Primordial Era: A brick knocks Hongyun unconscious, and he seizes the throne at the start.

On Flower and Fruit Mountain, banners fluttered and monkeys frolicked.

Sun Wukong, wearing a phoenix-winged purple-gold crown, a golden chainmail armor, lotus-silk cloud-walking shoes, and holding a golden cudgel, sat on a stone seat in front of the Water Curtain Cave, listening to Taibai Jinxing read out the Jade Emperor's decree with great enthusiasm.

"...I hereby issue this imperial decree of amnesty, appointing you as '弼马温' (Bima Wen), in charge of the Heavenly Horses of the Imperial Stables. Ascend to Heaven immediately to assume your post, and do not fail to do so!" After reading this, Venus smiled and handed over the decree. "Great Sage, this is an immense favor! Why don't you quickly accept the decree and express your gratitude?"

Sun Wukong scratched his face, his golden eyes fixed on the rolled-up imperial edict, then glanced at Taibai Jinxing's wrinkled, smiling face. His master's (Lu Chen's) words, "Use the plan against the plan," still echoed in his ears.

"弼马温 (Bima Wen)?" Sun Wukong blinked. "What kind of official is that? Is it a high-ranking position?"

Venus's smile froze: "This... the Imperial Horse Stable is an important position in the Heavenly Court, in charge of 100,000 celestial horses, with a rank equivalent to... equivalent to..."

"What is the same as what position?" Sun Wukong pressed.

"My rank is... equivalent to the ninth grade." Taibai Jinxing finished speaking with a forced smile, then quickly added, "But as the Great Sage first enters the Heavenly Court, he must start from the basics. He will naturally be promoted as he accumulates merit!"

"From the ninth rank?" Although Sun Wukong wasn't very familiar with the Heavenly Court's official system, "ninth rank" didn't sound like a high-ranking official. He recalled the fragments of "observation and reasoning" in his mind, and also remembered what his master had taught him: "might makes right." His eyes darted around, and suddenly he grinned.

"Old man," Sun Wukong slammed his golden cudgel into the ground, causing the rocks to tremble, "I, Old Sun, reign supreme on Flower Fruit Mountain, living a carefree and happy life. If your Heavenly Court wants to offer amnesty, you should at least show some sincerity. This弼马温 (Bima Wen, a lowly stable boy)... heh heh, is not worthy of me!"

Venus's heart tightened; he knew this was bad. This monkey was indeed no pushover. Just as he was about to try to dissuade him again, a clear, cheerful voice suddenly came from the clouds:

"Jin Xing is mistaken."

A streak of azure light descended, transforming into a middle-aged Taoist priest dressed in a Bagua robe and holding a whisk. His face was slender and his demeanor was that of an immortal—it was Lu Chen disguised as "Taoist Qingfeng." He had secretly arranged for himself a sinecure as "Heavenly Court Inspector," which was now proving useful.

Venus was taken aback: "Master Qingfeng? What are you doing here...?"

Lu Chen (Qingfeng Daoren) cupped his hands in greeting to Taibai Jinxing, then smiled at Sun Wukong and said, "Great Sage, please don't be offended. Jinxing is just following orders. However, I just spoke to His Majesty the Jade Emperor in the Lingxiao Palace: Great Sage, your supernatural powers are vast. If you are only given a minor official position, it may not be enough to win over the people and could even cause trouble. Perhaps..."

He paused, then said loudly, "How about we just bestow an honorary title? It would show the grandeur of the Heavenly Court and reassure the Great Sage. I propose—how about we title him 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven'? It's a prestigious title, with a rank equivalent to a king, but he won't have to handle any specific government affairs, and he can enjoy the Heavenly Court's salary and live a carefree life."

"The Great Sage Equal to Heaven?" Sun Wukong's eyes lit up. "That's a prestigious title! Equal to Heaven, excellent!"

Venus, however, was so shocked that his beard trembled: "Daoist Qingfeng, this...this is not in accordance with the rules! The Great Sage Equaling Heaven is a king, how can he be granted such a title so lightly? What about His Majesty..."

"Don't worry, Venus." Lu Chen waved his hand. "His Majesty has already given his permission. The decree will arrive shortly."

He had secretly used the Chaos Brick to disrupt the Heavenly Secrets of the Lingxiao Palace for a moment, and then, under the guise of "Qingfeng Daoren," he offered advice to Haotian. Although Haotian was suspicious, considering the Journey to the West plan, and feeling that this "Great Sage Equaling Heaven" was all talk and no action, he decided to use him to keep this troublesome monkey in check, and thus acquiesced.

Sure enough, a moment later, another envoy arrived on a cloud, carrying a new decree:

"By imperial decree: Sun Wukong of Flower Fruit Mountain, possessing extraordinary supernatural powers, is hereby granted the title of 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven,' bestowed with a Heavenly Palace, and granted the rank of First-Class Celestial, exempt from official duties, to roam freely in the Heavenly Court. So be it!"

Sun Wukong laughed heartily and accepted the imperial edict: "That's more like it! I, Old Sun, will be the Great Sage Equal to Heaven!"

Taibai Jinxing stared in disbelief, looking at Sun Wukong and then at Lu Chen (Qingfeng Daoren) who had a faint smile on his face. He felt that something was wrong, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

"Great Sage, please." Lu Chen stepped aside to invite him.

Sun Wukong gave a few instructions to the monkeys, then somersaulted into the sky and followed Lu Chen and Taibai Jinxing straight to the Southern Heavenly Gate.

Outside the South Heavenly Gate, the guard general, the Heavenly King of Growth, looked at Sun Wukong in such armor and had been bestowed the title of "Great Sage Equal to Heaven." They exchanged glances but dared not stop him—after all, the Jade Emperor had given his decree and the Taoist Qingfeng was by his side.

Upon entering the Heavenly Court, they saw countless rays of golden light and auspicious clouds, with celestial palaces and jade towers stretching endlessly—truly a magnificent sight. Sun Wukong was dazzled and marveled at the spectacle.

Upon arriving at the newly bestowed "Qitian Mansion," one sees a vast mansion complete with pavilions and towers, and hundreds of celestial officials, warriors, and fairies at one's beck and call, making it a truly impressive sight.

"Great Sage, please settle here. If you need anything, just let me know," Lu Chen said with a smile. He then secretly transmitted his voice, "Monkey, the Heavenly Court is a dangerous place. Observe more and speak less. If you get into trouble... tap the Golden Cudgel three times."

Sun Wukong understood and blinked.

After Lu Chen and Taibai Jinxing left, Sun Wukong toured the Qitian Palace and was quite satisfied. The celestial officials served him celestial wine and spiritual fruits, which he devoured with great relish.

After a hearty meal, he lay on the cloud bed, legs crossed, reflecting on the day's events.

"That Taoist Qingfeng... is interesting." Sun Wukong scratched his chin. "I feel like I've seen him somewhere before? Oh well, he's not a bad person anyway."

He took out his golden cudgel, looked at the two golden hoops, and remembered his master's (Lu Chen's) telepathic message. He chuckled and said, "Three taps? I'll remember that."

Meanwhile, in a side hall of Lingxiao Palace.

The Jade Emperor frowned as he looked at the scene in the Jade Mirror of Sun Wukong feasting in the Qitian Palace.

"Your Majesty, is it too much to directly bestow the title of Great Sage Equal to Heaven?" Venus asked worriedly. "I fear the other immortals and gods will not be satisfied."

"Dissatisfied?" Haotian sneered. "Whoever is dissatisfied, let him fight that monkey. Guanyin Bodhisattva has already spoken with me. This monkey is someone the Buddhist sect needs. Let's appease him for now and avoid any unnecessary trouble."

He paused, then looked at Lu Chen (Qingfeng Daoist), who stood respectfully to the side with his hands at his sides: "Qingfeng, you were quite clever today. From now on, you'll keep a close eye on this monkey in secret, and make sure he doesn't cause any major trouble."

"Your subject obeys the decree." Lu Chen bowed, a barely perceptible smile curving his lips.

Watching from the shadows?

Can't ask for it.

He was just worried about not having the chance to "guide" this big show up close.

Sun Wukong ascended to heaven, and the name of the Great Sage Equal to Heaven spread throughout the Three Realms.

At the sacred Buddhist mountain, the Buddha Tathagata nodded slightly: "The Great Sage Equal to Heaven... his name is indeed resounding. Let him enjoy himself for a few days. We'll make further arrangements for the Peach Banquet."

Guanyin Bodhisattva clasped her hands in prayer: "Disciple understands."

At Wuzhuang Temple, Zhen Yuanzi looked at the Heavenly Court scene manifested in the Earth Book and shook his head with a smile: "Young friend Lu Chen's 'one-step' move has saved the monkey a lot of frustration. However... the ensuing chaos will probably be even more exciting."

In the Netherworld, Lady Pingxin pondered, "The Great Sage Equaling Heaven... this monkey is more interesting than I expected."

Meanwhile, in the back garden of Qitian Mansion.

Sun Wukong lay on the peach tree, legs crossed, munching on a peach, gazing at the starry sky. Suddenly, he thought of Flower Fruit Mountain, Water Curtain Cave, and his monkey followers.

"This Heavenly Court is nice, but I still feel uneasy about it," he muttered, turning over. "Never mind, let's see what other tricks they have up their sleeves."

He touched the golden cudgel in his arms and grinned.

"Anyway, I, Old Sun, am now the 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven'!"

Deep within the clouds, Lu Chen cracked sunflower seeds, looked at the monkey in the Haotian Mirror, then glanced in the direction of Mount Ling, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes.

"The monkey is settled, now..."

"It's time to add some 'surprise' to the Queen Mother of the West's Peach Banquet."

With a flash, he disappeared silently towards Yaochi.

The peace in Heaven was destined to be nothing more than the prelude to a storm.

And this "Havoc in Heaven" show, which was personally directed by Lao Liu, is about to begin its most exciting chapter.