Journey to the West: Demon Emperor: Beginning as a Little Toad

Chapter 546 The Great Sage Meets in the Peach Garden

After bidding farewell to General Curtain-Roller, Xiao Chen headed straight for the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's Palace in the Thirty-Three Heavens.

He now serves in the Thirty-Three Heavens, bearing the heavy responsibility of protecting the safety of the Thirty-Three Heavens, and naturally possesses a rough map of the Thirty-Three Heavens.

The mountains, rivers, palaces, and other structures on it are all marked.

The location of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's residence was also clearly marked there.

Xiao Chen now holds the dual official titles of "Celestial Patrol Captain" and "Jade Pool Ceremonial Envoy," allowing him to travel to most parts of the Thirty-Three Heavens.

He wore the "Ephemeral Shadow Boots," and his figure transformed into a swift golden light amidst the auspicious mist, heading directly towards the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's Mansion.

"The Great Sage Equaling Heaven's Palace..."

"monkey……"

Xiao Chen muttered to himself, his gaze fixed intently ahead.

With the power of the "Ephemeral Shadow Boots", Xiao Chen's speed is extremely fast.

Before long, a dazzling light came into view.

Looking from afar.

A brand-new, magnificent, and imposing mansion stands proudly on the right side of the Peach Garden!
Its upturned eaves resemble dragons soaring through the heavens; its layered brackets resemble phoenixes dancing in the clouds. It is resplendent in gold and jade, its radiance dazzling, almost blinding.

Although the mansion was newly built, it possessed an extraordinary air of unruliness and wildness, which seemed out of place with the orderly, solemn, and majestic celestial palaces around it, as if it were a unique existence in the celestial realm.

This mansion was bestowed by the Jade Emperor and meticulously built by the skilled craftsmen Zhang Ban and Lu Ban, known as the "Great Sage Equal to Heaven's Mansion"!
in fact.

Whether in the mundane world or the mythical world, taking the civil service exam to secure a government job and seek career advancement is a pretty good choice for ordinary people.

However, this applies to the feudal dynasties that ruled the land.

What a terrible world this is! A hundred years have passed, two or three generations have passed... and the ruling class has quietly formed.

They are like towering trees, deeply rooted and intertwined, firmly controlling the vast majority of the world's resources and power.

They divided people into different classes, with the highest class able to fully enjoy material and spiritual sustenance, squandering it all and living a life of extravagance and debauchery.

Then, as the levels decrease, the supply begins to decrease.

Those at the lowest level receive only enough material energy to barely sustain their livelihood.

Their spiritual nourishment was almost nonexistent; they were like walking corpses, toiling away day after day in a daze.

And the same is true in this mythological world.

From the moment of their birth, all beings in the Three Realms have been divided into different classes.

As a naturally born deity, Sun Wukong was born at the time of the creation of heaven and earth, absorbing the essence of the sun and moon and the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. In fact, he was first-class from the moment he was born.

But for ordinary beings, breaking through this stubborn class barrier is no easy task.

Over countless years, the three realms have long been rigidly hierarchical, with formidable barriers.

The high and mighty gods enjoy endless wealth and power, while the creatures below can only struggle in misery.

As the saying goes, "Where there is oppression, there is resistance."

Demons in the mortal realm either serve as mounts for deities, or are killed by them for alchemy and weapon crafting; or are even devoured by deities directly...

The fundamental reason they rose up in resistance was simply their desire to break free from the established class shackles, to rise up and take control of their own destiny.

They no longer wanted to endure the endless exploitation and oppression, no longer wanted to be trampled and ravaged like ants.

In the current social hierarchy of the Three Realms.

Only through fierce struggle can we break the monopoly of the privileged class and win more voice and resource allocation rights for the disadvantaged.

Therefore, these "slaves in the mythical world" resolutely took up arms and rose up against the cruel rule of the slave owners, vowing to fight for a piece of land that belonged to them.

……

"We have arrived at the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's Palace."

Xiao Chen pressed down on his escape light and landed steadily on the exceptionally wide and empty square in front of the Qitian Mansion.

Look up.

At the gate of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's mansion, there were no golden-armored heavenly soldiers waiting in full battle array. Only the banner of "Great Sage Equaling Heaven" fluttered in the wind, as if telling of endless heroic spirit.

The four characters "齐天大圣" (Qitian Dasheng) on ​​it are written in a vigorous and powerful style.

This scene is quite in line with the free-spirited and unconventional nature of the Monkey King.

At this moment, Sun Wukong, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, had a heart higher than the heavens, wanting to be equal to the heavens, and was born with a rebellious and unruly spirit.

It is:

"I find the mortal world too cramped, so I set my heart on dwelling in the Jade Heaven. The strong shall be respected, and I shall yield to them; only heroes dare to be first."

How could he be someone who would willingly be bound by the cumbersome rules and regulations of the Heavenly Court?

The heavens may be vast, but they cannot contain his unruly heart.

……

Within the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's Palace, there are two agencies: the "Tranquility Department" and the "Peaceful Mind Department," each staffed by celestial officials.

These celestial officials have rather complicated functions, including organizing daily documents, maintaining the residence, and handling etiquette and reception. They are low-ranking attendants with no real power, and simply obey orders.

Although Sun Wukong was honored as the "Great Sage Equal to Heaven," the Heavenly Court held a grand ceremony when he was conferred the title.

But actually.

The Great Sage Equaling Heaven, however, had no decision-making power and could not express his opinions on important matters of Heaven...

He also lacked the authority to command troops and could not lead heavenly soldiers and generals to conquer all directions...

They were not qualified to participate in court assemblies, nor could they discuss the important affairs of the Three Realms with the immortals in the Lingxiao Palace...

Behind the resounding title of "Great Sage Equal to Heaven" that echoes throughout the Three Realms... lies an empty shell of "official rank without real power," a magnificent prison uniform meticulously sewn by the Heavenly Realm for Sun Wukong.

Xiao Chen straightened the waist badges of "Jade Pool Master of Ceremonies" and "Celestial Patrol Captain" at his waist, ensuring they were upright and in perfect order, before stepping forward and addressing the gatekeeper of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's Mansion:

"I have been appointed by the Queen Mother of the West to serve as the Chief of Ceremonies and Poetry Envoy of Yaochi, in charge of the poetry ceremonies for the Peach Banquet and the pilgrimage of the immortals."

"This is a crucial task personally entrusted to me by the Queen Mother of the West. I dare not slack off in the slightest and keep it in mind day and night."

"I have come to the Peach Garden today to check on the growth of the peaches, in order to prepare for the poetry and prose for the Peach Banquet and to add elegance to the feast."

"I hope you will inform Sun Wukong, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, who is in charge of the Peach Garden, and let me enter the Peach Garden."

The gatekeepers of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's Mansion saw that the newcomer had an extraordinary appearance and a calm demeanor. In particular, he held two positions and was dispatched by the Queen Mother of the West. How could they dare to be negligent in the slightest?

The gatekeeper hurriedly bowed and said respectfully:

"Please wait a moment, Immortal Official. I will go and report to the Great Sage Equal to Heaven. I will certainly not delay your affairs."

After speaking, the gatekeeper hurried through the side gate and slipped into the mansion like a whirlwind, as if afraid of being even a moment too late.

A moment of silence.

Before long, the heavy vermilion gate creaked open, revealing a crack.

A head covered in golden down, looking energetic, suddenly popped out.

A pair of round, bright eyes darted around, incredibly lively, yet with a hint of mischief, curiously scrutinizing Xiao Chen from head to toe, as if trying to see right through him.

Today's Sun Wukong is not wearing his iconic golden chainmail and phoenix-winged purple-gold crown. He is only dressed in a simple black-blue cloth robe, with cloud-patterned sandals on his feet. He looks quite relaxed and carefree, like a free-spirited cloud or a wild crane.

Sun Wukong blinked, sizing up the unfamiliar celestial official before him—a man dressed in the robes of a Heavenly Patrol Officer with a jade plaque reading "Jade Pool Ceremonial Envoy"—scratched his ear, grinned to reveal his gleaming white fangs, and asked in a high-pitched voice:

"Hey! Which celestial official are you?"

"What business do you have with me, Old Sun?"

at the same time.

Sun Wukong's eyes flashed with golden light as he scrutinized Xiao Chen from head to toe like a sharp sword, his gaze as tangible as if he wanted to see right through Xiao Chen.

A surge of emotion welled up within Xiao Chen as he pondered to himself:

"More than a hundred years have passed, but this monkey still looks the same, and still has that mischievous, unruly, and arrogant spirit."

"However, the monkey's cultivation has improved considerably, and his body is faintly surging with an incomparably powerful demonic aura."

"It was only because the official robes of the Heavenly Court concealed some of his fierce aura that he was not too frightening."

Right now, although this monkey has sharp eyes, its innate "golden eyes that can see through illusions" can pierce through falsehoods.

However, after transforming himself through the "Mirage Mask," his appearance had already changed drastically, his aura was well concealed, and he was also protected by the top-grade innate spiritual treasure "Ancestral Dragon Pearl."

Even when facing Sun Wukong's Golden Eyes of Truth that could see through illusions, Xiao Chen was confident enough to deceive him.

He guessed that Sun Wukong had not recognized him as a "toad demon".

but.

This place is crowded and noisy, with many celestial officials from the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's palace surrounding us, making it far from a place to speak freely. Xiao Chen remained outwardly calm, remembering that he was now the "Yang Guo Mountain" of the Heavenly Realm, and simply followed Heavenly etiquette, bowing and saying loudly:
"I am Yang Guoshan, the newly appointed Celestial Patrol Captain and concurrently the Jade Pool Master of Ceremonies and Literary Scriptures. I greet the Great Sage."

"Oh? Chi Sili, the envoy in charge of poetry at Yaochi?"

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong blinked, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes. A slight smile played on his lips, as if he found the official position quite intriguing, and he couldn't help but chuckle:
"Hey! I, Old Sun, am good at fighting, but not so good at writing poetry. What do you want from me?"

"Go, go, go back to where you came from, and don't bother me, old Sun, with your peace and quiet!"

After speaking, Sun Wukong leaned against the door frame, arms crossed over his chest, his posture unrestrained and his expression arrogant, clearly not taking this "Jade Pool Master of Ceremonies and Literary Praise" seriously.

Xiao Chen remained calm and composed, speaking with the words he had already prepared:

"Great Sage, you jest. I am Yang Guoshan, a humble immortal. I have been appointed by the Queen Mother of the West to serve as the Chief of Ceremonies and Literary Envoy of Yaochi, in charge of all the ceremonies for the Peach Banquet and the audience of the immortals."

"The duty of a minor fairy is to preside over the rites at Yaochi, and to be in charge of composing poems, songs, and eulogies for grand gatherings."

"The Peach Banquet is still some time away, and I fear that my inspiration will run dry. Therefore, I wish to accumulate some poetic material in advance in case of need."

"I have long heard that the Peach Garden is a wonder of the heavens, and the peach trees are a treasure of the immortals."

"The little fairy wished to seek inspiration for her new poem, so she came to the Peach Garden to see the beautiful scenery and charm of the peaches growing, hoping to have some real feelings to add color and flavor to her poem."

"Fortunately, I did not fail in my mission at the Peach Banquet and lived up to the Empress's high expectations."

After speaking, Xiao Chen paused slightly, then flattered Sun Wukong:
"I have heard that the Great Sage is known for his 'generosity and hospitality,' and is also in charge of the Peach Garden."

"Therefore, I have taken the liberty of coming here to invite you. I hope that the Great Sage will be so kind as to give me some guidance and introduce me to you."

"Hehehe, the Peach Banquet? Writing poems? My Peach Garden is indeed a place of spiritual beauty!"

Sun Wukong was always more responsive to gentle persuasion than force. Upon hearing Xiao Chen praise his generosity and hospitality, a smile immediately appeared on his face, and he seemed quite interested.
"You want to see the Peach Garden? That's no problem! I, Old Sun, will take you there! I guarantee you'll be amazed and won't regret it!"

After saying this, he waved his hand with a bold and unrestrained gesture, displaying his heroic spirit.

He had been guarding the peach orchard for many days, and apart from a thief who came to steal peaches a few days ago, nothing interesting had happened.

Now that someone has come to praise this peach orchard and even wants to write a poem about it, it's quite a novel and interesting thing, enough to relieve some of his boredom.

"Thank you for your kindness, Great Sage!"

"The Great Sage is truly kind and benevolent, worthy of our utmost respect!"

Xiao Chen revealed a look of joy at just the right moment, and bowed again with utmost respect, as if he were meeting an elder, humble and polite.

Subsequently.

Xiao Chen spontaneously composed a poem for Sun Wukong, entitled "Ode to the Great Sage":
"A thunderclap ripped through the sky, and golden light filled the heavens, reflecting the emperor's majesty. The Great Sage Equal to Heaven on Flower Fruit Mountain, three thousand monkeys bowed in worship."

"The 100,000 heavenly soldiers were terrified, and even the celestial generals of the Nine Heavens were filled with sorrow. The Monkey King wielded his golden cudgel, shattering heaven and earth with boundless pride!"

These compliments made Sun Wukong overjoyed; his monkey tail stood up high, and his fur looked exceptionally smooth.

It's like being petted by a cat that's just been petted.

Sun Wukong clicked his tongue, a smile playing on his lips, and said:

"Not bad, not bad. This poem does capture a bit of my style during the great battle at Flower Fruit Mountain."

After saying that, he laughed heartily:

"Come on, Brother Yang, this is nothing!"

"I was just about to take a stroll in the park to relax. Come with me! Let's not waste this beautiful time!"

Sun Wukong was also an impatient person. He opened the door and stepped out of the threshold.

Sun Wukong's eyes, capable of seeing through all changes, still lingered around Xiao Chen as usual, probing him while his casual enthusiasm grew even stronger.

For some reason, he instinctively felt that the person in front of him was somewhat pleasing to the eye, as if he had seen him before, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Sun Wukong grinned, revealing his gleaming fangs, and led the way, shouting loudly:

"Come on! Brother Yang, let me show you the most magnificent Peach Garden in the Heavenly Realm!"

"We guarantee you'll want to come back again and again!"

He walked with light steps, the hem of his dark blue robe swaying slightly with his movements, exuding an untamed spirit that clashed with the solemn and dignified atmosphere of the Heavenly Court.

"Thank you for your trouble, Great Sage."

"It is truly my great fortune to be guided by the Great Sage."

Xiao Chen smiled slightly and followed at a leisurely pace, always keeping a half-step distance, showing respect without being distant, playing his role as "Patrol Captain" and "Jade Pool Literary Envoy" flawlessly.

The Great Sage Equaling Heaven's Mansion is located to the right of the Peach Garden. The two are not far apart, like neighbors, and can be reached in a short while.

It didn't take long.

My eyes suddenly opened up.

A whole new world unfolded before our eyes.

A mysterious light barrier, formed from swirling celestial mist, separated the inside from the outside, its shimmering light dazzling and captivating—the very barrier protecting the Peach Garden.

Sun Wukong didn't care at all. He walked to the light screen, casually raised his hand, spread his five fingers, and a faint golden light appeared in his palm.

The layers upon layers of light curtain, powerful enough to block most of the restrictions imposed by immortals and gods, silently parted to both sides like a gentle water curtain, revealing a passageway for people to pass through.

have to say.

Sun Wukong's ability to break through the barrier is truly remarkable.

In fact, Sun Wukong was also very good at creating barriers, and his skill was so superb that it was breathtaking.

Holding the Ruyi Jingu Bang (Golden Cudgel), Sun Wukong casually waved it on the ground, creating a "circular barrier" with immense power, as solid as a copper wall and iron barrier, indestructible.

Sun Wukong's seemingly simple action is actually an extremely powerful spatial magic called "drawing a circle on the ground as a prison".

In Sun Wukong's words:

"The circle drawn by Old Sun is stronger than a copper wall and an iron wall. No matter what tigers, leopards, wolves, insects, demons, or monsters they may encounter, none of them dare to approach. They can only look at the circle and sigh helplessly!"

"But you are not allowed to step outside the circle; you must remain seated in the middle to ensure your safety and well-being!"

……

"This humble deity greets the Great Sage!"

When the local deity of the Peach Garden saw Sun Wukong approaching, his expression tightened, and he hurriedly bowed and paid his respects. His movements were respectful and swift, as if he was afraid of offending the fearless Great Sage Equal to Heaven if he was even slightly slow.

"This humble servant kowtows to the Great Sage!"

Upon hearing the words of the local earth god, all the laborers who were hoeing trees, carrying water, pruning peaches, and cleaning stopped what they were doing, stepped forward, and kowtowed in unison to the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, Sun Wukong. Their foreheads touched the ground with a dull thud, showing their deep reverence.

"Hehe, don't worry about me, you all go about your business! Don't let my presence delay the affairs of the garden."

Sun Wukong waved his hand dismissively, strode into the garden, and turned back to greet Xiao Chen:

"Brother Yang, come in quickly, take a look around, pick the good ones!"

"The wonders of this garden will certainly not disappoint you!"

His tone carried a hint of smugness, as if he were showing off his own precious possession.

Sun Wukong walked along, laughing as he spoke:

"Actually, I, Old Sun, also have a peach orchard in my cave on Flower Fruit Mountain in the mortal realm. The taste of peaches there is..."

Speaking of this, Sun Wukong also felt a pang of longing for Flower Fruit Mountain, the land that gave him birth and nurtured him, and the monkeys he used to play with, which he had not returned to for several months.

After all, as the saying goes:
"No matter how beautiful, the water in my hometown is beautiful; no matter how close, the people in my hometown are close."

Huaguo Mountain was his hometown and his eternal haven.

The peaches from the Heavenly Peach Garden are considered a precious treasure of the immortals, and eating them can prolong life and increase magical power.

However, after eating them for a long time, their taste is not as sweet, delicious, and wild as the peaches from Huaguo Mountain in the lower world.

Sun Wukong clicked his tongue, a hint of nostalgia flashing in his eyes, and murmured to himself:
"Hey, the peaches from my Flower Fruit Mountain are not necessarily inferior to these heavenly delicacies! It's just that I haven't been back to taste them for a long time."

"Thank you very much, Great Sage."

Xiao Chen followed closely behind and stepped into the garden.

In an instant, a rich innate spiritual energy rushed towards me, its subtle fragrance refreshing and invigorating, even purer than the spiritual energy by the Jade Pool.

Everywhere you look, there is a breathtaking scene:

The thousands upon thousands of peach trees stood side by side, lush and verdant, each with its own unique shape.

Some branches are gnarled like dragons, vigorous and ancient; some stand tall and graceful, with an ethereal beauty; some have lush foliage, blocking out the sky and sun.

The leaves resembled those of mulberry and elm trees, yet they were lush and verdant, shimmering with a warm, lustrous light. Their veins were clearly defined, as if naturally formed, making them incomparable to any ordinary plant in the world.

The most eye-catching thing, of course, is the peaches hanging among the branches and leaves!

Ahead lies a small peach, ripening only once every three thousand years, its blossoms dazzling, white tinged with red, about the size of an adult man's fist.

(End of this chapter)