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

Chapter 553 Yang Jian Ascends to Heaven
Pigsy (Zhu Bajie) was a practitioner of external alchemy, just as the poem says:

"From a young age, I was born with a clumsy nature, and I was always lazy and idle... but I was granted the Nine-Turn Great Rejuvenation Elixir..."

However, the internal alchemy school and the external alchemy school are not contradictory.

Those who practice internal alchemy also often ingest external elixirs to aid their practice.

For example, when Sun Wukong saw Laozi's elixir, he drooled with desire and exclaimed with delight:

"This item is a supreme treasure of the immortals. Since I attained enlightenment, I have come to understand the principle of 'internal and external harmony,' and I also need some golden elixir to nourish it..."

"Today is a golden opportunity, yet that old man is not here. Is this not the will of Heaven, or is this golden elixir destined for me, Old Sun?"

"Let me, Old Sun, try a few of these pills and savor their flavor."

After saying this, Sun Wukong poured out all the Nine-Turn Golden Pills from the gourd and swallowed them one by one.

The Nine-Turn Golden Elixir possesses extraordinary supernatural powers.

For example, the Nine-Turn Resurrection Pill can skip the process of recalling the soul in the underworld and directly revive the dead. For instance, Sun Wukong used the Nine-Turn Resurrection Pill to revive the King of Wuji.

There is also the Nine-Turn Golden Elixir, which can prolong life, improve cultivation, and even has the heaven-defying effects of strengthening the physical body and breaking through realms.

For example, after Sun Wukong consumed the Nine-Turn Golden Elixir, he achieved an indestructible body.

Therefore, even for the many great gods in the Heavenly Court, this Nine-Turn Golden Elixir was extremely attractive, as it could save them from years of arduous cultivation.

It can be said that the vast majority of the great gods in the Heavenly Court coveted Laozi's Nine-Turn Golden Elixir and wanted to participate in the Elixir Gathering in order to obtain it.

"The Dan Yuan Conference..."

"The great gods of Heaven all go to the Heaven of Separation and Sorrow, which is above the Thirty-Three Heavens..."

"Even the Queen Mother of the West, who resides in the Jade Pool, will personally come..."

"In this way, the Heavenly Court's defenses are weakened..."

"The defenses of Yaochi are also weak..."

"This is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

"This is a divinely ordained opportunity!"

Upon hearing Sun Wukong's words, Xiao Chen made up his mind in a flash:
"Alright, monkey, when the Dan Yuan Assembly is held, all the gods of Heaven will go to Lihen Heaven to attend."

"That will be the time for us to go to Yaochi and steal the Nine-Leaf Lingzhi Grass!"

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong clapped his hands and laughed loudly:

"Toad, that's exactly right! This plan is brilliant!"

……

Now, we have the right people and the right location; all that's missing is the right timing!
They then waited for the Heavenly Court's "Dan Yuan Conference" to be held so that they could take action.

……

Xiao Chen had been to the Peach Garden before.

He saw that in the peach orchard, spiritual energy surged like a tide, and in several areas, the spiritual energy was so dense that it almost liquefied, turning into small pools of milky white spiritual liquid, shimmering with light.

Along the pond, various kinds of rare herbs and lingzhi mushrooms grow in competition, vying for attention.

To ensure a foolproof plan, Xiao Chen instructed Sun Wukong to gather several high-quality Ganoderma lucidum herbs from the spiritually rich Peach Garden, intending to use them for a "substitution" scheme.

When the Golden Horned King successfully steals the "real Nine-Leaf Lingzhi Grass", Sun Wukong can then transform a lifelike "fake grass" and place it in its original position.

Let's make it so realistic it's indistinguishable from the real thing!

King Golden Horn used the power of the supreme innate spiritual treasure "Ancestral Dragon Pearl" to slightly conceal the fake grass, and he figured that the Queen Mother of the West would have difficulty noticing the truth for a while.

This two-pronged approach not only deceived everyone but also bought them valuable time to escape from Heaven.

At this moment.

Inside the study of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's mansion, which was shrouded in a double barrier, the mellow aroma of peaches and wine mingled with the vibrant life of the purple-veined peaches, quietly dispelling the inherent chill and solemnity of the Heavenly Court.

"Toad, come on, drink!"

"Monkey, let's go!"

……

Xiao Chen and Sun Wukong toasted each other, drinking and laughing incessantly, their cheerful voices echoing throughout the study.

When the wine is at its best.

Xiao Chen squinted slightly, his voice slurred with a hint of drunkenness:
"Monkey, come sit at my Mirror Sea Mountain later. I'll introduce you to the Yellow Wind Great Sage and the Ten Thousand Saints Dragon Girl."

"Let's meet up together and get to know each other."

Sun Wukong was already living a carefree life in Heaven, eating three meals a day and sleeping on a bed at night, without any constraints.

He usually wandered around, visiting friends in celestial palaces and pavilions, or befriending the gods of the Milky Way, addressing all the stars and immortals in the sky as brothers.

He travels east here today and west there tomorrow, his whereabouts are unpredictable, and the gods of Heaven have long been accustomed to it.

As long as Sun Wukong doesn't cause trouble, no one cares about his whereabouts.

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong's eyes lit up, and he readily agreed:

"Alright, let's go, Toad, let's get you some hangover tea to sober up!"

As he spoke, he stood up, stretched, and loosened his muscles, as if he couldn't wait to head to Mirror Sea Mountain.

Subsequently.

Sun Wukong seemed to have suddenly thought of something, and said with a wink:
"I'd also like to take this opportunity to pay my respects to Sister-in-law Wansheng."

His words were tinged with teasing and jest, which made Xiao Chen burst into laughter.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen smiled and patted Sun Wukong on the shoulder, saying:

"You little monkey, you just love to joke around."

"Then Wan Shenglongnu isn't your sister-in-law yet."

"Don't say anything out of line when we meet later."

Sun Wukong laughed:
"Not now, but what about later?"

Xiao Chen coughed lightly and said:

"In the future, maybe in the future."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong laughed and said:
"Alright, I understand."

To put it bluntly, the matter between the toad and the Dragon Girl of Ten Thousand Saints is half settled, but not completely settled; they are still in the "period of harmonious relations."

That is, the stage of talking about feelings.

"It might need a little push..."

Sun Wukong thought to himself.

This time.

Sun Wukong obtained nearly three hundred large peaches from the Peach Garden, each one plump, round, and of excellent quality.

During the meal, he and Sun Wukong ate heartily, having already consumed twenty or thirty pieces.

At this moment, looking at the remaining peaches.

Xiao Chen opened the toad's mouth and used the great supernatural power of "Universe in the Belly" to absorb the remaining two hundred or so precious peaches into his inner world, carefully sealing them away for later use.

Subsequently.

Xiao Chen and Sun Wukong used their internal energy to dispel the effects of the alcohol and clear their minds.

The two then set off from the Thirty-Three Heavens towards Mirror Sea Mountain.

In front of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's Palace.

Upon reaching the gate of the mansion, the gatekeeper greeted him and asked:

"Where is the Great Sage headed on this journey?"

"Please also grant us permission to inform the Great Sage if any of his celestial attendants visit us."

Sun Wukong casually waved his hand and said:

"I got along very well with this Master Yang, and we hit it off immediately."

"Today, I will go to his residence to sit and enjoy some fine tea. Please do not disturb us, lest we spoil our enjoyment."

The gatekeeper knew his master Sun Wukong's temperament well; he was used to Sun Wukong's unpredictable travels, going east one day and west the next, coming and going like clouds.

He quickly bowed and replied:
"I have noted it down. Great Sage, you may go with peace of mind."

Subsequently.

Xiao Chen and Sun Wukong left the gate of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's Mansion and headed towards the entrance to the Thirty-Three Heavens.

It didn't take long.

Suddenly.

"Boom! Boom! Boom..."

The sound rolled in from the entrance of the Thirty-Three Heavens, like a thousand troops galloping, shaking the clouds and causing them to surge like waves!

Xiao Chen has the "Great Sun Golden Eyes," and Sun Wukong has the "Illusion-Breaking Golden Eyes"—both are people with excellent eyesight.

Xiao Chen and Sun Wukong followed the sound, their gazes piercing through the thick clouds and mist, looking towards the entrance to the Thirty-Three Heavens.

At the entrance to the Thirty-Three Heavens, an army of menacing and unconventional forces surged in like a raging tide, their imposing presence overwhelming. This army was utterly unlike the orderly and imposing celestial soldiers; its soldiers were all covered in fur and horns, their faces either ferocious like demons or ugly like yakshas, ​​exuding a strong, pungent demonic aura and an untamed, wild spirit—clearly, most were demon immortals!
They stirred up foul, demonic winds and swirled up gloomy, sorrowful clouds; they held high sharp blades, their edge gleaming coldly; they drew their powerful crossbows and bows, their strings taut; they rode fierce, demonic eagles and led ferocious, vicious dogs!
This seemingly disorganized column, however, subtly conveyed a sense of impending dominance as it moved. Javelins pointed skyward, as if to pierce the heavens; nets appeared and disappeared, seemingly capable of trapping everything, like a pack of hungry hunters swarming out, ready to launch a bloody hunt!
"Kill, kill, kill!"

"Kill, kill, kill!"

……

These thousand-plus demon immortals let out shrill roars and furious cries that shook the heavens. Their demonic energy condensed like smoke rising straight into the sky, tearing open a murderous path through the majestic Thirty-Three Heavens. Their power was terrifying, chilling everyone to the bone!

"This……"

Upon seeing these soldiers, Xiao Chen was momentarily surprised, pondering to himself:

"When did the Heavenly Realm acquire so many wild and untamed demon immortals?"

Although Xiao Chen was not familiar with it, Sun Wukong was very familiar with it.

After all, a day in heaven is equivalent to a year on earth.

For Sun Wukong, the time since the battle at Flower Fruit Mountain was not long ago; those fierce battle scenes were still vivid in his mind, as if it were yesterday.

Back then, Yang Jian led these 1,200 grass-root gods in a thrilling battle against the tens of thousands of demon soldiers and generals of his Flower Fruit Mountain.

These 1,200 grass-root gods killed many of his demon soldiers and generals from Flower Fruit Mountain.

Therefore, Sun Wukong and Yang Jian have some "old grudges" between them!
A glint flashed in Sun Wukong's eyes, and he let out a cold laugh:

"Hmph! Aren't these the twelve hundred grass-root gods of Erlang Shen Yang Jian?"

"That's strange. Aren't these guys supposed to be holed up at the mouth of the Guanjiang River with that Yang guy, enjoying human worship?"

"Why are you causing trouble in the Heavenly Palace?"

"So they were Yang Jian's twelve hundred grass-root gods..."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen glanced at it again and remembered.

He had also witnessed the earth-shattering battle at Huaguo Mountain back then, and personally seen the extraordinary strength of Yang Jian and his 1,200 grass-root gods.

However, as time passed, he simply couldn't recall it at the moment.

Yang Jian's 1,200 grass-root gods—the term "grass-root" does not mean that these demon immortals are all incompetent and powerless.

The term "草头" implies "unruly" or "uncivilized".

The term "Grassroots Gods" is a metaphor for the fact that its members were originally "wild forces" such as mountain spirits, evil cultivators, etc., who acted recklessly in the Three Realms. After being recruited by Yang Jian, they were able to clear their names and embark on a righteous path.

Most of the 1,200 members of the Grass-Head Gods were outstanding demons, monsters, and wandering ghosts that Yang Jian and his six brothers from Meishan had eliminated or subdued during their travels through the Three Realms.

The snakes, insects, and beasts all displayed their unique abilities, some breathing fire and spitting mist, others burrowing underground...

Some tigers and leopards cultivated themselves into spirits, their bodies as strong as mountains, their strength boundless; jackals transformed into human form, cunning and ferocious, full of tricks…

Many demons who were at their wits' end also used their skills to serve Yang Jian in exchange for protection and the resources needed for cultivation, thus forming a stable "exchange-based" loyalty.

These 1,200 members of the Grass-Headed Gods are all extraordinary beings among demons. Each of them possesses powerful magic and unique supernatural abilities. They are proficient in hunting and killing techniques such as javelin throwing, crossbow firing, and setting traps. When combined with their well-trained hawks and hounds, they act in perfect harmony, as if their own arms were in motion.

They are somewhat like a "special operations force" in the Three Realms.

These 1,200 grass-root gods, with just their numbers, were able to defeat an enemy army several times their size!

Just like in the battle at Flower Fruit Mountain in the original story, it was this incredibly fierce group of 1,200 grass-headed gods who, together with Yang Jian, launched a frontal assault, like tigers descending the mountain, unstoppable, and single-handedly defeated tens of thousands of monkey demons under Sun Wukong's command, creating a crucial opportunity for Yang Jian and the Meishan brothers to capture Sun Wukong.

When Guanyin Bodhisattva recommended Yang Jian to the Jade Emperor, she also specifically emphasized:

"His Majesty's nephew, the Manifest Saint Erlang Zhenjun, currently resides at the mouth of the Guanjiang River in Guanzhou... He once slew six monsters, and also has the Meishan brothers and 1,200 grass-headed gods under his command, possessing great supernatural powers. However, he has always obeyed orders but not summons..."

However, these 1,200 grass-root gods were not officially appointed by the Heavenly Court and were not registered in the celestial register. In essence, they were Yang Jian's private retinue.

They were stationed at the mouth of the Guan River, and were only under the command of Yang Jian; they could not go to heaven at will.

Now, these 1,200 grass-root gods have all come out and are heading straight to the Heavenly Court. What is their purpose?
"Could it be that Yang Jian fought his way to heaven?"

Xiao Chen and Sun Wukong were filled with astonishment.

But behind the surging demon soldiers, a dazzling and brilliant divine light suddenly burst forth, seemingly tearing the sky apart!
Behind the 1,200 grass-headed gods, a divine general appeared, dressed in silver armor and robes, his heroic bearing and extraordinary aura shining through.

This deity wears a cloud-shaped crown, his appearance is exceptionally handsome and surpasses all others in the three realms. His long hair hangs down, and his eyes reveal an extraordinary and pure aura. A silver divine pattern flows between his brows, radiating a majestic heavenly power.

Most astonishingly, he was holding up a magnificent and imposing "Erlang Zhenjun Temple" with one hand.

The temple resembled an ancient divine mountain, incredibly heavy, yet he effortlessly lifted it to the heavens with a single hand.

This demonstrates his supreme divine power.

Following closely behind were Yang Jian's right-hand men—Kang Anyu, Zhang Boshi, Li Huanzhang, Yao Gonglin, Guo Shen, and Zhi Jian, the six great generals!

"Bah! Bah! Bah!"

A soaring eagle with hooked iron claws circled and spread its wings in the clouds, its sharp eyes discerning the slightest details as it surveyed the surrounding movements.

"Woof woof woof, woof woof woof, woof woof woof!"

A white dog with fine, silvery fur and exceptional agility followed closely by its owner, occasionally letting out a low growl.

This imposing and awe-inspiring team was none other than the True Lord of the Pure Source Wonderful Way—Yang Jian, along with his four Grand Marshals Kang, Zhang, Yao, and Li, two Generals Guo Shen and Zhi Jian, as well as his spiritually powerful and alofty divine eagle and the renowned Howling Celestial Dog!
"Hey! Isn't Yang Jian always the kind of guy who 'follows orders but not imperial decrees, and doesn't acknowledge the imperial family,' always guarding the mouth of the Guan River and disdaining to serve as an official in the Heavenly Court?"

Sun Wukong's pair of discerning golden eyes were fixed on the figure "supporting the palace with one hand," and he grinned as he said:
"Now look what's happened. Not only did Yang Jian come running up here on his own errands, but he also brought his entire mansion, his underlings, and his henchmen all with him."

"Judging from Yang Jian's attitude, is he planning to settle down and take root in the Heavenly Court?"

Xiao Chen frowned slightly, also puzzled:
"That's really strange..."

Suddenly, a scene flashed through Xiao Chen's mind—Yang Jian ascended to the Heavenly Court and became the God of Justice, after which he captured and suppressed his own sister, Yang Chan, the Third Holy Mother of Mount Hua.

Later, Yang Jian did indeed ascend to heaven and even suppressed his younger sister Yang Chan under Mount Hua.

However, Yang Jian's ascension to heaven as the God of Justice likely occurred during his journey to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures.

How come it's happened so much earlier now?

"Wang Lingguan is gone..."

In a flash, a thought struck Xiao Chen, and he suddenly remembered the fallen Wang Lingguan!
As the "Grand Inspector of Heaven" in the Heavenly Court, Wang Lingguan held the important position of overseeing Heavenly Laws and Punishments and investigating Heavenly Laws. He was the judicial deity of the Heavenly Court!

Unexpectedly, during the war against Heaven, Wang Lingguan died unexpectedly, leaving behind a huge power vacuum.

The Heavenly Court urgently needs new enforcers to fill this vacancy...

Could Yang Jian's "relocation of his entire family" be a sign that he has taken over the hot potato of the powerful and influential position of "God of Justice," a position that has also made him many enemies?
"If that's really the case..."

Xiao Chen pondered to himself.

If Yang Jian were to assume the role of the Heavenly Judge, their "theft of treasures from Heaven" would become far more complicated.

"Yang Jian, the God of Justice!"

"The Heavenly Eye that sees through illusions..."

"The Celestial Hound..."

Thinking about all this, Xiao Chen suddenly felt a bit of a problem.

The position of the God of Justice means that all crimes and offenses in the heavenly realm are subject to his supervision and pursuit!
After all, they were essentially thieves who had infiltrated the Heavenly Realm, intending to steal treasures there; they were "rats of the Heavenly Realm."

Yang Jian, on the other hand, was responsible for capturing these thieves; he was known as the "Cat of Heaven."

Their attempt to steal the Nine-Leaf Lingzhi Grass, a treasure of Yaochi, is tantamount to stealing right under the nose of this newly appointed God of Justice.
"If we try to steal the treasure, Yang Jian will arrest us..."

"Is this some kind of 'cat and mouse game' in the heavens?"

Xiao Chen muttered to himself.

Yang Jian's third eye between his eyebrows is said to be able to see through all the heavens and myriad realms, discern truth from falsehood, and no matter what kind of demon or evil it is, none can hide from its third eye...

That celestial hound possesses exceptional spiritual senses, and its ability to track and trace is renowned throughout the Three Realms. It is most adept at discerning auras!
Once targeted by the Celestial Hound, there's little chance of escaping its pursuit, no matter where you are...

"The God of Justice, Yang Jian..."

Xiao Chen felt an invisible pressure, like a leech clinging to his bone, following him closely and locking him in place.

It was as if there were a pair of cold eyes in the heavens, watching him all the time, spying on his every move.

"It seems I should be more careful in the future..."

"We mustn't let Yang Jian find any loopholes or weaknesses..."

"That would be troublesome..."

Xiao Chen pondered to himself.

"Gaze" actually carries weight.

For ordinary people, a gaze is nothing more than a common visual projection, light and seemingly insignificant.

However, in the eyes of those extraordinary and powerful deities, their "gaze" actually carries a heavy weight.

Those powerful immortals with profound cultivation are extremely sensitive to gazes. Even if they are thousands of miles apart, they can keenly detect the slightest unusual gaze.

Almost at the very moment Xiao Chen felt a sense of foreboding.

"Ok?"

As if sensing something, Yang Jian, who was supporting the temple with one hand, suddenly turned his head.

"open!"

The silver divine mark between Yang Jian's brows glowed slightly, and his gaze, like lightning piercing through the sky, carried a majestic divine power and went straight through the clouds.

It shot towards the direction where Xiao Chen and Sun Wukong were!

(End of this chapter)