Volume 3: A Long Journey, Chapter 374: Confronting the Earthly God

Wukong was greatly surprised to learn that the Queen of the Golden Holy Palace was actually the emperor’s niece. How could things get so chaotic and illogical? The niece of the Jade Emperor was captured by the mount of a Buddhist bodhisattva and held captive for three whole years. The Golden Fur Wolf wasn’t some castrated green lion spirit—whether human or beast, it had strong physical needs. Without the secret help of Ziyang the Immortal, Yang Chan’s purity would likely be at risk.

Guanyin surely knew Yang Chan’s background. If she knew, yet still dared to order her subordinates to act so boldly, showing no respect for the Jade Emperor, it meant someone must be backing her. Using an animal to defile the Jade Emperor’s niece was like defecating on Taoism itself. It might be acceptable in the Western Heaven, but the Jade Emperor showed no reaction at all! Could it be that Ziyang the Immortal was hiding the truth? Was this old man acting as a mediator, fearing a conflict between Buddhism and Taoism?

Both Buddha and Guanyin knew that the Zhu Zi Kingdom was a necessary route on the pilgrimage. Having come here, they naturally wouldn’t stand by idly. If this was also a deliberately set obstacle, it seemed a bit far-fetched. What was the origin of this matter, and what was its purpose? How might Yang Jian’s involvement change things?

Upon further thought, there was no mention in *Journey to the West* of Ziyang the Immortal summoning Yang Jian to save his sister. What made Ziyang change his mind and show favor toward Yang Jian, or rather, toward Taoism?

Before long, a high mountain blocked their path. After estimating the distance, they saw mist swirling in the mountains, blocking out the sun—likely the Qilin Mountain. Wukong and Yang Jian landed on the peak to look for an entrance. Suddenly, flames erupted in a valley, accompanied by foul smoke that split into five colors: blue, red, white, black, and yellow. Wukong thought to himself—weren’t these the colors of the five elements?

Before the smoke dissipated, vile sand rose from the center. The fine dust covered their vision, hiding everything behind a layer of green haze. Wukong cursed inwardly, “Why is that monster ringing bells for no reason?”

Yang Jian, caught off guard, was choked by the smoke and sneezed several times. Frowning, he said, “What kind of magical sand is this? It must be a magical artifact.”

Wukong asked, “How do you know?”

Yang Jian replied, “Ordinary fireworks can’t affect me, but this artifact is indeed unusual.”

Wukong laughed, “With us here, what are we afraid of, even the Earthly God?”

Yang Jian looked at Wukong and said, “Your cultivation has improved greatly; I can no longer see through you.”

Wukong smiled without answering, thinking, “You have no idea how great my fortune has been.”

When the smoke below dissipated, Wukong and Yang Jian descended and headed toward where the smoke originated. Both were highly skilled and bold, so they didn’t use any concealment techniques and flew openly. Upon entering a mountain valley, a demon suddenly appeared ahead. This demon was over nine feet tall, with eyes as large as golden lamps, four steel teeth in its mouth, a green face and red hair, looking like a fierce ghost.

The demon blocked their path and said, “Who dares enter my Qilin Mountain?” Yang Jian replied, “Tell your king to come out and face his death quickly!” The demon held a silver spear in its hand, let out a monstrous cry, and charged at Yang Jian. Yang Jian grabbed the spear head, pulled the demon toward him, and squeezed its neck, asking, “Is your king named Sai Taishui?”

Wukong laughed and said, “Brother Yang, if you’re squeezing his neck, how can he speak?”

Yang Jian, impatient, applied more force, twisting the demon’s head twice—clearly ending its life. As the demon’s body fell to the ground, several screams were heard. Some smaller demons exclaimed, “Isn’t that our vanguard?” Others said, “Quick, go call the king!”

The two captured a few smaller demons, learned the location of the cave, and headed there. On the way, they encountered a giant demon. This demon had a radiant glow on its head, a fierce murderous aura on its face, burnt hair emitting red smoke, beard-like whiskers like arrows, a shiny armor suit, and a large axe in its hand.

Wukong used magic to look closely and confirmed it was indeed the Golden Fur Wolf, Guanyin’s mount. He whispered, “This is Sai Taishui.”

Sai Taishui knew how to put on a show, with over a thousand smaller demons following behind, arranged in dense rows, carrying flags and weapons. Wukong thought to himself that the number of demons in the world must be the greatest, far exceeding those of Buddhism and Taoism. If they all gathered at Qitian Ridge, what an overwhelming force that would be. Just behind Sai Taishui were wolves, rabbits, snakes, pythons, leopards, tigers, gorillas, and elephants, each exuding a wild aura—clearly creatures neither the Heavenly Court nor the Netherworld controlled.

When Sai Taishui saw Wukong, he was shocked. How did this monkey appear here? Seeing Yang Jian as well filled him with fear. If these two were together, could it be they had come to cause trouble for him? But having been a demon king for so long, he had built up great arrogance. He shouted, “Who killed my vanguard? Do you seek death?”

Yang Jian stepped forward and asked, “What skills do you have to call yourself Sai Taishui?”

Sai Taishui replied, “Stop talking nonsense! If you can’t show some strength, you won’t leave here alive today!”

Yang Jian said angrily, “I came here with no intention of leaving. What did you do to the Queen of the Golden Holy Palace in Zhu Zi Country? Release her now! If anything happens to her, I’ll make sure you can’t even beg for death!”

Sai Taishui suddenly realized and said, “Were you two invited by that king?”
Yang Jian replied, “Nonsense! Which mortal could invite me, the Second Lord God Yang Jian?”
The little demons behind him had heard of Yang Jian’s name and became somewhat panicked. Sai Taishui also knew Yang Jian was formidable, but since he had been sent here by Guanyin, how could he retreat? He forced himself to say, “Who is Yang Jian? Take this axe first!”
He swung his Xuanhua Axe at Yang Jian, who met it with his Three-Pointed Dual-Bladed Divine Sword. Sai Taishui was no match for Yang Jian anyway, and seeing Wukong beside him, his confidence waned even more. After just seven or eight exchanges, he ran out of strength and flew back.
Wukong knew Sai Taishui must be going back to fetch that powerful Golden Bell magic weapon, so he quickly chased after him, grabbed Sai Taishui, and said with a smile, “Where are you going?”
Sai Taishui was shocked. Wukong had caught up quickly, and capturing him was as easy as reaching into a bag. His neck was held, his whole body weak, and he kept saying, “Don’t hurt me! Do you know who I am?”
Wukong demanded sternly, “Where is the Goddess of the Golden Holy Palace?”
Sai Taishui replied, “She’s in the cave, enjoying herself there!”
Enjoying herself? Wukong still didn’t understand what that meant. Yang Jian had already flown to the cave entrance. Moments later, he brought out a beautiful woman of extraordinary grace—naturally, it was Yang Jian’s third sister, Yang Chan.
Yang Chan looked at Yang Jian timidly, with a look of grievance on her face. Yang Jian glared at her and scolded, “Why did you have to show off? You’re lucky you didn’t lose your life!”
Yang Chan didn’t say anything either. Seeing Sai Taishui held in the air by Wukong, she giggled and said, “Brother, this demon never dares to get close to me. Look how badly he’s been punished.”
Yang Jian became even angrier. When he went into the cave earlier, he tried to take Yang Chan away, but she stung him with the magical robe she wore, leaving his palms sore and itchy.
Wukong asked Yang Jian, “What should we do with this demon?”
Yang Jian said, “This demon is truly despicable. Though my sister is unharmed, he has harmed many mortal women. He must be killed!”
Yang Chan laughed and said, “Those were all palace maids from the Kingdom of Zhu Zi.”
Wukong, seeing Yang Chan’s beautiful appearance yet her cold heart, felt even more disgust toward her. Only you celestial fairies matter; mortal palace maids aren’t human?
Hearing Yang Chan speak like that, Yang Jian’s expression also changed. He reached out to strike her but didn’t dare. Yang Chan giggled again and made a face, saying, “This robe was given to me by an old immortal. It’s really powerful.”
Hearing Yang Jian say she must be killed, Sai Taishui grew terrified and hurriedly said, “I’m also acting on orders! I’m just following orders!”
Wukong dispersed the surrounding little demons and asked, “Whose orders are you following?”
Sai Taishui replied, “Guanyin Bodhisattva. It was all the Bodhisattva who taught me.”

Wukong snapped, “How dare you! The Bodhisattva Guanyin is so merciful—how could she teach you to harm others?”
Sai Taishui tried to speak again, but a voice from heaven rang out, “Dareful wretch! Now I understand why I couldn’t find you—here you were, causing havoc!” It was the voice of the Bodhisattva Guanyin.
Wukong, Yang Jian, and Yang Chan quickly bowed upon seeing the Bodhisattva arrive.
Wukong asked, “Bodhisattva, do you really have anything to do with this demon?”
The Bodhisattva spat and said, “He isn’t a demon; he’s my mount, the Golden Fur Wolf.” Then, with a smile, she took out a willow branch from a bottle and struck the Golden Fur Wolf’s back three times.
Sai Taishui screamed in agony as he rolled to the ground, revealing his true form. Wukong shuddered at the sight—those three blows from the Bodhisattva were truly fierce. Though there were no bloodstains on the wolf’s back, one could hear the sound of bones breaking. It seemed that even these divine mounts, though mighty outside, didn’t have an easy life in front of their masters. He then pondered the Bodhisattva’s words, “He isn’t a demon”? Yet he still seized the palace lady and harmed the maids—how could that not be considered demonic? It was utterly absurd!
The Bodhisattva Guanyin naturally resented the Golden Fur Wolf for speaking carelessly. Knowing that Wukong and Yang Jian must be suspicious, she explained, “This disaster actually has its cause and effect.”
She had already concocted a lie in her mind and blurted out, “When the current king of Zhu Zi Country was still the crown prince, he loved hunting. One day, he shot and injured two sons of the Bodhisattva of the Western Heaven Peacock, the Great Bright King. The male peacock was injured and returned to Ling Mountain, where he fell seriously ill, while the female peacock died. The Buddha Mother, enraged, sent down punishment, causing the king to suffer the same fate. If not for your arrival, the king of Zhu Zi Country would have remained ill until his death, and the Lady of the Golden Holy Palace would have perished sooner or later.”
Yang Jian frowned upon hearing this and asked, “Bodhisattva, please forgive my bluntness, but what does this have to do with my sister Yang Chan?”
Guanyin replied, “Haven’t you heard that it’s better to avoid trouble? The Lady of the Golden Holy Palace originally had another occupant. Yang Chan descended to the mortal world to cause chaos, thus becoming entangled in this karma. In this way, she took on the misfortunes of others.”
Yang Jian didn’t quite understand and, pointing at the still-rolling Golden Fur Wolf on the ground, asked, “Even so, what does this have to do with your mount?”
Guanyin smiled and said, “When the Buddha Mother sent down punishment, this wretch was nearby. He heard these words, became tempted by worldly desires, and descended to the mortal world—thus completing this cycle of events.”
Wukong cursed inwardly, thinking it was pure nonsense. Then, with a quick thought, he said, “Bodhisattva, this wretch defiled the purity of the Emperor of Heaven’s own niece—this is no trivial matter!”

Awen frowned, displeased, and thought to herself, “Why is this monkey getting involved?” Then she said solemnly, “I will definitely deal with him properly when I return!”
Wukong was puzzled—Awen didn’t even know that Yang Chan was wearing a precious robe. It seemed she truly didn’t care about the consequences.