Journey to the West: With a supernatural understanding, he entered Fangcun Mountain at the beginning
Chapter 22 - As If I Were Present

Chapter 22: As If I Were Present

The King of Growth looked at the Monkey King and smiled, saying, “So it’s the Great Sage! I heard you’ve returned this time with a supreme official rank! I haven’t had the chance to congratulate you yet!”

Hearing the title “Great Sage,” the Monkey King smiled and nodded quickly, saying, “You’re too kind. That old man, the Golden Star, was too slow, so I came first. I know the way to the Lingxiao Hall. Please allow me to pass!”

With that, the Monkey King pulled the King of Growth aside and gestured for Qin Chuan to enter first.

“Great Sage, wait!” The King of the North stood in front with his pipa, followed by the King of the East and the King of the South.

“My four brothers and I have received the order to allow only the return of the Great Sage Qi Tian, but this fellow here cannot enter,” the King of the North said, slightly nodding towards Qin Chuan.

Besides the fact that Qin Chuan was with the Monkey King, they also couldn’t see through his cultivation level. Otherwise, the tone of the Four Heavenly Kings would not have been so friendly.

Entering the Southern Heavenly Gate without permission was a serious crime under heaven!

The Monkey King shook off his armor and proudly said, “I, Sun Wukong, am now officially titled the Great Sage Equal to Heaven by the Jade Emperor. I’m at the highest official rank! Today, I’m just inviting a friend to my residence to have some fun!”

The King of Growth, struggling to free himself from the Monkey King’s grasp, smiled and replied, “Great Sage, although the Jade Emperor has given you the title of Great Sage Equal to Heaven, you haven’t officially registered in the immortals’ records yet!”

“As the saying goes, ‘The name of an immortal is recorded in the long-life registry, and they won’t fall into reincarnation for all eternity.’ Once you go to the Lingxiao Hall and the Jade Emperor formally recognizes you, you can make an official request to invite your friend to the Celestial Palace,” the King of Growth continued.

The Monkey King’s face changed, his teeth showing as he scowled, frightening the guards of the Southern Heavenly Gate.

“They say that Yama is easy to meet but little ghosts are troublesome. I see that you four are worse than little ghosts!” With that, the Monkey King took out his golden staff from his ear, preparing to forcefully enter.

The Four Heavenly Kings’ expressions changed. The King of Growth raised his Qingyun sword, the King of the South opened his mixed-origin umbrella, the King of the North placed his hand on his pipa, and the King of the East stroked his flowered fox fur.

“Monkey King, stop!” Qin Chuan intervened, calling out in time, and walked forward to stop the Monkey King from acting.

The Monkey King’s anger had not subsided. “Qin Chuan, step aside. Let me teach these guys a lesson!”

Qin Chuan gave the Monkey King a look and said, “The four Heavenly Kings are only doing their duty. Monkey King, don’t make things difficult for them.”

Seeing this, the King of Growth cupped his hands and said, “Thank you, immortal friend. My brothers and I are not trying to make things difficult, but without an order, we cannot let anyone in!”

Qin Chuan nodded. “I understand, I understand! But it’s a rare opportunity to come, and it’s not in my style to leave without entering.”

The Four Heavenly Kings, who had just breathed a sigh of relief, became tense once more.

At that moment, Qin Chuan raised his right hand, and a token appeared in his palm.

The Four Heavenly Kings’ expressions changed, and they all knelt on one knee, shouting loudly, “We pay respects to the Emperor of Heaven, the earthly counterpart of the Empress of the Earth!”

The Monkey King looked at this scene in surprise, blinking his eyes.

Qin Chuan smiled, putting away the token and lightly waving his sleeve. “The four Kings may rise. Now, may I enter?”

The King of Growth stood up, smiling bitterly. “I, a foolish one, did not know His Majesty had arrived. Please forgive me. With His Majesty’s identity, you may come and go as you please. Please, enter!”

The Four Heavenly Kings respectfully stood aside, and Qin Chuan and the Monkey King walked into the Southern Heavenly Gate with an imposing demeanor. The Heavenly Soldiers and Generals stood solemnly on both sides, their expressions serious, creating a solemn atmosphere.

Qin Chuan wore a brocade robe, his demeanor calm and composed. The Monkey King followed closely behind, his figure nimble and his spirit bright.

Just as they entered the Southern Heavenly Gate, they heard the voice of the Jade Emperor’s Star, Tai Bai Jin Xing, calling from a distance. “Great Sage, Immortal, wait for me!” His voice was clear and bright, like the sound of a jade chime.

In a moment, Tai Bai Jin Xing arrived riding a cloud and floated down outside the Southern Heavenly Gate. He looked around anxiously, as if searching for something.

Tai Bai Jin Xing asked the King of Growth, “Have you seen the Great Sage and an immortal in brocade clothes?”

The King of Growth nodded, “They’ve already entered.”

Tai Bai Jin Xing’s face changed suddenly, and he looked around nervously, lowering his voice, “I told you, King, that the Monkey King I can accept, but why did you let someone unrelated inside? If anything happens, we can’t bear the consequences. When I came down to the mortal realm, didn’t I tell you? If anything like this happens, stop them all!”

The King of Growth remained speechless and said, “Jin Xing, even if you gave me three more lives, I wouldn’t dare to stop the Emperor of Heaven!”

Tai Bai Jin Xing was stunned, not understanding at first, but then heard the King of Growth say, “He brought the token of the Emperor of Heaven!”

Tai Bai Jin Xing’s mouth opened in shock, then he whispered, “What rank of token?”

The King of Growth, his face expressionless, replied, “As if the Emperor were personally present!”

Tai Bai Jin Xing remained silent.

Shortly after entering the Southern Heavenly Gate, Tai Bai Jin Xing encountered the waiting Monkey King. The Monkey King seemed impatient. “Old man, you’re so slow!”

Tai Bai Jin Xing smiled apologetically. “Great Sage, sorry for keeping you waiting. Where is Qin Chuan?”

The Monkey King shook his head. “Qin Chuan asked me to wait for you while he goes to the Lingxiao Hall to receive his decree. He’s wandering around the Celestial Palace.”

As they walked, the Monkey King said, “Old man, tell me honestly, how high of a rank is this Great Sage Equal to Heaven? Why does it feel like my token is not as powerful as Qin Chuan’s?”

Tai Bai Jin Xing laughed repeatedly. “Great Sage, haven’t I already told you? The Great Sage Equal to Heaven is the highest rank! The highest!”

The Monkey King’s eyes flashed with suspicion. “Old man, are you serious?”

Tai Bai Jin Xing nodded firmly. “Of course I am. The name of the Great Sage Equal to Heaven has already spread throughout the Three Realms. Everyone knows it, everyone!”

The Monkey King, hearing this, showed a slight smugness in his eyes. “Well, then, when I meet the Jade Emperor later, I’ll show him just how powerful I am!”

…

The Celestial Palace, an otherworldly realm, was incredibly beautiful, beyond comparison. Within it were magnificent palaces made of fine jade and gold, shining brilliantly in a splendor that seemed fit only for immortals. The towering structures were grand and majestic, creating the impression of a heavenly residence. Celestial cranes danced gracefully, and auspicious clouds swirled around, creating an atmosphere that made one feel peaceful and refreshed.

At that moment, a beam of rainbow light traversed the sky, like a vibrant ribbon stretching across the heavens.

Qin Chuan, avoiding the areas clearly protected by powerful seals, wandered through the Celestial Palace. Unknowingly, he arrived at the location of the Moon Star.

Qin Chuan gazed at the Moon Star, feeling a sense of connection. The rainbow light halted in response, and with a single thought, he transformed into a streak of flowing light, descending onto the Moon Star.