Volume 4: The Revelation Revealed Chapter 406: The Extreme of Fire

The female demon hugged men on both sides, her gaze filled with lustful flames. Her movements were extremely skilled; in no time, she had stripped the two beautifully dressed youths naked. Unwilling to witness such filth, Wukong shouted, “Monster! How dare you harm people!”

The female demon was shocked. Her hidden lair was so secret—how could anyone find it? Ignoring the two youths, she drew her twin swords and went to confront Wukong. Naturally unafraid of her, Wukong revealed his true form and sneered at her.

Upon seeing Wukong’s appearance, her first words were, “You are Sun Wukong. Where is Tang Seng?”

It wasn’t surprising that this rat demon could recognize Wukong. Since she had resolved to capture Tang Seng, she must have gathered some information beforehand. Wukong thought to himself that she clearly didn’t know Tang Seng had already died and was still waiting here in vain.

Wukong wasted no time talking with her. “You bring disaster upon living beings—your crime is unforgivable.” With that, he swung his staff downward. He didn’t even use 30% of his strength, assuming the rat demon couldn’t dodge it. Yet, the rat demon quickly turned and vanished into thin air. Wukong’s staff struck something—only to find it was an embroidered shoe.

Stunned, Wukong realized the escape technique used by the rat demon was somewhat similar to the “Transformation through Embryo” technique taught to him by Ran Deng. He understood now why the Monkey King in Journey to the West found it hard to kill the rat demon. This “Transformation through Embryo” was one of the 36 transformations of the Heavenly Gang, not meant to defeat enemies but useful for escaping in battle.

Yet if it could deceive the Monkey King, how could it fool Wukong now? Wukong glanced around and saw the rat demon fleeing southward underground. He quickly chased after her and captured her in an instant.

The golden-furred rat demon originated from the earth, and few could match her underground escape skills. But she encountered a sage who understood the five elements—how could she escape?

Wukong held the rat demon down and demanded, “Where did you learn your ‘Transformation through Embryo’?” Fear flashed across her face, but seeing no intent to kill, she replied confusedly, “What transformation? My technique is called the Illusion Body Technique.”

Wukong said, “Fine, it’s the Illusion Body Technique. Who taught you?”

The rat demon blinked and said, “I… I figured it out on my own.”

Wukong smiled. “It doesn’t matter. Then I’ll kill you.” Though he spoke smilingly, his gaze was icy, treating the rat demon as worthless. The rat demon shuddered—how could she bear the wrath of a sage?

So she said, “I learned it… in the Dingguang Hall on Ling Mountain.”

Dingguang Hall? Isn’t that the main hall of the Ancient Buddha Ran Deng? If Ran Deng didn’t allow it, how could the rat spirit enter Dingguang Hall? Wukong asked, “Why did you deceive me just now?”
The rat spirit replied, “I knew you were protecting the sacred monk of the Tang Dynasty on his quest for scriptures; sooner or later, you would become one of the people on Spirit Mountain. If you reported me, wouldn’t that harm me?”
Wukong asked, “To whom would I report you?”
The rat spirit remained silent, lost in thought. Wukong continued, “Who sent you here? Do you intend to harm Tang Seng?”
A flash of fear crossed the rat spirit’s face as she saw Wukong’s eyes shining with an otherworldly light, as if he could see through her heart. She dared not lie anymore and said, “I’ll just tell you. It was Venerable Bai Xiong from the Western Heaven who told me to do this.”
Venerable Bai Xiong? After thinking for a while, Wukong remembered that he was one of Ran Deng’s disciples. In “Journey to the West,” it was Ran Deng who sent him to expose the truth about Buddha’s wordless scripture. It seemed the rat spirit was indeed sent by Ran Deng to steal Tang Seng’s vital energy. But since Ran Deng couldn’t appear in person, he had Venerable Bai Xiong handle the matter—this explained everything.
Thinking further about what happened to the rat spirit later, she met Lord Li Tianwang and Nezha without resisting and was captured by them. Back then, it was Buddha who ordered Li Jing and Nezha to capture her after she stole incense and candles. Wukong wasn’t surprised that Buddha could control Li Jing and Nezha—after all, Buddha must have won over many people in the Heavenly Court. The pagoda in Li Jing’s hands was given by Buddha, and Nezha’s physical form was created by Buddha. With Buddha’s command, how could they dare not obey?
When the rat spirit was captured by Li Jing, it was essentially the same as being captured by Buddha. In “Journey to the West,” in terms of success or failure, Ran Deng’s plan was ultimately thwarted by Buddha.
But this world was very different from that time. Once Tang Seng died, everything vanished like smoke. No matter how long the rat spirit waited for ten thousand years, she would never see Tang Seng returning from his quest. And that Jade Rabbit spirit, Sister Egg Two, was still somewhere waiting.
Realizing this, Wukong grabbed the rat spirit, flew out of the ground, and headed straight for Qitian Ridge. There were many stories ahead on the westward journey, but it made no sense to investigate them now. He had an important task ahead: to refine the Heavenly Secret Staff.
The rat spirit was trapped in the air by Wukong, unable to move. She was terrified. It was said that Sun Wukong was only at the level of a Taiyi Golden Immortal, but right now, she saw that every move he made seemed like a mirage—his powers were truly unfathomable. She secretly rejoiced that she hadn’t spoken carelessly; otherwise, she might already be dead.
Upon arriving at Qitian Ridge, Wukong threw the rat spirit on the ground and said to the Golden-winged Roc, “I’ve captured a rat spirit. Leave her here on the ridge; don’t let her escape.”

The roc glanced sideways at the rat spirit, who rolled her eyes and fainted. It turned out that birds like eagles and rocs were natural enemies of rats; with just one glance from the roc, her true form was revealed—her entire body covered in shining golden fur.
Wukong laughed, “Perfect for you to keep an eye on her.”
The roc said, “You have nothing else to do. Why capture her?”
Wukong replied, “That’s hard to explain in a few words. Are the Three Lords of Metal, Wood, and Fire in the mountains?”
The roc laughed, “Since that last battle, they’ve all gone into seclusion to practice.”
Wukong asked, “Why haven’t you gone?”
The roc laughed, “I can’t do seclusion. Today I’ve challenged the Old Ox to a fight, but he’s being lazy and won’t come out.”
From afar, the Ox Demon King shouted, “Tch! Who’s mocking me behind my back?”
The roc and Wukong waved their hands and said, “Go find them by yourself. I need to defeat the Old Ox today!”
Unfazed by how they fought, Wukong used his secret technique to search the mountains. As the roc had said, the three of them had each found a secluded cave and were meditating there in peace.
Wukong disapproved of such a way of practicing, but since his own path was straightforward, he had to admit that although slow, it was extremely solid—especially when great spiritual power was being cultivated, which required meditation.
After suffering heavy losses in the battles at the Spirit Mountain and Lion Camel Ridge, Zhu Rong was filled with resentment. With so many talented beings among the Buddhas on the Spirit Mountain, she naturally couldn’t accept it. Though she preferred action over stillness, to advance further, she had no choice but to use this clumsy method.
Inside the cave, flames roared as Zhu Rong sat with closed eyes in the fire. Her handsome appearance contrasted beautifully with the dancing flames, creating a stunning sight. Without greeting her, Wukong flew straight into the cave. Zhu Rong threw a ball of green flame at him, but Wukong swallowed it with a laugh and said, “Sis, you still need to give me a welcome gift.”
Seeing it was Wukong, Zhu Rong snapped, “You reckless fool! Aren’t you afraid of disturbing my meditation?” Wukong replied, “Even if you’re an expert at playing with fire, how could you go astray?”
Zhu Rong put out the flames and asked, “What brings you here?”
Wukong handed her the rare treasures he had gathered from underground, saying, “I came from underground and picked up some interesting little things to decorate your cave.”
Women loved dazzling treasures above all else, and Zhu Rong was no exception. She said cheerfully, “You’re thoughtful. But I can’t accept gifts without earning them. Do you have a request of mine? Just say it.”
Wukong said, “Sis, you’re really smart. I need your help to refine the Heavenly Fate Rod once more.”

“Oh?” Zhu Rong frowned and said, “I gave it my all last time I tried to refine it. No matter how many times I do it, it won’t be any better. Don’t you trust me?” Wukong replied, “Sis, you misunderstand. It’s not that you didn’t do a good job—it’s that the method used last time was actually unsophisticated. I’ve come up with a new method. This time, when we refine it again, the Tianji Stick will surely shine brilliantly!”
Zhu Rong said, “Oh? Tell me about it.”
Wukong didn’t speak. Instead, he took out the Extreme Fire of the Five Elements from his arms. Holding the crimson square stone in his hand, he felt a warm sensation. He thought to himself, How many people could know that this is the Heart of Pangu?
Upon seeing the stone, Zhu Rong’s eyes widened instantly. Ignoring all propriety, she reached out to snatch it. Wukong quickly pulled it back and asked, “What are you doing?”
Zhu Rong said dreamily, “This is… the Extreme Fire. Where did you get it?”
Wukong was surprised. “How do you know?”
Zhu Rong didn’t answer. She remained stunned for a while until Wukong put the red square stone back in his arms. Then she regained her composure, her face glowing with excitement. “Heavens! You actually obtained the Extreme Fire. Could you give me a piece?”
Wukong smiled and said, “Sis, I plan to use the Extreme Fire to refine the Tianji Stick. What do you think?”
Zhu Rong was taken aback. “The Extreme Fire is extremely beneficial for cultivating fire-based powers. For me, it’s the most precious thing in the world. How could I bear to use it to refine a magical weapon? This method… I’ve never heard of it before. You must be careful.”
This method was taught to Wukong by the Lamp-Burning Sect. Since even Pangu hadn’t denied it, it must be flawless. Wukong said, “It’s foolproof. Sis, don’t worry.”
Zhu Rong lowered her eyelids and said, “If you use all of it, then it will be gone.”
Wukong asked, “I don’t know how much you need. If we use less, it shouldn’t matter.”
Zhu Rong replied, “An inch square will be more than enough for me. The power of the Extreme Fire can help me comprehend the primal fire. If I still can’t understand it with that much, more won’t help.”
Wukong weighed it over. An inch square was only one-tenth of the stone. Since so little was needed to refine the Tianji Stick, he resolved to give Zhu Rong a piece.
After thinking for a moment, Zhu Rong suddenly exclaimed in delight, “By the way, you said earlier that you wanted me to help you refine it, right?”
Wukong confirmed, “That’s right. What’s the matter?”
Zhu Rong said happily, “If that’s the case, then I don’t need it. During the refinement, the power of the Extreme Fire will naturally pass through my body. I just need to take a little bit from it.”
Wukong was speechless. Zhu Rong really didn’t treat him as an outsider. If it were someone else, even if they had such an idea, they wouldn’t say it outright. But this was better. Otherwise, if Zhu Rong really asked for it, he would find it hard to refuse.