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

Chapter 556 Meeting at Mirror Sea Mountain

Yang Jian, the six brothers of Meishan, 1,200 grass-headed gods, Xiaotianquan, and Soaring Eagle... This team of "newly appointed judicial gods" carried their somber and murderous aura and disappeared into the celestial mists flowing deep within the Thirty-Three Heavens.

……

"Tch! Stop pretending to be all high and mighty!"

Sun Wukong spat fiercely in that direction, his piercing golden eyes still holding the suppressed fighting spirit and resentment, while his Ruyi Jingu Bang trembled unwillingly in his hand.
"My dear nephew Yang Jian! Now that he's become that damned 'God of Justice,' he's started putting on airs and acting all high and mighty?"

"Does he really think he's the God of Heaven?"

"Control the heavens and the earth? What right do you have to control me, Old Sun, eating peaches and visiting friends? Hehehe, that's a complete joke!"

"I, Old Sun, will poke a hole right through your Judicial God's Palace sooner or later!"

It's perfectly acceptable for Sun Wukong to call the Jade Emperor "Old Jade Emperor" and Yang Jian "My Great Nephew."

"Be careful what you say, you monkey."

Xiao Chen's voice immediately rang in Sun Wukong's mind through the sound transmission technique of the "mosquito brand wireless phone".

To facilitate communication with Sun Wukong, while in the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's study, he created a clone of the mosquito demon Shuwen and had it enter Sun Wukong's body.

Once Yang Jian and his celestial hound reside in the Heavenly Realm...

This celestial realm seemed to have gained an omnipresent pair of eyes and an all-knowing nose, allowing no room for carelessness.

Xiao Chen used the "mosquito brand" wireless sound transmission method to speak to Sun Wukong:
"Yang Jian is now the God of Justice, holding a high position and great power, wielding the Heavenly Laws, and possessing the authority of life and death!"

"It's the perfect time for a new broom to open and for someone to establish their authority."

"We are the ones who are preparing to 'get things done,' so it's best to keep a low profile right now. We must not attract Yang Jian's attention by arguing and ruin our important plans."

The word "get things done" instantly awakened Sun Wukong.

Right now, the most important thing is to steal the Nine-Leaf Lingzhi Grass, which is related to the "damage to the foundation of several nephews" and "his own eye injury".

Although he was unruly, he was not someone who didn't know what was important.

A gentle breeze stirred, ruffling Sun Wukong's golden fur and dispelling some of the heat from the peach wine.

"Click, click, click..."

Sun Wukong twisted his neck, his joints making a slight cracking sound. The anger on his face was forcibly suppressed, but his burning golden eyes still stared fiercely at the location where the Temple of Justice was about to be completed, as if he wanted to imprint several marks on that brand-new foundation stone with his gaze.

"Humph!"

Finally, Sun Wukong let out a muffled groan, and his arrogant voice reached Xiao Chen's ears through the "mosquito-brand cordless phone":

"Hehehe, I know, I know, I know what I'm doing."

"This wretched place, thanks to that nephew of Yang Jian, has sobered me up considerably. What bad luck!"

"Come on, toad, hurry up!"

Sun Wukong grabbed Xiao Chen's sleeve, his movements still impatient, but his voice was even lower, barely audible between the two of them:
"My stomach is churning from all that peach wine!"

"Go to your Mirror Sea Mountain, have a cup of hangover tea, and sober up!"

"My nephews' injuries can't wait."

When the gourd spirit nephews were mentioned, the fierceness in Sun Wukong's eyes lessened, replaced by a touch of elder's urgency:

"That Dan Yuan Conference is a godsend, a great opportunity! We must hurry and get together with Sister-in-law Wan Sheng and Yellow-haired Mouse!"

Let's think about it together!

Xiao Chen nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the direction of the Temple of Justice, a hint of solemnity in his eyes, and transmitted his voice:
"That's right. Whether Yang Jian goes to heaven or not, our plan will remain the same."

With the Dan Yuan Conference approaching, Laozi's Dou Shuai Palace is located outside the Thirty-Three Heavens, forming an independent small world.

With the Queen Mother of the West moving to the Tushita Palace for the meeting, the defenses of Yaochi will be at their lowest point, truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The imposing aura Yang Jian had just displayed and the power of his Heavenly Eye were like a sword hanging over their heads, forcing them to fight quickly and decisively, without allowing the slightest mistake.

Time is indeed running out.

As he spoke, Sun Wukong abruptly changed the subject, a cunning and provocative glint flashing in his eyes once more:

"However, since Yang Jian has gone to all this trouble to become this so-called God of Justice, why should he interfere with us 'law-abiding' gods..."

A sly glint of arrogance flashed in Sun Wukong's eyes, and he grinned, saying:

"Hehehe, that's perfect! I, Old Sun, will do a really big job for him right under his nose!"

"Pour a basin of boiling hot foot-washing water onto his new official's crimson robe!"

"I, Old Sun, want to see if Yang Jian's nephew's three eyes can see through our methods!"

As soon as Sun Wukong finished speaking, the golden light in his eyes seemed to be ignited like a wildfire, burning fiercely with long-suppressed excitement and rebellion.

"Let's go! Let's go to your Mirror Sea Mountain!"

Subsequently.

Xiao Chen and Sun Wukong then left the Thirty-Three Heavens and headed towards the celestial layer where Mirror Sea Mountain was located.

Sun Wukong has the Somersault Cloud, and Xiao Chen has the magic weapon "Ephemeral Shadow Boots," both of them are extremely fast.

The somersault cloud and the Sky-Stepping Boots streaked across the celestial path with incredible speed.

It didn't take long.

The magnificent mountains of Mirror Sea Mountain, with their interplay of reality and illusion, resembling a reflection in a mirror, come into view.

Mirror Sea Mountain lives up to its name, with a clear mirror lake in front of it, vast and boundless, reflecting the endless starry river and ethereal palaces of the Thirty-Three Heavens.

The lake water was calm and still, like a frozen fragment of the Milky Way, imprinting all the scenery within it, yet it was also protected by a mysterious restriction that prevented any exploration from the inside or outside.

The mountain dwelling is serene and ancient, adorned with the faint light of stars on its eaves and brackets, and woven with colorful clouds to create a hazy curtain. The rich spiritual energy condenses into a thin mist that swirls around the pavilions and towers, making it a perfect place for quiet cultivation and a natural barrier for intimate conversations.

At this moment.

A mountain breeze, carrying a refreshing and cool mist, gently caressed the courtyard of the Yang residence.

A few streaks of golden light from the rising sun stubbornly pierced through the clouds, casting dappled patterns of light on the bluestone path in the courtyard.

Actually, not everyone in the Heavenly Realm knows the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong.

The Great Sage Equal to Heaven holds an extremely high official rank, placing him among the high-ranking immortals.

Ordinary immortals mostly reside in the lower heavens, busy with their daily tasks. How could they possibly have the chance to see the true face of the Great Sage Equal to Heaven?
Xiao Chen's current residence is comparable to that of an ordinary sixth-rank celestial official.

Therefore, there were laborers who did odd jobs, and there were also ordinary fairy maidens who served them.

However, most of these menial laborers were ordinary immortals with dull talents, who could not even be ranked among the heavenly soldiers, or they were puppets created by magic, like "scattering beans to create soldiers".

There are also those helpless souls, or subdued spirits, who, in order to find a glimmer of hope, voluntarily serve the Heavenly Court, engaging in physical labor and doing heavy work.

Or perhaps they are local plant spirits from the celestial realm who, through cultivation, transformed into human form, but whose aptitude is extremely poor.

As for the celestial maidens who serve, most of them are of average appearance and average build, and are mostly the leftovers from the various celestial palaces' song and dance troupes.

"Greetings, Your Excellency Celestial Official."

Upon seeing Xiao Chen's return, several servants dressed in warrior attire respectfully stepped forward and bowed in greeting.

Xiao Chen broke through the outer barrier of Mirror Sea Mountain and addressed the several handymen who came to greet him:

"I have important matters to discuss with this celestial official. You may go about your business and refrain from approaching the main house to cause any disturbance."

"Go and summon Shi Feixiong (Yellow Wind Great Sage) to the inner courtyard. I have instructions."

at the same time.

Xiao Chen had already sent a telepathic message to Huang Feng Dasheng via the "mosquito-brand wireless phone," asking Huang Feng Dasheng in the outer courtyard to come and meet him in the inner courtyard of the Yang residence.

"Here."

The strongmen bowed in response and quietly withdrew to their respective tasks.

Afterwards, Xiao Chen took Sun Wukong to the main house.

Near the main house.

Sun Wukong had already taken the Dinghai Divine Iron from his ear. With a soft "hum", the fine needle transformed into a golden cudgel as thick as a bowl in the wind.

"Hey hey hey..."

Sun Wukong's eyes flashed with a sharp light. Holding his staff, he casually drew a mysterious circle in the void surrounding the main house.

In an instant, an invisible barrier, like a "drawing a circle on the ground to imprison," opened up, separating the inside from the outside.

Xiao Chen also activated the magic weapon "Queen Mother's Golden Hairpin". As the light flowed from his fingertips, the second layer of flexible yet powerful barrier slowly descended like a water curtain.

The double-layered barrier completely enveloped this place, making it airtight.

The two had finished setting up the barrier and were now ready to discuss various matters.

With a soft creak, the main door was slowly pushed open.

"Brother Guoshan, you're back." Wansheng Longnu, dressed in golden armor as a celestial soldier, stood inside the door. She first gave Xiao Chen a gentle look, then, with a hint of natural wariness, her gaze fell on Sun Wukong's hairy face, thunder god's mouth, and golden eyes.

She had heard of Sun Wukong, but did not know him personally.

"Hahaha, 'Little Sister-in-law' of Wansheng, I, Old Sun, greet you."

Sun Wukong bowed to Wan Shenglongnu and greeted her with a grin.

He had already learned from Xiao Chen that Wan Shenglongnu's identity in the Heavenly Realm was his cousin "Yang Long," who was now a golden-armored heavenly soldier, so he recognized her at a glance.

But he knew all too well that Xiao Chen's wife was the scorpion demon, whom he had married through proper channels and who had a fiery personality.

The scorpion demon even hosted a banquet for him.

Therefore, Sun Wukong called the Scorpion Demon "elder sister-in-law," while he could only call the Dragon Girl "younger sister-in-law."

Sun Wukong's address of "Little Sister-in-law" made Wan Shenglongnu blush slightly.

"This is……"

Wan Shenglongnu looked at Xiao Chen with questioning eyes.

"Um……"

Xiao Chen nodded, indicating that Sun Wukong was trustworthy, and then introduced him to Wan Sheng Long Nu:

“Ao Yao, this is the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, whom I often mention.”

"The Monkey King who raised a flag and rebelled against Heaven hundreds of years ago in Huaguo Mountain, Dongsheng Shenzhou."

"My good brother."

The Dragon Girl of Halloween gracefully bowed to Sun Wukong:
"Ao Yao greets the Monkey King."

Just then, a slight noise was heard from the outer courtyard.

The figure of the Great Sage Yellow Wind appeared silently at the courtyard gate, like an inconspicuous wisp of yellow smoke.

He was about to step in when he bumped into Sun Wukong's barrier, but was blocked by an invisible barrier, making a soft "clang" sound.

The Great Sage Huang Feng froze, his thin, pointed face filled with astonishment.

Sun Wukong chuckled and casually pointed his golden cudgel:
"Come in, little mouse!"

As the tip of the rod swept across, a portal opened in the outer barrier.

Xiao Chen also released the barrier of the Queen Mother's golden hairpin, letting the Great Sage Yellow Wind enter.

"That monkey from the Kingdom of Chechi back then..."

The Great Sage Huang Feng walked in, and when his gaze swept over Sun Wukong, the muscles on his pointed rat-like face twitched noticeably, and a hint of fear flashed deep in his eyes.

The shadow cast on him by the Battle of Chechi Kingdom, the Ruyi Jingu Bang, and the fearsome reputation of the Monkey King, has clearly not faded to this day.

"Lord."

The Great Sage Huang Feng bowed to Xiao Chen with a respectful posture.

Xiao Chen smiled slightly, raised his hand in greeting, and then introduced Sun Wukong to the Great Sage Huang Feng:
"This is none other than the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, Sun Wukong."

"Back in Chechi Kingdom, you two had a bit of a 'relationship,' you know, you became friends after a fight."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong immediately became interested. He smacked his lips, glared with his penetrating golden eyes, and said to the Great Sage Yellow Wind with a mischievous look:

"Hey! Yellow-haired rat, it's been over a hundred years."

"Why do you still smell like a rat that's crawled into an old oil tank and rolled in dirt? Haven't you gone away at all?"

"I, Old Sun, was standing way away, and I still got choked by the smell!"

Although Sun Wukong was joking, there was little malice in his tone. It was more like a joke between old friends, and it also brought up some details of his battle with Huang Feng Dasheng back then.

Upon hearing this, the Great Sage Yellow Wind's thin, rat-like face instantly turned red. He awkwardly scratched his dry, yellowish fur, a sheepish smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, and explained:

"Great Sage, please forgive my ignorance. At that time... I happened to have 'borrowed' some lamp oil in a temple and hadn't had time to cleanse myself..."

He looked exactly like a petty thief caught red-handed doing something wrong, cowering and uneasy.

"Pfft."

The Dragon Girl of Halloween happened to be nearby and overheard this conversation, so she couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle.

The laughter, clear and melodious like silver bells, echoed softly in the room, adding a touch of liveliness to the slightly serious atmosphere.

Subsequently.

Wan Shenglongnu bowed slightly and said softly:
"Your Majesty, I did not expect you and the Monkey King to return so suddenly."

"The tea hasn't been prepared yet."

"I'll go and make some preparations first."

She chatted with Xiao Chen for a while and learned that Xiao Chen and Sun Wukong had just returned from a banquet. She then gracefully turned around to prepare some sobering tea.

"it is good."

Xiao Chen nodded slightly, a gentle smile on his lips, and gestured for Wan Shenglongnu to go and prepare.

In this bizarre and unpredictable world of Journey to the West, both "wine" and "tea" hold a unique place.

Wine can enhance enjoyment and also help one forget worries, hence it is called "the Lord of Forgetfulness".

Tea can calm the mind and refresh the spirit, hence the name "Buyehou" (meaning "the one who never sleeps"), also known as "Difanzi" (meaning "the one who dispels worries").

The "tea culture" is deeply rooted in the world of Journey to the West, with tea being mentioned "hundreds of times" in the book.

Within the Three Realms, whether gods, demons, Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, or mortals... most people love to drink tea.

Wherever you go, you must drink tea first.

Just like when the Buddhist monk Jin Chanzi served tea to Zhen Yuanzi, the Hundred-Eyed Demon King served tea to Tang Sanzang and his disciples and poisoned it (with jujube tea), Princess Iron Fan accidentally swallowed Sun Wukong while drinking tea, Zhen Yuanzi had his servants serve tea to the Three Star Gods of Fortune, Prosperity and Longevity, and the Apricot Blossom Fairy of Thorn Ridge served tea to Tang Sanzang and bowed after finishing the tea...

Even if Sun Wukong went to Fangzhang Immortal Mountain to ask Emperor Donghua to save Zhen Yuanzi's ginseng fruit tree in a time of extreme urgency.

Emperor Donghua also called out first:
"Manqian (Dongfang Shuo), stop talking nonsense, and bring the tea."

Dongfang Shuo hurriedly went inside and fetched two cups of tea.

Emperor Donghua and Sun Wukong first savored their tea, and then finished drinking it.

Sun Wukong then said:
"Old Sun has come here with a matter to be served..."

Even if the sky were to fall and a "catastrophic disaster" were to befall us.

Even the ancients would drink tea first before mending the sky; they couldn't rush it.

This is the most basic etiquette for entertaining guests.

……

"My lord, I'll go to the study to prepare as well."

Huang Feng, the Great Sage, dared not be negligent in the slightest. He knew the importance of this secret meeting, so he quickly went to his study and began to organize the Heavenly Palace Scroll.

In the study, a celestial palace scroll was spread out on the large desk. The scroll was covered with a star-like pattern, with crisscrossing lines and densely packed information.

"A map of Yaochi..."

With focused eyes, the Great Sage Huang Feng gently stroked the scroll, beginning to carefully organize it, clarifying the key information that might be needed.

Make thorough preparations for the upcoming secret talks.

Sun Wukong watched the departing figure of the Great Sage Huang Feng, then turned to Xiao Chen, winked, and smiled:

“Brother Xiao Chen, this Great Sage Huang Feng has become quite well-behaved now. Back in Chechi Kingdom, he used to be a notorious thief, causing chaos and trouble.”

Xiao Chen smiled and shook his head, saying:
“Monkey, you don’t know this, although the Yellow Wind Great Sage is a rat spirit and looks timid and cowardly, he is actually quite brave.”

"He only wanted to do something big to prove himself to that white-haired creature..."

"Let those who look down on him see what he's made of."

Xiao Chen paused here, recalling the foolish yet slightly shy look on Huang Feng Da Sheng's face when he mentioned the Golden-Nosed White-Haired Rat Demon. After thinking for a moment, he decided not to reveal that private matter.

After all, the story of "the Great Sage Huang Feng's unrequited love for the Golden-Nosed White-Haired Rat Spirit" is the softest and most private corner of the Great Sage Huang Feng's heart.

Although he was the master, he also knew the importance of respecting the privacy of his subordinates and did not casually discuss the private affairs of the Great Sage Yellow Wind.

Sun Wukong was curious upon hearing this, but he did not press the matter.

at this time.

His and Sun Wukong's return was too sudden; Wan Sheng Long Nu had not yet prepared tea for Sun Wukong.

The proper way to treat guests should not be neglected.

Xiao Chen then led Sun Wukong to wander around Mirror Sea Mountain for a while, waiting to have tea.

(End of this chapter)