Chapter 746: Danger · Golden Cicada · Danger

"Heavenly Court is in trouble this time, fellow Daoist, have you heard?"

"Of course I have. The Handsome Monkey King, Sun Wukong, with his immense abilities and innate divine powers, fought the Great God of the Three Altars of the Sea, Nezha, twelve times, with neither gaining the upper hand! The demon tribes across the Five Continents were abuzz."

"Hmph, who would have thought the Heavenly Court would have such a day!"

Near the Five Continents, in a Great Thousand World, Li Changshou, wearing his old Daoist skin as Void Bodhi and a black Daoist robe, heard this news in a gathering place for immortals.

Little Nezha fought Sun Wukong twelve times? That didn't make sense. Li Changshou picked up the tea in front of him, sniffed it at his nose, and a hint of confusion crossed his eyes.

Could Nezha now endure twelve battles without his malevolent energy erupting? At this time, Nezha still possessed an innate human Dao body, and his malevolent energy had become his hidden trump card against enemies. If Nezha were to unleash his full power, Sun Wukong, as he was now, should logically not be able to withstand it. Could it be that he had misjudged Sun Wukong's strength?

Li Changshou murmured inwardly, secretly casting the Wind Whisper Charm. Conversations from several immortal gathering places within a ten-thousand-mile radius flooded in. With his Empty and Bright Dao Heart suppressing his true self, Li Changshou transformed into an emotionless information processing terminal, collecting as much news as possible about the battles between Nezha and Sun Wukong.

The twelve battles were confirmed to be real, lasting over a month, with a fight almost every three days. Nezha used his malevolent energy, but each time, before it spiraled out of control, he couldn't completely suppress Sun Wukong. Sun Wukong grew stronger with each fight, and neither he nor Nezha could defeat the other. The Heavenly Court found itself in an awkward position, unable to advance or retreat. Nezha, with his stubborn temper, now refused to listen to anyone, seeking out the monkey for battle whenever he was rested. This series of battles truly established the Handsome Monkey King's reputation. Nezha, gaining an advantage each time, further proved his capabilities, and the name of the Great God of the Three Altars of the Sea became even more resounding.

Li Changshou couldn't help but mutter to himself. Was Dao Ancestor's control over the script this weak? This didn't seem to align with the Journey to the West he remembered.

From another perspective, the one truly embarrassed at this moment was Li Jing, not the Heavenly Court. The Heavenly Court was already brimming with masters, and if the Jade Emperor were truly angered, it would take but a moment to command a few experts with his divine authority to descend and capture the monkey. Nezha and Sun Wukong were given the title of 'strongest Golden Immortals,' but no matter how skilled in battle they were, they couldn't withstand falling magic treasures or array confinements.

Li Changshou mused inwardly, his immortal sense slowly spreading out, almost enveloping the entire Great Thousand World. Being close to the Five Continents, there were naturally many traces of demon tribes here. Li Changshou quickly found the demon tribe's 'strongholds.' After a brief investigation, he understood the situation of the Flower and Fruit Mountain battle from the demons' perspective.

'The demon tribes are finished.' The battles there had actually been used by Dao Ancestor to lure more demon masters to Flower and Fruit Mountain, turning it into the first holy land for demons, thereby sweeping up all the remaining ancient demon energy. The prolonged battles, the evenly matched Nezha and Sun Wukong, the gradually escalating excitement of the demon tribes, and the silent Heavenly Court. In this game of chess, Dao Ancestor had no opponent, and he must have been quite lonely.

Li Changshou stopped the Wind Whisper Charm, which 'Void Bodhi' had used for the first time. He put down his teacup and rose, leaving the place. He was on his way back.

Originally, Li Changshou was waiting for the opportune moment of Sun Wukong's second ascent to Heaven to return to the Five Continents and make his final preparations. Although he had previously been warned by Dao Ancestor not to return to the Five Continents, it was now time to show his hand and overturn the table, so there was no need for further reservations. Sometimes in life, one needs to take on some risks. The opportunity lay ahead; he had to seize it, even if it was just for a 0.02% chance of success. Everything that could be done had been done. All that remained was to find the right moment.

Flying out of this Great Thousand World, 'Void Bodhi's' figure gradually vanished into the void, escaping into the deepest part of the cosmos, hovering at the boundary of the Three Realms and Five Elements, slowly approaching the Five Continents.

Meanwhile, in the Kunpeng Secret Realm, Li Changshou, after a long time, opened his eyes. Just as he was about to reveal a knowing smile, he suddenly saw...

"Uh, why has the interior changed again?" Warm-colored drapes hung everywhere, and auspicious red '囍' characters were pasted.

Li Changshou: "..."

He was about to prepare for a decisive battle with Dao Ancestor, so why were people forcibly 'planting flags' for him in the rear? And they were planting the 'marry after defeating Dao Ancestor' type of black flag, which carried an immense curse!

Oh, dear. Li Changshou frowned deeply, his heart hardening. He was about to go and marry Yun Xiao and Ling'e first, but then he thought that such an action might be a bit rash. As an Immortal of Longevity, a rising star in the Primordial World, a top-tier Grand Unity Immortal in the heavens and earth, a holder of the Grand Dao of Balance, and one of the few beings most feared by Dao Ancestor Hongjun, he couldn't always rely on the superstitions of his previous life. Besides, Yun Xiao and Ling'e hadn't spoken about it. It wasn't a big problem.

The situation in the Primordial World was indeed at a critical juncture. If he didn't arrive in time, the effect of the final decisive battle might be greatly diminished. Erasing Dao Ancestor was not his ultimate goal. His deepest desire was to unbind the Primordial World from the shackles that had bound it since before its creation.

"Yun? Junior Sister?" Li Changshou called softly, his voice reaching the soundproofing array in the corner, but he found no one inside the array. His immortal sense swept through; no array could obstruct it. He saw Yun Xiao, Ling'e, and several other female immortals drinking tea in a nearby hall, each with some needlework in their hands. Innate Grand Experts personally sewing red wedding veils... This could be considered adapting to local customs and respecting human traditions.

After a thought, Li Changshou left a jade slip floating before him, inscribing a few sentences about his subsequent arrangements. Then, he ordered the Four Plum Generals to go all out, fully infiltrating the Primordial World, ensuring their connection with 'Void Bodhi' while also activating two backup avatars.

One was a great demon of karmic sin, whose demonic nature within his Dao Heart was difficult to dispel. The other was a Heavenly Immortal-realm Qi Cultivator from Central Divine Continent. This Qi Cultivator felt ashamed in his heart and had an incomplete Dao Heart, thus giving opportunistic outer-realm demons a chance. These two targets had been secretly 'cultivated' for several centuries. At this moment, Li Changshou didn't pursue both simultaneously but acted cautiously, one after another, refining them into second primordial spirits, just like Void Bodhi. They were named 'Number Two' and 'Number Three'.

Dividing his attention, Li Changshou controlled the karmic demon, quietly heading from the northeastern border of West Niuhe Continent, along the edge of North Kuru Continent, towards Flower and Fruit Mountain. Number Two didn't need to do much; he just needed to hide there and observe, ascertaining the timing of each 'step'. He couldn't use divination to investigate this. Otherwise, it would be like two nations at war, with one still using the opponent's satellite guidance technology, which would easily lead to countermeasures.

Li Changshou, controlling the Number Two avatar, hid and moved along, simultaneously digesting Number Two's memories and gathering much firsthand information. The demon tribes had lost patience. Many ancient great demons who had survived previously were restless, openly declaring their support for the Handsome Monkey King of Flower and Fruit Mountain. The demon tribes had launched a 'Seven Lesser Sages' plan, aiming to introduce seven masters to become demon symbols, gathering their hearts, and then naturally coexisting peacefully with the Heavenly Court. They didn't truly dare to rebel against Heaven, but rebellion could become a means for the demon tribes to align with the Heavenly Court. Actually, one couldn't blame the demon tribes for having such fanciful ideas. Their memories concerning Li Changshou had been erased by Dao Ancestor. At this moment, while they harbored apprehension towards the Heavenly Court, it wasn't outright fear. If not for those blue ripples and Li Changshou's deterrent power, it's estimated that as soon as Sun Wukong gathered the demon forces at Flower and Fruit Mountain, the surviving demon masters would surely flock there and swat this ignorant stone monkey to death.

Li Changshou settled Number Two not far from Flower and Fruit Mountain, leaving a portion of his mind there. Then, he shifted his focus to Number Three, who departed from a sect in Central Divine Continent and headed towards North Kuru Continent. Ostensibly, he was going to gather herbs, but in reality, he was going to observe the current plight of the Witch Tribe in North Continent.

The Number One avatar was Void Bodhi. At this moment, he was slowly approaching the ends of the earth in the South Sea. His first stop would be Spirit Mountain, ostensibly to find Saint Jieyin and see if the Heavenly Dao's blockade on the Dao Realm could be lifted. In reality, he wanted to visit the Golden Cicada who was about to be born. He was not a petty immortal or deity; he had long since put aside their past grievances. His reason for seeking out Golden Cicada was purely for the greater good! Seriously.

With three fronts open, and three avatars either still or active, Li Changshou rediscovered that long-lost feeling, and a raging fighting spirit burned within him. His Empty and Bright Dao Heart suppressed his emotions, maintaining his composure.

In the Purple Heavens Palace, within the bamboo grove, a faint Dao rhythm flowed, and the grey-robed old Daoist reappeared behind the robust old Daoist. This was the materialization of the Heavenly Dao's will, and though it had been suppressed by the Human Sovereigns before, it still retained considerable power.

"How is it?" Dao Ancestor asked slowly.

The grey-robed old Daoist replied in a deep voice, "It has been confirmed once. In the Kunpeng Secret Realm, preparations are indeed underway for Li Changshou's grand wedding with Yun Xiao and Ling'e. Kunpeng will also return to the Kunpeng Secret Realm."

"Oh? A grand wedding?" A faint smile appeared at the corner of Dao Ancestor's mouth, then he shook his head slightly.

The grey-robed old Daoist walked up to Dao Ancestor and sat down. He glanced at the scene displayed on the Creation Jade Plate and asked, "Are you going to send him a congratulatory gift?"

"No need," Dao Ancestor sighed. "If he cannot even break free from human desires, how can he speak of balancing heaven, earth, and living beings?"

The grey-robed old Daoist said, "Fellow Daoist seems somewhat displeased by this."

"Not at all," Dao Ancestor said slowly, looking at the grey-robed old Daoist. "Once the Journey to the West tribulation is complete, you and I will merge, signifying the ultimate meaning of heaven and earth. Fellow Daoist, do you have any other concerns?"

The grey-robed old Daoist fell silent for a moment, then said, "This poor Daoist is not a living being, but a manifestation of the Heavenly Dao's will, and also the will of heaven and earth. I appeared when the ancient Primordial World was on the verge of shattering. Since fellow Daoist wishes to unify heaven and earth, which benefits heaven and earth, this poor Daoist naturally has no concerns."

"Good."

"When will Sun Wukong raise the banner of rebellion against Heaven?"

"Today."

Dao Ancestor revealed a slight smile and pointed his finger at the Creation Jade Plate. Within the jade plate, the scene outside the Water Curtain Cave on Flower and Fruit Mountain immediately appeared. Where the sunlight shone, the Handsome Monkey King, Sun Wukong, was lying beside his stone throne, happily eating a bunch of bananas. Beside him, several demon kings praised Sun Wukong's bravery. These were the demon 'newcomers' who had previously sworn brotherhood with Sun Wukong, the executors of the demon tribe's plan. At this moment, apart from the Bull Demon King, the other five sworn brothers were all present and had just arrived. Although Sun Wukong was the youngest and ranked last among the sworn brothers, he subtly exuded the demeanor of an 'elder brother'. Might makes right, there's no arguing with that.

Then, Demon King Jiaolong chuckled, "Virtuous brother, you've now established our demon tribe's name, leaving the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals in disgrace. You truly gave our demon tribe a good vent!"

Demon King Peng opened his bird-like beak and cursed, "This Heavenly Court doesn't know how to recognize talent, nor do they know our sworn brother's abilities! They only assigned him as a Stable Keeper; isn't that clearly humiliating us?"

"Heh," Sun Wukong said with a mouthful of bananas, "Now, we just need to drive back these Heavenly Soldiers, let them know our power, and they won't dare to invade my Flower and Fruit Mountain again. Elder brothers, will you join the battle later?"

"Good!" The five demon kings agreed readily, with considerable enthusiasm, their eyes burning with battle intent.

Suddenly, a voice from the side said, "Great King! You have now raised our demon tribe's banner; it's time to change to a more resounding title!" Sun Wukong turned his head to look. It was a demon king who had sought refuge in Flower and Fruit Mountain earlier. Immediately, other demon kings echoed, stressing the necessity of a resounding title, one that could match his abilities. Handsome Monkey King, that sounded a bit too delicate.

Sun Wukong couldn't resist the persuasion of the demons. The moment he nodded, the demons began to speak, and one nickname after another popped out, making the scene quite chaotic. Suddenly, a small monkey shouted, "Great King, your abilities are greater than the Heavenly Court's, and your divine powers are stronger than the Heavenly Court's. Why not call yourself the 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven'!"

"Oh?" Sun Wukong blinked, savoring the name. He found it truly domineering and felt it released some of the resentment from his previous title of Stable Keeper. He declared firmly, "I shall be called the Great Sage Equal to Heaven! My children, quickly make a grand banner and hang it at the top of the mountain!" The monkeys roared in agreement. Demon King Jiaolong and Demon King Peng were also swept with emotion, each deciding on their own titles and ordering the demon soldiers they brought to immediately sew grand banners.

Half a day later, thunder rumbled over Flower and Fruit Mountain, and the world was shrouded in gloom. Seven grand banners slowly rose from the summit of Flower and Fruit Mountain. Each had different patterns and styles, yet all exuded a fierce, indescribable majesty. Observe the central banner, which read 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven'. To its left and right were three banners each, proclaiming 'Great Sage Pacifying Heaven,' 'Great Sage Covering the Sea,' 'Great Sage Mixing Heaven,' 'Great Sage Moving Mountains,' 'Great Sage Penetrating Wind,' and 'Great Sage Expelling Gods'. Though the Bull Demon King hadn't arrived yet, his brothers had helped make his title and banner.

Boom! Heavenly might suddenly descended, transforming into roaring thunder. Purple lightning illuminated the six figures standing beneath the banners. Flower and Fruit Mountain, demonic energy surged to the heavens!

In the stone wall of a nearby valley, Li Changshou, through his great demon avatar, watched the scene, a slight sigh of emotion in his heart. With Saints not appearing, the demon tribes declared themselves Great Sages. Presumably, the immortals and deities in the Heavenly Court would be unable to sit still. After all, warm-hearted experts like Brother Zhao might find Flower and Fruit Mountain too boisterous and simply swat it down. Dao Ancestor should be in control behind the scenes, so there's no need to worry about this. Next should be the Heavenly Court's second summons, inviting Sun Wukong to Heaven to be the Great Sage Equal to Heaven. He wondered what choice Sun Wukong, whom he had taught, would make—whether he would easily bow to the Heavenly Court. Frankly, Li Changshou hoped Sun Wukong would uphold the concept of 'righteousness'. As long as Sun Wukong made his choice, he could intervene at any moment to dismantle the stage of the Journey to the West tribulation. Let's see what he does. After all, he considered this his second most satisfactory disciple. His most satisfactory disciple, of course, was the monkey's eldest Senior Sister, Long Ji. Golden-Winged Great Peng belonged to the category of 'bringing skills to a master', so the overall sentiment was not as deep as for disciples he had personally taught.

At the ends of the earth in the South Sea, 'Void Bodhi' slipped into the Five Continents, quietly heading towards West Niuhe Continent.

In the Purple Heavens Palace, Purple Bamboo Grove, Dao Ancestor raised an eyebrow, his gaze extending beyond the Creation Jade Plate. He naturally spotted Void Bodhi's figure and couldn't help but shake his head slightly.

The grey-robed old Daoist asked, "Patriarch Bodhi has broken his promise. He can be directly annihilated."

"Perhaps he still has some use," Dao Ancestor said slowly. "Such an obedient disciple of a Saint is indeed rare. He returned merely to find Jieyin, to see if the Heavenly Dao's blockade on the Dao Realm can be lifted. Continue to keep a close eye on the Kunpeng Secret Realm. The most crucial moment of the Journey to the West tribulation is approaching; do not let them return and cause trouble."

"Good," the grey-robed old Daoist's figure slowly faded, "For the eternal existence of heaven and earth."

"For the eternal existence of heaven and earth."