Volume 3: A Long Journey, Chapter 218: Secrets of the South Sea

Heading southeast from Xiniuhuo Continent, passing through a corner of Yannanbu Continent, one reaches the territory of the South Sea.
The South Sea is vast beyond measure. Lu Tong’s cultivation level was not high; despite running at full speed for half an hour, he had not even covered half of its distance. As the name suggests, the Southern Pole Immortal resided at the extreme end of the South Sea.
Here, the ocean stretched endlessly, its waters reaching the heavens. Layers of auspicious light and mist rose, creating a magnificent and splendid scene that seemed to envelop the entire universe. Purple aura flowed from the east, illuminating the mountains and rivers, evoking a sense of awe and reverence in those who witnessed it.
On the sea surface, thousands of layers of snow-like waves roared toward the sky, while endless waves surged through the day. The water crashed everywhere like thunder, and the waves rolled around with the sound of lightning—truly unlike any other sea waters.
It is said that in ancient times, Gonggong struck Buzhou Mountain, causing the northwest part of the sky to collapse. Since then, rivers across the world have flowed from northwest to southeast, and so has the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Thus, the southeastern region gradually became a land blessed with outstanding people and natural wonders.
As they continued on, Lu Tong’s speed slowed down. Wukong glanced into the distance and saw an old man riding a white deer, leisurely approaching Lu Tong.
Wukong thought, “This old fellow is truly cunning, coming out to meet us halfway.” Unbeknownst to him, it was actually the Southern Pole Immortal, worried, who had left his Purple Palace to accompany Lu Tong for a while.
Wukong knew that the Southern Pole Immortal could rank among the Six Emperors, meaning his abilities were likely no less than those of the Heavenly Lord of Saving Sufferers or the God of Gouchen. He quickly told Fengtong to stop, and the two watched from a distance.
The Southern Pole Immortal was extremely cautious. Upon seeing Lu Tong, he said in a deep voice, “Return to the island first.” After sending Lu Tong away, he did not stop but continued circling in the sky. Knowing that Lu Tong’s cultivation was low, he feared that someone might target him and cause trouble at his Purple Palace on Changzhou Island, so he stayed to keep an eye on things.
Wukong cursed inwardly. This old man, known as the Emperor of Immortality, truly lived up to his name—so cautious that it was no wonder he had lived so long. After witnessing the Transformation Furnace taking bodies twice and recalling how the white deer in “Journey to the West” was sent by its master to steal a child’s heart, Wukong felt an indescribable aversion toward the Southern Pole Immortal. Seeing his bald head, he felt the urge to strike him with a stick.
As the Southern Pole Immortal circled twice and headed toward Wukong and Fengtong, Wukong quietly took out his Ruyi Tianji Stick, ready to strike him as soon as he got close, regardless of the consequences.
But when the Southern Pole Immortal approached, he suddenly patted the white deer’s head and stopped about a mile away from Wukong. His expression changed, and he shouted into the air, “Who dares to invade my South Sea? Show yourself!”

Wukong and Fengtong were both shocked. They thought their concealment skills were flawless, yet the Southern Pole Immortal had seen through their deception. Since he had already warned them, it would be ungenerous not to reveal himself now.

When the two appeared, the Southern Pole Immortal recognized them and immediately changed his expression, wearing a smile as he said, “Emperor Zhuanxu, and this one… the Demon King of Qitianling. I didn’t expect to meet you again so soon.”

Wukong knew the Southern Pole Immortal’s smile hid danger, so he said, “Great Emperor of Eternal Life of the Southern Pole, what remarkable skill! I thought I had no flaws at all. How did you discover them?”

The Southern Pole Immortal laughed and said, “Oh, no, it was just a test with words.” Wukong thought to himself, How could such a thing happen? Why test us instead of someone else? But since he wouldn’t explain, asking further was pointless. In truth, the Southern Pole Immortal feared death the most. He had long sought the art of immortality, making him far more sensitive to life-threatening situations than ordinary people. As he approached Wukong and the others, a strong sense of crisis arose in him, prompting him to ask. How could he reveal such a vital survival technique to others?

Wukong said, “It’s fine if you don’t say. But I must ask you—why did you ask Lu Tong to collect the essence from corpses?”

The Southern Pole Immortal shuddered inwardly. Zhuanxu actually knew that Lu Tong was collecting essence! Essence was intangible and formless, and he had only discovered this method by chance. Yet Zhuanxu had figured it out in just a few words. The Southern Pole Immortal laughed loudly and said, “What essence? What are you talking about, Emperor?”

Wukong sneered, “Good. Since you won’t speak, I’ll spread the news everywhere about you imitating the Essence Furnace!”

At these words, the Southern Pole Immortal was even more shocked. He even knew about the Essence Furnace? There was only one Essence Furnace in the world, kept by the Queen Mother in the Thirty-Six Heavens. If the Jade Emperor found out he was imitating it to collect essence from corpses, he would never be safe. As he thought this, murderous intent arose in his heart.

Seeing the Southern Pole Immortal silent and pensive, Wukong naturally understood his intentions. He then shouted, “You disregard living beings—you deserve death!” And he swung his iron staff at him. Fengtong disappeared quietly, already gripping his knife tightly. He knew Wukong’s staff was powerful and suitable for direct confrontation, while he preferred to launch ambush attacks. Even if he failed, it would at least make the Southern Pole Immortal hesitant and unable to act freely.

As Wukong’s Ruyi Tianji Staff descended, seeing the Southern Pole Immortal’s fearless expression, he thought, Could it be you still dare to meet it head-on?

The Old Man of the South Pole pushed his jade pigeon-tipped staff upward, and from the pigeon’s beak sprouted strands of green vines, which quickly formed a dense net. The vines were extremely tough; when Wukong struck them with his iron rod, it was bounced back. The Old Man of the South Pole was also pushed downward by the strike, but thanks to his profound cultivation and the cushioning effect of the vines, he managed to withstand it. However, his white deer could not endure it. Its back sank, and with a soft crack, an unknown bone broke as blood gushed from its mouth and disappeared into the blue waves below.

After this exchange, both were shocked. The Old Man of the South Pole had not expected Wukong’s iron rod to be so heavy; his aged body could likely not withstand many such blows. For Wukong, too, it was the first time he had encountered someone who could take a direct hit without injury since obtaining his Tianji Rod. Even if the Old Man of the South Pole had used some tricks, they still demonstrated great supernatural power.

Wukong’s hands ached from the impact, but his fighting spirit grew even stronger. With a loud laugh, he said, “Take another strike from this Great Emperor!”

By now, the Old Man of the South Pole had descended from his white deer and stood in the clouds, concentrating. The white deer, terrified by the strike, tried desperately to cast spells to stay far away, fearing the deadly iron rod would affect it. But before it could stabilize itself, a green long sword appeared silently. Like something emerging out of thin air, the deer didn’t even have time to dodge before its head was severed. Fengtong laughed heartily, appeared, stretched out his ape-like arms, and picked up the deer’s head, saying, “This is quite a fine item.”

Although his mount was killed, the Old Man of the South Pole remained calm, as if everything was within his expectations. He glanced at Fengtong and said, “What a fine sword!”

Fengtong replied, “Its name is Miao Dao—it’s meant to kill those who deceive the world under false pretenses!”

The Old Man of the South Pole chuckled, “A fine sword, a fine rod, a fine life, great fortune… It’s a shame they’ll all be lost today.” His expression suddenly turned solemn as he murmured something, causing his jade pigeon-tipped staff to tremble slightly.

Wukong realized the Old Man of the South Pole was about to use some extraordinary power and shouted, “Be careful!”

Fengtong leaped over and stood beside Wukong to guard against the Old Man’s cunning attacks.

The blue color in the air grew denser, and the two dared not move rashly. They watched as the blue color solidified into thin strands, which then grew rapidly into thick green vines. The vines covered everything, enveloping the two of them.

Wukong joked, “It seems this old fellow used to be a weaver.”

Fengtong said seriously, “Don’t underestimate it. This formation may seem ordinary, but it’s actually full of mysteries.”

Wukong let out an “uh” realization—he had unknowingly entered the Old Man of the South Pole’s trap.

Only to hear the sinister voice of the Southern Pole Immortal from outside the formation: “Enter my Qingqiu Ghost Vine Formation, and not even a Taiyi Golden Immortal can escape.”
Tongfeng frowned. He had heard Yuan Shi mention the name of the Qingqiu Ghost Vine Formation before, but due to its extreme cruelty, he had only briefly touched on it. To set up this formation, one needed to nourish the vines with human blood, and it was unclear how many lives would be sacrificed to complete it.
Seeing Tongfeng’s expression, Wukong asked, “What’s so formidable about this formation?”
Tongfeng replied, “The Qingqiu Ghost Vine Formation is an ancient formation designed for trapping and killing. However, since it belongs to the wood element, it shouldn’t immediately end our lives. We just need to find a way to escape.”
Hearing it was a wood-element formation, Wukong felt relieved. He had learned quite a bit about wood-element magic, and Tongfeng was even more skilled than him. The Southern Pole Immortal’s formation was likely a waste of effort.
Tongfeng concentrated for a moment before saying, “The formation is moving. I wonder where this old man intends to move it.”
Wukong said, “That’s not good. It probably isn’t a safe place. We’d better break the formation quickly.” With that, he transformed his Ruyi Tianji Staff into a sharp axe and slashed at the green vines ahead. In a flash, the vines were cut apart, but the two severed pieces twisted in the air like serpents before rejoining. Wukong swung the axe several more times, with the same result.
Tongfeng said, “Since he is the Eternal Life Emperor, these vines, just like his name, keep growing endlessly. Moreover, the ghost vines have a sentient nature—cutting them won’t work.”
Seeing traces of blood at the cut ends of the vines, Wukong naturally asked about it. Tongfeng replied, “The ghost vines grow by nourishing on human blood. Inside, they resemble blood vessels and meridians, so there’s naturally blood.”
Wukong cursed, “That old scoundrel! I’ll go out and grind his bones to dust!”
Tongfeng remained silent, sitting cross-legged as he pondered the intricacies of the formation.
After a long while, he stood up and said, “Follow me.”
Tongfeng pushed aside the ghost vines and squeezed through the gaps, gradually clearing a path.
Wukong followed behind. The ghost vines were densely spread out. What seemed like a path was actually just squeezing through the gaps between them. Only upon touching them did Wukong realize how strange they were—slippery and uncomfortable against the skin. Remembering the blood in the vines, he felt nauseous, but to escape the formation, he had no choice but to push aside the vines layer by layer and climb through.
The formation was designed for killing, and occasionally, wood-element magic would emanate from it, but since both of them were well-versed in wood-element powers, they managed to get through unharmed.
Tongfeng said, “Fortunately, the formation isn’t difficult. All five-element formations have patterns to follow. The most difficult formations in the world actually aren’t among the five elements.”
Wukong asked, “Then what kind of formations are those?”
Tongfeng replied, “The formations of heaven and earth, yin and yang, and Taiji and Wuji are the most difficult. Hopefully, we won’t encounter them in this lifetime.”

After a difficult half hour of progress, they pushed aside the last layer of vines and leaped onto a slightly larger area, sighing in relief. “It should be right,” they said.
After walking for so long, they no longer had to struggle through the vines and found themselves in a blue-colored passage.
Fengtong said, “Follow this passage to exit the formation. But since the formation just moved, there’s likely another formation outside—this is a common tactic used by masters of formations.”
Wukong replied, “Anyway, we must get out.”
There were no traps in this passage, so the two used their swift movements to fly forward and soon saw an exit.
Wukong laughed, “This formation isn’t hard at all.” Fengtong gave him a disdainful look and said, “It took me ten years of effort to figure this out.” Wukong stuck out his tongue and fell silent.
The exit was quite strange—a dark blue water curtain blocked the way, and the water, somehow held back by some force, did not enter the formation.
Fengtong wondered, “Could it be that the formation has been moved underwater?”
Wukong said, “What trick is this old fellow playing? Of all the waters in the world, none is more ferocious than the Sea Eye of the Northern Sea. What can it do to me?”
Fengtong replied, “Don’t boast. Let’s go outside and see.”
This time, Wukong went first and used his water-control powers to clear the water curtain.
Inside and outside the formation were vastly different. As soon as they took a step forward, a cool breeze hit them. Wukong used his water-control powers to push aside the seawater and realized the place was extremely deep—likely the seabed of the Southern Sea. Without their powerful abilities, it would have been nearly impossible to see anything.
Fengtong said from behind, “There’s no formation here.” Though Wukong had escaped the formation’s constraints, he still felt something was off. Given the Southern Immortal’s character, there must be a trick up his sleeve. He wondered, “Is that it? We’re already out?”
Fengtong replied, “We’re indeed out. If there were even the slightest trace of a formation, I wouldn’t miss it—unless…”
“Unless what?” Wukong asked.
“Unless this place is a separate realm,” Fengtong said worriedly.
Wukong replied, “The Southern Immortal probably doesn’t have such power. If he did, he would have captured us long ago.”
The two proceeded cautiously. After walking a short distance, Fengtong said, “What’s glowing over there on the left?” Wukong glanced to the left and indeed saw a light shining through the dark seawater. He laughed and said, “Could it be that this old fellow has prepared treasures to bribe us?”
The two swam toward the light. Though it seemed close, it was actually dozens of miles away. There stood a magnificent, splendid palace on the seabed. Its grandeur and beauty were even surpassing those of the Crystal Palace.
Wukong was greatly astonished upon seeing the palace.

The precious pearl hanging on the palace gate was exactly the same as the luminous wall he had seen in the Crystal Palace of the Eastern Sea. He mistook it for the Dragon Palace of the Southern Sea. Upon looking at the three characters on the plaque above the gate, they clearly read—“Zi Zai Palace.”

Wukong suddenly remembered that the Little White Dragon had once said there were only four such luminous walls in the world, distributed by the Jade Emperor across the four seas. The three in the Eastern, Southern, and Northern Seas were undoubtedly hung in their respective crystal palaces. Therefore, this luminous wall must belong to the Crystal Palace of the Western Sea. If that was the case, then the story the Little White Dragon told about a fire destroying a luminous pearl was completely fictional.

On the day Guanyin subdued the Little White Dragon, the pearl taken from its neck had the same luster as this one. Could it be that Zi Zai Palace was actually the dwelling place of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion?

Didn’t Guanyin Bodhisattva reside on Mount Putuo Luojia in the Southern Sea? How could she have built a palace even underwater? Wukong recalled Laojun saying that Guanyin wasn’t entirely devoted to Buddhism and might well have ambitions to carve out her own territory. Seeing this palace, he began to believe it to some extent.

It was no coincidence that the Elder of the Southern Pole had set up his formation here. It was highly likely he shared some secret deal with Guanyin. Both of them had lived in the Southern Sea for a long time and were neither easy to deal with, so it made sense for them to collude.

Thinking of this, Wukong’s heart sank. If the Elder of the Southern Pole and Guanyin joined forces, he feared he wouldn’t be so lucky today.