Chapter 745: Rebellion Against Heaven

At the South Heaven Gate, a golden light streaked across the serene sky, bursting right through the celestial entrance. While the heavenly guards and generals at the gate were still stunned, the golden light had already vanished into the horizon.

It was a long moment before the heavenly guards and generals heard a loud shout from behind them: "Stop the Stable Keeper! He has actually rebelled against Heaven!"

The gate guards exchanged bewildered glances, then looked towards the clouds on the horizon, where no trace of the golden light remained. The heavenly general on duty at the South Heaven Gate immediately rushed to the Hall of Clear Light to report that the Stable Keeper, Sun Wukong, had left the Heaven Gate and headed towards Flower-Fruit Mountain in the mortal realm.

A commotion erupted throughout Heaven.

A rebellion against Heaven!

The initial decision to invite a demon king from the demon race to serve as an official in Heaven had already caused considerable dissatisfaction among many civil and military officials. Now, this Handsome Monkey King, displeased with the position granted by Heaven, had beaten a heavenly marshal, overturned the Imperial Stable's desk, and simply rebelled?

This was outrageous!

In front of the Lingxiao Palace, streaks of light transformed into civil and military deities, quickly converging and rushing into the hall. The marshal who had been beaten, still bruised and swollen from his minor injuries, stood in the hall recounting his tragic ordeal, claiming he had been ambushed by the monkey and that was why he looked so wretched.

This unnamed junior marshal cursed: "If I were allowed to engage that wild monkey in a full battle, I'd certainly teach him a lesson!"

To his surprise, a minor clerk from the Imperial Stable, kneeling behind him, couldn't help but whisper, "Didn't you, Marshal, make the first move...?"

"Hm?" The marshal turned and glared at the immortal clerk. As he turned back, intending to speak further, he suddenly felt an inexplicable pressure. He looked up and saw Taibai Jinxing, usually a picture of amiability, standing beside the Jade Emperor, now staring at him with a completely blank expression. That gaze... It made his primordial spirit tremble and his mind waver, almost causing him to collapse on the spot.

The Jade Emperor calmly observed the scene. Far from being angry, he almost wanted to smile. The Jade Emperor wondered what this imposter beside him was planning to do; or, more precisely, what his teacher, the Dao Ancestor, was orchestrating.

At that moment, Taibai Jinxing, standing on the elevated platform, bowed to the Jade Emperor and said: "Your Majesty, that Stable Keeper, disobedient and incredibly reckless, has rebelled against Heaven! Your old servant previously recommended him for an official position in Heaven due to his extraordinary powers and formidable abilities. I too am responsible for this oversight, and I beg Your Majesty's punishment!" This declaration effectively escalated the severity of the situation.

The Jade Emperor offered a slight smile, ignoring the 'Taibai Jinxing' beside him. Instead, he looked at the assembled deities below and asked, "My esteemed ministers, who among you is capable of apprehending this Stable Keeper and bringing him back to Heaven for trial?"

The immortal deities below exchanged glances. Then, Li Jing, from the front row of military generals, stepped forward by half a pace.

Consider Li Jing at this moment. Centuries had passed since the Investiture of the Gods. He had achieved significant cultivation and had repeatedly distinguished himself in leading heavenly troops in battle. Li Jing was exceptionally skilled in combined military formations, flawlessly deploying his troops every time. With his son Nezha as vanguard, he had never suffered a single defeat in his campaigns across the Three Thousand Worlds, earning him the title of Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King Li.

However, Li Jing did not recall ever having a sworn father, nor did he feel any connection to the Jade Emperor's messenger standing on the elevated platform beside the Jade Emperor. Li Jing only knew that he hailed from the Immortal Crossing Sect, where True Immortal Du'e had valued him and taken him as a disciple. During the Investiture of the Gods, he had entered Heaven as a marshal thanks to his connection with Nezha, and now, step by step, he had proven his own capabilities. Of course, the Jade Emperor's special attention played a role in all this.

Heaven had stood in the Three Realms for a considerable time, experiencing periods of weakness and prolonged struggles before reaching its current strength. Since Heaven's establishment, very few immortals or deities had dared to defect so openly. While resigning and rebelling against Heaven might lead to a similar outcome, their fundamental natures were entirely different. What's more, the rebel was a demon king.

Upon hearing the Jade Emperor's inquiry, Li Jing immediately stepped forward and reported: "Your Majesty, your humble general is willing to go and apprehend the rebellious Stable Keeper!"

Several other grand marshals nearby reluctantly withdrew their steps, having reacted a beat too slowly.

The Jade Emperor said, "With my esteemed minister Li leading the charge, I am naturally at ease. Minister, you may now dispatch your troops and bring that demon monkey back from Flower-Fruit Mountain."

"Your humble general obeys!" Li Jing bowed his head in acceptance, then turned. His golden-threaded cloak rustled, his left hand rested on the hilt of his sword at his waist, and his right hand held an ancient pagoda. The jewel on his helmet swayed gently as he strode towards the hall entrance.

Outside the hall, drums roared! As Li Jing's tiger tally descended, streams of light shot through the Hall of Clear Light. Squads of heavenly soldiers quickly converged at the South and East Heaven Gates, poised to assemble their forces and set out to apprehend Sun Wukong.

With Li Jing deploying his forces, his son Nezha was, of course, an indispensable accompanying general. Additionally, military commanders such as the Giant Spirit God, the Great Strength God, and the Great Foot God were also present. Most of the immortal deities present didn't pay too much attention to the matter at hand. They simply viewed the Handsome Monkey King as ignorant of the rules, having committed a capital offense. To send Li Jing to subdue a mere local demon king felt like using a butcher's cleaver to kill a chicken. Heavenly campaigns were, by nature, primarily led by military generals. Only when Heaven faced a true crisis of survival or profound difficulties would a contingent of civil officials step forth to "resolve matters." For a mere demon king, there was no need to call upon the formidable figures from the Eight Divisions of Deities.

The heavenly army naturally took some time to assemble, a detail we shall not dwell on.

Meanwhile, when Sun Wukong returned to Flower-Fruit Mountain and saw his monkey children and grandchildren, he immediately burst into a furious tirade. He railed about how Heaven looked down on monkeys, claiming that a minor official post was bearable, and he had endured it, wanting to see what kind of place Heaven truly was. Working his way up from a humble beginning wasn't out of the question. But Heaven, for no reason at all, had allowed a marshal with mediocre skills to lord it over him! This was an insult a monkey could not endure! Could this be tolerated?

The demon kings from various caves who had gathered at Flower-Fruit Mountain upon hearing the news were now quite uneasy. The demon kings had believed they had found a good deal, having pledged allegiance to a demon king accepted by Heaven. They thought they could now live more peacefully in the world, free from the constant fear they had experienced before. But why had this Handsome Monkey King suddenly returned? He had only been gone for a few days.

Then, one of the monkeys asked, "Great King, why have you returned? Was your stay in Heaven unpleasant?"

Sun Wukong recounted his recent experiences, instantly filling the monkeys with righteous indignation. The demon kings, however, gradually turned pale.

"Great King!" A deer demon exclaimed, "Did you... did you not resign your post, but simply return like this?"

Sun Wukong scoffed with a laugh, "Your Great King beat up that troublesome heavenly marshal! I tore off that vulgar immortal uniform, changed back into this majestic battle armor, kicked over that wretched desk, and told them I wasn't doing this official's job. Then I just flung myself out of the South Heaven Gate. How exhilarating! How exhilarating!"

The monkeys immediately cheered with joy, but the demon kings' expressions drastically changed upon hearing this. This... how could this be tolerated? Could one simply walk away from a position in Heaven just like that? Some demon kings tried to voice the gravity of the situation but were pulled back by their companions. These dozens of demon kings exchanged glances, each having already formed their own calculations.

Another monkey shouted: "Great King! Heaven isn't such a great place anyway! You have no constraints in the mountains; up there, you'd still be under someone's thumb! It would be much better to stay here with us and live freely and joyfully!"

Wukong jumped back onto his stone throne and laughed: "My children, bring forth some good wine and fruits! Your Great King intends to get thoroughly drunk!"

The monkey spirits roared their assent. Hundreds of monkeys immediately darted out of the Water Curtain Cave, spreading across the mountain to gather fruits and carry back wine. The demon kings seized the opportunity to step forward and bow. Sun Wukong glanced at them but said little, simply indicating that they could do as they pleased.

Soon, Flower-Fruit Mountain was bustling with activity. Monkeys leaped about everywhere, and even the greater and lesser demons found joy and peace. However, many older demons had already fled during the night, terrified that heavenly thunder would strike them if they lingered. Sun Wukong paid no mind to this. His Flower-Fruit Mountain wasn't some place where entry was easy but exit was forbidden; one could come and go as they pleased.

When Sun Wukong left Flower-Fruit Mountain years ago to seek immortal techniques, there were already many monkey spirits on the mountain. Though they lacked specific cultivation methods, they had absorbed the essence of the heavens, earth, sun, and moon, thus possessing some magical power. It was these same monkey spirits who had lived for over two centuries. When Sun Wukong achieved enlightenment and returned to the mountain, the monkeys still honored him as their Great King. From his master, Sun Wukong had also obtained some immortal cultivation techniques. While his master forbade him from transmitting his own cultivation methods, these immortal techniques could still be taught to the monkey spirits to extend their lifespans.

At this time, Flower-Fruit Mountain boasted numerous monkey soldiers, all possessing some strength. Under Sun Wukong's command were also several rare, primordial monkey species, all with the potential to become formidable demon kings. Due to his widespread renown as the Handsome Monkey King, many skilled monkey-type demons had previously come to pledge allegiance and made their homes on Flower-Fruit Mountain. The demon clan of Flower-Fruit Mountain had long since become a formidable force.

Wukong and the various demons feasted for several days on the mountain, enjoying themselves immensely.

One midday, a sudden rumble of thunder echoed, as if a thousand armies were rolling in from overhead. The sky turned dim, and the demons were greatly alarmed. Wukong, too, was jolted sober. Amidst the thunder, a roaring voice called out: "Audacious Stable Keeper! Come out and submit to capture! Return with us to Heaven for trial!"

Sun Wukong's form flickered, and he instantly leaped to the peak of Flower-Fruit Mountain. He looked up at the sky, filled with dark clouds, his battle armor gleaming with a dark golden light. In the center of the dark clouds, a colossal face coalesced. A pair of azure eyes, seemingly formed from divine lightning, opened, and a mighty voice once again echoed through the world: "Stable Keeper! Surrender at once!"

"Oh?" Wukong chuckled dismissively. "Don't use that title; this 'Stable Keeper' — Old Sun isn't doing it anymore!"

"How dare you!" The colossal face roared, "How can a divine post in Heaven be treated as child's play? Do you think you can simply quit whenever you please? Your rebellion against Heaven is an enormous crime! If you surrender now, there's still a chance for you to live. But if I, this general, must reveal myself, I fear your Flower-Fruit Mountain will be leveled!"

"Hmph, hmph, what grand words!" Sun Wukong scoffed, "Your Heaven isn't good at utilizing people, and you forbid them from leaving? What kind of tyrannical logic is that!"

"Sun Wukong! Stop your jests!" The dark clouds trembled, and the colossal face extended downward, revealing a neck and then a torso. It was a giant, a thousand zhang tall, with a fierce visage and a formidable, imposing physique. In his hands were a pair of massive axes, strikingly similar to those wielded by the Wu clan warrior woman with pigtails from long ago.

The giant landed steadily on a side peak of Flower-Fruit Mountain, his weight causing layers of cracks to appear in the rock. His imposing body radiated an astonishing pressure. Above the giant's head, layers of dark clouds overlapped and spread, with hundreds of bare-chested heavenly soldiers vigorously beating drums. Behind them stood countless silent heavenly soldiers, armed with long spears.

The heavenly might was immense!

Sun Wukong's gaze sharpened, shedding his previous playful demeanor. From his ear, he retrieved the Ruyi Golden Cudgel. With a clang, the Golden Cudgel planted itself behind him. The two feathered wings of his Phoenix-Winged Purple-Gold Crown swayed gently, his Golden Chainmail armor shone brilliantly, and his dark golden monkey fur bristled with intense fighting spirit.

The giant bellowed: "I am General Ju Ling, here to apprehend you!"

Sun Wukong's eyes narrowed. His form suddenly swelled, rapidly growing to dozens, then hundreds, and in an instant, a thousand zhang tall, directly confronting the Giant Spirit God! Heavenly Manifestation? Or perhaps Cosmic Embodiment? This monkey actually knew a protective divine ability of the Daoist school!

The Giant Spirit God's eyes widened in alarm. He immediately pressed forward, raising his massive axes to cleave down upon Sun Wukong's head. Sun Wukong, however, was unwilling to engage in a full-scale battle here. His thousand-zhang form flickered, and he instantly appeared behind the Giant Spirit God. So immense, yet still capable of spatial displacement?

The Giant Spirit God was instantly flustered. His Dharma Body divine ability had previously allowed him to easily defeat dozens of demon kings, yet he had never expected to encounter such a formidable and troublesome opponent today. Just as he was about to turn, the Giant Spirit God felt an iron-like grip seize his neck. With immense force, he was casually dragged and, like a sack, flung thousands of miles across the misty expanse of the East Sea! This... this? Wasn't this Stable Keeper merely a Golden Immortal demon king? Why was he so powerful?

The Giant Spirit God roared in frustration, stabilizing himself mid-air. He landed one foot in the shallow sea, then turned and charged back towards Sun Wukong. The earth continuously trembled, and the seawater surged all around.

Although Sun Wukong had transformed into a thousand-zhang giant, he retained an agile and graceful quality. His feet merely brushed the side of Flower-Fruit Mountain, not even planting firmly, as he launched himself towards the edge of the East Sea to engage the Giant Spirit God in battle. The twin axes seemed poised to cleave mountain ridges, while the iron cudgel appeared capable of shattering the very cosmos. White clouds billowed across the sky, and the East Sea's waves surged tumultuously.

However, the Giant Spirit God's combat techniques were truly too rigid. After only a few exchanges, he had already taken several blows from Sun Wukong, forcing him to repeatedly retreat, his hands barely able to grip his massive axes. And this was with Sun Wukong holding back from delivering a fatal blow.

The Giant Spirit God realized something was amiss. Just as he was about to make some grand declarations and retreat, he heard the drum signal for troop withdrawal from the sky. Secretly relieved, the Giant Spirit God seized the opportunity to clash one last time with the monkey, then swiftly leapt back. "The battle ends today! Do not be so arrogant, demon monkey!" The Giant Spirit God cursed loudly, his form abruptly shrinking before he transformed into a streak of light and shot towards the heavens.

Sun Wukong, however, did not pursue. He looked up at the battle formation in the sky, a slight, mocking smile on his face, before dispelling his divine transformation. Carrying his Golden Cudgel, he flew back to Flower-Fruit Mountain. Thus, he easily won the first round.

Upon Sun Wukong's return to the mountain, the monkeys naturally came forward to congratulate him. However, most of the other demon kings had vanished, with only seven or eight newly promoted young demon kings approaching to offer their felicitations. Sun Wukong said little about this, simply ordering his monkey soldiers to drill and prepare for battle.

Meanwhile, the Giant Spirit God returned to the main heavenly army formation, his face etched with embarrassment and difficulty. Having reverted to human height, he knelt on one knee before Li Jing. "Your humble general has disgraced his mission. I request punishment from the Marshal."

"There's no need for you to seek punishment, General Ju Ling. It was I who underestimated the Stable Keeper's abilities." Li Jing said this, stroking his beard thoughtfully as he sat in a round-backed chair. He didn't actually like keeping a beard, but now, as a commander holding military authority, he needed a sufficiently imposing appearance to command respect.

Beside him, another heavenly general of the Golden Immortal realm stepped forward and declared loudly: "Grand Marshal! This Stable Keeper is exceptionally brave and possesses considerable skill. Your humble general is willing to lead a detachment of heavenly soldiers to apprehend him, using a battle formation to subdue him!"

Li Jing was about to nod, but then he suddenly recalled the instructions given by the Jade Emperor's messenger when he had arrived. 'Marshal Li, the apprehension of the Stable Keeper should be slow, not hasty.' Li Jing didn't particularly care for the old man, but the individual was a close confidant of the Jade Emperor, even referred to as "His Majesty's Mouthpiece." The messenger's words were effectively the Emperor's decree. As a minister, his first duty was loyalty to His Majesty.

"There's no need to rush," Li Jing said. "Let's wait a day or two, and then dispatch a brave general to apprehend him tomorrow. This is the Land of the Five Continents, a thriving part of the Three Realms. If we can capture Sun Wukong directly, there's no need for a full-scale war."

"Understood!"

Behind the assembled generals, Nezha, holding his Fire-pointed Spear, yawned, a hint of boredom written on his youthful face.

The next day, another heavenly general stepped forth to challenge, and Sun Wukong gladly met him. In just a few moves, he summarily defeated the general, kicking him back into the sky. The morale of the demon race soared, and the monkeys were beside themselves with joy.

On the third and fourth days, various heavenly generals went forth to challenge, but all were effortlessly defeated by Sun Wukong. How could the demon race resist such 'encouragement'? One by one, the demon kings who had initially fled reappeared near Flower-Fruit Mountain, and many more radical ancient demon experts arrived upon hearing the news. Sun Wukong merely scoffed at this, ordering that only monkeys be allowed inside the Water Curtain Cave of Flower-Fruit Mountain.

On the fifth day.

Thunder rumbled in the sky, and the early morning on Flower-Fruit Mountain was filled with clamor. In the sky, the number of heavenly soldiers and generals had increased, and the sound of their drums became eerily synchronized. On the ground, hordes of demons gathered, their demonic energy surging into the clouds. Monkey soldiers, clad in simple battle armor and wielding weapons, arranged themselves in formations, shouting loudly across the mountain. The atmosphere had grown quite somber.

Sun Wukong stood alone on the mountain peak, looking up at the ominous clouds above. He leisurely remarked, "Are there no capable generals in Heaven, not a single one who can fight?"

"Stable Keeper, do you think you're so formidable?" A faint reply echoed from the clouds, and a fiery red shadow appeared beneath them. A clear and exquisite Daoist aura began to circulate through the heavens and earth. Suddenly, the mist parted, and a figure broke through the clouds, descending from the sky.

Sun Wukong fixed his gaze and saw that the approaching general had clear features, appearing like a youth, standing atop a pair of fiery wheels. He held a sharp spear, wore lotus battle armor, and had two hair buns on his head, his face still holding a touch of youthful innocence.

Nezha.

Seeing this, Sun Wukong immediately laughed and scoffed, "Heaven must be out of generals to send a mere child like you."

"A mere child?" Nezha raised an eyebrow and said calmly, "I was already a true god of Heaven before you were even born. By age, it wouldn't be wrong for you to call me 'Grandfather.' Don't think that merely by spouting a few harsh words, you're some fearsome figure in the Primordial Chaos. You cannot overturn these heavens; you cannot overturn this earth. You're merely a monkey puppet, easily manipulated, so don't pretend to be a hero of the demon race."

Sun Wukong immediately bared his teeth, displaying a fierce expression. Nezha offered a faint smile, twirled his Fire-pointed Spear, and wisps of flame enveloped him. His hair buns untied themselves, and his long hair billowed continuously with the flames. He pointed the tip of his spear downward.

"One battle."