Volume 2: The Path That Can Be Told, Chapter 167: Relying on One’s Own Strength
As Wukong was filled with anger, he heard noises from the grassy slope. Soon, several old monkeys jumped out. Seeing Wukong and his companions, they let out mournful cries and crawled over to him, shouting, “The king has returned!”
Wukong asked in surprise, “Are you old acquaintances from Flower-Fruit Mountain?”
The monkeys replied, “Indeed!”
Wukong asked, “Back then, all of our people moved to Guanjiangkou. Why are you still here?”
The old monkeys said, “King, please forgive us. That day, we were too fond of playing and went to the southern part of the mountain to frolic. Later, hearing that chaos had broken out on the mountain, we dared not come out and hid in a rock crevice. After a day, we emerged only to find the mountain empty. We didn’t know where our brothers and sisters had gone. It was not until today that we learned they had gone to Guanjiangkou.”
Wukong asked, “Who caused the destruction on the mountain?”
The old monkeys replied, “Just one or two years after everyone left the mountain, some armored deities descended from the sky, bringing thunder and fire. We hid under rocks by the sea and managed to escape disaster.”
Wukong cursed, “How bold!” Then he said to the old monkeys, “It’s not your fault. From now on, I will rebuild Flower-Fruit Mountain. Let’s see who dares to come back.”
Wukong called over Fengtong, Wang Yu, and the Bull Demon King and said, “You three, go search for the Sea Dragon and Wu Zhiqi. One of you go find my elder brother, the Nine-Spirit Sage. The other two go to Guanjiangkou and bring back the Four Marshals and the Seventy-Two Demon Kings of the Caves.” The three were overjoyed and immediately soared off on clouds.
After they left, Chi Songzi said, “This mountain is a precious place. It’s a shame to see it in such ruins.” With a wave of his hand, the clouds in the sky gathered as if swept by the wind. In just a moment, gentle rain began to fall on Flower-Fruit Mountain.
Seeing the Rain God take action, Wukong knew he couldn’t miss this opportunity and used his divine power to control plants. The withered branches and roots on the mountain gradually sprouted and turned green. Before long, the mountain was once again covered in lush greenery. Hou Yi, seeing that he was unharmed, used his divine strength to straighten the tilted peaks and used magic to move the broken rocks, filling the ravines.
With their combined efforts, in just an hour or so, Flower-Fruit Mountain was restored to its former glory—covered in vines and green pines, with peach blossoms in bloom and grass everywhere, once again resembling a paradise.
As the rain stopped, two clouds appeared in the west. A figure descended from the clouds and shouted, “Wukong, have you missed your brother?” It was the Nine-Spirit Sage. Wukong went up to greet him, saying, “I am guilty for causing my elder brother worry!”
As the two were chatting, someone arrived on a cloud—it was the God of the Second Rank, Yang Jian. Yang Jian felt a immediate kinship with Wukong. Though they had met few times, their bond was deep, no less than that with anyone else. Upon hearing the news, he knew Wukong had returned and was overjoyed. Without waiting for the rest of the group, he came ahead alone.
Wukong also knew that Yang Jian must be heartbroken after learning of his misfortune, and he was deeply moved. He went up to meet Yang Jian and shook his hand, but then felt the gesture was too childish, so he released his hand and they both laughed heartily.
After a while, Fuhai Jiao, Wu Zhiqi, and the Bull Demon King arrived. Wu Zhiqi, who missed Wukong the most, said nothing but gazed at him with a smile.
Suddenly, Wu Zhiqi spotted Chi Songzi, and a fierce glint flashed in his eyes for a moment. Wukong quickly sent a message to Wang Yu to pull him aside and explain things. Moments later, the two returned with calm expressions, clearly having reached an understanding.
Wukong was delighted to see seven of the Eight Great Saints had arrived, with only the Golden-Winged Roc missing. Though he was happy, the Flower-Fruit Mountain was empty, leaving him unable to host a proper feast, which troubled him.
At that moment, Fuhai Jiao took out various items from his arms and placed them on the ground—countless fine wines and delicacies. Wukong laughed and said, “Brother Jiao, you’re really thoughtful; you haven’t forgotten any of this.”
The Bull Demon King laughed loudly and said, “It was all my idea. After being apart for so long and welcoming two new friends today, how could we go without wine?”
Yang Jian glanced at Hou Yi and Chi Songzi and asked, “These two have extraordinary presence. I wonder where they are from?”
Wukong looked at Hou Yi and Chi Songzi and, seeing no sign of objection, replied, “These two are ancient figures—Hou Yi and Chi Songzi.”
Yang Jian stood frozen for a while before saying, “Wukong, could it be we’re meeting in a dream?”
Wukong laughed and said, “There’s no such strange dream. What’s so extraordinary about them that it surprises you so?”
Yang Jian replied, “They are ancient gods. I heard they died long ago in the ancient battles between the Yan and Huang tribes. To see them again today, how can I not be shocked?”
Chi Songzi smiled and said, “That’s all nonsense. We were sealed away in seclusion, but something went wrong. Fortunately, Wukong broke the seal and saved us, which is why we haven’t appeared in the world for tens of thousands of years. Everyone here is Wukong’s brother, so there’s no need for ancient or formal titles—just call us by our names.”
Yang Jian bowed and said, “How dare I.”
At that moment, the Bull Demon King shouted, “Enough formalities! The food and wine in the Water Curtain Cave are already ready. Let’s go in!”
Everyone entered the Water Curtain Cave. Hou Yi and Chi Songzi, visiting for the first time, were amazed by what they saw. They sat together and drank heartily.
Jiuling Yuansheng and the others naturally asked where Wukong had been these years. Wukong simply said that Laojun had thrown him into a strange place, and it took him many twists and turns to escape.
Yang Jian asked, “Does Wukong intend to rebuild Flower Fruit Mountain and revive his demonic activities?”
Wukong replied, “Of course!”
Yang Jian knew that if Wukong rose up again, the Heavenly Court would surely attack him in its usual manner. But it was difficult to dissuade him, leaving him in a dilemma.
The Ox Demon King shouted, “Restoring my great sacred title and rebuilding Flower Fruit Mountain’s glory is only natural!”
The Dragon Demon King naturally agreed as well, while Jiuling Yuansheng just drank without saying a word.
Wukong thought that Flower Fruit Mountain must be rebuilt, but whether it should be large or small, with more or fewer people, and whether to show weakness or strength required further discussion.
Hou Yi and Dayu had long forgotten what wine tasted like. After not drinking for countless years, they drank eagerly with every cup, soon drenched in sweat—how could they still appear like ancient gods?
After drinking for a while, wind blew in from outside. It turned out to be Fengtong, who had returned from Guanjiangkou, bringing seventy or eighty leaders of Flower Fruit Mountain waiting outside. Wukong told everyone to drink slowly and went out to talk with the Four Marshals and the Seventy-Two Cave Demon Kings on the back mountain.
When everyone saw Wukong return, they were overjoyed. They raised their heads and roared, unable to stand still on the ground, jumping up and down. Wukong asked, “After that battle back then, I didn’t expect to be separated from you all for so many years. Have you been living well at Guanjiangkou?”
Marshal Ma replied, “Your Majesty, though foreign lands may be good, they can’t compare to home. Since we arrived there, our men have been longing for your return day and night.” The White Rhinoceros King hurriedly asked, “Now that Your Majesty has returned, do you intend to restore Flower Fruit Mountain’s former glory?”
Wukong said, “I called you here precisely to discuss this. I’ve asked the Seventy-Two Caves to select over ten thousand descendants who are good at flying and hiding. Is that difficult?”
Marshal Liu said, “Your Majesty, it’s very easy. Over these centuries, our people have continued to multiply. Now, there are two or three hundred at the Earthly Immortal level, no less than four or five thousand at the Divine Immortal level, and the rest, regardless of their depth of cultivation, are as numerous as hairs on an ox.”
Wukong said, “Good! You continue to live at Guanjiangkou and select ten thousand people to be at my disposal. The rest of your descendants should also gather together. In just a few days, I’ll arrange a good place for you.”
“Your Majesty, aren’t you returning to Flower Fruit Mountain?” several anxious demon kings asked.
“Be patient. The rise of our demon race is just around the corner. I called you here today to reassure my old followers in Flower Fruit Mountain—do not become impatient. Remember that?”
Hearing this, everyone’s spirits soared. In their hearts, Wukong was like a god. Since he said the demon race would rise, it must be true.
So it was agreed, and he bid farewell to Wukong, returning to Guanjiangkou in high spirits without further mention. After finishing this matter, Wukong went back to drink. Fuhai Jiao brought a hundred jars of fine wine, which were all drunk within just two hours; Houyi and Chisongzi alone consumed thirty or forty jars. After drinking, Erlang Shen realized that Wukong and his many brothers had been separated for a long time and had much to talk about, so he felt like an outsider there. Thus, he bid farewell to Wukong and asked him to come drink at Guanjiangkou in a few days. Once Erlang Shen left, everyone on Flower-Fruit Mountain indeed felt relieved, and their talk became much more unrestrained. Although they had no ill feelings toward Erlang Shen, he was after all the Emperor of Heaven’s nephew, so they were still somewhat cautious when discussing matters with him. Seeing Yang Jian go far away, Jiu Ling Yuan Sheng, who had remained silent until then, suddenly said, “Wukong, after going through so many hardships and now returning to the world, you must be full of ambition.” Wukong laughed and said, “Just ambition? How could there be talk of being full of ambition?” Fuhai Jiao replied, “What’s there to hesitate about? Now that we’re all gathered together, our strength is greater than before—this is the perfect time to take action.” Wukong asked, “Good. Brother Jiao, tell me, why do you want to take action?” Fuhai Jiao said, “I have a deep grudge against the Heavenly Court. Why ask? Of course, we must go to the Heavenly Court, seize their Lingxiao Palace, and only then can our hatred be satisfied.” Wukong nodded and then asked the Bull Demon King, “Second brother, what do you think?” The Bull Demon King replied, “If it’s as Fuhai Jiao says, then the rise of our demon race seems to depend on just one person—that’s not right. To achieve great things, one must have a broad vision. Gathering together for personal revenge makes us no different from ordinary bandits.” Wukong then asked Jiu Ling Yuan Sheng, “Elder brother, you’ve been keeping a low profile—surely you have a plan already?” Jiu Ling Yuan Sheng said, “In my humble opinion, rebuilding Flower-Fruit Mountain isn’t the way. What the second and fifth brothers said makes sense. But the Heavenly Court’s siege of Flower-Fruit Mountain is still fresh in my memory. It was only four hundred years ago—seemingly several dynasties in the human world, but just over a year in the heavens. If we take action today, the Heavenly Court might attack again tomorrow. Without certainty of victory over them, at best we’ll only reach a stalemate. Fighting back and forth, even if you and I are unharmed, our descendants will still lose their lives needlessly.” Wukong praised, “Elder brother is truly righteous!” The Bull Demon King said, “Wukong, you keep asking questions and praising others—tell us what you think.” Jiu Ling Yuan Sheng also said, “Wukong must have a thorough plan. For such a major matter, we can only come up with random ideas; it still depends on you to make the decision.” Wukong replied, “Elder brother, what are you saying? What you’ve said is already very kind. It’s just that the situation now is different from before.” “How is it different?” Jiu Ling Yuan Sheng asked.
Wukong said, “Previously, on Flower-Fruit Mountain, it was just the eight of us brothers who held things together. Though we weren’t weak or easy to mock, we were still far inferior to the Heavenly Court. Even back then, in front of the Hall of Brightness, I fainted as soon as Laojun stepped in. If he really went all out, I doubt even the eight of us could match him. The idea of Flower-Fruit Mountain standing against the Heavenly Court is nothing but a joke. Since we lack the strength to resist, why subject ourselves to humiliation?”
“Now, I have some excellent news for you all,” Wukong said, pointing at Hou Yi and Chi Songzi. “These two are ancient gods—Hou Yi and Chi Songzi. With their help, we’ll have a much better chance if the Heavenly Court attacks again.”
“Besides these two elders, there are a few others whose skills are no less formidable. But they’re currently occupied with other matters and will come here to see me within at most twenty years. Only then can we truly say we’re not afraid of the Heavenly Court!”
Hearing this, everyone became greatly inspired. If these ancient gods could rival Laojun, and if they were willing to help the demon race, it would indeed be a great fortune for them!
Jiuling Yuansheng said, “Since Wukong says so, it seems Flower-Fruit Mountain needs to be rebuilt.”
Wukong nodded. “It must be rebuilt!”
Fuhai Jiao shouted, “All these twists and turns still lead to the same result.”
Wukong replied, “Rebuilding is one thing, but it will still be just me in charge. As for you… hehe, go find another place.”
Most of them frowned upon hearing this. The Bull Demon King said, “What? We’re not needed anymore just because there are helpers?”
Wukong said, “Not at all! If I stay here alone and ask these two elders to lead you to build another mountain, whether our demon race can thrive depends on your abilities!”
“Why don’t you go?” Fuhai Jiao asked.
Wukong replied, “I have other important matters to attend to here. As you start building your cause, you must not make a fuss at first. It’s better to quietly strengthen your forces. I’ll stay here to deal with the Heavenly Court, drawing their attention and buying time—year after year. Do you understand?”
Jiuling Yuansheng and the Bull Demon King cried out together, “Wukong, don’t! Never put yourself in danger again!”
Wukong smiled. “It’s fine. I have another clever plan. No one will be able to capture me this time.” In truth, he had no such plan. He simply believed that since Buddha and Laojun had already intervened, they wouldn’t trouble him again. Having experienced many things in the three realms and greatly improved his skills, he thought it would be difficult for anyone in the Heavenly Court to subdue him.