Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

Enjoy reading thousands of good books, such as "Gou Zai Xi You De Dao Chang Sheng".

Inside the alchemy room, the fragrance of elixirs mingled with the stench of burning, lingering in the air.

The golden furnace overturned, and the golden elixir scattered all over the ground.

Sun Wukong sat on the back of the two boys, Golden Horn and Silver Horn, holding a handful of golden pills in his left hand, which he was putting into his mouth.

He was still clutching a few coins in his right hand, their golden light gleaming between his fingers.

His mouth was covered in gold dust, his cheeks bulged, and his golden eyes shone with a light that flickered between light and shadow.

It seemed as if one was wandering in a world beyond the mundane, or immersed in a mysterious realm.

Li Yan stood at the entrance of the alchemy room, watching this scene, feeling both anxious and ashamed.

He took a deep breath, steadied himself, and slowly stepped forward, calling out softly, "Your Majesty."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong trembled.

Within those golden eyes, the chaotic light suddenly condensed.

He turned his head and looked at Li Yan.

In that gaze, there was first bewilderment, then confusion, and finally a glimmer of clarity.

"brother?"

With a handful of golden pills in his mouth, Sun Wukong mumbled two words.

The voice was hoarse and low, unlike its usual loud and clear tone.

Li Yan walked up to him, sat down cross-legged, and their eyes met.

He reached out and pressed down on Sun Wukong's wrist, using his mind to probe into his meridians.

Upon further investigation, he was even more horrified.

Within the monkey's body, the Geng metal energy surged like a raging tide, wild and unruly, like a runaway horse, charging and crashing about.

The black energy transformed from the calamity was now entangled with the metal energy.

We are intertwined, inseparable.

Meanwhile, the spiritual energy of the peaches and the medicinal power of the golden pills clashed and fought within the body, churning the meridians into a chaotic mess.

"Your Majesty, please spit out the golden pill from your mouth," Li Yan said in a deep voice.

Sun Wukong paused, seemingly puzzled.

But seeing Li Yan's solemn expression, he didn't ask any more questions and simply spoke.

The golden pills rolled to the ground, gleaming in the sunlight.

He wiped his mouth, and the chaotic look in his golden eyes cleared up a bit.

"Brother..." Sun Wukong's voice gradually became clearer, "What's wrong with me, Old Sun... what's wrong with me, Old Sun?"

Li Yan didn't answer, but instead took out a pill from his sleeve and held it to his lips:

"Your Majesty, please take this pill and calm your mind."

Sun Wukong took the pill, and without even looking at it, threw it into his mouth.

The pill entered the stomach and transformed into a cool, refreshing energy that rose from the dantian and slowly spread throughout the body.

Where the coolness passed, the surging metal energy gradually subsided, and the entangled black energy was also forced back somewhat.

Sun Wukong breathed a long sigh of relief, feeling as if the massive boulder pressing on his chest had shifted slightly.

"Brother," the light in Sun Wukong's golden eyes gradually calmed, "I, Old Sun, have remembered."

After we got separated in that garden, I, Old Sun, didn't remember you.

All I remember is that I was the caretaker of this Peach Garden, and the Seven Fairy Maidens said they wouldn't invite me to the Peach Banquet, and the Earth God scolded me as a slave.

I, Old Sun, had a fire burning in my heart that made me feel uneasy, so I ate the peaches from the garden.

They then went to the Jade Pool Palace and disrupted the banquet, and finally arrived at the Tushita Palace, where they consumed Laozi's elixir.

"Have I, Old Sun...have I, Old Sun, caused a huge disaster?"

Upon hearing this, Li Yan understood perfectly.

He gazed at Sun Wukong's gradually clearing golden eyes and whispered, "Your Majesty, we have been tricked."

As we stepped into the garden, we were trapped by the disordered sequence of time.

The King has probably spent many times more time in that garden than I have.

That disordered timeline shattered the king's memories.

This further stirred up the turbid energy of calamity, amplifying the King's resentment and leading to this predicament.

A cold glint flashed in Sun Wukong's golden eyes: "Who? Who is plotting against me, Old Sun?"

Li Yan shook his head and said, "This humble Taoist has not yet investigated the matter thoroughly."

But the fact that person could orchestrate a time-distorting scheme within the Peach Garden is beyond our comprehension.

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong looked down at the golden pills scattered on the ground and the two attendants beneath him.

He suddenly gave a bitter laugh: "Brother, after this commotion, I'm afraid I won't be able to go back."

Li Yan said, "Your Majesty need not worry. That man's scheme may not be entirely bad."

The spiritual energy of the peaches and golden pills that the king ate, though surging within his body, had already merged with the energy of Geng metal.

Although the turbid energy of calamity was entangled within it, it was also trapped by this spiritual energy, becoming the fire in the Great King's furnace.

"Your Majesty currently possesses several conflicting powers within you. If you can refine and unify them, it will be an immense stroke of luck."

Sun Wukong's golden eyes lit up: "Brother, do you mean that I, Old Sun, have turned misfortune into a blessing?"

Li Yan nodded and said, "That's right."

Your Majesty should consider that the peaches of immortality are formed from the spiritual essence of heaven and earth, embodying the meaning of endless life.

The Golden Elixir was refined by Laozi using the Eight Trigrams Furnace, containing the power to harmonize Yin and Yang.

The king was born with the constitution of Geng metal, endowed with a strong, upright and righteous spirit.

These three are: the birth of wood, the transformation of fire, and the hardness of metal.

Wood generates fire, fire overcomes metal, and metal cuts down wood; this is a relationship of mutual restraint and generation.

If one can refine and unify the three elements using the method of water and fire in balance, then all five elements can be complete and yin and yang can be harmonized.

At that time, the Great Luo Gate will no longer be something unattainable.

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong's golden eyes shone brightly.

He suddenly stood up and shoved the two boys beneath him aside.

Sun Wukong didn't even look at them, but stared at Li Yan, grinning and saying, "Brother, you're right."

Although I, Old Sun, was framed, I still managed to make a name for myself through this commotion.

only,"

He looked down at his surroundings, a hint of shame on his face.

"Laojun treated me, Old Sun, quite well, yet I, Old Sun, smashed his alchemy room to pieces... This..."

Li Yan said, "Your Majesty need not feel guilty. What kind of person is Laozi?"

If he doesn't want the king to enter this Tushita Palace, the king won't be able to get in, no matter how powerful he is.

In other words, the same applies to this golden elixir. Laozi's actions must have a profound meaning.

Sun Wukong was taken aback, then suddenly realized: "Brother, you mean Laozi deliberately made me, Old Sun, eat this golden elixir?"

Li Yan nodded slightly, but remained silent.

He stood up and walked to the alchemy furnace. He saw that although the fire in the furnace had gone out, there was still residual heat at the bottom.

He reached into the furnace and sensed with his mind that the furnace wall was covered with densely packed runes.

Those runes were imprinted on them by Laozi with his supreme magical power.

It records the operating principles of the Bagua Furnace and the secrets of Yin-Yang harmony.

Li Yan's heart stirred, and he secretly memorized those runes.

Just then, he suddenly felt the mirror in his sleeve tremble slightly.

With a slight sinking of the mind, a line of small golden characters slowly appeared on the mirror surface:

Enter the Tushita Palace, observe the runes in the Eight Trigrams Furnace, and comprehend the principle of Yin and Yang harmony.

[Aura of Destiny +500 (Following the Natural Way, Mastery of Skill)]

[Current Affinity/Dharma Energy: 30200/20480]

Li Yan withdrew his thoughts and felt joy in his heart.

He turned to Sun Wukong and said:

"Your Majesty, since the golden elixir in the Tushita Palace was given by Laozi, we must not fail to live up to Laozi's kindness."

Your Majesty, please put these golden pills away.

"After descending to the mortal realm, I will assist Your Majesty in refining the three powers within your body, enabling you to open the gates of the Great Luo Realm in one fell swoop."

Sun Wukong nodded and immediately gathered up all the golden pills scattered on the ground.

Then he saw that there were still some pills in the gourd next to the alchemy furnace, so he poured them all out and collected them.

Golden Horn and Silver Horn huddled in the corner, watching Sun Wukong loot all the pills, their hearts aching and trembling, yet they dared not utter a sound.

Seeing that Sun Wukong had finished collecting the pills, Li Yan said:

"This place is no place to linger. Let's quickly descend to the mortal realm and return to Flower Fruit Mountain."

Sun Wukong nodded, and the two headed towards the palace gate.

As he reached the entrance, Sun Wukong suddenly stopped and glanced back at the alchemy room.

The alchemy furnace overturned, the golden elixir scattered, and a scene of utter devastation unfolded.

A feeling he couldn't quite describe welled up inside him.

"Laojun, I, Old Sun, thank you!"

Sun Wukong cupped his hands in a gesture of respect towards the alchemy furnace, then turned and strode out the door.

The two left the Tushita Palace, rode on the clouds, and flew towards the South Heavenly Gate.

The sky was already bright, and a red sun burst forth from the eastern horizon, dyeing the layers of palaces golden red.

The South Heavenly Gate stood majestically, and the heavenly soldiers and generals on both sides of the gate saw the two and were about to step forward to question them.

Sun Wukong brandished his golden cudgel and shouted, "Get out of the way!"

The heavenly soldiers and generals recognized him as the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, and seeing him covered in gold dust and exuding a murderous aura, they dared not stop him.

They all made way for him.

The two passed through the South Heavenly Gate and flew down to the lower realm.

Sun Wukong somersaulted all the way, while Li Yan rode on a golden beam of light, and in no time they left the Heavenly Court far behind.

After descending to the mortal realm, Li Yan led Sun Wukong to a secluded valley, where they set up a protective barrier to conceal the secrets of heaven.

The valley is surrounded by mountains on all sides, with ancient trees reaching the sky, and a waterfall cascades down from the mountaintop, its water roaring.

The valley is rich in spiritual energy and lush with vegetation, making it a rare and tranquil place.

Li Yan sat cross-legged in front of the waterfall and said to Sun Wukong:

"Your Majesty, please tell me in detail about the three powers within your body."

Sun Wukong sat down cross-legged as instructed and explained everything.

After listening, Li Yan pondered for a long time before saying:

"Your Majesty, do you know why that nameless fire in your heart burns so fiercely?"

Sun Wukong shook his head.

Li Yan said, "In the world, all things have their own nature."

Gold represents strength, integrity, and perseverance.

Wood is gentle, yielding, and ever-renewing.

Fire is intense, violent, and unpredictable.

The king's body is of the metal element, and his nature is that of metal.

People with the metal element are the most upright and unyielding, preferring to break rather than bend.

When wronged, it's like metal and stone clashing, sparks flying everywhere.

This is human nature, and cannot be changed by human effort.

"Those peaches are the essence of wood, and wood can produce fire."

After the king ate the peaches of immortality, the wood element entered his body, causing him to react like dry firewood meeting a raging fire.

This fueled the king's resentment, making it burn even brighter.

That golden elixir is the essence of fire, and fire can overcome metal.

After swallowing the golden elixir, the fiery energy entered his body, just like a raging fire melting gold, refining the Geng metal energy to become even purer.

The impure energy of calamity takes this opportunity to mix in, preventing it from becoming pure.

"The reason why Your Majesty has forgotten me is precisely because of this."

Furthermore, the illusion of time distortion trapped the king within it, making each day feel like a year.

The king stayed in that garden for an unknown amount of time, and the wood and fire elements burned for just as long.

Once the king left the garden, the memory had been burned down to only the most intense fragments.

This was that man's scheme.

A chill flashed in Sun Wukong's golden eyes: "Does that person want me, Old Sun, to wreak havoc in the Heavenly Palace?"

Li Yan nodded and said, "Yes. Your Majesty, think about it: if you were to cause a great disturbance in the Heavenly Palace and ruin the Peach Banquet,..."

You've consumed all of Laozi's elixir; how will the Heavenly Court deal with you?

What will the Jade Emperor think of you?

What will those celestial officials say about you?

Your relationship with the Heavenly Court is now completely severed, with no room for reconciliation.

That person can then reap the benefits without lifting a finger.

Sun Wukong remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "Brother, what should I, Old Sun, do now?"

Li Yan said, "Your Majesty need not worry. Although that man plotted against Your Majesty, he overlooked one thing."

Sun Wukong asked, "What is it?"

Li Yan said, "Although Your Majesty has forgotten me and Huaguo Mountain, you have not forgotten your true nature."

The king ate the peaches of immortality, smashed the banquet, and caused a disturbance in the Tushita Palace, seemingly driven by the elements of wood and fire.

In reality, it was simply the king's nature.

The king is by nature unyielding and cannot tolerate the slightest injustice.

The elements of wood and fire merely amplified Your Majesty's temperament, but did not change Your Majesty's true nature.

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong's golden eyes shone brightly:

"Brother, you mean that my commotion wasn't because I was set up, but because I, Old Sun, wanted to cause trouble?"

Li Yan smiled and said, "That's right."

That man's scheme only added fuel to the fire for the king, making him even happier.

If Your Majesty doesn't feel wronged, even if you were given ten golden pills, you wouldn't cause any trouble.

The reason why the king made a fuss was because he already harbored a sense of injustice.

That resentment was sown the day the Great King ascended to the Heavenly Court.

It is unfair to bestow the title of Great Sage Equaling Heaven upon him without any real benefit.

It would be a great injustice not to invite the King to the Peach Banquet.

These pent-up grievances, if left unresolved like the conflicting elements of wood and fire, will inevitably erupt sooner or later.

Sun Wukong paused for a moment, then burst into laughter: "Brother, you're right!"

I, Old Sun, have indeed been feeling very stifled these past few days in Heaven.

Today's commotion, on the contrary, was quite satisfying!

Li Yan said, "Now that Your Majesty has expressed your opinion, it is time to get down to business."

The various forces within the Great King's body are now intertwined.

If it is not refined in time, things will change over time.

"I possess a method that can refine and unify the various energies within the body, thereby achieving the Great Luo Dao Fruit."

Sun Wukong said, "Brother, speak quickly!"

Li Yan said, "Your Majesty, please allow me to explain in detail."

At the same time, Sun Wukong's havoc in the Heavenly Palace was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring up huge waves.

When the news reached the Lingxiao Palace, the Jade Emperor was enjoying tea and discussing philosophy with the Ziwei Emperor.

Upon hearing the news, he tilted his jade cup slightly, spilling a few drops of fine wine onto the dragon table, but he seemed unaware.

"What a magnificent Monkey King!"

The Jade Emperor put down his jade cup, his voice authoritative without being angry.

The Ziwei Emperor sat upright to the side, his expression unchanged, but a glint of light flashed in his eyes and disappeared in an instant.

He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said calmly, "Your Majesty, please calm down."

That monkey was born of nature and is untamed. Since it has caused such trouble, it should be dealt with according to the law.

The Jade Emperor did not answer, but instead ordered Venus to summon all the immortals to the palace for a meeting.

In a short while, the celestial beings were lined up in the Lingxiao Palace.

The civil and military officials stood on either side, each with a different expression.

Some were filled with righteous indignation, while others gloated.

Others had blank expressions, revealing nothing of their thoughts.

The hall was filled with auspicious energy and shone with golden light.

This place, which should have been solemn and peaceful, now had an undercurrent of tension, like the gloom before a storm.

The Jade Emperor sat high on his throne, his gaze sweeping over the immortals in the hall, and slowly spoke:

"My lords, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, Sun Wukong, wreaked havoc at the Peach Banquet and destroyed the Jade Pool Palace."

They then broke into the Tushita Palace and stole Laozi's elixir.

What do you, my lords, think should be done about this matter?

Before the words were finished, one of the military officers stepped forward.

This man had a face like a red date, thick eyebrows and tiger-like eyes, and wore a crimson battle robe with a sword hanging at his waist.

He was Huan Yu, the Southern Dipper General, one of the Six Divisions of the Southern Dipper.

He had been resentful ever since Sun Wukong raised the banner of the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, but he could not vent his anger because of the Jade Emperor's decree.

Seeing that Sun Wukong had caused a great disaster, this was the perfect opportunity to kick him while he was down, so how could they let it go?

Huan Yu cupped his hands and said loudly, "Your Majesty!"

That demon monkey was originally a wandering immortal from the lower realm. He was bestowed the title of Great Sage Equal to Heaven by His Majesty's grace, which was already an immense honor.

Unexpectedly, this wolf in sheep's clothing harbored ambitions and showed no gratitude.

Instead, they acted recklessly, disrupting the Peach Banquet, desecrating the sacred Jade Pool, and even stealing Laozi's elixir—their crimes are unforgivable!

Your Majesty, I believe that troops should be dispatched immediately to capture this scoundrel, escort him to the Execution Platform, and publicly execute him as a warning to others!

His words were as loud as a bell, resounding and powerful, and all the immortals in the hall nodded in agreement.

Although Wu De Xingjun has been imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison, his lineage of celestial officials are still in the palace.

One of them, named Zheng Cong, held the official rank of General Yisheng, a third-grade official, and was on very good terms with Wude Xingjun.

Seeing Huan Yu step forward, he also stepped forward and echoed, "General Huan is absolutely right!"

That demonic monkey not only wreaked havoc at the Peach Banquet, but also, along with his accomplice Li Yan, swindled and deceived people in the mortal realm, bewitching their hearts.

I have heard that Li Yan once gathered several thousand people on Flower Fruit Mountain, and privately set up a cave dwelling, ostensibly for cultivation.

In reality, they are raising demonic soldiers; their intentions are despicable!

Zheng Cong's words immediately sparked a flurry of discussion in the hall.

Several more celestial officials stepped forward, adding fuel to the fire and listing all the crimes committed by Sun Wukong and Li Yan.

Liu Yanchang, who was in charge of the Heavenly Court, had a fair complexion and no beard, and a kind face. At this moment, he also stepped forward.

He was in charge of evaluating the performance of all officials, was extremely well-informed, and was known for his tact and never easily offended anyone.

Today, however, he was unusually sharp in his words: "Your Majesty, I also have something to report."

When Li Yan was in the lower realm, he exchanged elixirs for spiritual items such as the Breath Soil Stone and the Heavenly True Water.

Those spiritual creatures were born of heaven and earth and are shared by all people. What virtue or ability does a wandering immortal have to dare to possess them privately?

This is the crime of stealing the precious resources of heaven and earth!

Then the Kitchen God, the God of Destiny, stepped out from the ranks of civil officials.

Although this person is not of high rank, he controls the fires of the Three Realms, is well-informed, and has dealings with various forces.

He cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I also have something to report."

Li Yan once repaired the spiritual veins in Kunlun Mountain, triggering a celestial phenomenon: the phoenix appeared.

This matter may seem like a good deed, but it actually hides a secret.

I dare to ask, the Kunlun Spiritual Vein is under the jurisdiction of the Heavenly Court. What right does a mere wandering immortal have to interfere?

This is a crime of usurpation!

The Kitchen God's words were cleverly spoken.

On the surface, it was an impeachment of Li Yan, but in reality, it was a fabricated story that the meritorious act of repairing the spiritual veins was an act of usurpation.

Upon hearing this, some of the immortals in the hall nodded, while others shook their heads.

Others had subtle expressions.

Seeing everyone echoing his sentiments, General Huan Yu of the Southern Dipper was even more pleased with himself and said:

"Your Majesty, that demon monkey and Li Yan, one in the open and the other in the dark, are in cahoots."

The demon monkey stole peaches and pills in front, while Li Yan collected spiritual items behind.

This was clearly premeditated, a coordinated attack from within and without!

Your Majesty, I implore you to swiftly dispatch troops and raze Flower Fruit Mountain to the ground, thus upholding the majesty of Heaven!

In an instant, the crowd in the hall was filled with indignation, and petitions flew toward the Jade Emperor's desk.

Zheng Cong then added fuel to the fire, also blaming Sun Wukong for the embezzlement of military funds by the Martial Virtue Star Lord.

It is said that the demon monkey used his magic to bewitch the star lord, which led to this calamity.

Several more celestial officials who had a past relationship with the Martial Virtue Star Lord stepped forward.

They all blamed the mistakes they had made over the years on Sun Wukong and Li Yan.

Some say they lost their magic weapon, which was stolen by the demon monkey.

Some say that their elixir was missing because Li Yan stole it.

Others claimed that the problems with the spiritual veins under their jurisdiction were also caused by these two.

Every single detail, every single point, is presented with absolute certainty.

It was as if Sun Wukong and Li Yan were the greatest scourges in the Three Realms, and that the world could not be at peace without their elimination.

The Jade Emperor sat high on his throne, listening to the impeachments from these celestial officials, his expression remaining indifferent, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Those deep eyes swept across the faces of the immortals in the hall, taking in each person's expression.

Those who impeached him spoke with righteous indignation and passion, while others were meek and submissive, their true thoughts hidden.

But who is the Jade Emperor?

He has sat in the position of the ruler of the Three Realms for countless eons, and has seen all kinds of demons and monsters.

These celestial officials impeached Sun Wukong and Li Yan, seemingly for the sake of the Heavenly Court, but in reality, each had their own agenda.

Huan Yu, who came from the Six Offices of the Southern Dipper, had always looked down on the wandering immortals of the lower realm.

He impeached Sun Wukong merely to vent his anger and, incidentally, to demonstrate his loyalty to the Six Star Lords of the Southern Dipper.

Zheng Cong had a past relationship with Wu De Xing Jun, and this impeachment was partly to avenge Wu De Xing Jun.

Secondly, it was to cover up his past embezzlement while serving under the Martial Virtue Star Lord.

Those who claimed to have lost magical treasures and missing elixirs were just taking advantage of the situation to try and shift the blame onto others.

As for the Kitchen God, he is always shrewd and resourceful. His sudden attack suggests that someone else is behind it.

The Jade Emperor listened quietly, like an observer watching the grand spectacle unfolding before the assembled celestial officials.

Just then, one of the civil officials stepped out slowly from the ranks.

This person was dressed in a blue court robe.

It was Dongfang Shuo, who was in charge of the Peach Banquet.

He was framed by the God of Martial Virtue and imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison.

Fortunately, he was rescued by Li Yan and Sun Wukong, which cleared his name and restored him to his original position.

Upon hearing the immortals impeach the two, he was both anxious and angry, and could no longer sit still.

He walked into the hall, bowed deeply to the Jade Emperor, and said loudly, "Your Majesty, this humble subject has something to say!"

The Jade Emperor nodded slightly: "Speak."

Dongfang Shuo straightened up, his gaze sweeping over the celestial officials filling the hall, his voice clear and melodious:

"I have heard everything my colleagues said just now."

General Huan said that the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's crimes are unforgivable, but I dare not agree.

"General Huan, do you know who is responsible for the disordered chronology in the Peach Garden?"

Huan Yu was taken aback, then said, "Of course it was the work of that demon monkey!"

Dongfang Shuo shook his head and said, "General, you are mistaken."

The disordered time sequence in the Peach Garden was caused by the turbulent movement of the Qi of Heaven and Earth.

Although that demon monkey possessed supernatural powers, it was only at the Taiyi Golden Immortal level. How could it possibly disrupt the order of time? This is one point.

Secondly, the nine-thousand-year-old peach was planted by the Queen Mother of the West herself, and it was heavily protected by many restrictions.

If no one secretly helped the demon monkey, how could he have broken the restriction and picked the peaches?

The general only saw the monkey stealing peaches, but didn't ask why the restriction had failed. Is this the way to see things clearly?

Huan Yu's expression changed slightly, and he was about to retort when Dongfang Shuo turned to Zheng Cong and said:

General Zheng said that Li Yan was raising demon soldiers in the mortal realm and plotting something sinister.

Your humble servant may ask, General, were the thousands of monkey demons on Flower Fruit Mountain only created after Li Yan ascended to heaven?

Or did he already exist before he went to heaven?

If he existed before ascending to heaven, then he was his disciples when he was cultivating in the mortal realm. How could there be any talk of raising or nurturing him?

If it only came into existence after Heaven, then we must ask...

How could a wandering immortal, serving as an official in the Heavenly Court, possibly go down to the mortal realm to recruit soldiers and horses?

If the general has evidence, he may present it to me for examination.

Zheng Cong was speechless when asked the question, and could only stammer and not say anything.

His so-called raising of demon soldiers is nothing but speculation; where can he find any evidence to support it?

Dongfang Shuo then turned to the Kitchen God and smiled slightly:

"The Kitchen God said that Li Yan's repair of the Kunlun Spiritual Vein was a crime of usurpation. I would like to ask the Kitchen God for his opinion."

The Kunlun spiritual vein was trapped by the Earth Vein Locking Dragon Formation, and its spiritual energy was gradually depleting.

If it is not repaired, in a few hundred years, the entire Kunlun Mountain will become a desolate wilderness.

At that time, all the thousands of spiritual herbs and medicines on the mountain withered and died, and tens of thousands of lives were displaced.

Who should be held accountable for this?

Your Excellency says that Li Yan has overstepped his bounds. Then I would like to ask, since Your Excellency knew that the spiritual vein was damaged, why did you not submit a memorial to report it?

Why not take action to repair it?

The Lord is in charge of the hearth fire of the Three Realms. The spiritual vein and the hearth fire share the same origin but flow differently. If the Lord is willing to take action, he may be able to resolve the predicament.

But the adults stood idly by, allowing the spiritual veins to dry up.

Now that someone has stepped in to repair it, the adults are accusing them of overstepping their bounds. What kind of logic is that?

The Kitchen God blushed when he heard these words.

After all, the crime of usurpation is simply sophistry.

Having been exposed by Dongfang Shuo to his face, how could he possibly have the face to say anything more?

Dongfang Shuo spoke so much in one breath that his body swayed slightly.

He bowed to the Jade Emperor and said, "Your Majesty."

I have not been close to Li Yan and Sun Wukong, but I know that these two are not wicked people.

Li Yan was skilled in alchemy, helped people in need, and performed many good deeds in the mortal realm.

Although Sun Wukong is mischievous by nature, he has a kind heart and never harms others in secret.

While the disturbance at the Peach Banquet was certainly wrong, the disordered chronology within the Peach Garden was an external factor.

If someone hadn't secretly plotted against them, even the mischievous monkey wouldn't have caused such a mess.

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you investigate thoroughly and not allow those in the shadows to use you to commit murder and reap the benefits!"

These words were spoken with resounding force, and among the immortals in the hall, some turned ashen-faced, a hint of hatred flashing in their eyes.

Huan Yu was refuted by Dongfang Shuo's words, his face turning red with embarrassment, but he was still unwilling to give up and stubbornly argued:

"Dongfang Shuo, you have a personal relationship with those two, so naturally you'll speak up for them!"

The evidence against the demon monkey for stealing peaches and pills is irrefutable.

Even if someone plotted against him, it was because he couldn't control himself; what does it have to do with anyone else?

As soon as he finished speaking, Dongfang Shuo stood in the hall, his face flushed and his chest heaving.

He looked around and saw the celestial officials in the hall, all of them sneering, indifferent, and gloating.

Not a single person was willing to speak a word of justice for those two.

A wave of sadness washed over him.

He spent thousands of years in Heaven and witnessed the coldness and warmth of human relationships.

Never before had I felt the celestial aura in the Lingxiao Palace as icy cold as I do now.

"Your Majesty," Dongfang Shuo bowed again, his voice now somewhat hoarse.

"Every word I have said is true."

If Your Majesty were to send troops to attack based solely on one side of the story, wouldn't that only delight those in the shadows?

The Jade Emperor sat upright on his throne, his expression revealing neither joy nor anger.

He gazed at Dongfang Shuo with eyes as deep as a bottomless abyss.

"Dongfang Shuo, are you finished?"

The Jade Emperor's voice was calm, revealing no emotion whatsoever.

Dongfang Shuo was taken aback, then kowtowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have finished speaking."

The Jade Emperor nodded slightly, but remained noncommittal.

He turned to the immortals in the hall.

"Do any of you gentlemen have anything else to say?"

There was a dead silence in the hall.

Those celestial officials who had been so impassioned just moments before now all bowed their heads and remained silent.

The Jade Emperor's seemingly casual question was more terrifying than any thunderous wrath.

Huan Yu retreated back to the ranks, head bowed, not daring to utter another word.

Zheng Cong shrank back in the crowd, wishing he could hide himself away.

The Kitchen God's face was pale, and the whisk in his hand trembled slightly.

Just then, one of the civil officials stepped out slowly from the ranks.

This man had white hair but a youthful face, held a whisk in his hand, and had a face like a full moon; he was none other than Venus.

He walked into the hall, bowed deeply to the Jade Emperor, and chuckled:

"Your Majesty, I have a few words to say, but I'm not sure if I should."

The Jade Emperor said, "Speak."

Venus straightened up, flicked his whisk, and swept his gaze across the immortals in the hall.

Finally, the focus shifted to Dongfang Shuo, who smiled slightly and said, "What Mr. Dongfang just said is all reasonable."

Having lived to this age, though I wouldn't presume to understand the ways of the world, I do know...

Nothing in this world happens without a reason.

He then changed the subject, saying, "However, Mr. Dongfang, may I ask you a question?"

"Did you draft the invitation list for the Peach Banquet?"

Dongfang Shuo was taken aback, then said, "That's right. I am in charge of all matters related to the Peach Banquet, so I naturally drafted the list."

Venus chuckled, but there was a hint of something indescribable in his smile:

"Was it you who crossed out the name of the Monkey King from the list?"

Upon hearing this, the immortals in the hall displayed various expressions.

Dongfang Shuo was shocked and his expression changed drastically.

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found himself speechless.

The list of invitations to the Peach Banquet was indeed drafted by him.

The name of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven was indeed crossed out by him.

But that was the Queen Mother of the West's decree; he was merely following orders.

At this moment, Venus asked this question in front of all the celestial officials in the hall, seemingly addressing him directly.

In reality, he was telling everyone that the fact that the Great Sage Equaling Heaven was not invited was inextricably linked to him, Dongfang Shuo.

Dongfang Shuo said in a trembling voice, "Lord Jin Xing, you..."

Venus waved his hand, interrupting him, still smiling broadly:

"Mr. Dongfang, there's no need to be nervous. I was merely asking casually and had no other intention. However,..."

He turned to the Jade Emperor and bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty, I believe that since this matter has already occurred, it is pointless to investigate who is right and who is wrong."

The Great Sage Equaling Heaven stole peaches and pills, and destroyed the Jade Pool Palace. This is irrefutable evidence.

As for why he acted this way, whether he was schemed against or couldn't control himself, that's another matter.

The most urgent task now is to handle this matter in order to uphold imperial authority.

These words were spoken with utmost tact and diplomacy.

On the surface, he was impartial, neither denying Dongfang Shuo's explanation nor exonerating Sun Wukong.

But upon closer inspection, it is full of hidden dangers.

He first said that the invitation list was drawn up by Dongfang Shuo, thus drawing everyone's attention to Dongfang Shuo.

They also said that the evidence of stealing peaches and pills was irrefutable, confirming Sun Wukong's guilt.

Finally, to put it simply, whether you were schemed against or couldn't control yourself, it doesn't matter.

This rendered all of Dongfang Shuo's previous reasoned arguments completely meaningless.

As Dongfang Shuo stood in the hall, he felt a chill rush into the top of his head.

Looking at Venus's smiling face, he suddenly felt utterly unfamiliar with it.

This old man, who usually drinks and jokes with Sun Wukong,

At this moment, they were able to push the monkey into the abyss so casually.

How much of that smile was genuine, and how much was fake?

A chill ran through Dongfang Shuo's heart.

He bowed to the Jade Emperor.

"Your Majesty, this humble subject..."

The Jade Emperor raised his hand to stop him and said calmly, "Dongfang Shuo, you may step down."

Dongfang Shuo was taken aback and wanted to say more, but he saw that the Jade Emperor's eyes were already showing some impatience.

He felt a chill run down his spine, and could only kowtow and silently retreat back into the train.

As he stepped down, his gaze swept over the entire hall filled with celestial officials.

Those people had no expression on their faces, only a slight upturn at the corners of their mouths.

A wave of sorrow washed over him, and he suddenly realized that the Heavenly Court was nothing special after all.

Seeing that Dongfang Shuo had left, the Jade Emperor turned to the immortals in the hall and said in a deep voice:

"Since none of you have any objections, then let us follow Huan Yu's suggestion and send troops to attack Huaguo Mountain."

The demon monkey Sun Wukong and his accomplice Li Yan were captured and executed in accordance with the law.

Upon hearing this, all the immortals in the hall bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise."

The Jade Emperor nodded slightly and then said:

"Since we are sending troops, we need a commander. Who do you all think is suitable for this task?"

Huan Yu was overjoyed upon hearing this.

He had been waiting for this opportunity for countless years.

Upon hearing the Jade Emperor's question, he quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said:

"Your Majesty, I, your humble servant, am willing to lead troops to capture the demon monkey and present it before you!"

The Jade Emperor glanced at him and said indifferently, "I know that General Huan is exceptionally brave and skilled in martial arts."

However, that demon monkey possessed extraordinary powers, making it impossible for ordinary heavenly generals to defeat him.

General Huan may be brave, but he might not be a match for that demonic monkey.

Huan Yu's expression stiffened, and he was about to say something more...

The Jade Emperor turned to the ranks of military officers, his gaze falling on one person.

The man was dressed in silver armor, had a handsome face, three long wisps of beard, and a sword at his waist; he possessed an extraordinary air about him.

It was none other than Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, who was known as the number one warrior in the Heavenly Realm.

Sensing the Jade Emperor's gaze, Li Jing slowly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to lead the troops there."

The Jade Emperor nodded slightly: "I am relieved that Heavenly King Li is willing to go."

He added, "Although that demon monkey only has a few thousand monkey demons under his command, they should not be underestimated."

When Li Tianwang goes on this journey, he can bring his 100,000 heavenly soldiers, along with the Nine Luminaries, the Twenty-Eight Mansions, and the Twelve Divine Organs, to go together.

Other,"

His gaze swept over the immortals in the hall. "Although Li Yan is a rogue immortal, he is proficient in the art of divination and escape. We must be wary of him."

"Let the Giant Spirit God and Nezha, the Third Prince, go along as well."

Li Jing cupped his hands and said, "Your subject accepts the decree."

The Jade Emperor then looked at Venus: "Venus, go and deliver the decree."

He ordered the local land gods and mountain gods to closely monitor the movements of Flower Fruit Mountain.

Report any unusual changes immediately.

Venus received the decree.

The Jade Emperor waved his hand, signaling the immortals to step down.

The immortals filed out of the hall and dispersed.

Dongfang Shuo followed the crowd out of Lingxiao Palace, feeling an unbearable heaviness in his legs.

He rode on the clouds, heading towards the Jade Pool Palace, but his heart was in turmoil.

He recalled that day in the Monkey King's mansion, where he drank and chatted with Sun Wukong.

Listen to the monkey tell interesting stories about Flower Fruit Mountain, and watch the monkey grin and laugh carefree.

He recalled that day in the imperial prison when Li Yan came to visit him and brought him a pot of Drunken Immortal Wine.

"Don't worry, sir," I said, "I will do my best to investigate this case."

Those two, one frank and open, the other calm and wise, were both rare and sincere people.

But now, one has been forced to cause havoc in the Heavenly Palace, and the other has been accused of being an accomplice, and they are about to suffer annihilation.

But Dongfang Shuo could only watch helplessly, unable to do anything about it.

Upon arriving at the Jade Pool Palace, the enormous peach tree stood tall, its canopy like a canopy, blocking out the sun.

Beneath the tree roots, the nine-colored fairy flower swirled with nine colors, its inner radiance even more vibrant than before it was stolen.

He gazed at the celestial flower, a sense of absurdity welling up within him.

"East."

A clear and melodious voice came from behind me.

Dongfang Shuo turned around and saw Dong Shuangcheng coming on a cloud.

Today she wore a blue Taoist robe and had the Qing Shuang sword hanging at her waist.

His expression was cool and aloof, yet a hint of worry lingered between his brows.

She approached and bowed slightly: "You don't look well. Are you feeling unwell?"

Dongfang Shuo shook his head with a wry smile: "Immortal Dong, you jest. I was just feeling a bit down and came out for a walk."

Dong Shuangcheng looked at him, remained silent for a moment, and then suddenly said in a low voice, "I have heard about what happened in Lingxiao Palace just now."

Dongfang Shuo was taken aback, then smiled wryly: "The celestial official is indeed well-informed."

Dong Shuangcheng did not answer, but stared at the nine-colored fairy flower, his gaze somewhat distant:

"Sir, do you believe that the Monkey King and Taoist Priest Li were wronged?"

Dongfang Shuo remained silent for a long time before saying, "Whether I am wronged or not, I cannot say for sure."

However, the disordered timeline in the Peach Garden, the restrictions on the nine-thousand-year-old peach trees, and the Eight Trigrams Furnace in the Tushita Palace...

Every single thing is suspicious.

Although the monkey was mischievous, it was not unreasonable.

If we hadn't been set up, how could things have escalated to this point?

Upon hearing this, Dong Shuangcheng nodded slightly but remained silent.

Dongfang Shuo looked at her and suddenly asked, "Immortal Dong, I have a question I would like to ask you."

Dong Shuangcheng said, "Please speak, sir."

Dongfang Shuo said, "The invitation list for the Peach Banquet does not include the name of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven."

When I asked you, was it the Empress's intention?

You said yes.

I believed it and finalized the list.

He looked into Dong Shuangcheng's eyes and said, word by word:

"I would like to ask you, is that list truly Her Majesty's will?"

Upon hearing this, Dong Shuangcheng's expression changed slightly.

She paused for a moment before saying, "Sir, knowing too much about some things is not necessarily a good thing."

Dongfang Shuo smiled wryly: "I know."

But today, when Venus asked that question in the palace,

Suddenly, I felt that my thousands of years in this Heavenly Court were nothing but a joke.

Who made that list? Was it the Empress or Venus?

Or perhaps it was His Majesty's intention?

I don't know.

All I know is that the list passed through my hands once.

It is my fault that the monkey was not invited.

Dong Shuangcheng looked at him, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

Just as she was about to say something, she suddenly felt a strange movement behind her.

The two turned around and saw auspicious clouds surging and thousands of auspicious wisps of energy rising from the depths of the Jade Pool Palace.

From within the sea of ​​clouds, celestial music faintly drifted by, melodious and gentle, as if celestial maidens were singing from the heavens.

Amidst the celestial music, a golden light flew down from the sky, growing closer and brighter.

Within that golden light was a phoenix carriage.

The phoenix carriage was carved entirely of gold and jade, and covered with patterns of phoenixes, peonies, auspicious clouds, and other designs.

Before the phoenix carriage, nine phoenixes pulled the chariot, their tail feathers like rainbows, their bodies gleaming with golden light, and their cries clear and melodious.

Following the phoenix carriage were dozens of fairies, each with an exquisite appearance and flowing robes.

Carrying a flower basket, she walked and scattered petals as she went, leaving a trail of falling petals.

A person sat upright on the phoenix carriage.

The man was dressed in a nine-colored robe, wearing a phoenix crown, with a face like a full moon, beautiful features, and an elegant and dignified demeanor.

She sat gracefully in the phoenix carriage, her eyes slightly closed, appearing like a celestial being.

Dong Shuangcheng's expression changed, and he immediately knelt down, saying, "Welcome back to the palace, Your Highness."

Dongfang Shuo also knelt down immediately, but his heart was in turmoil.

The phoenix carriage slowly descended and landed in front of the Jade Pool Palace.

The nine phoenixes folded their wings, lowered their heads, and stood respectfully on either side.

The fairies also stopped and stood in two lines with their hands at their sides.

On the phoenix carriage, the Queen Mother slowly opened her eyes.