Volume 4: The Revelation Unveiled Chapter 457: Dividing the Divine Weapons
Wukong first bowed to Zhenwu and said, “Let me first thank the Ancestral Dragon. This Thousand-Foot Jade is extremely important to us, and it seems we’ll have to get involved as well.”
Zhenwu replied, “If Buddha insists on seizing it, there will be a fierce battle on Kunlun Immortal Island in three days. It’s better to be cautious.”
Wukong smiled and said, “Of course we must be cautious. When the clam fights the gull, the fisherman profits. The Heavenly Court surely doesn’t expect Qitianling to get involved in this matter.”
Zhenwu said, “That’s true—they can’t possibly expect it. But since Buddha wants to take the Thousand-Foot Jade, how could he not guard against Qitianling?”
Wukong said, “It’s strange. The other Thousand-Foot Jades from the Ten Continents and Three Islands were obtained effortlessly. Why doesn’t the Jade Emperor care at all?”
Zhenwu replied, “How could he pay attention to everything? Apart from Kunlun Immortal Island, which is strong, the rest of the Heavenly Court’s territories are nearly abandoned. Who could have imagined that your strength would grow so rapidly? Now, even I might not be a match for you.”
Wukong quickly said, “No, no, it’s all just chance.”
Zhenwu gave a few more instructions, saying that if they really wanted to seize the Thousand-Foot Jade, they must inform Maitreya, Ksitigarbha, and Guanyin on Ling Mountain to come and assist. Wukong replied, “That goes without saying. I wonder if the Dragon God and the Purple Micro Emperor would be willing to help me?”
If Buddha attacked Kunlun Immortal Island, the Jade Emperor and Empress surely wouldn’t dare underestimate him. Most likely, they would ask Zhenwu and the Purple Micro Emperor to fight alongside them. With these two powerful allies, Wukong’s chances of success would increase greatly.
Zhenwu smiled and said, “It was only a matter of time before I parted ways from the Heavenly Court. It was the Purple Micro Emperor who saved me back then, not the Jade Emperor and Empress. I’ll act favorably then—don’t worry.”
Wukong was overjoyed. At first, seeing Zhenwu always remain in the Heavenly Court, he thought Zhenwu might have other motives. But since Zhenwu had agreed, he surely wouldn’t deceive him. As for the Purple Micro Emperor, there was no need to worry—he was the son of the Old Mother of Lishan, who was a disciple of the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden. In the end, he was one of their own.
After Zhenwu left Qitianling, Wukong said to the Five Divine Apes, “This is truly unexpected good fortune. The power contained in this Thousand-Foot Jade—who knows how many years it’s been accumulating? It’s perfect for our cultivation. We must not miss it.”
Tongfeng said, “It would be good if the Jade Emperor refused to give it. Then we could seize the opportunity to win in chaos. But if the Jade Emperor obeys Buddha, hehe, it’s like setting a trap for us to fall into.”
“Huh? That’s not entirely unfounded!” Wukong said. If Kasyapa and Buddha put on a show in front of many people… Hmph, even if it’s just a show, what does that matter?
After getting rid of the Five Elders of Taoism, Wukong’s confidence soared. With his own strength and that of the Five Divine Apes greatly enhanced, he no longer felt any fear even when facing ordinary sages. As the saying goes, “If you know there are tigers in the mountain, go there anyway.” Moreover, he still had some trump cards left unused.
Wukong said to Wu Zhiqi, “Go to the Northern Sea and take back the Sea-Subduing Whip from the Sea-Subduing Dragon.” Wu Zhiqi was stunned and said, “In his eyes, that whip is more precious than his life—how would he give it to me?”
Wukong replied, “If he refuses, just take it by force! Anyway, you must get that whip in your hands.”
Wu Zhiqi looked troubled and said, “As an elder brother, how can I steal my younger brother’s things?”
Wukong laughed and said, “I’m just joking. If he refuses, tell him that the True Dragon and Great Emperor Zhenwu sent you to get it. See if he still refuses.”
Wu Zhiqi said, “Alright, then I’ll give it a try.” With that, he got up and left. Wukong then said to Feng Tong, “The Everlasting Tree in the Wood God’s hands should have been your magical weapon. Go and use your machete to retrieve it.”
Feng Tong also looked incredulous and asked, “The Everlasting Tree has been the Wood God’s magical weapon for tens of thousands of years. How… how could I…”
Wukong said, “With that treasure in his hands, it can only exert forty or fifty percent of its power. Only you can control it properly.”
Feng Tong still hesitated, shaking his head as he went to find the Wood God, Jumang. Wukong thought that the Wood God might be puzzled, but once he let Feng Tong try the Everlasting Tree, he would naturally understand its true value. These ancient figures valued the greater good over personal interests.
After glancing at Wang Yu, Wukong took out the Sword of Slaying Immortals from his bosom and said, “How about giving this sword a try?” Wukong threw the Sword of Slaying Immortals into the air. Wang Yu remained motionless, raised his hand, and the sword returned like a bird returning to its nest, disappearing into Wang Yu’s body.
Wang Yu examined it carefully and showed great joy. He then said to Wukong, “This sword is incomplete!” Wukong nodded. Of the Four Swords for Slaying Immortals, only the Sword of Slaying Immortals had been obtained so far. Wang Yu realized it was incomplete, suggesting it was truly meant to be his magical weapon.
Wukong said, “How about practicing a few moves?”
Wang Yu slightly arched his back, and the Sword of Slaying Immortals emerged from his back and soared into the sky. The sword whistled through the air like a dragon’s roar. With a thought, Wang Yu made the sword fly horizontally and land on a deserted peak. The peak vanished silently as the sword cut off half of it.
Wang Yu retrieved the Sword of Slaying Immortals and said, “This sword has infinite power. I need to study it thoroughly for a few days.” With that, he eagerly used the Earth-Disappearing technique and vanished underground.
Wukong glanced at the Clever Divine Monkey, whose nature was fire, with both the wind and fire palm fans in Laozi’s hands. He then looked at the Armless Divine Monkey, whose best treasure was the Earth Spirit Pearl, which was with Xuan Nu. To obtain these two items, he would have to make a trip to the Jade Pure Palace.
Wukong said to them, “Don’t worry. I’ll surely find a fine treasure for you.”
The Clever Divine Monkey replied, “If you can’t find one, give me your staff.”
Wukong chuckled and said, “Though this staff is good, it won’t suit you. Go back to the cave and wait!”
Wukong got up and ascended to the Jade Pure Palace after thirty-five days of travel. Two Taoist boys stood at the entrance, blocking him and asking, “What brings the Great Sage here?” Wukong was surprised—he had visited often before, so why were they stopping him now?
Wukong replied, “Of course, I’m here to see the Supreme Heavenly Lord Yuan Shi.”
The Taoist boys said, “The Supreme Heavenly Lord is in seclusion and has not emerged yet. Please forgive us, Great Sage.”
Wukong felt somewhat disappointed. Xuan Nu had once said that the Three Pure Ones were severely injured and might take a hundred years to recover. Now, over 120 years had passed, and they still hadn’t emerged—seemingly, their condition was indeed serious. Without the Three Pure Ones, the power of Taoism could not be utilized. If he wanted to seize the Thousand-Foot Jade, he would have to fight against the Heavenly Court. Without that backing, relying solely on brute force was not what Wukong desired.
Just as he was at a loss, he heard Xuan Nu’s voice from inside, saying, “Wukong, come in.” To Wukong, this sounded like an imperial order. Without bothering with formalities, he used a quick movement to dash inside. The two Taoist boys saw a flash before he disappeared.
Upon entering the main hall, Wukong saw the Three Pure Ones sitting upright in the center, while Xuan Nu sat on a cushion below the steps. All four showed surprise upon seeing Wukong. Laozi quickly asked, “What fortune have you acquired?”
Wukong replied, “Nothing much. I just helped the Five Divine Monkeys train, but I didn’t expect to gain so many benefits myself.” Laozi said, “Hah! I’ve always said that if the Seven Divine Monkeys train together, they’ll achieve twice the results with half the effort.”
Wukong said, “The Yin and Yang Divine Monkeys haven’t returned. There are only six of us.”
Xuan Nu said, “Without sufficient fortune, even eight of them together would be useless. Whose treasures have you stolen?”
Wukong replied, “I’ve taken over a dozen pieces of the Thousand-Foot Jade from the Ten Continents and Three Islands.”
Laozi laughed and said, “So you’ve indeed obtained those treasures. I’m afraid a fierce battle is inevitable.”
Wukong smiled and said, “The fierce battle is yet to come. That’s why I’ve come to ask these elders if they can heal me.”
Xuan Nu snorted and said, “If it isn’t healed soon, even I might be exhausted to death.”
It turned out that the Three Pure Ones’ healing process indeed took no more than a hundred years. Yet during those hundred years, Xuan Nu worked tirelessly, nearly exhausting her vital energy. In recent times, it was the Three Pure Ones who took it upon themselves to heal her, and only now have all four returned to their former state. Although they have regained their previous cultivation levels, they have made no further progress. Seeing Wukong’s cultivation soar so much now, they were naturally surprised. A hundred years is but a fleeting moment for cultivators who have reached the realm of sages. But for the Divine Ape of Fate, with sufficient fortune, it can make rapid progress—such a skill is truly extraordinary.
Yuan Shi Tian Zun asked, “Why is there another fierce battle ahead? What’s the current situation of the world?”
Wukong replied, “The four of you have been in seclusion for 120 years. During that time, the world has remained peaceful, without any disturbances. Only the Ten Continents and Three Islands no longer exist; only Kunlun Immortal Island remains unaffected.”
Lao Jun said, “That’s surely your doing.”
Wukong affirmed, “Indeed. It was me, along with Venerable Maitreya and Goddess Guanyin, along with the people from Qi Tian Ling, who seized the Thousand-Foot Jade. Now that the Spirit Mountain has been restored and its followers are spread throughout the world, Taoism has weakened and cannot recover. The Heavenly Court does nothing either—what are they plotting?”
“In three days, Tathagata will go to Kunlun Immortal Island to take the Thousand-Foot Jade. I wonder how the Jade Emperor will respond.”
Ling Bao Dao Zun said, “Oh, I see. You plan to take advantage of the chaos?”
Wukong replied, “Take advantage of chaos? Even in calm waters, what’s the point?” What he really thought was that there was no force capable of countering fate on Kunlun Immortal Island. Bodhisattva Ni Li and Tathagata Daya would not dare come here. So even if he had to seize it by force, with the strength of Qi Tian Ling, along with the Three Pure Ones, Xuan Nu, Zhen Wu, Ksitigarbha, and others, he wouldn’t be at a disadvantage.
Xuan Nu shook her head and said, “Don’t be overconfident.”
Wukong asked, “What is Xuan Nu afraid of?”
Xuan Nu replied, “Do you know how much hidden strength the Heavenly Court possesses?”
Wukong said, “I know a bit. In the back garden of the Jade Pool, there are the Central Yellow Extreme Yellow-Horned Immortal, thirty-six saints, and seventy-two golden immortals. Though those saints have high cultivation levels, their combat strength is truly insignificant. If those eight or nine golden immortals don’t intervene, I’m not afraid of them at all.”
Xuan Nu glanced at the Three Pure Ones and asked, “Is what Wukong said correct?”
Lao Jun said, “That’s right. I know all of this too.” He gave Wukong a meaningful look and asked, “Did you actually get into the Peach Garden?”
Wukong replied, “The peach tree itself belongs to the Seven Divine Apes. What’s wrong with me taking a look?”
Lao Jun said, “You monkey! That Yellow-Horned Immortal has cultivation that reaches the heavens and is no weaker than Bodhisattva Ni Li. Fortunately, you’re clever. If you had barged in recklessly, you probably wouldn’t be here today.”
Wukong exclaimed, “It can be this powerful?” He could see clearly the prowess of Bodhisattva Nili in the Buddhist hell realms; even Xuan Nu might not stand a chance. If Yellow-Horned Immortal is truly that strong, then long-term plans will be necessary.