Chapter 37: Sun Wukong Gets Drunk; Black and White Impermanence Appear
Sun Wukong and Six Paths were both taken aback, not expecting that The Bull Demon King would be so afraid of Shi Yue that he would flee without even showing his face.
Afterwards, Shi Yue continued his visits to the Lion Camel King, Dragon Demon King, Peng Demon King, and Yu Marmoset King, following the order of favorability that Sun Wukong and Six Paths had described, with no other intention but to "drop by for a visit!"
Yet despite this, when he announced his visits under the name of Shi Yue, the Great Demon King of Flower Fruit Mountain, it understandably surprised the four greatly.
Why? Simply because Sun Wukong, another Great Demon King of Flower Fruit Mountain, was already formidable enough. With another demon king of indiscernible powers appearing, it made these great kings wary. Still, they finally got to witness the other Great King of Flower Fruit Mountain! They couldn’t help but feel a shiver down their spines.
These demon kings, having sworn brotherhood with Sun Wukong and coveting the wealth surrounding Flower Fruit Mountain, each occupied an area, becoming kings of their respective mountains while continuing to build their armies. What did they intend to do? Add fuel to the fire?
Shi Yue was puzzled but decided not to press further because the military power of Flower Fruit Mountain, under the control of Six Paths, had already expanded to an impressive 800,000 demon soldiers in less than half a year! Clearly, they were preparing to stand against the Heavenly Court.
Hearing this number, Shi Yue couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement.
As Sun Wukong and Six Paths had mentioned, the Lion Camel King was worth befriending, Dragon Demon King possibly too, but Peng Demon King was elusive, and Yu Marmoset King was simply looking to exploit Flower Fruit Mountain’s strength for his gain.
Regardless of who they were, upon meeting Shi Yue, they were unnerved by the purple gleam in his eyes, especially Yu Marmoset King, who, despite being of the monkey kin, was frightened by the three great kings of Flower Fruit Mountain. Though Peng Demon King remained enigmatic, his cultivation level was just that of a Taiyi True Immortal, which Shi Yue paid little attention to in his current state.
Dragon Demon King, having lost three heads, found his strength reduced significantly, and trembled at this supposed visitation from another Great King of Flower Fruit Mountain. It felt more like a display of power! Only the Lion Camel King seemed relaxed and was genuinely delighted to meet Shi Yue.
Shi Yue didn’t intend to show off; he was indifferent towards them, wanting only to meet Sun Wukong’s legendary seven brothers, discovering there wasn't much to them either—essentially half-beasts. Although they appeared human, each bore distinct features of their original forms. Shi Yue had long grown accustomed to this, seeing no difference between them and other demons except for their aura. After transforming, Shi Yue himself also retained a body full of black fur, only looking human when concealed.
With his curiosity satisfied, the others held no further interest. Adding fuel to the fire was inconsequential; Flower Fruit Mountain had already caught the Heavenly Court’s attention. If they ended up in trouble, they had only themselves to blame. Of course, if any chose to stay till the end, they would inevitably become part of Flower Fruit Mountain.
Thus, Flower Fruit Mountain suddenly became calm again. After The Bull Demon King departed, he never returned. Under Six Paths' leadership, Flower Fruit Mountain marched steadily forward and continued to expand. The number of demon soldiers stabilized at a million, yet even so, the momentum was overwhelming.
Shi Yue mused that it was no wonder the Heavenly Court considered Flower Fruit Mountain a thorn in their side. No emperor could tolerate such a rebellious force. This was clearly a significant butterfly effect—if you regard me as a thorn, I will become ever more vigilant of you.
From that point on, Shi Yue did not leave Flower Fruit Mountain but instead focused on setting up the Six Jia Divination formation.
Now, the Six Jia Divination was not a simple Qimen Dunjia technique. Once set up, it formed its own Universe World, much like the one inside the Nine Dragons Divine Fire Shield, or akin to Tathagata's palm Universe World. Even Sun Wukong couldn't fly out, and anyone who entered, without great divine power, could not escape.
Moreover, the Six Jia Divination formation boasted powerful attacks. Although not quite as renowned as the Heavenly Court's Celestial Net, it was believed to be comparable. The Heavenly Court's Celestial Net relied on a hundred thousand heavenly soldiers to capture all the demon soldiers of Flower Fruit Mountain. Shi Yue, on the other hand, based his formation on the three hundred thousand avatars hidden within the space of his Measuring Sky Staff, positioning them within a thousand-mile radius of Flower Fruit Mountain. It was an array encompassing both trapping and attacking! Shi Yue couldn't help but imagine a showdown between the Heavenly Court's Celestial Net and Flower Fruit Mountain's Six Jia Divination formation, pondering which might prevail.
Setting up this grand formation took Shi Yue an entire year. Once complete, the atmosphere of Flower Fruit Mountain changed instantly. Previously, the presence of a million demon soldiers created an aura that shot to the heavens. Now, that presence was completely concealed.
Sun Wukong and Six Paths immediately noticed the change and were astonished. They sought out Shi Yue, asking him what he had done to transform the once bustling Flower Fruit Mountain into a place of such peace and tranquility.
At this, Sun Wukong still felt nothing, so Shi Yue simply smiled at Six Paths and said, "Whatever Six Paths is doing, I am doing the same."
The two exchanged a glance and then shared a knowing smile. Fearing neither heaven nor earth, unfazed by gods or Buddhas, they vowed: Even if we turn to ash or enter no reincarnation, we shall never forsake the brotherhood we have today! The vow echoed in their ears; they both knew what the other was preparing for, leaving Sun Wukong bewildered.
Subsequently, Six Paths continued daily military exercises while Sun Wukong spent his free time carousing with Lion Camel King and Dragon Demon King, rarely appearing at Flower Fruit Mountain. With his two brothers watching over things, why should he worry? Why not enjoy life? His attitude was entirely live-and-let-live.
Meanwhile, Shi Yue settled into serious training, focusing on mastering the divine powers within the Thirty-Six Heavenly Spirits. However, mastering all those powers was not a task for a day or two. He could only focus on the most crucial ones to prepare for future confrontations.
In a blink of an eye, another ten years passed.
One day, while Shi Yue was practicing within the space of the Measuring Sky Staff, Sun Wukong suddenly appeared, dejected. He continued using the small hut where he had previously secluded himself, the same place where he and Sun Wukong were born. Six Paths had also established a separate abode near the Water Curtain Cave, which had become a sacred place within Flower Fruit Mountain. Usually, only Sun Wukong would sleep there, and occasionally all three would gather there.
Seeing Sun Wukong arriving, Shi Yue quickly exited the Measuring Sky Staff space and found Sun Wukong at the stone house entrance.
Sun Wukong waved his hand impatiently and said, "Brother, come, join me for a drink."
Shi Yue, curious, asked, "What happened, heartbroken?"
Used to Shi Yue's teasing, Sun Wukong was unfazed and waved off the comment. "Don't be ridiculous, I don't feel that way, it's just—ugh! Talking about it makes me mad. Come, join me for a few drinks first."
With that, he grabbed Shi Yue’s hand and leapt towards the Water Curtain Cave, not forgetting to shout along the way, "Six Paths, hurry to Water Curtain Cave."
This left Shi Yue wondering what could have possibly upset Sun Wukong so much. Unable to figure it out, he followed to Water Curtain Cave.
Inside Water Curtain Cave, an assortment of fruits and wines were always in stock, all managed by Taibai, the chief steward of Flower Fruit Mountain.
Since taking the reins of Flower Fruit Mountain, Six Paths had also made some adjustments to its leadership structure. The elder Taibai naturally rose to the position of chief steward, a position akin to a grand chamberlain, though no bodily changes were involved—only a shift in duties. He remained among the top ranks, with only three above him, commanding respect and maintaining ease in his duties.
Meanwhile, King Kong, Chaos, and Titan were each promoted to lead the elite guards of the three great demon kings of Flower Fruit Mountain, commanding 50,000 demon soldiers each. They were immensely revered figures among the demon ranks, once again standing just below the top tier in the hierarchy.
Shi Yue was surprised to see that the Six-Eared Macaque, Six Paths, had established a "sea, land, and air" military division! The former four generals had now become commanders of these three forces, effectively promoting nearly everyone.
Shi Yue marveled at these developments, recognizing Six Paths’ adeptness in organizing. Ten years on, Six Paths had developed a regal air, leading Shi Yue to contemplate why others were simply referred to as demon kings, while this one stood out as a demon prince.
Unknown to Shi Yue, he and Sun Wukong had also changed; Sun Wukong was becoming increasingly sentimental, while Shi Yue exuded a deeper presence, akin to a sovereign ruler. Particularly when his eyes flashed with purple light, even Six Paths felt a chilling sense of being seen through, a sensation he hadn't experienced with anyone else.
Upon reaching Water Curtain Cave, Sun Wukong immediately began drinking in silence. As Six Paths entered, Sun Wukong took a deep swig and, full of frustration, said, "I just don't get it. Tell me, brothers, have I ever mistreated our sworn brothers?"
Shi Yue remained expressionless, while Six Paths shook his head with a smile, "Brother Sun Wukong has certainly never mistreated them."
Sun Wukong took another swig and said, "Exactly, so why have they treated me this way? First, The Bull Demon King left without a word—not surprising given he’s a cunning sort. But Peng Demon King and Yu Marmoset King were not close to me either, so let them go. Yet, Lion Camel King and Dragon Demon King also left without a word. Could it be that I have done something wrong?"
Six Paths suddenly furrowed his brows in deep thought, while initially Shi Yue didn’t give much weight to it, assuming they were just Sun Wukong’s drinking buddies with little loyalty, as was evident when none came to aid during the Heavenly Court's siege of Flower Fruit Mountain.
However, as Sun Wukong became progressively drunk, Shi Yue suddenly considered another possibility. It seemed they had all received some warning or message, leading them to depart from Flower Fruit Mountain.
Leaving without notice would indeed cause Sun Wukong such distress, as who would dare defy the Heavenly Court, known as the Great Sage Equaling Heaven? Only Sun Wukong himself!
Shi Yue's eyes sparkled with realization while excitement stirred within him, contemplating, "Is it about to begin? Flower Fruit Mountain is ready, let’s see how the Heavenly Court will move."
Shi Yue's eyes twinkled, and Six Paths too seemed absorbed in his thoughts, his gaze revealing a similar suppressed excitement. Exchanging a glance, the two simultaneously nodded in understanding.
This led them to share a proud smile.
In a matter of moments, Sun Wukong had drunk himself into a stupor. Just as Shi Yue was about to stand and leave, his eyes flashed with a violet light. He quickly glanced sharply at the floor.
Emerging slowly from below were two figures, one black and one white, each faceless.
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