The Battle in Journey to the West-Chapter 51 - 0 Drunken Slip-ups Give Away Leverage
Chapter 51: Chapter 051: Drunken Slip-ups Give Away Leverage
Chapter 51 -051: Drunken Slip-ups Give Away Leverage
The tale tells of how Li Changgeng, the White Gold Star, came to the Lower Realm, summoned by the order to make peace with Wukong, but was detained by Wukong and treated to a feast. Li Changgeng, unsuspecting, was intoxicated; he then inadvertently spoke the truth, revealing the origins of the matter. It was then that Wukong and the others realized that Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch was possibly watching Flower-Fruit Mountain constantly. The seven Great Demons suddenly felt a chill sweat on their backs, as the unparalleled renown of Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch was enough to strike fear into anyone’s heart.
Wukong couldn’t help but think to himself, “My master Subhuti is remarkably powerful, perhaps not even inferior to a Saint? With Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch paying such close attention here, could it be that my master is indeed one of the Three Pure Ones? Otherwise, how could he possess those replicated Divine Whips, which are treasures made by Laojun? Could my master, Subhuti, be Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch, Laojun, or the never-seen Spiritual Treasure Venerable? Perhaps even one of the Two Saints of the West, since Amitabha Buddha saved my life using the Rebirth Box, and the name Zhunti does bear some resemblance to Subhuti…”
Now that the Sect of Interception was in decline, it was obvious that Subhuti could no longer be Spiritual Treasure. Laojun had only one disciple, Xuandu Grand Master, while Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch had relatively more disciples. As for the reclusive Two Saints of the West, that was even harder to guess. However, Laojun was rumored to have a Method to Transform into Three Pure Ones; Wukong now believed that his master could be one of the divine manifestations from Laojun. If not, he would not have the ability to orchestrate such a grand strategic game.
The true identity of Subhuti was little known; even many of his disciples were unaware, only some direct disciples knew. However, having asked Wusheng several times, he had always been evasively turned aside. Since parting in the War God Mystic Realm, there had been no further meetings, leaving him to wonder when they would meet again.
Wukong asked a few more questions, but Li Changgeng could no longer answer and collapsed on the table, falling into a deep sleep.
The other six Demon Kings emerged from behind the scenes, and Jiao Demon King, still nervous, asked, “Is Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch watching our Flower-Fruit Mountain?”
Wukong shook his head, saying, “Our combined mana is not enough to catch his eye. He could turn us to dust with just any one of his direct disciples. There might be some conspiracy involved in this; moreover, I feel he is watching me.”
Peng Demon King nodded, adding, “Wukong is right. This matter deserves consideration. It seems that Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch is indeed focusing only on Wukong. Wukong, could he possibly be your master?”
Wukong shook his head, his brothers sometimes pressed him about who his master was. When pushed, Wukong could only helplessly admit that he himself did not know, as his master preferred to keep his identity hidden. Consequently, his brothers began to speculate, but still, they could not figure out who it was.
Macaques King scratched his head, asking, “Wukong, what are you planning to do?”
Wukong replied, “I hadn’t anticipated that the situation would be so complicated. Since Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch is watching us, it might not be easy for Heavenly Court to eliminate us quickly. So, why not throw caution to the wind? I’ll go with old man Li to Heavenly Court and see what Jade Emperor has planned. We’ll figure it out slowly.”
Peng Demon King nodded slightly, stating, “It’s up to you, Wukong. Your brothers support you. But still, be careful if you do make it to Heavenly Court, and watch out not to get blindsided.”
Wukong replied, “Don’t worry, Brother Three. I am well aware of such matters! Once old man Li wakes up, I shall accompany him to heaven. The foundation of Flower-Fruit Mountain will then rely on my brothers to manage.”
Ox Demon King said, “Wukong, rest assured, with us here, Flower-Fruit Mountain will surely thrive.”
Ox Demon King is a bit of a simpleton, and Wukong wouldn’t really trust him to manage affairs, but fortunately, the wise and steady Peng Demon King was there to oversee everything, so he wasn’t too worried.
The seven brothers conferred briefly, then checked the time and reckoned that old man Li was about due to wake up, so the six Demon Kings stepped back behind the scenes.
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Returning to consciousness rather quickly, as expected of an immortal, despite having been stupendously drunk, White Gold Star Li Changgeng staggered to his feet and exclaimed, “Did I water the knife dog?”
Wukong didn’t understand at first, but then realizing what had happened, he chuckled, “It’s only been a couple of hours, come on, let’s continue drinking.”
Li Changgeng still slurring his words, meant to say “how long have I slept,” but it came out as “did I water the knife dog,” which Wukong found hilariously funny, nearly causing him to burst out laughing.
“Little ones, bring a bowl of sobering soup!” Wukong ordered, and with a wave of his hand, a little demon hurried down to prepare the soup.
Li Changgeng smacked his lips, commenting, “This wine from your abode is really potent; I’m afraid I’m not much of a drinker!”
Shortly, a little demon brought a bowl of sobering soup, which Li Changgeng took and drank, immediately feeling rejuvenated.
Wukong said, “Since you like it, I’ll send a few jars with you to Heavenly Court to enjoy at your leisure.”
Li Changgeng gratefully replied, “That would be much appreciated.”
More little demons brought up a few jars of Monkey Wine, which Li Changgeng took and planned to savor back at the Heavenly Court.
Li Changgeng then asked, “I was drunk earlier, I didn’t say anything amiss, did I?”
Wukong then laughed, “Not at all, not at all! Old Star of Venus, should we ascend to the heavens now?”
Li Changgeng was also muddled from drinking and just remembered that he had an imperial decree. He hurriedly circulated his immortality techniques to rid the alcohol from his body and said, “Indeed! Great King, it’s getting late, please accompany me to report back to the heavens.”
Wukong said, “It should be so, Old Star of Venus., just lead the way and I will follow behind.”
Li Changgeng then ascended on a cloud, and Wukong flipped through the air up into the clouds, following Li Changgeng towards the heavens.
Upon reaching the Southern Sky Gate, Li Changgeng showed his token, and naturally, nobody stopped them, though the stares they directed at Wukong were not friendly, looking rather mocking.
The residents within the Heavenly Court were mostly biased by their cliques; even the Great Emperor of Heavenly Court who originated from the Western Ultimate Hooked Chen and was esteemed in the Heavenly Court, still faced ostracism due to his demon origin, with many Immortal Officials looking down on those born from the demon race. Thus, when this time Wukong and the others had almost killed off the people from the Western White Tiger Constellations, the people of the Heavenly Court were not too angered, feeling instead that it was a good riddance, that these demon kinds should not hold office in the Heavenly Court!
In those years, Spiritual Treasure Ancestral Master taught “without discriminating by class,” and many disciples under him came from the demon race—perhaps also for this reason, many opposed and suppressed the Sect of Interception severely. After countless struggles, they were left isolated, and the Sect of Interception dispersed. Nowadays, Spiritual Treasure Ancestral Master remains secluded and rarely shows himself, even seldom appearing at the Peaches of Immortality Banquet, although he is, after all, a Saint and esteemed as one of the Three Pure Ones, with no lack of those who flatter and fawn over him.
The Heavenly Court was filled with splendid towers and pavilions, enveloped in an aura of immortality. Some places appeared majestic and solemn, others, stunningly gorgeous—each with its own style.
Wukong asked, “Old Star of Venus, where are we heading now?”
Li Changgeng replied, “Follow me to the Hall of Universal Brightness to report back, and await the Jade Emperor’s arrangement.”
Wukong then asked, “And what sort of official is this Jade Emperor?”
Li Changgeng replied, “The Jade Emperor is the Great Heavenly Master who oversees the Three Realms, supremely exalted, inviolable.”
Wukong couldn’t help but laugh asking, “Then let me ask you, is the Three Pure Ones greater, or is the Jade Emperor greater?”
Li Changgeng pondered and said, “Naturally, the Jade Emperor is greater. He commands the Three Realms and governs all deities.”
Wukong then said, “Since the Jade Emperor is greater, then why does he so fear the Three Pure Ones?”
Li Changgeng angrily said, “Such words must not be spoken carelessly, be careful of bringing disaster upon yourself! When we reach the hall, do not speak such reckless talk.”
Wukong grinned and said no more, only saying, “This is what you, Old Star of Venus, drunkenly told me yourself—that the Jade Emperor greatly fears Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch.”
These words frightened Li Changgeng’s Primordial Spirit nearly out of his body. He hurriedly looked around, and seeing no one, he finally calmed down, folded his hands and said, “My goodness, do not speak carelessly of such words. This old man inadvertently spoke nonsense while drunk, I beg your forgiveness, Your Highness.”
Wukong waved his hand and said, “No worries, no worries! Old Star of Venus, I see you as a good old man, and I won’t make things difficult for you. But if there’s any problem later on, I will come to you, and you better not shirk responsibility. You see, your words , I’ve recorded them with the Mirror Technique, and all it will take is showing them to the Jade Emperor, hehe, hehe!”
Regret overwhelmed Li Changgeng, having not expected Wukong to be so shrewd. He thought he was genuinely hospitable, but it appeared he had an ulterior motive—to capitalize on his drunken slip of the tongue. Now that he was being held to it, Li Changgeng naturally had to be extra cautious to avoid disaster.
Li Changgeng felt his heart turn half-cold, thinking, “What if the Jade Emperor hears this, would there be any good days left for him?” He would definitely be toyed with by the Jade Emperor to death. Thus, he again folded his hands and said, “Great King, if you have any instructions, just say so. Anything doable, this old man, I surely won’t shirk.”
Wukong was a shrewd man, knowing that Li Changgeng was a close confidant of the Jade Emperor. Having him under control would make it much easier to deal with the Heavenly Court in the future, right? Despite Li Changgeng being cautious and serving as an official within the Heavenly Court, once down in the Lower Realm, he was calculated by the Monkey King and ended up compromising himself. If Wukong hadn’t used any Mirror Technique, he could’ve outright denied it, but Wukong had captured his words with the Mirror Technique, and revealing them later would be horrific.
Wukong patted Li Changgeng’s shoulder and laughed, “Old Star of Venus, you are a good man, and Old Sun doesn’t want to trouble you. Whatever you need to do for me later won’t be too difficult—just tip me off if anything happens. Hehe!”
Listening to his laughter, Li Changgeng couldn’t help but break out in cold sweat, thinking, “This Monkey King is truly extraordinarily clever. Where is there any trace of the brashness of a mountain demon? Has the Jade Emperor made a mistake by trying to appease him, perhaps inviting the wolf into the house! Oh! How have I been so careless to let him have something on me?”
Li Changgeng was filled with regret, knowing it would be too difficult for him to take Wukong down with his abilities, so he would have to obediently comply.
To find out what happens next, please follow the next installment.
