Lao Tzu is Ji Gong

Sun Wukong said, “In my dream, I saw two people with ropes trying to hook me and take me to the Netherworld. They said my lifespan was over. I was furious and made a scene. I used my supernatural powers and fought my way to the Yama's Palace. I argued with the Ten Kings of Hell and erased my life from the Book of Life and Death. Then I erased your lives as well. I don’t know if it’s true or not.”

"This..." The monkeys and their offspring exchanged glances and said, "Although Your Majesty is dreaming, what Your Majesty said is probably true. Since Your Majesty has already taken our lives, we will probably be immortal and ageless like Your Majesty in the future. We will find out later."

Sun Wukong nodded and said, "That's right, we'll find out after we verify it. If you all become immortal and free from illness and disaster in the future, then it's true. If not, then it's fake. But even if it turns out to be fake, I will make it real and then break into the Netherworld to erase your names."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The monkeys and their offspring knelt on the ground, expressing their gratitude.

In a short while, the six demon kings, including the Bull Demon King, the Flood Dragon Demon King, and the Roc Demon King, all woke up. Sun Wukong did not hide anything and told them everything about his dream.

All six offered their congratulations, except for Peng Demon King and Jiao Demon King, whose expressions seemed a little off.

Within the Heavenly Court, a misty atmosphere pervaded the air. The white fog, resembling cotton candy, solidified into a tangible form. Countless rainbow bridges stretched out, dazzling and radiant. The dense spiritual energy enveloped the entire Heavenly Court, making a day of cultivation here equivalent to seven or eight months of cultivation in the mortal realm.

It was the time of the morning court session. The Supreme Sage of the High Heaven, the Greatly Compassionate and Benevolent Jade Emperor, the Supreme God of the Mysterious Vault, sat on the throne in the Golden Palace of the Clouds, with civil and military officials standing on either side of the hall.

The Jade Emperor said, "My beloved ministers, if you have something to report, speak up; otherwise, the court may adjourn."

Venus suddenly appeared from the side and said, "Your Majesty, this old minister has something to report."

Taibai Jinxing was dressed in a light blue Taoist robe, holding a whisk, with a three-foot beard, a lean face, and an air of otherworldly elegance.

The Jade Emperor asked, "What do you wish to report, my dear minister?"

Venus said, “Your Majesty, the Dragon King of the East Sea, who descended to the mortal realm, has something to report. He is currently outside the Tongming Hall. Please summon him.”

The Jade Emperor nodded and said, "Summon the Dragon King of the East Sea."

The Dragon King of the East Sea entered the Lingxiao Palace, bowed to the Jade Emperor, and said, "Your Majesty, I am Ao Guang, the Dragon King of the East Sea. Recently, a demon immortal named Sun Wukong has emerged from the Water Curtain Cave of Flower Fruit Mountain. He is extremely powerful and domineering, and he forcibly broke into my watery dwelling. He not only demanded weapons from me, but also armor. Helpless, I had no choice but to offer him the divine iron cudgel, the phoenix-winged golden crown, chainmail, and cloud-walking boots as a token of respect. However, he was still not satisfied. He displayed his martial arts and supernatural powers, killing countless aquatic creatures and turtles and alligators along the way. I now petition Your Majesty for your judgment. I humbly request that the heavenly army subdue this demon, so that the seas and mountains may be peaceful and the world may be at peace."

After the performance, the Dragon King of the East Sea stood aside.

Someone else reported, "Your Majesty, King Qin Guang of the Underworld is waiting outside the palace with a memorial from Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. He has something to report, so please summon him."

The Jade Emperor nodded, and King Qin Guang entered the main hall, bowed to the Jade Emperor, and a celestial attendant took the memorial from his hand and presented it to the Jade Emperor.

The Jade Emperor unfolded the memorial, which read: "...Now, there is a demon monkey named Sun Wukong from the Water Curtain Cave of Flower and Fruit Mountain, who acts wickedly and defies restraint. He has annihilated the ghost messengers of the Nine Netherworlds and frightened ten generations of benevolent kings. He has wreaked havoc in the underworld and forcibly erased names from the records. As a result, monkeys are free to roam, and macaques live long lives; they are all extinguished from the cycle of reincarnation, and none live to be born again. This humble monk submits this memorial, daring to offend the majesty of Heaven. I humbly beg that divine troops be dispatched to subdue this demon, restore order to Yin and Yang, and bring eternal peace to the underworld. Respectfully submitted."

After reading the memorial, the Jade Emperor asked, "My beloved ministers, when was this demon monkey born, and where did he learn the Dao, to acquire such abilities that he could force his way into the East Sea and disrupt the cycle of reincarnation?"

The all-seeing and all-hearing eyes appeared and said, "Your Majesty, this demon monkey is a stone monkey born from Flower Fruit Mountain three hundred years ago. At the time, we didn't think much of it. We don't know where he has cultivated himself into an immortal in the past few years, subduing dragons and tigers, forcibly erasing his name from the Book of Death, and learning such skills."

The Jade Emperor asked, "Which deity will descend to the mortal realm to subdue him?"

Just as he finished speaking, Venus appeared from the side and reported, "Your Majesty, in the Three Realms, all beings with nine orifices can cultivate to become immortals. Although this monkey is a body nurtured by Heaven and Earth, and a body conceived by the sun and moon, he still stands upright between Heaven and Earth, and eats dew and clouds. Now that he has cultivated to become an immortal, he has the ability to subdue dragons and tigers. How is he different from a human? Your Majesty, I beseech you to consider the benevolence of creation and issue an imperial edict to recruit him to the Upper Realm, grant him a minor or major official position, register his name, and confine him here. If he obeys Heaven's will, he will be promoted and rewarded later; if he disobeys Heaven's will, he will be captured now. This way, we can avoid mobilizing troops and we can also use the proper method to recruit immortals."

The Jade Emperor was delighted and said, "Your suggestion is correct. We will follow your suggestion."

Having said that, he summoned the Wenqu Star Official to draft an edict, ordering Venus to descend to the mortal realm to offer amnesty.

Venus received the decree and rode on auspicious clouds, heading straight towards Huaguo Mountain in Dongsheng Shenzhou.

In the time it takes to drink three or four cups of tea, Venus had already arrived at Flower and Fruit Mountain.

As soon as he landed, the little monkeys on Flower Fruit Mountain spotted him and jumped around, surrounding him.

Chapter 457 The Four Heavenly Kings

A small monkey with brownish-yellow fur, wearing dark red armor and holding a long spear with a red tassel, jumped over and asked, "Who are you, old man? Why have you trespassed into my Flower Fruit Mountain?"

Venus hurriedly said, "I am Venus, a celestial star official. I have something to discuss with your king. Please go in and inform him quickly."

"Go ahead," said the little monkey holding the red-tasseled spear, pointing to a black-furred macaque.

Upon hearing the order, the macaque immediately ran towards the Water Curtain Cave. When it came to Sun Wukong, it said, "Your Majesty, an old man carrying documents has come from outside. He says he is an envoy sent by Heaven and has something to discuss with Your Majesty."

"An envoy sent down from heaven?"

Sun Wukong was delighted to hear this and said, "I've been thinking about going to heaven these past few days, and I never expected that an angel would come down. Please come in quickly."

The little macaque hurriedly went out and, together with the other little monkeys, invited Taibai Jinxing in. Sun Wukong straightened his clothes and went forward to greet him.

Upon entering the Water Curtain Cave, Venus said, "I am Venus, a celestial star official. By order of the Jade Emperor, I have descended to the mortal realm to invite you to heaven to receive the celestial seal."

Sun Wukong said, "Thank you for the decree, Elder Star. Minions, hurry up and prepare a feast to serve us!"

"No need! No need!" Venus said, "The Jade Emperor is waiting for my reply and dares not linger. Please, Your Majesty, come with me to Heaven to pay our respects to the Jade Emperor. We can celebrate after the Jade Emperor appoints Your Majesty as a celestial official. It will not be too late."

Sun Wukong nodded and said, "In that case, we'll listen to what you say, Old Star." Then he said to his monkey followers, "I'm going to Heaven to take a look. You all stay home and guard the gates. Once I've settled down, I'll take you all to Heaven to have some fun and show you what it's like there."

"Your Majesty, please return soon!"

The monkeys and their offspring were beaming with joy, chattering excitedly.

Sun Wukong and Taibai Jinxing emerged from the Water Curtain Cave and soared upwards on clouds. Sun Wukong's cloud was swift, leaving Taibai Jinxing far behind, and they arrived at the Southern Heavenly Gate first.

The South Heavenly Gate was formed by two golden pillars carved with dragons and phoenixes, topped with a huge horizontal plaque, resembling a memorial archway. The plaque had a sky-blue background and was decorated with intertwined patterns of birds, fish, insects, and plants.

The entire South Heavenly Gate is as if it were made of crystal; it is dazzling and eye-catching, like it is adorned with precious jade, warm and spiritual.

Ten Marshals of Heaven stood in a vertical row on either side of the South Heavenly Gate, each one a pillar supporting the others, like an iron tower, holding halberds and banners, exceptionally majestic.

A dozen or so divine figures dressed in golden armor stood in rows around them, each holding a halberd, whip, knife, or sword, their eyes sharp as lightning, extremely cautious.

Just as Sun Wukong was about to enter, the gods saw him and stepped out from the side. The Four Heavenly Kings, dressed in golden armor, stood at the front and shouted sternly, "Where did this demon monkey come from? How dare you be so insolent here! Get down to the mortal realm right now! If you utter even half a word of dissent, watch as my four brothers skin you alive, tear out your tendons, grind your bones to dust, and cast you into the eighteenth level of hell!"

These four Heavenly Kings are all three zhang tall, wearing bright golden armor. One holds a sword, another holds a pipa, another holds a parasol, and the last leads a sable. They are the divine generals guarding the Southern Heavenly Gate. They are the Heavenly King of Growth, the Heavenly King of Wide Vision, the Heavenly King of Many Words, and the Heavenly King of Holding the Nation.

At this moment, the Four Heavenly Kings all looked at Sun Wukong with angry expressions.

Sun Wukong was shrouded in demonic energy, clearly a monster, and naturally, he couldn't be fooled.

Sun Wukong said, "I am here to the Heavenly Palace by order of the Jade Emperor and summoned by Venus. I am not some demon monkey. You four, get out of my way! If you anger me, I will beat you all into a pulp."

Sun Wukong was hot-tempered by nature. He would tolerate being treated kindly, but if anyone dared to threaten him, he would absolutely not back down. Even if it meant fighting until he was bloodied and bruised, he would still fight.

"You damned monkey, how dare you talk back? How insolent!"

The Four Heavenly Kings were furious when they saw that Sun Wukong was so stubborn and unyielding. They took out their weapons and attacked Sun Wukong.

Sun Wukong was not to be outdone. He raised his Ruyi Jingu Bang (Golden Cudgel), swung it around, and it grew to the thickness of a bowl before striking the Four Heavenly Kings.

Just as the group was about to clash, a hurried voice came from behind them.

"Stop it, all of you!" Venus, panting heavily, flew up on a cloud.

Sun Wukong stepped forward and grabbed Taibai Jinxing's hand, saying, "Old Star, you're really dishonest. Since you invited me here, why did you let them draw their swords and guns and block my way? Aren't you just deceiving me?"

Venus smiled ingratiatingly and said, “Your Majesty, you have just arrived at the Heavenly Palace, and the Four Heavenly Kings do not recognize you. That is why they have to do this. Once you meet His Majesty, are granted a celestial official position, and have your celestial name recorded, they will naturally not make things difficult for you next time.”

Sun Wukong pretended to leave, saying, "Fine, I won't go into the Heavenly Palace. I'll just go back to my Flower Fruit Mountain and live a carefree life."

Venus stopped him and said, "Your Majesty, don't say such things! Don't say such things! You should come inside with me; the Jade Emperor is waiting for you."

After saying that, he turned to the Four Heavenly Kings and said, “Heavenly Kings, this is a decree issued by the Jade Emperor ordering me to summon him. If he does not go in, the Jade Emperor will surely blame me. Please do me a favor and make way for him to go in.”

The Four Heavenly Kings exchanged glances. Guangmu Heavenly King said, "Venus is right. Today, we four brothers will give you face and let this demon monkey in. However, if he dares to cause trouble here again, we'll show him our skills. We won't be satisfied if we don't send him to the Execution Platform."

After saying this, the Four Heavenly Kings led the heavenly soldiers and generals behind them to retreat to the side.

Sun Wukong snorted and followed Venus into the Heavenly Palace.

"A mere demon monkey from the mortal realm dares to dream of becoming a deity in the Heavenly Palace? What a fool's dream! Let's see when he'll be finished."

The Four Heavenly Kings looked at Sun Wukong's retreating figure and said...

Sun Wukong followed Taibai Jinxing into the Southern Heavenly Gate. Upon arriving in the Heavenly Realm, he was immediately greeted by a myriad of golden rays that shimmered like neon lights, accompanied by countless auspicious wisps of energy.

Chapter 458 The Palace of the Heavenly Clouds

Vast expanses of clouds, resembling cotton balls, floated in the sky, and all the buildings and palaces in the heavens were built upon these white clouds. These clouds were all connected by rainbows of seven colors, and cranes and bluebirds circled and danced, soaring through the air, their cries clear and melodious.

There are thirty-three heavenly palaces in the sky, namely the Cloud-Sending Palace, the Vaisha Palace, the Five Bright Palaces, the Sun Palace, the Transformation Palace, and so on. Each palace is tall, magnificent, and incomparably spectacular. In addition to these thirty-two palaces, there are also seventy-two treasure halls, namely the Court Assembly Hall, the Lingxu Hall, the Precious Light Hall, the Heavenly King Hall, the Spirit Official Hall, and so on. Each hall is bathed in golden light, with auspicious clouds spewing forth, making them incomparably beautiful.

The Lingxiao Palace is located in the center of all the palaces. The thirty-six palaces and seventy-two halls form a ring, surrounding the Lingxiao Palace in the middle.

They traveled swiftly until they arrived at the Lingxiao Palace. Without waiting for a summons, Taibai Jinxing led Sun Wukong into the palace.

The Lingxiao Palace, with its colorful phoenix-patterned vermilion gate, was exquisitely crafted, resembling crystal; its three eaves and four clusters of dragons and phoenixes soared above. Above it was a large, bright purple gourd-shaped roof; below it was a gate for imperial audiences, four zhang wide and over two zhang long.

The hall was filled with smoke, making the stone floor and steps completely invisible. Civil and military officials stood on both sides, each looking energetic.

Upon seeing Sun Wukong enter, the civil and military officials looked over with curiosity, surprise, or indifference.

In the Lingxiao Palace, the Supreme Jade Emperor, the Great Heavenly Venerable and the Supreme God of the Mysterious Firmament, sat in the center. Before him was a crystal table, and behind him were two rows of beautiful fairies dressed in white gauze robes, gently fanning themselves with palm-leaf fans. On either side stood a dozen celestial generals wielding swords, spears, halberds, axes, hooks, and forks, their fierce expressions fixed on the assembled civil and military officials.

Inside that hall, there were countless rare treasures and exotic items, which illuminated the entire palace with a dazzling light.

Upon arriving before the emperor, Venus bowed and paid homage to the Jade Emperor. Sun Wukong stood to the side, looking around with great curiosity.

Compared to the Lingxiao Palace, his Water Curtain Cave was barely a chicken coop, or even less.

After the ceremony, Venus reported, "Your subject has received the imperial decree and has fulfilled his mission. The demon immortal has arrived."

The Jade Emperor asked, "Which one is a demon immortal?"

Sun Wukong bowed and replied, "That is I, Old Sun."

The moment the words left his mouth, the assembled celestial officials were all horrified and exclaimed, "This wild monkey! How can he be so ignorant of etiquette? Instead of bowing and paying his respects, he answered haphazardly, saying something like 'I am Sun!' He is truly disrespectful to the law! Disrespectful to the law! He deserves to die! He deserves to die!"

Immediately, some of the civil and military officials on both sides stepped forward, wanting to capture Sun Wukong.

The Jade Emperor was also taken aback, and then issued an edict: "That Sun Wukong is a demon immortal from the lower realm. He has just obtained a human body and does not know how to pay homage. Ignorance is no crime, so let us forgive his crime for now."

The civil and military officials glared at Sun Wukong and said, "You demon monkey, why aren't you thanking us!"

Sun Wukong then bowed deeply to the heavens.