The Battle in Journey to the West
Chapter 282 - 249: Encountering the Rhinoceros King at Golden Helmet Mountain

Chapter 282: Chapter 249: Encountering the Rhinoceros King at Golden Helmet Mountain

The story goes that Guanyin used the Essence of Heaven and Earth, a gift from the Tathagata, to revive Zhen Yuanzi’s pepino fruit tree. In accordance with his promise, Zhen Yuanzi released Tang Sanzang and his companions, even hosting a pepino fruit banquet for the immortals to taste the fruit.

The act of Zhen Yuanzi was to showcase the style of the Taoist sect. After the feast concluded, Tang Sanzang and his companions continued their journey westward.

Of course, the journey was not without its trials, but Wukong had already cultivated to the level of a Mixed Yuan Golden Immortal, and these demons were no match for him at all.

His magical treasures and mana were both top-notch, vanquishing demons as easily as flicking a finger; countless demons were subdued, and they passed many challenges.

That day, as they approached Golden Helmet Mountain, Wukong became serious. This trial was set by Laojun’s mount, the Green Ox Demon, who had the Vajra Bracelet from Laojun. A magical treasure of such caliber was an enemy to thousands, and only a being of creator-level strength could handle him. It seemed Laojun was going to have a serious reckoning with the Tathagata, letting his own mount block the way.

Before they even reached Golden Helmet Mountain, Wukong said, "Elder, I sense an extremely heavy demon aura ahead. We must be cautious on this leg of our journey."

Bajie laughed and said, "Brother Monkey, your mana reaches through the heavens, and your martial arts are formidable. Throughout this journey, which demon or ghost has been your match? Whatever fearsome fairy lies ahead, you can simply go up and slay it."

Along the way, Wukong had wielded his iron staff and claimed the lives of countless demons and monsters. Bajie and Sha Wujing enjoyed their leisure, waiting for Wukong to vanquish the evil and then continuing on their way, reaping the rewards. Of course, some of them were disciples of Bodhisattvas and Buddhas; a few who didn’t get rescued in time were struck down by the staff, their souls scattered, though some were saved.

Now with Wukong’s mana incredibly high, it really wasn’t easy to find opponents for the eighty-one trials without resorting to illusion!

The demons appointed for the eighty-one trials were mostly promised benefits, and there were also those who waylaid them en route, which was even better, as they didn’t need arrangements from the Buddhist or Daoist sects.

Both Buddhism and Daoism were restrained. During this bet of westward journey, the fire only blazed once inside Zhen Yuanzi’s Wuzhuang Temple, and thereafter, the way was surprisingly straightforward.

This time, however, it wasn’t going to be so easy. The Green Ox Demon, Rhinoceros King, was now entrenched in Golden Helmet Mountain, wielding Laojun’s Vajra Bracelet. Wukong wasn’t confident he could defeat him.

Moreover, even if he could defeat him, he wouldn’t choose to fight; this was Laojun’s way to make a profit. In the end, he remembered that it took the Buddhist Eighteen Arhats throwing fifteen Golden Sand Pills to subdue the Green Ox Demon, and only after they called out for Laojun did Wukong request Laojun’s intervention to capture the Green Ox Demon.

This Green Ox Demon was the Ox Demon King’s master. His divine power was so great that, if not at the level of a Mixed Yuan Golden Immortal of the Third Layer, it was certainly very close!

In the past, Laozi rode the Green Ox out of Hangu Pass and, blessed by Laozi’s vast cosmic fate, the Green Ox’s cultivation of divine power naturally progressed rapidly.

"Great King, that Tang Sanzang who is journeying westward has already arrived outside!" a little demon reported into the cave abode.

The Rhinoceros King chuckled and said, "Good, good, after waiting for so long, Tang Sanzang has finally arrived! Come, bring me my weapon. Let’s see how I’ll capture Tang Sanzang!"

A small demon fetched the Rhinoceros King’s spear. The Rhinoceros King took the weapon and left the cave abode, heading straight toward Tang Sanzang’s party.

Seeing the Rhinoceros King riding clouds towards them, Wukong commented, "We haven’t even knocked on their door, yet they’ve already come to us! Bajie, why don’t you spar with him for a couple of rounds?"

After hearing this, Bajie said, "Alright, I’ll test the fellow’s mettle. If I’m no match, I’ll still rely on you, Brother Monkey, to lend a hand."

Tang Sanzang saw the approaching demon, his face changed color, and he quickly retreated to the back.

Bajie took his Nine-toothed Rake and flew into the sky to face the Rhinoceros King, shouting, "You there, demon, whence have you come?!"

The Rhinoceros King cursed, "You idiotic pig, get out of the way! I’m only taking Tang Sanzang; I have no desire for your pork. If you speak again, you’ll only ruin your life!"

Bajie, having been reincarnated from General Tianpeng, couldn’t help but rage like thunder given such an insult, and in a burst of anger, he swung his Nine-toothed Rake straight at the Rhinoceros King’s face!

The Rhinoceros King shouted, "Bring it on!"

With a horizontal flash of his spear, the Rhinoceros King, a first-rate Mixed Yuan Golden Immortal with powerful mana, had no match for Wukong in his previous life, nor was there any help from the likes of Guanyin, obviously cautious of him. Only some immortals unaware of the full story dared to face him, and all without exception ended up having their magical treasures taken away. In the end, it was Laojun himself who personally stepped in to capture him. Compared to him, how could Bajie stand a chance?

The two clashed in mid-air, weapons headed towards each other. Bajie originally aimed to peel off the Rhinoceros King’s face, but the Rhinoceros King was quicker, landing a spear thrust on Bajie’s shoulder that sent him stumbling. With a kick, the Rhinoceros King sent Bajie flying out, tumbling eighteen times upon landing, covered in dirt and his body stained with blood.

Wukong was secretly shocked, thinking, "This character did not use his full strength against Old Sun before, but now that he knows I have the techniques of a Mixed Yuan Golden Immortal, he doesn’t hold back at all against Zhu Bajie, downing him in just two moves! Damn it, well, ever since I became a Mixed Yuan Golden Immortal, I haven’t really had a true fight with anyone. Today, I’ll move a bit against this Rhinoceros King!"

The Rhinoceros King bested Bajie and burst into laughter, saying, "You barnyard fowls and mangy mutts, how dare you bark at me? Bring Tang Sanzang to me at once, and I might just spare your pitiful lives!"

Enraged, Sha Wujing lifted his monk’s spade and struck at the Rhinoceros King, who simply twirled his spear and roared, "Sha Wujing, why don’t you fall? What are you waiting for!"

With just one bellow, he caused Sha Wujing’s three souls and seven spirits to tremble. Sha Wujing let out a ghastly scream and fell from the sky, landing right on top of Bajie, and Bajie howled in pain while Sha Wujing, dazed and confused by the shout, collapsed on Bajie’s back, unable to get up.

Tang Sanzang saw how ferocious the demon was and couldn’t help but sweat from his brow, thinking to himself, "This demon is terribly formidable; he might be on par with Zhen Yuan Immortal! I wonder if Wukong is capable of subduing him?"

The Rhinoceros King pointed his spear at Wukong and scorned, "Sun Wukong, you proclaim yourself the Great Sage Equalling Heaven, known for Havoc in Heaven—I’ve certainly heard of that! Today, however, you shall battle with me and see if you truly deserve the title of the Great Sage Equalling Heaven."

Wukong plucked the embroidery needle from his ear, gave it a flick, and it grew to the size of a bowl. Holding it in his hand, he said, "You brazen fairy, daring to defy Old Sun! Take this!"

The Green Ox Demon knew this adversary was a disciple of Spiritual Treasure Celestial Venerable. Although the Three Pure Ones were brethren, their disciples often vied with each other, both openly and in secret, not wishing to disgrace their sect! Since the Green Ox Demon was Laozi’s mount and the opponent a disciple of Spiritual Treasure Celestial Venerable, naturally, he was unwilling to let the other pass through without giving him some hardship first.

Wukong realized the Rhinoceros King meant serious business when he attacked and was startled, thinking to himself, "This fellow is earnest in fighting. It seems that the disciples of the Three Purities Gate do have their mischief. Knowing that I am a disciple of Spiritual Treasure Celestial Venerable, yet he strikes so mercilessly, it seems he truly wants to see who is superior!"

Wukong wielded his Jingu Bang against the Rhinoceros King. Wukong’s divine power was innate and his martial arts unmatched. If he did not engage in magic combat but merely relied on his martial prowess, even Tathagata would be no match for him! The earth quaked and the mountains shook as he swung his Jingu Bang, while the Rhinoceros King brandished his gleaming spear. The two exchanged blows fiercely in battle.

"Go!" The Rhinoceros King suddenly formed a spell and spat out a golden core aiming for Wukong’s crown.

Wukong, not daring to slack off, hastily conjured the Great Year Whip. The whip transformed into a giant red python coiled in front of him, perfectly blocking the oncoming golden core!

The Rhinoceros King changed his spell again, turning the golden core into a massive eagle, a hundred-yard wingspan. Its talons were like blades, intent on capturing the red python directly.

"Impressive moves, impressive transformations!" exclaimed Wukong, admiring the Rhinoceros King’s shift into an eagle, which exploited the principle of mutual destruction, as the eagle is a snake’s nemesis.

Wukong opened his mouth, formed a spell, and blew out a vast expanse of fire that morphed into a Phoenix the king of birds. Upon seeing a Phoenix, what chance does an eagle stand?

Yet, the Rhinoceros King changed the golden core again, turning it into a ferocious dragon. With such a mystical beast, there were no more natural predators; they relied solely on brute force, clashing and battling furiously back and forth.

"Your mana may not be impressive, but you’re shaming your master!" chuckled the Green Ox Demon, manipulating the Laws of Heaven and Earth to attack Wukong.

Although Wukong’s mana was formidable, he had yet to comprehend the Laws of Heaven and Earth. Without knowing how to wield them, these ever-changing laws forced him to retreat again and again.

"Rowdy Monkey, take this!" Suddenly, a thunderous shout came, and before Wukong could turn around, the Rhinoceros King had already reached his back and fiercely thrust his spear towards Wukong’s heart.

Caught off-guard, Wukong took a hit, and fire spewed from all his seven orifices—the Samadhi True Fire. Yet, it was not a severe injury, possibly because the Rhinoceros King had held back.

Wukong couldn’t help but curse, "How long have I cultivated? And how long have you? If you actually lowered your cultivation and suppressed it to the Mixed Yuan Golden Immortal First Layer, I’d beat you until you lost all your teeth on the ground!"

The Rhinoceros King sincerely wished to test their strengths. The disciples of the Three Purities Gate rarely engaged in magic combat, but when they did, they fought with earnest. It was fortunate that Zhen Yuanzi and Wukong hailed from the same sect. If Zhen Yuanzi were a disciple of Laozi or Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch, then Wukong would indeed have been battered beyond recognition by the Ancestral Earth Immortal! The mana of the Green Ox Demon was exceedingly high, so high that it was on the verge of achieving the status of the creator, and Wukong was naturally no match for him. The moment the Green Ox Demon invoked the Laws of Heaven and Earth, Wukong found it hard to continue.

Upon hearing this, the Rhinoceros King laughed, "Still unsatisfied, Rowdy Monkey? Very well, I shall thoroughly engage in a fight with you and let’s see who is more formidable."

Indeed, being Laozi’s mount, and since Wukong was a disciple of Heaven-Penetrating prowess, it was inevitable that Laozi’s mount should confront Wukong for one of the eighty-one calamities. Thus, their fight was no feigned battle, but a genuine one. They were bound to unleash all varieties of magical treasures and techniques.

The Rhinoceros King formed another spell, and the mana around him began to converge, signaling a reduction in his cultivation level—a method to seal his own power.

He suppressed his cultivation to the Mixed Yuan Golden Immortal First Layer, equal to Wukong’s level, and laughed, "Come now, let us fight again and see who prevails!"

Wukong, with a cold snort, advanced with his Jingu Bang, and they resumed their intense fight.

The outcome of the battle remains unknown; please tune in to the next Chapter to find out. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please support the author by casting your recommendation votes and Monthly Tickets on Starting Point (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users can read on m.qidian.com.)