The Primordial Giant Spirit God captures Sun Wukong at the start.

The changes happened too quickly.

It happened so fast that no one had time to react.

For a moment, the entire Lingxiao Palace was so quiet that only the sound of breathing could be heard.

Beside the Jade Emperor, Taibai Xingjun felt his brows twitch.

I told you to release the monkey, but I didn't make you this anxious!

Your Majesty hadn't even had a chance to hear the good news before you pulled this stunt. This was handled way too carelessly!

Feeling the growing attention around him, Li Jing realized he had gone too far.

But he was helpless!

If this drags on any longer, the Jade Emperor will send someone to take over the monkey demon!

Even if he manages to find someone to release the demon monkey and appease the Queen Mother and the immortals, he still won't be able to clear up his bad debts with the Heavenly Army!

Only by creating the illusion of a sudden rise of the demon monkey in advance can his empty army's funds and chaotic accounts be cleared away in one go!

Everyone is using monkeys to level the tent, so what's wrong with one more?

He felt he had done nothing wrong.

On the throne, the Jade Emperor's face showed no smile, nor any other expression.

"Are you saying that the demon monkey at the Golden Immortal realm suddenly attacked, and in less than a breath, not only injured you, who possessed the merit of being granted divine titles, but also killed more than 50,000 heavenly soldiers and generals?"

On the ground, Li Jing listened to the Jade Emperor's words and realized that he might have lied a bit too much.

But then I thought, compared to Taibai Xingjun who lied about 90% of the losses, he only reported 50%, what's so much?

With this in mind, he steeled his resolve and declared with righteous indignation, "Your Majesty, that demonic monkey is indeed incredibly powerful, but with an additional 100,000 heavenly soldiers and generals, I am certain I can capture it!"

"What?"

"You want another 100,000 heavenly soldiers?"

The Jade Emperor's tone suddenly rose.

He agreed to cooperate with the Buddhist sect on the journey to the West, but he didn't abdicate directly!

As a subject of the Heavenly Court, how could someone so blatantly lie about military intelligence? Does he still have any respect for them?

Faced with his questioning, instead of backing down, they went even further, adding another 100,000 heavenly soldiers and generals!

Do you really think that he, the ruler of the Three Realms, is dead?

Sensing that the Jade Emperor might be truly enraged, the assembled immortals began to criticize Li Jing, saying that he was blessed by Heaven and should not fight any further.

Seeing that the time was ripe, Taibai Xingjun quickly stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Although the Heavenly King was defeated, it was for the sake of the Heavenly Court. That demon monkey is incredibly powerful and of unknown origin. Why don't Your Majesty show him great favor again, issue another decree to grant him amnesty, and bestow upon him the title of 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven,' making him a deity with an official position but no real power!"

Behind Nezha, the Giant Spirit God silently observed the situation.

Upon hearing that Taibai Xingjun was going to offer amnesty again, he immediately stood up.

How could he miss such a good opportunity?

"Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable!"

"This arrogant monkey is so presumptuous, showing no regard for the Heavenly Court whatsoever. If we go along with him, won't he become even more arrogant in the future?"

"This humble general is unworthy, but is willing to capture the demon monkey for Your Majesty!"

Taibai Xingjun was abruptly interrupted, and his expression suddenly turned displeased.

Upon seeing that it was an unknown giant spirit god, his expression became even more unpleasant!

How dare a mere vanguard general utter such arrogant words?

If Sun Wukong hadn't shown mercy, would you still be alive today?

Could it be that he really considers himself a hero for capturing the demon monkey?

He glared at Shi Daju, but Shi Daju, with an upright expression, pretended not to see it.

Venus was furious.

But since the Jade Emperor was present, he dared not say anything more.

They had no choice but to turn their attention to Li Jing.

Is this the army you've led?

Li Jing looked completely wronged.

This was not what he meant at all!

Do you think that you're invincible once you break through to the Golden Immortal realm?

He coughed lightly and said in a slightly accusatory tone, "Giant, get out of here at once!"

"How dare you speak nonsense in the Lingxiao Palace?"

Shi Daju straightened his back. "Your Majesty, it's not that I'm greedy for credit!"

"Though I am not a celestial being, I am wholeheartedly devoted to sharing Your Majesty's burdens!"

"Even if it's nonsense, it's all to uphold the dignity of the Heavenly Court!"

Li Jing's expression froze.

Does the vast Heavenly Court need a mere vanguard like you to defend it?

It's just that I didn't remember to speak up for you!

Is it worth taking such a big risk?

Do you really think the demon monkey's peak Golden Immortal cultivation is just for show?

That's incredibly stupid!

At the same time, a smile appeared on the Jade Emperor's face as he sat on the throne.

He didn't care that the immortals were using their positions to gain personal benefits during the westward journey.

After all, the journey to the west was also an important part of his plan to accumulate merit and break through to the peak of Quasi-Saint.

However, he did not want the celestial beings in Heaven to forget their identities!

The matter has been handled so absurdly, yet you dare to so brazenly deceive me!

Do you still have the Heavenly Court in your heart?

The angrier he became, the more curious he looked at the giant god.

So, my Heavenly Court has such loyal and capable generals?

What a fearless vanguard general who is dedicated to defending the majesty of the Heavenly Court!

This is the kind of subject he wants!

It's just a pity that his cultivation level is a bit lacking!

Wait... something's not right!

This guy broke through to the Golden Immortal realm?

Breaking through to the Golden Immortal realm and still being a vanguard general... No wonder he ignored Li Jing; it turns out he was being sidelined!

it is good!

It's good to be ostracized!

The Jade Emperor's smile widened.

"My dear minister, if I remember correctly, this giant spirit general was one of your vanguard generals?"

Li Jing's face was even more ashen than if he had eaten excrement. "Your Majesty, that is indeed the case, but I will not show favoritism. The Giant Spirit God's recklessness is a breach of etiquette before the palace, and I beseech Your Majesty to punish him severely!"

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor immediately revealed an expression that said, "I knew it."

His face instantly hardened. "What nonsense are you spouting, my dear minister?"

"Although this giant spirit general is somewhat reckless, he is also a loyal and capable general of the Heavenly Court. How can we deal with him so lightly?"

"If I can tolerate even a demonic monkey, how could I possibly do something as self-destructive as cutting off my own limbs?"

"I've heard that the Giant Spirit General played a significant role in capturing the demon monkey. Is that true?"

Li Jing cursed the Giant Spirit God a thousand times in his heart, but he couldn't give an untruthful answer to the Jade Emperor's questioning. "Your Majesty, the Giant Spirit God certainly has merit, but that is no excuse for his disrespectful behavior before the Emperor!"

"It is my fault for failing to discipline him properly. I beg Your Majesty to forgive me. When I return, I will make sure he remembers this lesson well!"

The Jade Emperor laughed heartily.

Still dreaming?

Would I allow such a loyal and virtuous general to be ruined by you?

He shook his head. "I observe that this Giant Spirit General has already broken through to the Golden Immortal realm and possesses the strength to stand alone!"

"It would be beneath me to continue being just a vanguard!"

"Giant Spirit God, heed my command!"

Upon hearing this, Shi Daju was overjoyed.

You made the right bet!

"Your Majesty, I obey!"

"Effectually, you are hereby appointed General Giant Spirit, ranked among the highest immortals, and given command of 20,000 Heavenly River Navy troops!"

"Your subject accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude!"

Shi Daju quickly expressed his gratitude.

With the official titles of general and immortal, his status in the Heavenly Court skyrocketed!

From now on, even Li Jing wouldn't dare to say much in the Lingxiao Palace!

What surprised him even more was that the Jade Emperor gave him real power, allowing him to lead 20,000 Heavenly River Navy troops on his own. This meant that apart from his immediate superior, Marshal Tianpeng, it would be difficult for anyone else to interfere with his freedom.

It will be much more convenient for us to move around in Heaven from now on!

However, he did not forget the important matter.

Changing Sun Wukong's cause and effect is of paramount importance!

"Your Majesty, I am deeply ashamed to receive such a great favor from Heaven!"

"I have no way to repay Your Majesty, but I am willing to sign a military pledge to capture the demon monkey for Your Majesty!"

"If it cannot be accomplished, I will go to the eighteenth level of hell without regret. I beg Your Majesty to grant my request!"