Journey to the West: I am the fiercest bird under Bodhi's seat

The little monkey leaped up and nimbly led the way, heading straight for the Water Curtain Cave.

Upon arriving at the cave, they saw Wukong sitting upright on a stone throne, with an old man with snow-white hair and beard holding a whisk and wearing a Taoist robe sitting behind a stone table beside him. The table was filled with fresh fruits and fine wines, with the most eye-catching being the jar of fragrant monkey wine.

The two chatted and laughed, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

Ye Feng observed this and chuckled inwardly. He knew this monkey inside and out—he was vain, loved to show off, had extremely high self-esteem, and was obsessed with official positions.

With Venus's silver tongue, how could he not be completely charmed by a few flattering words?

Ye Feng stepped into the cave, immediately attracting the attention of the two. Wukong immediately jumped down from his high seat, his face beaming with joy, and said, "Senior brother, this is fantastic news! We raided the Dragon Palace and caused chaos in the Underworld, and not only were we not punished, but we're being summoned to the Heavenly Court to be appointed to official positions!"

Venus also stood up, discreetly sizing up Ye Feng, and cupped his hands in a smile, saying, "This must be King Ye Feng. I have long admired your name, it is very famous."

When he smiled, his eyes narrowed into slits, his face was kind and gentle, and he had the appearance of an immortal being.

But Ye Feng was no naive fool; how could he be fooled by such appearances? He smiled slightly and returned the greeting, saying, "Venus, I, Likewise, have long admired you."

Taibai was startled. He had only heard of the man's name before, and today he met him in person for the first time. He had thought the man was just a wild mountain demon king, crude and uncultured. Who knew that the man before him had a calm demeanor and profound cultivation, and seemed to be a true enlightened being.

In comparison, Sun Wukong seems more like a demon that has not yet taken human form.

The old immortal remained outwardly calm, but alarm bells were ringing in his heart. He stroked his long beard and said with a smile, "I dare not accept such praise. I have come here on the orders of the Jade Emperor to invite you two to the Heavenly Court to receive your titles. There is no time to lose; it would be best if you set off as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, Wukong was delighted and was about to agree, clearly having already been promised a considerable reward.

Ye Feng suddenly stepped forward, blocking his way, and faced Venus, saying, "A day in heaven is a year on earth. What harm is there in delaying for a moment? I have a few questions that I would like to ask the Star Lord for guidance."

Venus's eyes narrowed slightly, a sense of unease rising within him. This person spoke calmly and exuded a restrained aura; he was no ordinary demon. He was not to be fooled.

He nodded with a smile, "Your Majesty, please speak freely. I will answer all your questions."

Ye Feng spoke calmly: "My actions of seizing the Dragon Palace and tampering with the Book of Life and Death with Wukong are heinous crimes, and according to the law, heavenly troops should be dispatched to suppress us. Now, not only are we not punished, but we are being offered amnesty and promoted. Could it be that we have set a trap to lure my brothers to the Heavenly Court and wipe them all out in one fell swoop?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the monkeys in the cave became restless and uneasy. The four monkey generals glared angrily, clearly feeling fear after being told what had happened.

Even Wukong was taken aback, and his gaze toward Taibai Jinxing became more wary.

He was so focused on becoming an official that he never considered this deeper meaning.

Venus was deeply shocked. He stared at Ye Feng, his eyes flashing with astonishment and doubt—was this really a demon king from the Four Continents? How could he be so meticulous, seeing through the scheme at a glance?

Looking around, he saw the monkeys were hostile, and even Sun Wukong was suspicious. He immediately realized he was in a dangerous situation. If he couldn't prove his innocence, he feared he wouldn't be able to escape unscathed.

Ye Feng sneered inwardly. This Venus was as slippery as an eel, trying to fool people with empty words? There was no way it was that easy! Since he was in my Water Curtain Cave of Flower Fruit Mountain, he had to follow my rules. At least I would extort some real benefits before I would let him pass.

Venus pondered for a moment, then took out a scroll of yellow silk imperial edict from his sleeve, unfolded it, and said, "Your Majesty need not doubt. This is an edict personally issued by the Jade Emperor. The Heavenly Emperor's words are law; how could he deceive you?"

Ye Feng said coldly, "Since it is the true decree, let me see it."

"This..." Taibai hesitated, as this action was not in accordance with regulations. However, upon meeting Ye Feng's sudden sharp gaze, his hesitation instantly crumbled, and he had no choice but to offer it up with both hands.

Ye Feng took it and glanced at it quickly. It was nothing more than high-sounding words, the content of which was already expected.

He closed the scroll and returned it, his tone unchanged: "Since it came from the Heavenly Emperor, it is naturally true. However, the decree is vague, and I still have a question—what position does the Heavenly Court intend to appoint us to? If the position is lowly, don't blame my brother for turning on us on the spot. He has a fiery temper, and when he gets angry, I can't stop him."

After saying that, he casually patted Wukong on the shoulder beside him.

Wukong immediately understood, bared his teeth, widened his eyes, and let out a low roar at Taibai Jinxing, revealing his ferocious nature.

In that instant, Venus almost doubted whether he had stepped into the wrong place—

Such unruly people should clearly be suppressed and annihilated by heavenly soldiers and generals, why should they be offered amnesty?

But now the die was cast, and there was no turning back. He could only force a smile and say apologetically, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. The Heavenly Court will decide on the matter of official positions. Once you two ascend to the Heavenly Palace, there will be proper arrangements. Please set off immediately to the Heavenly Palace together."

Ye Feng chuckled: "Star Lord, that's not very kind of you. Since you invited us to the Heavenly Court, you haven't even offered us any official positions. Doesn't that seem like a lack of sincerity? If you don't give us an explanation today, we won't go to Heaven."

Before he finished speaking, he slumped into Wukong's throne, looking utterly listless and lacking any semblance of immortality.

Venus suddenly felt his head was about to explode, but he suppressed his annoyance and said, "If that's the case, Your Majesty, please wait a moment. I will return to the Heavenly Court to report to the Jade Emperor and obtain a reward before I come to welcome you."

After saying that, he turned to leave.

But as soon as he took a step, the air in front of him suddenly distorted, and four giant ape phantoms appeared with a roar, towering like mountains, firmly sealing off the cave entrance.

Venus's heart tightened, his brow twitched slightly, and he slowly turned his head: "What is the meaning behind Your Majesty's action?"

Ye Feng sat up, smiling broadly: "Old man, don't think I don't see through you. You're not here to ask for an official appointment, you're here to call for reinforcements. If I don't offer you some real benefits first, don't even think about stepping out of this door."

At this point, Venus finally understood—this Golden Crow was nothing but a rogue and scoundrel, skilled in everything from being unreasonable to throwing a tantrum.

He smiled bitterly to himself, but outwardly he could only lower his head: "Your Majesty, it is true that I was not given the authority to bestow official titles when I left. This matter is beyond my control. Why don't you two come with me to the Heavenly Court to meet the Great Heavenly Venerable? I will do my utmost to recommend you and secure you satisfactory positions. What do you say?"

Ye Feng lowered his gaze slightly, thinking to himself: The timing is about right.

He never intended to actually detain the old immortal, after all, the mission was very clear—to go with the monkey and follow this old man on a trip to heaven.

As for what official position he'd be given? It didn't matter. He knew perfectly well that he would rebel against Heaven sooner or later. His purpose in going up there was to find out the inner workings of Heaven and understand its operating rules.

Only by penetrating deep into enemy territory can we obtain all their secrets.

Once he made up his mind, he put on a reasonable demeanor: "Since the Star Lord speaks so sincerely, this humble Taoist should not be too demanding. How about this—you make a vow, and Wukong and I will believe you this once and go to heaven with you."

Venus's eyelids twitched wildly.

How many years has he lived? How many people has he met? But it's rare to find someone so shameless that they have to swear an oath!

They've bullied us to this extent, and they still claim they're "not being unreasonable"?

Do we need a deity to swear an oath?

Know that the laws of Heaven are strict, and oaths are not to be taken lightly. Once broken, one will surely be punished by Heaven!

The story of the Investiture of the Gods is still fresh in our minds—Yin Jiao broke his oath and was ultimately killed by his master Guang Chengzi. Blood and tears intertwined, and heaven and earth grieved together.

But right now, people are under low eaves and have no choice but to bow their heads.

He gritted his teeth and said, "How does Your Majesty require me to swear an oath?"

Ye Feng smiled leisurely: "It won't be difficult for you. Just swear an oath in the name of Laozi and make a vow."

"..."

Venus almost vomited blood.

Laozi? That's a sage revered by all three realms! The one currently ruling the Heavenly Court is merely an avatar of him, already appearing and disappearing like a dragon, even the Jade Emperor treats him with utmost respect, daring not to show the slightest negligence. As for his true self, Laozi, he is one with the "Tao," the ancestor of all laws!

He gripped the whisk tightly in his hand, afraid that he might lose control and slap this bastard across the face.

After a long silence, he sighed helplessly, "Very well... I will swear an oath."

He solemnly raised his hand and said in a clear voice:

"Heaven and earth bear witness, and Laozi is my witness—Ye Feng and Sun Wukong will follow me, Taibai Jinxing, into the Heavenly Court, and I will do my utmost to secure them a celestial position of at least the third rank. If they deceive or betray me, the consequences will befall them in the future, and they will suffer the calamity of being annihilated by the gods!"

Having finished speaking, he looked at Ye Feng with a deep gaze: "Are you satisfied now?"

Ye Feng immediately stood up, his face beaming, and casually picked up a glass of wine from the table and handed it to him: "Star Lord, don't be angry. I'm just naturally suspicious. Have a drink to calm your nerves, and we'll set off now."

Looking at his smiling face, Venus, with a belly full of bitterness and nowhere to confide, could only take the wine cup and drink it all in one gulp.

Without stopping for a moment, the three of them soared into the sky.

However, at the very moment the vow was made—

Beyond the thirty-three heavens, deep within the chaos, lies an independent world, quietly suspended. There, celestial energy abounds, spiritual plants flourish, wondrous beasts roam, and exotic flowers bloom—a scene far surpassing any ordinary fairyland.

The chaotic torrent struck this world, but like snow meeting the sun, it subsided quietly, without damaging a single branch or leaf.

In the center stands an ancient palace, with three large characters prominently displayed on the plaque above the gate: "Bajing Palace".

Inside the palace's alchemy room, an elderly man in a Taoist robe sat quietly on a cloud-shaped bed, his eyes closed in meditation. Suddenly, his brow twitched, as if he had sensed something.

He opened his eyes and glanced indifferently at the lower world.

With just a glimpse, all the phenomena of the three realms are taken in.

After a moment, he whispered:

"Zhunti's disciple is truly unruly."

After speaking, he closed his eyes again and said nothing more.

……

Ye Feng and the others were completely unaware of the turmoil beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens.

They rode the clouds, piercing through layers of thunder and fire, with fierce winds and thunder roaring around them, yet unable to get close.

On the contrary, the monkey, having just arrived in the celestial realm, was full of curiosity about the surrounding thunderous and malevolent energy. It looked around, eager to try, but Ye Feng shouted at it, and it shrank back and fell silent.

Soon after, the three arrived outside the South Heavenly Gate.

The Four Heavenly Kings stood solemnly at the entrance.

The monkey stood before the majestic Heavenly Gate, its eyes filled with wonder, like a village woman entering the imperial city for the first time, finding everything new and exciting.

He peered into the doorway and saw countless enormous islands floating amidst the surging sea of ​​clouds, appearing and disappearing intermittently, which gave him a jolt.

Looking down again, the clouds beneath their feet were soft as cotton, yet firm enough to step on. Immortals could walk on them without having to consciously circulate their energy to support their bodies.

Even Ye Feng couldn't help but feel a slight stirring in his heart. With his keen senses, he immediately realized that these clouds were all formed from pure spiritual energy, and were transformed from highly refined Yuan power.

The entire celestial realm is built upon such energy; the richness of its spiritual energy is likely far beyond imagination.

Even a random corner of it is better than a paradise like Flower Fruit Mountain. No wonder people all consider ascension to immortality an honor and flock to it.

Although Ye Feng was somewhat startled, he did not show it on his face.

At this time, Venus had already verified the celestial seal with the Heavenly King of Zengguang, and after confirming that it was correct, permission was granted to pass.