Volume 1: Unsayable – Chapter 88: The Scattering of Birds and Beasts

Wukong declared firmly, “Wuzhi, Wang Yu, and Fengtong, you three should direct the four great marshals and all the demon kings to swiftly relocate everyone from the Lion and Tiger Caves to Guanjiangkou in Dongsheng Divine Continent. Search only for that man named Yang Jian, and tell him it was I who ordered you to do this. There, there’s a continuous mountain range that can accommodate all of them. Before taking action, greet the demons in the mountains; let those who wish to follow do so, and don’t stop those who want to leave on their own. Not a single person is allowed to stay on Flower-Fruit Mountain—those who remain here will surely die!”

Although Wukong had once fought against Yang Jian, he knew Yang Jian was nothing like the celestial beings. Yang Jian had a special status and a reclusive nature, and it was rare that he could become friends with Wukong. His words carried an implicit trust in Yang Jian, assuming that since he understood the hardships of being a demon, he would surely take good care of everyone.

Wuzhi originally thought he should be among the three sent to heaven, so he was greatly disappointed upon hearing Wukong’s arrangement. Fengtong patted his shoulder to comfort him, telling him not to speak and to simply follow Wukong’s orders.

Wang Yu, however, showed concern, clearly worried about Wukong’s safety. He said, “Wukong, don’t do this!” Though he was not good with words, his concern was evident on his face.

Wukong naturally felt a special bond with these three. He gave Wang Yu a deep look and said, “There’s no need to worry about me. Flower-Fruit Mountain is now a target for everyone. No matter how patient the celestial court is, there’s a limit. This time, it’s the Buddha and Bodhisattva deities who have stepped in; next time, it might be the Three Pure Ones and the Buddhas.” He then looked at Fengtong and added, “Although we have some skills, I believe we’re far inferior to the top figures in Buddhism and Taoism.”

Fengtong nodded and said, “Wukong is right. Since you’ve made this plan, you must have an idea in mind. We just need to follow your instructions.”

Wukong said, “After taking care of everyone on Flower-Fruit Mountain, leave Guanjiangkou immediately and find a completely safe place to wait for my return! Go now!” Without hesitation, the three set off to carry out their tasks.

The demons were busy at the moment—some preparing a grand celebration banquet, some cleaning up the battlefield and removing corpses. Others searched the mountains for magical weapons and treasures, which naturally had to be stored in Flower-Fruit Mountain’s treasury.

Hearing that they needed to leave right away, the demons were all confused and at a loss.

With no time for explanations, Wukong ordered each cave and estate to assign leaders to oversee the people. Those who wanted to follow should go, and those who didn’t need to be forced. Those left behind were ignored. Soon, the mountains were filled with cries and complaints. This once peaceful abode was now in chaos, a scene of desolation as disaster loomed.

At this moment, Jiu Ling Yuan Sheng and Fu Hai Jiao went their separate ways. Seeing this, Wukong felt a pang in his heart, but he still smiled at King Bull Demon and Golden Winged Roc, saying, “Elder Second, Elder Third, with such an arrangement, will you think I’m unfair?”
Golden Winged Roc hadn’t expected Wukong to send away the five others and keep only the three of them, feeling somewhat disappointed. He wondered silently whether the three of them could lure that demon out. Yet he praised Wukong, saying, “Wukong is always thorough in his plans. There must be a deep reason behind this. We’ll just follow his instructions.” King Bull Demon laughed heartily, “Breaking into the Heavenly Court is as easy for me as going home. What’s there to fear?”
Wukong said, “Good! I have a third plan to share with you two elders.”
“This time, breaking into the Heavenly Court won’t achieve much, and you two elders surely understand that better than anyone. But staying on this mountain is like waiting to die. It’s time to change tactics without delay. I only hope this can intimidate the Heavenly Court a bit, after which we can negotiate peace—then I’ll be satisfied.”
Golden Winged Roc asked, “What’s your third plan…”
Wukong replied, “In today’s battle, the Bodhisattva from the West is already helping us. If we attack the Heavenly Court, they’ll surely summon even more powerful allies. By then, the three of us will be fighting against the entire world alone, and we’ll surely lose!”
King Bull Demon exclaimed anxiously, “Failure no matter which way we go! Come up with a plan that actually works!”
Wukong said, “Here it is. This plan is called ‘besieging Wei to rescue Zhao.’ Once the Heavenly Court’s powerful allies appear, Elder Third, use your unmatched Cloud-Piercing Technique to strike at their stronghold, causing them trouble even as they fight for others. What do you think?”
Golden Winged Roc was secretly amazed. This monkey had spoken exactly what he was thinking—truly remarkable. Was it coincidence or had he planned it all along? He said, “Wukong is indeed ingenious. This plan is brilliant, absolutely brilliant!” He thought that no matter what, he must take advantage of Wukong and King Bull Demon distracting the Heavenly Court’s attention in the West to return to the West quickly to retrieve that important item. Since Wukong had revealed it himself, it was even better—there was no need for further concealment.
King Bull Demon said, “Is it this plan? It doesn’t sound very special. Just attack—why worry so much?”
Seeing King Bull Demon’s wild temper flare up again, Wukong had an idea. He took out two golden pills from his bosom—ones given to him by Patriarch Subhuti. There had originally been three, one of which was given to Wu Zhiqi, leaving just these two. Wukong distributed the two pills to the two of them, saying, “I obtained these pills by chance. Each of you take one. When you’re exhausted or at a loss in battle, taking them will have a miraculous effect.”

The Bull Demon King took the elixir, examined it carefully, and was shocked. How could he not recognize Lord Laozi’s elixir? He handed it back to Wukong and said, “This elixir is extremely precious. Wukong, it’s better to keep it for later use!” Although the Golden-Winged Roc did not recognize it, he saw the spiritual energy surging within and realized it was no ordinary pill. Though he had a rebellious nature, he felt grateful at this moment and firmly refused to take it.

Wukong smiled and said, “If we win this battle, we’ll be victorious, and probably no one will disturb us for thousands of years. If we lose, it will be a disaster beyond recovery. It’s already a blessing from heaven that I’ve gotten to know all of you brothers. How could I bear it if you got hurt because of me? Since you brothers met, you’ve always worked hard to solve problems for Flower-Fruit Mountain without complaint. As your younger brother, I’m too poor, with only this little valuable possession. If you two don’t want it, how about I throw it into the Eastern Sea?”

Seeing Wukong’s unyielding determination, the Bull Demon King sighed and said, “Wukong, Wukong, you really make me, your brother, feel ashamed.” The Golden-Winged Roc carefully stored the elixir in his arms and said to Wukong, “Young brother, once this is done, I’ll repay you a hundredfold!” Wukong naturally knew that the Golden-Winged Roc coveted the Western Heaven realm. What he said about “this being done” was completely different from what Wukong had in mind. But although Wukong knew the Golden-Winged Roc could never succeed this time, he couldn’t tell him.

The Golden-Winged Roc cleverly exploited the situation, trying to kill with someone else’s hand so he could reap the benefits. And Wukong, in turn, also had the Roc on his chessboard. The difference was that the Roc was full of confidence, while Wukong knew this was a sure loss. Yet even knowing it was inevitable, he still decided to proceed. If he didn’t overcome this obstacle, he would have to flee far from the world and stay away from this conflict—but that wasn’t what Wukong wanted.

At this moment, most of the demons in the mountain had packed up and flew out of Flower-Fruit Mountain in groups. Wukong, Wu Zhiqi, and the others watched each other from afar without speaking, just waving their hands—everything was understood without words.

Wukong and his two companions waited until everyone had left before setting off. Then, a woman flew gracefully from afar. She was beautiful and enchanting—it was Hu Yu, the little fox he had saved back then.

Hu Yu came over and bowed to Wukong and the Bull Demon King. The Bull Demon King quickly helped her up and asked, “Miss Hu… Miss Hu, what are you doing?”

Hu Yu said, “That day, I was saved by you two elders, but I still haven’t been able to repay you. Today, seeing Flower-Fruit Mountain deserted, I felt so heartbroken that I had no one to talk to. I just came to say goodbye to you two elders. May we meet again in the future; I’m willing to serve you as your servant. I’ve come only to express my feelings—there’s nothing else.”

Wukong asked, “Aren’t you going to Guanjiangkou?”

Hu Yu said, “I’m feeling troubled right now. I just want to walk around a bit; I won’t go for now.”
The Bull Demon King replied, “Ah, then you’ll need to be careful.”
“Thank you for your concern, senior. Then… I’ll be leaving now.” With that, Hu Yu turned and flew away, leaving the Bull Demon King’s gaze far behind.
Wukong wondered, “This girl’s cultivation progress is astonishingly fast. When I first met her, she was only at the second level of immortals, but now she’s almost at the level of a terrestrial immortal.” The Bull Demon King said, “It’s not surprising that she progresses so rapidly in this precious place, Flower-Fruit Mountain… Well, it’s a bit too fast.”
After another fifteen minutes, Flower-Fruit Mountain was completely empty. The last to leave, the Sea-Submerging Dragon and the Nine-Spirit Primordial Sage, exchanged a final glance with Wukong and the others before heading off in different directions.