wukong’s words were both a reminder and a subtle compliment, mixed with many of Laozi’s ideas from the Tao Te Ching. Indeed, after hearing this, Lingbao Daozun’s expression gradually softened, and he said nothing more. Laozi laughed heartily and said, “Wukong is truly eloquent. The qualities of wisdom and clarity suit you best.” Wukong replied seriously, “To remain true to one’s original heart and help others do the same—this is my lifelong wish.” Hearing Wukong mention these words again, Laozi pondered them carefully and realized that Wukong indeed acted in accordance with them. He gave Wukong a deep look and said, “Your wish sounds easy to say, but extremely difficult to fulfill. Be cautious in your actions.” Wukong replied, “If I had known it would be so hard, I would still strive for it—such is the duty of a man!” The Bull Demon King was still worried about Red Boy and finally dared to speak up, saying, “Master, my child…” Laozi replied, “There’s no longer any problem.” He glanced at the Bull Demon King and said, “From now on, I won’t keep your precious child any longer. You may take him back and raise him yourself.” The Bull Demon King hurriedly said, “I dare not.” Laozi laughed angrily, “If you won’t raise your own son, then who will?” Suddenly, Wukong had an idea and asked, “Laozi, what do you think of Zhu Rong?” Laozi smiled and said, “Zhu Rong is no less skilled in using fire than I am.” Wukong continued, “What if Zhu Rong taught my nephew how to control fire?” After thinking for a while, Laozi said, “Wukong, I know you have some grudges against him, but passing on divine powers is not like ordinary matters. I’m just worried Zhu Rong might refuse.” Wukong laughed and said, “Whether she agrees or not is her matter; whether I ask her or not is up to me.” Laozi rejoiced and said, “If it really works out, I’ll give you a golden pill!” Wukong frowned and said, “One pill isn’t enough. With so many people helping to relocate the three realms, at least one pill each would be necessary.” Laozi frowned and said, “You’re insatiable! At most, three pills!” Wukong replied, “Even if it’s three, I’ll give one to my nephew, leaving me only two!” “Two pills aren’t enough! How many such golden pills can you find in heaven or on earth?” Seeing Laozi angry, Wukong quickly said, “Alright, alright, three pills then. I’ll just consider it a loss.” Then Lingbao Daozun said, “Ox, I tell you—take good care of my grandson. If even a single hair of his falls out, I’ll break your legs!” The Bull Demon King only kept assenting. Seeing that Lingbao Daozun had finally changed his mind after his words, Wukong knew how difficult this matter was and secretly praised the Three Pure Ones for their wisdom. At that moment, Red Boy slowly regained consciousness. Seeing the Fire Phoenix and Golden Crow lying motionless on the ground, he cried out, “Big Red, Little Red!” Laozi said, “Grandson, don’t worry. Everything’s fine now.”

The Lingbao Daoist shook his robe sleeves, putting away the Fire Phoenix and Golden Crow, and said, “I’ll give you your lively Red Big and Red Little back tomorrow.” Hong Haier clung to Laojun’s arms and wouldn’t come out, muttering, “Grandpa, I had a dream. In the dream, I ate Red Big. It’s so sad.”