Volume 4: The Revelation Revealed – Chapter 400: Observing Heaven and Earth

The Yin-Yang Divine Ape vanished without a trace, carrying with it a wisp of the essence of creation. Everyone on Ling Mountain and in Qitian Ridge was stunned, while Xuan Nu gazed upward in deep thought, lost in her own thoughts.
The Medicine Buddha, unable to seize Tang Seng, showed no sign of disappointment. The Eight Great Bodhisattvas descended from the clouds in silence, their whereabouts unknown. The Great Peng watched as the peacock moved back and forth like a puppet, heartbroken, and cried out in anguish, “Elder brother!” But the peacock acted as if it hadn’t heard, turning neither head nor looking back, before disappearing soon after.
The Great Peng stamped his foot, ready to chase after it, but Wukong grabbed his arm and said, “You won’t be able to catch up.” After thinking for a moment, the Great Peng realized that not only could he not catch up, but even if he did, what good would it be?
Suddenly, the Medicine Buddha said, “Sun Wukong, Tang Seng has already been taken away by Buddha Tathagata. Why don’t you convert to Buddhism now?”
Hearing the Medicine Buddha’s random nonsense, Wukong laughed and said, “Then let Buddha take me away too.”
The Medicine Buddha was speechless. He didn’t know who had taken Tang Seng and simply made things up, claiming it was Tathagata’s doing. Wukong was no match for Tang Seng—having effortlessly defeated the King of Treasure Pagodas, he already possessed the skills of a sage. Even on Ling Mountain, few could capture him.
The Eight Great Bodhisattvas were Tathagata’s last resort. The Medicine Buddha thought that with their mysterious powers, they could obtain the essence of creation from Tang Seng. But just when they were about to succeed, mysterious forces disrupted their plans. This outing had ended up costing them more than it was worth. As for Wukong, they would have to deal with him later.
The Medicine Buddha said, “Buddha has a compassionate heart. One day, you will achieve sudden enlightenment.”
Wukong replied, “Good. When that day comes, I will surely crush Ling Mountain.”
The Medicine Buddha left with the people of Ling Mountain. Those in Qitian Ridge finally breathed a sigh of relief. There had been several conflicts before, but none as dangerous as this. Ling Mountain’s strength was indeed immense, beyond Qitian Ridge’s reach.
Xuan Nu waved her hand and said coldly, “Return all to Qitian Ridge!”
Though dressed as a Taoist nun, her stern tone carried an irresistible authority. Wukong nodded at everyone, signaling them to follow Xuan Nu’s orders. Xuan Nu took Wukong up into the sky, and Di Ting followed closely behind, awaiting Ksitigarbha’s instructions.
Xuan Nu’s intentions were clear—Qitian Ridge had played a crucial role in ruining Tathagata’s plans. But if Tathagata really decided to retaliate, Qitian Ridge would find it difficult to cope. The simplest strategy was to unite all their forces to prevent being defeated one by one.
Seeing Xuan Nu and the others ascend to the sky, the Bull Demon King asked softly, “Who is she?” The Great Peng replied, “She is the Western Vairocana Bodhisattva.” The Bull Demon King asked again, “A Bodhisattva? She’s part of Tathagata’s group. Why would she help us?”

Dapeng said, “The West is not entirely under Buddha’s control. If you don’t understand, don’t ask.”
The Bull Demon King exclaimed in admiration, “She’s truly formidable. If I had such abilities, I’d head straight to the Spirit Mountain.”
Dayu and Zhu Rong exchanged glances, filled with doubt. How could there be such a powerful Bodhisattva in the West? Though they had already attained sainthood, they still couldn’t gauge this nun’s true strength—they couldn’t even see clearly when she acted. Were there any other women in the world so powerful?
The group returned to Shitaoling to pack up and leave that cave dwelling, then set off grandly for Qitianling. Only Chi Songzi was stationed there, and fortunately, everything was safe. It seemed Buddha never had his sights on Qitianling but was instead focused on those Divine Apes of Creation.
In the Jade Pure Palace, the Three Pure Ones sat together, silently observing the battles below without saying a word.
When Xuan Nu took action, Laojun finally changed color and sighed, “After years apart, she’s already reached the realm of cosmic unity.” Yuan Shi smiled and shook his head, saying, “That’s not the case. The divine powers refined from creation naturally surpass creation itself.”
Laojun and the Spirit Treasure Taoist exchanged bitter smiles. Though they had practiced hard for years, they were not part of the creation lineage. They only vaguely understood what Yuan Shi meant, sighing inwardly that they lacked such fortune.
Yuan Shi said, “Creation plays tricks on people. Gaining it isn’t a blessing, losing it isn’t a disaster—why sigh?”
At that moment, Xuan Nu shattered the Medicine Buddha’s body with another palm strike. The Spirit Treasure Taoist said, “This palm strike is on par with my senior brother’s.”
Soon, the situation changed dramatically as eight great Bodhisattvas appeared to seize control. Laojun and the Spirit Treasure Taoist found this quite unusual, but Yuan Shi exclaimed, “What kind of magic is this?”
At that instant, the Jade Pure Palace shook violently. The three of them cried out in unison, “Kunpeng!”
When Kunpeng stepped in, there was no longer any doubt. Tang Seng’s body was carried away by Kunpeng, and the great battle came to an end.
Laojun wondered, “Kunpeng once said he wouldn’t get involved in the conflicts of this world. Why did he intervene now to take the Yin-Yang Divine Apes?”
Yuan Shi also didn’t understand and shook his head repeatedly before falling into deep thought.
At that moment, Xuan Nu came in with Wukong and Jizang Diting. Seeing Xuan Nu’s solemn expression, Yuan Shi asked, “How did it go?”
Xuan Nu asked directly, “Why did Kunpeng take Tang Seng?”
Yuan Shi replied, “We were just discussing it.”
Wukong thought for a moment and said, “Would Kunpeng break his word?”
“Oh?” Sensing depth in Wukong’s words, Xuan Nu asked, “Tell me more in detail.”
Wukong knew that most people in this world, whether mortals or immortals, were constrained by the laws of heaven and earth and dared not think boldly about matters beyond them. So he said, “Kunpeng once said he wouldn’t get involved in worldly affairs, but since he intervened today, there’s only one answer.”

Everyone racked their brains, and finally, Xuan Nu was the first to speak: “Are you saying that what happened today has gone beyond this world?”
Wukong nodded firmly and said, “There is no other explanation.”
King Ksitigarbha asked, “Beyond the heavens? No one can reach the heavens—how can there be anything beyond them?”
Wukong asked, “Why does the Tathagata want to seize the essence of Pangu’s creation?”
King Ksitigarbha naturally shook his head, and Wukong continued, “In my opinion, his goals are certainly not limited to this world.”
Yuan Shi asked, “What makes you so sure?”
Wukong replied, “In this world, apart from the essence of creation, there is nothing worth his interest. If he wanted to become the king of the world, he could have achieved it easily in the previous cycle. Even if he faced a crisis, he would have ways to escape. Over and over again, who could stand against him? The Three Pure Ones and Xuan Nu—without the Tathagata’s help, how could they have survived to this day?”
Everything Wukong said was true, and everyone had no choice but to agree. Laojun asked, “I’m still wondering why the Tathagata brought us here back then. If he had kept the Creation Furnace to himself, wouldn’t he have faced many fewer obstacles now?”
Wukong smiled and said, “Saying that might be a bit hurtful, but it must be said. The reason the Tathagata brought you four through that cycle was simply two words—borrowing strength! In other words, he was confident enough that you four wouldn’t ruin his plans.”
Xuan Nu said, “The Three Pure Ones might be an exception, but I’ve never helped him since that cycle. The idea of borrowing strength doesn’t sit well with me.”
Wukong asked, “Why did Xuan Nu take Wang Yu as her disciple back then?”
Xuan Nu was taken aback and said, “Why ask that? I simply felt pity for the poor divine ape.”
Wukong replied, “That’s exactly it. By getting involved in matters of creation, he may have given the Tathagata an opportunity.”
Yuan Shi asked, “Do you mean the Tathagata wants to use everyone’s strength to stir up this still pool of creation?”
Wukong said, “It’s just a guess. I doubt the Tathagata even realized that his actions have already displeased Pangu and the Kunpeng. The senses of creation—sight, sound, judgment—are major variables. And the realm within the Kunpeng’s belly, which protects ancient beings, is also a foreshadowing from his early days.”
Yuan Shi nodded then shook his head and said, “I still can’t figure out what ability the Tathagata has to stand against Pangu and the Kunpeng.”
Wukong replied, “If the Tathagata had no backing, how would he dare to touch Pangu’s essence of creation? He’s always been resourceful and decisive; surely he has something to rely on.”
Xuan Nu said, “What Wukong says makes sense. By provoking the Kunpeng today, it’s possible the Tathagata anticipated this move. But having lost the Yin and Yang divine apes, in the end, it’s still him who has lost.”
Yuan Shi said, “Pangu’s essence of creation has gradually calmed down. It will be extremely difficult to bring it out again.”

Upon hearing Yuan Shi’s words, Wukong felt a sense of loss; his journey to the West had come to an end. Yet he never imagined that events would unfold far beyond his expectations. The grand plan laid out by Tathagata over many years was about to be undone. But since this matter had even drawn in the Kunpeng, it was hard to simply judge success or failure.

Laojun said, “Now that this is settled, there will likely be rare peace in the world.”

Xuan Nu shook her head and said, “Today’s events have had far-reaching consequences. Right now, the Spirit Mountain must be in chaos!”

Yuan Shi smiled and said, “You’re also a bodhisattva of the Spirit Mountain. Won’t you go back and take a look?”

Xuan Nu replied, “That’s exactly what I intend to do!” She turned to Wukong and asked, “Do you dare to come with me?”

Although Wukong didn’t know why Xuan Nu wanted him to go, he said, “Why not?”

Xuan Nu laughed and said, “You’re truly fearless. Tathagata is trying to capture you right now. Even if you dare to go, you must not show yourself.”

Wukong replied, “I’ll follow Xuan Nu’s lead.”

Xuan Nu said, “Let’s go!” Without saying goodbye to the Three Pure Ones or Ksitigarbha, she took Wukong and flew out of the Jade Pure Palace.

Lingbao Daozun said, “Xuan Nu acts the same toward everyone else, but she’s especially kind to Wukong. It’s quite strange.” Yuan Shi sighed and said, “Oh, the wise divine ape!” He only sighed once and said nothing more.

Xuan Nu led Wukong out of the Jade Pure Palace. Instead of heading west, they flew upward.

Wukong asked, “Where are we going, Xuan Nu?”

Xuan Nu replied, “After attaining sainthood, I must come to the heavens to take a look.” Knowing there must be some mystery in the heavens, Wukong followed her upward.

The strong winds at the sky’s apex remained, but Wukong’s cultivation had improved greatly, allowing him to fly much higher than before.

When he finally couldn’t hold on any longer, Xuan Nu said, “This is the place.”

Wukong asked, “What do we do next?”

Xuan Nu smiled and said, “Look. What can you see in this sky, this land?”

Wukong used the secrets of the Mysterious Sky technique to look up. He saw a white sun hanging in the sky, just as it appeared on earth—nothing unusual.

Xuan Nu said, “Look around as well.”

Wukong did as she asked and said, “It’s still sky all around. Nothing special.”

Xuan Nu seemed slightly disappointed and said, “If so, it’s because your cultivation isn’t enough. Look down at the earth. Do you see anything?”

Wukong laughed and asked, “Xuan Nu must be able to see much farther than I can. Why do you still want me to look?”

Xuan Nu replied, “For the same thing, what everyone sees differs. Let alone the heavens and earth? What we see may not be the same.”

Wukong casually glanced down at the earth, and he was shocked beyond measure. He remembered seeing the book *The Canon of Instruments* in the Hall of Burning Lamp’s Fixed Light back then. He had been deeply impressed by the Pangu Axe, feeling as though he had seen it somewhere before.

Becoming holy today and rising to great heights, only then could I see clearly—it was indeed the Pangu Axe I had seen before!