The Battle in Journey to the West
Chapter 94 - 092: Tao Yao Searches for Doulu Palace

Chapter 94: Chapter 092: Tao Yao Searches for Doulu Palace

It is said that Wukong was captured by Yang Jian using the Demon-binding Rope, and upon receiving the news, Li Jing immediately ordered a retreat.

The other five Demon Kings, who had been instructed by Wukong earlier, saw that their long battle had hurt none and had no choice but to retreat as well.

The Heavenly Court’s army was jubilant, having endured several days of fierce, the capture of the Monkey Demon finally brought immense satisfaction. However, they had no idea of the detailed reasons behind it; otherwise, they might not have been able to smile. Li Jing too breathed a sigh of relief, for these Demon Kings were tough adversaries who had caused him significant losses. Now with the Monkey King captured, a pressing crisis was resolved.

After the five Demon Kings withdrew, Li Jing held a ceremony in the main army camp to honor and award. Details need not be mentioned.

Meanwhile, Wukong was brought to the Heavenly Court to face the Jade Emperor, who sat high on the Dragon Throne, looking down at Wukong.

"Demon Monkey Sun Wukong from the Lower Realm, you have caused widespread disaster and have shown no remorse, only defiance. You deserve death many times over. Do you admit your guilt?" the Jade Emperor demanded loudly.

Wukong, chained and unable to use his divine powers, did not struggle but merely smiled and said, "Old Jade Emperor, just bring out whatever rules you have, and let Old Sun face them all. Why the fuss?"

The Jade Emperor’s expression grew cold as he said, "Very well, very well! You truly are an untamable wild creature, rightfully deserving this great calamity! You will be taken to the Immortal Slaying Stage so you may realize the might of the Heavenly Court!"

Having consumed the Elder Lord’s Elixir, Wukong no longer feared these tricks of the Jade Emperor; his body had become as invulnerable as Vajra. How could the Jade Emperor scare him?

Wukong scoffed and challenged, "If you can make Old Sun frown, then you’re indeed formidable, old Jade Emperor!"

This comment infuriated the Jade Emperor. The Monkey King had truly made him lose face! Waving his hand, he ordered, "Four Heavenly Kings, take this monkey head to the Immortal Slaying Stage!"

In the Heavenly Court, there were stages for slaying immortals, demons, and devils. Considering that the Monkey Demon had once ranked among the immortals, the Jade Emperor decided he must be taken to the Immortal Slaying Stage as a warning to others and to respect the divine by slaying a monkey.

The Four Heavenly Kings, having just ascended from the Lower Realm, found themselves stuck with this unenviable task, and they roughly pushed Wukong forward, saying, "Monkey head, follow us, we’re taking you on your final journey!"

Wukong merely chuckled, not a hint of concern on his face, and said, "Old Jade Emperor, I’ll remember this time!"

The Jade Emperor exclaimed, "This Macaca even dares to threaten Me! Hurry, take him to the Immortal Slaying Stage and execute him."

While Wukong was pushed to the Immortal Slaying Stage, let’s pause on his account and turn to the Peach Garden, where guards, local deities, and hoe-wielding Hercules were all abuzz discussing Wukong’s situation.

The local deity sighed, "The Great Saint was indeed quite admirable; it’s just that he didn’t know what was good for him and ended up taking all the Peaches of Immortality. Now that he’s been caught by His Majesty, things are unlikely to go well for him."

The hoe-wielding Hercules agreed, "Yes, the Great Saint was rather good. At least he wasn’t so strict about supervising. Life was quite pleasant during his days here!"

Just then, the new supervisor of the Peach Garden came over and shouted, "What are you all gathered here chatting about? Get back to work! If you don’t finish today’s tasks, you’ll all be working through the night!"

Hidden within the Peach Garden, a rainbow light flickered unnoticed; it hesitated for a moment before drifting out of the garden.

This rainbow light was Tao Yao transformed. She had overheard the conversations about Wukong being captured by the Jade Emperor and faced with execution on the Immortal Slaying Stage, which greatly alarmed her. Although she was fearful of leaving her little world, her concern for her good friend made her brace herself to venture out.

"That Great Sage Equalling Heaven is truly formidable," she overheard earlier. "He was struck by lightning, burned by fire, and slashed with blades on the Immortal_S л## │ S л## │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ быS л## │ явS л## │ арS л## │ быS л## │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ л## │ быS л## │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │transportingState and remained unscathed! His Majesty is at his wit’s end with him."

"Alas! With all those Peaches of Immortality he consumed, and the stolen Elder Lord’s Elixir, he’s made his skin and bones as tough as iron. The Elder Lord has just petitioned His Majesty to take him back for alchemy."

"With the Elder Lord’s heaven-reaching abilities, even the great abilities of the Great Sage may not save him from being refined to death by the Elder Lord."

Hearing this, Tao Yao grew even more anxious. Having lived in the Peach Garden for so long, she knew exactly what kind of figure the Elder Lord was—one of the patriarchs of Taoism, his mana was immeasurable.

Knowing that the Elder Lord resided in the Thirty-Three Heavens, Tao Yao activated her Escape Technique and ascended towards the Thirty-Three Heavens.

These Thirty-Three Heavens were not places just anyone could venture into; without the consent of a saint, who would dare to ascend casually? But Tao Yao could no longer concern herself with such restrictions.

Having reached the Thirty-Fourth Supreme Pure Sky, Tao Yao happened upon a middle-aged Taoist passing by and couldn’t help but ask, "Excuse me, do you know where the Doulu Palace is and how to get there?"

The Taoist glanced at her, a flash of brilliance in his eyes, and thought inwardly, "It’s actually the Rainbow Peach Tree from the Peach Garden. How did she escape?"

Tao Yao felt that this Taoist was extremely terrifying, possessing a hidden sharpness that seemed as if it could tear her apart if revealed.

The Taoist inquired, "Young lady, what brings you to the Doulu Palace?"

Tao Yao replied, "My friend was captured by Laojun for alchemy, and I am here to reason with Laojun. If he agrees, I will give him a few peaches in exchange for my friend."

The Taoist couldn’t help but chuckle and said, "What treasures does Laojun not possess that he would need your peaches?"

Tao Yao, her face flush with frustration, retorted, "If you do not wish to tell me where Doulu Palace is, just say so directly. Why beat around the bush?"

The Taoist pointed upwards and said indifferently, "The level above is the Jade Pure Sky. After you ascend there, one more level will take you to the Great Pure Sky. The Doulu Palace is in the Great Pure Sky!"

Overjoyed, Tao Yao bowed to the Taoist and said, "Thank you for your guidance. If I manage to rescue my friend, I will be sure to thank you profusely in the future."

The Taoist, however, shook his head and left at once. Seeing the Taoist’s cold demeanor, Tao Yao thought no further and ascended directly to the Jade Pure Sky.

Upon reaching the Jade Pure Sky, she encountered an elderly man in white robes, with a somewhat large head, grayish-white hair and beard, and carrying a cane.

Upon seeing Tao Yao, the old man exclaimed in surprise, "Ah! Such abundant Innate True Qi. From which Demon Immortal did it cultivate, just right for refining a magical treasure."

Alarmed, Tao Yao tried to flee on a cloud. However, the old man threw his cane into the air, which emitted a burst of blue light and transformed into countless vines that swiftly swept towards her.

Not possessing any Taoist divine skills, Tao Yao could only attempt to escape through a small gap, but the old man’s divine prowess was formidable, and the dense vines blocked her path from every direction.

The old man stepped ahead of her, retrieved his cane, and struck her forehead, only to see a golden light emanate from her body. The light formed an unrecognized character that shockingly repelled his cane, astonishing him greatly.

"This character, seems to be the Xia Dynasty Dragon Seal?" the old man wondered aloud. He lifted his cane again, but this time, instead of striking, he tried to capture Tao Yao.

Tao Yao pleaded, "Old Immortal, please be merciful. I am here to rescue a friend—do not endanger me, or my friend will perish at Laojun’s hand!"

Hearing this, the old man hesitated slightly and was about to question her further when a voice from the depths of the Jade Pure Sky called out, "Changsheng, do not trouble her. Let her go."

The old man was none other than the South Pole Immortal Emperor, Longevity Star Elder, Southern Immortal Weng.

The voice was that of Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch. Although Tao Yao was formed from the first streak of rainbow light between heaven and earth, Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch didn’t find her to be particularly extraordinary. Seeming to notice something in the character, he allowed her to pass.

Southern Immortal Weng nodded and smiled, "Young lady, you may go."

Tao Yao thanked him repeatedly and then ascended to the highest layer, Great Pure Sky.

Southern Immortal Weng inquired, "Leader Teacher, what’s the origin of this Peach Tree Spirit?"

Yuan Shi Immortal Monarch pondered for a moment before saying, "It appears to have a significant background. Someone deliberately planted her so she could absorb the first streak of rainbow light from heaven and earth. The person behind this likely has quite the significant background as well. Since she has a slight connection with Macaca, let’s give her some leeway and let her pass."

Southern Immortal Weng nodded repeatedly and said, "Leader Teacher is correct; we almost caused a great misfortune just now."

The fate of Wukong remains unknown. To find out, tune in to the next part of the saga.