The Battle in Journey to the West-Chapter 52 - 0 Yuan Shi Calls Zhang Bairin Twice

Presently, Wukong was still weaker compared to beings like Tathagata. Showing too much sharpness and wisdom could backfire, possibly stirring changes. The most convenient approach to counter Tathagata now was to ally with the Three Pure Ones and find an opportunity to speak with them. He could only wait until he stirred up a significant catastrophe, giving Laozi a chance to subdue him with a bracelet and take him away.

Though his mind was clear as a mirror, he pretended to be unaware, looking around the Hall of Lingxiao and said, “Great Jade Emperor, what official title are you granting me?”

The Jade Emperor nodded with a smile and asked the Martial Mansion Star, “O beloved subject, which position within our Celestial Palace has the fewest officials? Could he fit there?”

Stepping forward from the ranks, Martial Mansion Star bowed and said, “Reporting to Your Majesty, among the various quarters of the Celestial Palace, all positions are filled, except for the stable, which lacks a manager.”

Previously, Wukong had heard those three words “manager of horses” and thought being Protector of the Horses was a significant role. Now, reflecting on it, he found it somewhat amusing and couldn’t help but laugh.

“Why does Sun Wukong laugh?” inquired the Jade Emperor, frowning.

“Ah! Upon thinking of taking office, I couldn’t help but feel joyous, so I laughed. Please forgive me, Your Majesty,” said Wukong, feigning the gesture, yet no one could see through him to discern his true thoughts.

The civil and military officials scoffed inwardly, the monkey truly was a rustic from the wilderness—how significant could managing the stables be? In the dynasties of the mortal world, the stable was even managed by the Eunuch Director… While the Eunuch Director managing the stable might have its perks on Earth, it was considered a burdensome duty in the Celestial Court, thus the position of stable manager remained vacant until now.

The Jade Emperor nodded and declared, “Since it is so, then assign him as Protector of the Horses.”

The Jade Emperor ordered the Wood Lord, one of the Nine Luminaries, to accompany Wukong to the stable for his assignment. Wukong responded with a significant kowtow and followed the Wood Lord out of the Hall of Lingxiao.

The Wood Lord, although powerful, was a scion of a proper lineage and looked down upon Wukong, who was of demon kind.

Wukong thought, “Observe how prideful you are, but when I eventually break out of the Heavenly Court, the first one I strike will be you, old man!”

Unaware of Wukong’s thoughts, the Wood Lord led him towards the stable, and soon, they heard the neighing of horses.

Upon reaching the stable, the Wood Lord did not linger; he simply turned around and left after informing the Chief Registrar there.

The Chief Registrar gathered the officials of the stable for Wukong to deliver his orders. Wukong prepared himself to dutifully serve as Protector of the Horses, albeit reluctantly, as he was disinclined to hold such a degrading position. However, he needed to keep a low profile according to the arrangements by the Three Pure Ones and Tathagata for the time being. Otherwise, if Tathagata noticed, the outcome could be disastrous. He was alive now only because Laozi had taken care of him, and Amitabha Buddha had refined his entire Rebirth Lotus Dais into the Rebirth Box. This Treasure Box was given to Laozi, who then appeared in Tang Sanzang’s dreams, after which Tang Sanzang realized his situation, refusing to be Tathagata’s pawn any longer, thus fulfilling Wukong’s destiny. Therefore, regardless of how the Three Pure Ones schemed, Wukong felt somewhat grateful towards them.

As for Wukong’s arrival at the stable to serve as Protector of the Horses, let us set that aside for now and discuss how Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch again summoned the Jade Emperor.

Jade Emperor had killed during the Ancient Era of Deification, when the Twelve Celestial Chiefs, tainted by significant karma, dared to confront Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch, demanding the chiefs to submit and serve in the Heavenly Court. However, this act was akin to slapping Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch’s face and stripping him of his disciples. Thus, seven Saints signed the Investiture of the Gods, leaving the outcomes to each individual’s destiny and cultivation. Those with profound cultivation naturally found ease and freedom; those lucky in destiny could even become Divine figures; those with weaker fortunes inevitably faced the grim fate of turning to ashes. In this divine battle, Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch emerged overwhelmingly victorious, and Jade Emperor also made an enemy of Spiritual Treasure Celestial Venerable and the Leader of Heaven-Penetrating, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth which kept him from ever confronting Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch again.

When Jade Emperor arrived at Jade Void Palace, he asked, “Master has summoned me, what matter is it this time?”

He harbored deep resentments, yet dared not show any sign of dissatisfaction, aware that the current situation had drastically changed as Buddhism and Daoism struggled for supremacy. He needed to keep a low profile and profit from this turmoil. Having offended Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch, he feared he might never gain any favors from him again. After all, having ascended the throne long ago and being the Great Heavenly Master in charge of the Three Realms, he naturally had higher insights and a good grasp of the overall situation, recognizing this as an excellent opportunity for his rise!

Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch, still expressionless, exuded unmatched authority, and said, “Since the matter of the Monkey King has been resolved, I have another task for you.”

Jade Emperor said, “You may speak freely, master.”

Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch said, “The Monkey King is of a volatile temperament. Appoint him as Protector of the Horses, fearing his dissatisfaction might lead him to storm down to the lower realm in a fit of rage. Should that happen, do not interfere.”

The thought instantly made Jade Emperor’s stomach turn, as he had wanted to win Sun Wukong over for his own use. Alas, Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch’s meddling had doomed his plans. Even though Sun Wukong was highly powerful in mana, Jade Emperor could not let this disrupt his grand schemes. He had to endure patiently, waiting for an opportunity to strike a lethal blow against Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch and others.

“Please enlighten me, master,” Jade Emperor said, his fists clenched tightly within his sleeves, nails already digging into his flesh. Had he not been restraining himself with great effort, he would have already erupted in curses.

Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch’s Wisdom Eye saw clearly the dissatisfaction in Jade Emperor’s heart, but he pretended ignorance. This was a high-stakes game, a terrifying storm where one misstep could lead to total loss! It was akin to the partisan struggles on the courts of the mortal world; a deceitful, ruthless battle for power, where the losing party would fade into obscurity. A dispute among immortals was even more formidable; while humans might survive their conflicts, a defeated immortal would be reduced to a mere shadow, turned to ash upon defeat.

This gamble against the Buddhist sect was major, affecting even the Three Pure Ones, who found it not as simple as merely competing for Incense Power and the Way of the Dao… Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch could not afford any lapses, so despite Jade Emperor’s significant discontent, he needed to keep a tight rein on him, allowing no leeway for disturbances!

Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch said, “If the Monkey King descends to the lower realm, send someone to capture him. His mana is tremendous, and your forces are no match for him. Then, have the White Gold Star foster peace and appoint him a post to guard the Flat Peach Garden.”

Jade Emperor shuddered and said, “Master, please reconsider. Those peaches…”

Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch waved his hand and interrupted, “No more words. This monkey is crucial to our grand scheme. You must not ruin the conspiracy planned by us three brothers! I foresee another killing calamity approaching. When that time comes, call upon the God-Beating Whip, lest it becomes unsightly.”

Upon hearing “God-Beating Whip,” Jade Emperor’s eyes twitched, and he could no longer oppose Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch’s will, only bowing deeply and saying, “I will follow master’s arrangement. I will inform my servants to be vigilant.”

Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch then nodded in satisfaction.

In the past, Sun Wukong’s obstinate nature led him into the Peach Garden, where he stole countless Peaches of Immortality, yet failed to refine them, squandering their vital essence! Sun Wukong solidified his physical body by devouring forty-nine peaches from the Mother Peach Tree and then learned the Divine Way under Wusheng’s guidance, achieving swift success. With another opportunity arranged by Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch, he surely would not let it slip by again!

Sun Wukong was once naive. The Three Pure Ones have overtly and covertly aided his cultivation, yet he overlooked many golden opportunities.

Among the Three Pure Ones, Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch’s strategic prowess was unmatched, as evidenced by his manipulation during the Investiture battle. Had not the Western Religion seized the chance to steal destiny during that war, Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch might have emerged as the greatest beneficiary!

After the Jade Emperor departed, someone stepped out from behind a screen; it was Grand Supreme Lord Laozi.

Laozi said, “Brother, keeping the Jade Emperor under such tight control might foster discontent in him, potentially spoiling our grand scheme.”

Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch scoffed, “That Zhang Bairin has been arrogant since his ascent, forgetting who taught him the divine principles! His wings have hardened, and he once confronted me during Ancient Times! If he harbors discontent, it has long been there; thus, we must keep him even more tightly controlled.”

Laozi nodded slightly, finding some logic in these words, and asked, “Is Zhen Yuanzi still listening to your teachings in Jade Void Palace?”

Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch replied, “Yes.”

Laozi said, “Let him stay until the struggle between Buddhism and Daoism in the mortal realm concludes.”

Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch nodded in agreement, Laozi sighed, and both men turned their gazes westward, falling into silent contemplation.

To find out what happens next, stay tuned for the next episode.