The Battle in Journey to the West-Chapter 58 - 0 Heavenly King Frustrated and Withdraws

Wukong, hearing this, let go of the anxiety that had gripped his heart. Unsure of True Man Taiyi’s might in cultivation, if they were to fight, it was highly probable that he would be captured. Now reassured that Taiyi would not get involved, he could finally be at ease—after all, this was a renowned, longstanding immortal.

In truth, True Man Taiyi had seen Wukong’s Blood God Child avatar and did not dare to act against him. The Blood God Child technique was a secret from the lineage of the Netherworld Blood Sea, a technique outsiders could not possibly acquire. This made him suspect that Wukong might be a disciple of the Netherworld Blood Sea, perhaps even directly taught by Ancestor Minghe himself. Since naturally-born divine monkeys were rare and exceptionally intelligent, it wouldn’t be strange for Ancestor Minghe to take an interest in him. It was this multitude of concerns that made True Man Taiyi reluctant to engage, as he feared Ancestor Minghe.

This Ancestor Minghe was endowed with exceptional qi fortune at birth, presiding over the Netherworld Blood Sea, realizing the Blood God Sutra, and possessing several innate magical treasures. With the Blood Sea’s terrain advantage, he could even challenge the Saints, truly ranking as the foremost beneath the Saints!

True Man Taiyi’s involvement in the conflict between juniors would undoubtedly draw criticism. Moreover, if Wukong were to be harmed, it was certain that Ancestor Minghe would slaughter him without hesitation. Little did he know that Wukong had merely tricked the Blood God Sutra out of the hands of one of Ancestor Minghe’s disciples, Indra.

Unbeknownst to all, the Blood God Sutra had saved Wukong’s life.

True Man Taiyi pleaded, “Today, I sincerely ask the Great Saint to spare my disciple’s life, to forge a good bond. Doing so, we may find occasion to speak again in the future.”

Wukong’s heart churned with irritation; True Man Taiyi had truly disrupted his plans. Originally, if he had slain Nezha, all those magical treasures would have been his! He said, “Sure, sure! Since you, True Man Taiyi, have personally shown up, I’ll give you this respect. But do not let your disciple come seeking death again, lest next time my staff shows no mercy.”

True Man Taiyi acknowledged with a smile. At that moment, two Blood God Child avatars flew out of Water Curtain Cave, each holding the Qiankun Ring and Demon-Slaying Sword, and tossed both treasures into the air. True Man Taiyi caught them with his hands, channeled his mana, and shattered the bloodlight that was covering the treasures, restoring their spiritual natures.

True Man Taiyi thought to himself, “This Blood God Child avatar is extraordinary indeed; it can even taint someone’s magical treasures!”

True Man Taiyi was so agreeable, largely because he had received instructions from Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch.

Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch had prophesied another fatal crisis approaching, stating that this calamity would be extraordinary, perhaps the most ferocious since the battles of the Middle Ancient Times. Under such a calamity, many could be reduced to ashes, and even Saints may fall. Thus, he had long before warned his disciples to cultivate diligently, seal off their cave abodes, and not venture out carelessly to avoid entanglement in karma.

True Man Taiyi was wary of Ancestor Minghe and also cautious of Wukong. Ancestor Minghe held the highest rank beneath the Saints, and Wukong, born from stone and endowed with the merits of heaven-mending, had vast qi fortune. His future achievements were not to be underestimated. Therefore, it was wise to form a good bond now. When the ordained calamity descended, those bound by karma must fulfill their destined roles, while those with qi fortune and strength would survive the ordeal. Without these, all would eventually turn to dust. True Man Taiyi, who had lived through the ancient calamities and had not partaken in the devastating Middle Ancient Times war, could imagine the kind of fearsome power required to grievously wound Saints.

True Man Taiyi gave a respectful bow and led Nezha back to the main camp of the Heavenly Court’s Army. Wukong saw that the situation was hopeless and also retreated back to the Water Curtain Cave.

As True Man Taiyi arrived at the main camp, Li Jing hurriedly invited the True Person to take the seat of honor, while Nezha knelt on the ground, weeping, “Father, your son is at fault. I failed to capture the Demon Monkey, and instead, I nearly lost my life.”

The other twenty-two constellations couldn’t help but sneer secretly. The Rowdy Monkey’s strength was exceptional. If you, a mere child, could win against him, that’d indeed be strange! Moreover, Well Wood Prisoner had, just last night, visited places like Arrogance Peak and Lion Camel Cave, yet he found no trace of these Demon Kings. It then occurred to them that the Six Great Demon Kings might be hiding in the Water Curtain Cave! Even if Nezha managed to defeat Wukong, once those six Demon Kings joined forces against him, he likely would have lost his life as well.

In their hearts, Well Wood Prisoner and the others thought, you Li Jing think you’re capable, you want to grab the glory? Go ahead then! They decided not to share this information with him, wanting to see him suffer a setback.

Knowing that Flower-Fruit Mountain was now gathering the Seven Great Demon Kings, Well Wood Prisoner and the others privately discussed that this was not a good opportunity. Those Demon Kings possessed strong mana, and if they were to fight head-on, they feared a considerable loss of comrades.

Li Jing helped Nezha to his feet and bowed to True Man Taiyi, saying, “I request the True Person to teach me a method to defeat the enemy!”

True Man Taiyi now had no desire to conflict with Flower-Fruit Mountain and shook his head, saying, “I have no good strategies. Please consider the matter yourself, Marshal. If it comes to the worst, retreat to the Heavenly Court and report to the Jade Emperor. We can then dispatch a large army for conquest.”

With that, he took the Nine Dragons Divine Fire Cover from Nezha and left. This Nine Dragons Divine Fire Cover was his famed primordial Magical Treasure. After today’s events, he certainly could not be reckless anymore. If this Magical Treasure were to be implicated in any karma, and it came back to him, that would be truly inauspicious. If Nezha insisted on fighting to the death with Flower-Fruit Mountain, True Man Taiyi could only abandon the disciple and save himself.

Li Jing looked around and asked, “Who will go to battle?”

The commanders of the Heavenly Court, however, all lowered their heads and remained silent, giving no answer. This left Li Jing feeling disappointed; with no spirit or courage left within them, how could they fight?

Nezha then said, “Father, the Demon Monkey’s mana is formidable, and even I am no match for him. The best course of action now is to return to the Heavenly Court, report to the Jade Emperor, and request that he dispatch a more powerful fighter to subdue him.”

Li Jing fell into deep thought. He had originally assumed that Flower-Fruit Mountain was a soft persimmon he could crush at will, but he had not expected that it would be like a sturdy iron plank; kicking it had only left his own foot swollen, not to mention any hopes of achieving great merit and establishing his legacy.

Now that Nezha had provided a way out, Li Jing readily took it and said, “So be it, so be it! I did not expect the Demon Monkey of Flower-Fruit Mountain to be so formidable and for us to suffer such a loss. We can only devise a long-term plan. Lingering here serves no purpose.”

Nezha said, “Father is wise.”

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Li Jing said, “But we must have the Demon Monkey release the Giant Spirit God. Otherwise, how can we account for this?”

Li Jing then had someone bring the Four Treasures of the Study, and he wrote a letter on the desk, demanding Wukong release the Giant Spirit God.

The Scout delivered the letter into the Water Curtain Cave, where the Seven Great Demon Kings gathered together. Upon opening it, they found Li Jing’s request for the release of the Giant Spirit God.

As the situation was at a stalemate, the Seven Great Demon Kings discussed and decided that releasing the Giant Spirit God was a good option, as it could lead to the Heavenly Court’s withdrawal of troops.

So Wukong agreed. Thus the first battle at Flower-Fruit Mountain was coming to an end with a setback for the Heavenly Court.

To find out what happens next, please await the following chapter’s explanation.