บท 20: Chapter 20: Welcoming the King's Return - The Measure Heaven Daoist Visits the Eastern Sea
As Shi Yue flew towards the East Victory Continent, he could feel the vastness of the world, boundless and grand, with countless famous mountains. Many peaks were tens of thousands of feet high, piercing the sky, and largely uninhabited, where occasionally birds and beasts, infused with the essence of heaven and earth, transformed into demons. At best, they reached the Core Formation stage, not even achieving True Immortal, and he had already passed beyond Western Aparagodaniya, reaching the Territory of Southern Jambudvipa.
Shi Yue was aware that most true demon kings resided in Western Aparagodaniya and Northern Uttarakuru, with Northern Uttarakuru being entirely a world of demons, scarcely inhabited by humans. Even the nations were composed of demons, from the emperor downward, and it was rumored to conceal a Da Luo-level existence.
After half a day of flying, he arrived at Flower Fruit Mountain, where he saw a three-zhang tall giant demon leading a patrol of demon soldiers below. Their formation was remarkably orderly, comparable to the ceremonial guards of some modern nations.
Among them were monkeys and other small demons, and as he looked across the mountains, demon soldiers patrolled everywhere. Clearly, since Sun Wukong's return to Flower Fruit Mountain, he had subdued the surrounding demon kings and begun organizing his forces, transforming Flower Fruit Mountain into an impregnable fortress.
He is still following his path!
Shi Yue couldn't help but sigh inwardly. At that moment, the giant demon noticed him and shouted, "What kind of demon are you? How dare you trespass on Flower Fruit Mountain! Leave at once!"
Shi Yue was momentarily speechless. Damn! Look at yourself; even if I were a demon, I'd look way better than you! After a moment of contemplation, he recalled that he was also a Great King of Flower Fruit Mountain, so there was no need to hide. In the future, these individuals would share the hardships of Flower Fruit Mountain, so he spoke up, "And who are you? I am Shi Yue, the Great King of Flower Fruit Mountain, returning after my studies. Is my brother Sun Wukong here?"
The giant demon was stunned, staring at him wide-eyed, wondering, "Is this the legendary Black Monkey King, Shi Yue? How did he end up looking so shabby, without even armor?"
Some leaders of Flower Fruit Mountain knew of the Black Monkey King Shi Yue and the somewhat inept Second King who had also gone out to seek immortality and wisdom.
The giant demon squinted at him, scratched his head, and said, "Are you really Shi Yue, the Great King? I am the commander Big Black Face, appointed personally by the king. Please wait here; I need to send someone to ask the Four Marshals."
Shi Yue hadn't changed much since leaving, still wearing just an apron, barefoot, and bare-chested. He was proudly narcissistic about his physique, preferring to be a demon king rather than a Buddha. Especially in front of Senior Sister Taiyin—look at this physique! So ruggedly charming!
Unaware of the big man's inner thoughts, seeing him so diligent, Shi Yue nodded and said, "You may go. I'll wait here. Tell them Shi Yue has returned from learning."
Adapting to the customs around him, Shi Yue often found himself speaking like this involuntarily. But hearing the title "Big Black Face," he couldn't help but smile, knowing Sun Wukong's antics were at play again.
Then, after just a moment, a black cloud suddenly appeared from the direction of Water Curtain Cave. The entire Flower Fruit Mountain was swept by a gale, the black cloud rolling and almost covering the entire sky of Flower Fruit Mountain. It was the Four Marshals—Taibai, King Kong, Chaos, and Titan—leading the other eleven commanders and the seventy-two cave demon kings of Flower Fruit Mountain, driving demon clouds to greet him.
Then, after just a moment, a black cloud suddenly appeared from the direction of the Water Curtain Cave. Instantly, the entire Flower Fruit Mountain was enveloped in gusts of demonic wind, the black cloud churning and nearly covering the entire sky of Flower Fruit Mountain. It was the Four Marshals—Taibai, King Kong, Chaos, and Titan—leading the other eleven commanders and the seventy-two cave demon kings of Flower Fruit Mountain, riding the demon cloud to welcome him.
Seeing this scene, Shi Yue's heart surged with emotion. He was, after all, a Great King of Flower Fruit Mountain, enjoying the treatment befitting a great demon king, thanks to Sun Wukong's favor. How could he disregard such brotherly affection?
As the original four great champions of Flower Fruit Mountain drew nearer and saw Shi Yue standing proudly in the void, they immediately called upon the twelve commanders and the seventy-two cave demon kings of Flower Fruit Mountain to descend directly from the demon cloud, bowing their heads in homage, and loudly proclaiming, "Welcome back, Great King."
In an instant, all the great and minor demons sprawled across the mountains fell to their knees, shouting in unison, "Welcome back, Great King."
At that moment, Shi Yue realized that Flower Fruit Mountain had truly become a force to be reckoned with, unstoppable by anyone. He pressed down his thoughts—how should a king return and subdue the demon generals of all directions? By giving them a most profound shock! He also intended to spur Sun Wukong a bit, thinking, "I've already attained the Dao of Taiyi, what are you waiting for, hurry and cultivate!"
His figure, standing proudly in the void, suddenly began to grow explosively, reaching a towering thirty zhang in an instant, resembling a world-destroying giant. His fierce gaze swept over the mountains of Flower Fruit Mountain, instantly causing all beasts to cower, and every one of the hundreds of thousands of demon soldiers bowed in awe, seeing him clearly.
Then Shi Yue's voice, as loud and thunderous as rolling thunder, echoed through the land.
"Rise, all of you, and return to your respective posts."
Upon hearing this, the Four Marshals immediately led the call, "Following the Great King's command!"
Shortly afterward, Shi Yue, along with the Four Marshals of Flower Fruit Mountain, the twelve commanders, and the seventy-two cave demon kings, gathered in the hall of the Water Curtain Cave for a grand banquet.
Having such a powerful Great King made the leaders of Flower Fruit Mountain naturally take pride. Especially since Flower Fruit Mountain had two Great Kings, and it was said the two great kings were born as saintly brothers.
As for the somewhat inept Second Great King, he had long become a forgotten legend. Shi Yue learned upon inquiry that the Six-Eared Macaque had disappeared on his own the day after he and Sun Wukong left. Shi Yue wasn't surprised, thinking that if the Six-Eared Macaque stayed at Flower Fruit Mountain, how could he possibly contend with a Taiyi Golden Immortal level Sun Wukong five hundred years later, battling across the heavens, earth, and sea?
What Shi Yue didn't know was that he and Sun Wukong had already been mythologized at Flower Fruit Mountain. Who would dare say the Great King originally sprang from a stone? If you dared say that, countless monkeys would tear you apart. The Great King was a born divine being!
However, he didn't enjoy these large feasts at every turn; there was hardly anything worth talking about. He had already noticed that the so-called demons of this Journey to the West era were quite different from humans; their minds were mostly quite "straightforward," unless they were long-renowned demon kings whose wisdom could rival human cunning. At these banquets, besides flattery, there was more flattery. When the Four Guardians watched over him in seclusion, similar conversations had been repeated for decades or even centuries.
Still, he knew that these individuals would share in the hardships facing Flower Fruit Mountain in the future. When calamity struck, it was uncertain how many would survive, so he tried to accommodate everyone, drinking and boasting with them—mostly him boasting and the demon kings listening. It was unclear if they even understood.
At least Mischief Demon Big Black Face didn't really comprehend, only felt that the legendary Black Monkey King Shi Yue was mysterious! Very powerful! So powerful it made him tremble! But the other Great King was equally strong and had that extraordinary Ruyi Jingu Bang; who would dare to provoke Flower Fruit Mountain in the future?
At this point, Mischief Demon dared not even entertain thoughts of Shi Yue's shabbiness, noticing everyone in the cave adorned in armor. He couldn't resist showing off, so after drinking a cup of wine, he let out a burp and stepped forward.
"Report to the Great King, this humble demon noticed that the Great King seems to lack armor and weaponry. Since the Great King has achieved saintly immortality, mundane weapons are no longer suitable. Recently, we discovered that the spring beneath the Iron Bridge of Water Curtain Cave directly connects to the Dragon Palace of the Eastern Sea. The Dragon Palace is said to have countless treasures, and the Dragon King of the East Sea is a good person. Years ago, the Great King once acquired divine armor from there; maybe you could visit again to get another set."
Upon hearing this, all the demon kings in the cave widened their eyes, feeling regretful for not seeing that Shi Yue the Great King lacked armor. They never expected such an opportunity to be seized by that fool.
Filled with regret, the cave of demon kings started eagerly narrating tales of the Dragon Palace of the Eastern Sea, as if everyone had been there. They talked of countless treasures and how the Dragon King was particularly kind, mentioning how Sun Wukong the Great King received a set of armor when he went to fetch weapons.
Even Shi Yue was stunned by what he heard. The Dragon King of the East Sea, a kind person? If he was so kind-hearted, would he have complained to The Heavenly Court? Shi Yue knew Sun Wukong had left to visit friends as per the storyline, but he didn't expect this group to want him to go again! He thought secretly, "If I go again, wouldn't the Dragon King of the East Sea hang himself?"
Seeing that this feasting couldn't continue indefinitely, especially if his senior sister suddenly came looking, he decided to limit his appearances. The Six Jia Divination array of Flower Fruit Mountain wasn't urgent to set up, so he followed everyone's suggestion and promptly headed towards the Dragon Palace of the Eastern Sea.
Of course, he wasn't going for armor or weapons but rather to actually visit the Dragon King to see what was going on. Since they had willingly given away armor, why had they then gone to The Heavenly Court?
Descending into the East Sea, Shi Yue heard a rumbling sound from the water, as if a massive current was passing by. Contrary to what he imagined, it wasn't dark as night; though the sun wasn't visible from underwater, there were naturally luminescent things at the seabed of the East Sea, similar to the space within his Measuring Sky Staff. Seeing it for the first time, he found it quite breathtaking.
Thinking that this visit was merely casual, and to see if he could learn why the Dragon King of the East Sea had reported to The Heavenly Court, Shi Yue transformed into the image of an immortal-looking Taoist, exuding celestial charm and sophistication. Holding a horsetail whisk, yet with his presence and grace unchanged, he flew towards the Dragon Palace of the Eastern Sea.
He hadn't flown far before he came across a scene of ruins and remnants—what was once a grand palace now... a ruin! Nearby, a giant crystal palace was noticeably tilted, supported by a giant turtle at one corner.
Seeing this, Shi Yue suddenly understood why the Dragon King of the East Sea might have secretly reported to The Heavenly Court—it would be unbearable to endure such humiliation.
Since he was there, he couldn't leave without entering; he had to at least meet the Dragon King of the East Sea, after all, it was a dragon! And the Dragon King at that! Shi Yue was eager to meet these famous figures, in any way possible.
Moreover, he had already transformed his appearance. At his level in the Taiyi realm, only a Da Luo could possibly see through it. Of course, exceptions like Sun Wukong's Fiery Eyes and Golden Gaze aside, he wasn't worried about being seen through by the Dragon King.
Inside the grand hall of the Dragon Palace of the Eastern Sea, the Dragon King was in a clandestine conversation with a white-haired, white-browed Taoist, who also exuded an immortal air, holding a horsetail whisk. Suddenly, a demon general reported that there was a Taoist outside the Crystal Palace, claiming to be The Measure Heaven Daoist, wishing to meet the Dragon King of the East Sea.
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