Chapter 4: Official Appointment as Horse Supervisor Is Not Enough Qi Tian's Intent Remains Unsettled

Tai Bai Jin Xing and the Handsome Monkey King emerged from the depths of the grotto-heaven, both ascending on clouds. Sun Wukong's somersault cloud was exceptionally fast, leaving Jin Xing far behind as he arrived first outside the South Heaven Gate. Just as he was about to descend and enter, he was blocked by the Growth King, leading a host of powerful heavenly soldiers—Pang, Liu, Gou, Bi, Deng, Xin, Zhang, and Tao—armed with spears, swords, and halberds. They guarded the Heaven Gate, refusing him entry.

The Monkey King exclaimed, "That old Jin Xing is a deceitful fellow! If he invited me, why would he have these people blocking the entrance with weapons?" As he was fuming, Jin Xing suddenly arrived. Wukong glared at him fiercely and said, "You old man, how dare you deceive me? You said you came with the Jade Emperor's imperial decree to invite me, so why are these people blocking the Heaven Gate and refusing me entry?" Jin Xing smiled and replied, "Great Sage, calm your anger. You have never been to Heaven before, and you are unknown. The heavenly soldiers don't know you, so how could they let you enter unannounced? Once you meet the Heavenly Venerable, receive your immortal title, and have your official name registered, you can enter and exit as you please; no one will stop you then."

Wukong said, "If that's the case, then fine, I won't go in." Jin Xing pulled him by the hand and said, "You must still come in with me." As they approached the Heaven Gate, Jin Xing called out loudly, "Heavenly Generals and all officers and soldiers at the Heaven Gate, clear the way! This is an immortal from the lower realm whom I have brought here by the Jade Emperor's imperial decree." The Growth King and the heavenly soldiers immediately lowered their weapons and stepped aside. Only then did the Monkey King believe him. He slowly walked in with Jin Xing to observe. It truly was—

Upon first ascending to the upper realm, he entered Heaven. Ten thousand rays of golden light shimmered like rolling red rainbows; a thousand auspicious mists billowed forth purple vapors. He saw the South Heaven Gate, a deep emerald crafted from glazed tiles, and a brilliant, dazzling structure adorned with precious jade. On both sides stood dozens of Marshals of Heaven, each like a pillar supporting the sky, holding ceremonial axes and feathered banners. Below them were more than ten golden-armored deities, each wielding a halberd, carrying a whip, holding a sword, or brandishing a blade. The exterior was impressive enough, but the interior was truly astonishing.

Within, several grand pillars were entwined with golden-scaled, sun-glinting, red-whiskered dragons. There were also long bridges, upon which vibrant-feathered, sky-soaring, red-crested phoenixes circled. Bright mists shimmered, reflecting heavenly light, while emerald fogs veiled the constellation of the Big Dipper. In Heaven, there were thirty-three celestial palaces, including the Palace of Dispelling Clouds, the Palace of Vaishravana, the Palace of Five Brightnesses, the Palace of the Sun, the Palace of Transformation and Joy... each palace roof adorned with golden beasts. There were also seventy-two layers of treasured halls, such as the Hall of Court Assembly, the Hall of Lofty Emptiness, the Hall of Precious Light, the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, the Hall of the Numinous Officials... each hall's pillars embellished with jade qilin. On the Terrace of the Star of Longevity, renowned flowers bloomed for thousands of years without wilting; by the alchemical furnaces, auspicious herbs remained evergreen for tens of thousands of ages.

Arriving before the Tower of Holy Pilgrimage, he saw figures in crimson gauze robes, glittering like stars, and lotus crowns dazzling with gold and jade. Jade hairpins and pearl-encrusted shoes, purple ribbons and golden seals. When the golden bells chimed, deities from the three realms presented their memorials in the vermillion court; when the heavenly drums sounded, myriad sages assembled to pay homage to the Jade Emperor. He then reached the Hall of Miraculous Mists, where golden studs adorned jade doors, and colorful phoenixes danced on vermillion gates. Looping walkways and winding corridors were everywhere, intricately carved and transparent; three eaves and four clusters, with dragons and phoenixes soaring in layers. Above, there was a magnificent, gleaming, perfectly round, dazzling golden gourd-shaped finial. Below, heavenly consorts held ceremonial fans, and immortal maidens carried celestial kerchiefs. Fierce heavenly generals presided over the court, while spirited immortal ministers guarded the imperial carriage. In the very center, on a glazed tray, lay numerous stacked Pills of Great Unity; in agate vases, several winding coral branches were displayed. Truly, Heaven possessed every kind of wondrous object, things unparalleled in the mortal world. Golden palaces and silver chariots, along with purple mansions; wondrous flowers, jade-like grasses, and rare blossoms. As the Jade Rabbit passed by the altar for the court, the Golden Crow flew low to pay homage to the Saint. The Monkey King was destined to come to the celestial realm, never to fall into the defiling mud of the human world.

Tai Bai Jin Xing led the Monkey King to the outside of the Hall of Miraculous Mists. Without waiting for an announcement, Jin Xing proceeded directly before the Emperor and bowed in homage. Wukong stood upright to the side, not bowing, but merely listening with half an ear as Jin Xing presented his report. Jin Xing reported, "Your subject has carried out the imperial decree, and the demon immortal has arrived." The Jade Emperor, from behind his curtain, asked, "Which one is the demon immortal?" Only then did Wukong bow slightly and respond, "That would be me, Old Sun." All the immortal ministers were greatly astonished and exclaimed, "This wild monkey! How dare he not prostrate himself and pay respects, and instead reply with 'That would be me, Old Sun'? He deserves to die! He deserves to die!" The Jade Emperor issued a decree: "That Sun Wukong is a demon immortal from the lower realm, only recently having attained human form, and is unaware of court etiquette. Let us temporarily forgive his offense." The immortal ministers all exclaimed, "We thank Your Majesty for your grace!" Only then did the Monkey King bow deeply towards the Emperor. The Jade Emperor then summoned the civil and military immortal ministers, asking them to find a vacant official position for Sun Wukong. The Military Fortune Star stepped forward and reported, "All palaces and halls, all corners of Heaven, have no shortage of officials. Only the Imperial Stable lacks a Head Supervisor." The Jade Emperor issued a decree: "Then appoint him as Bi Ma Wen." The ministers thanked the Emperor, and Wukong again merely bowed deeply. The Jade Emperor then dispatched the Wood Star Lord to escort him to the Imperial Stable to assume his post.

At that time, the Monkey King, full of joy, went directly to his post with the Wood Star Lord. After the matter was concluded, the Wood Star Lord returned to his palace. In the stable, Wukong gathered the Imperial Stable Supervisor, Deputy Supervisor, Archivist, and grooms, along with all officials, great and small. He reviewed the stable's affairs and found there were only a thousand celestial horses, namely: Hualiu, Qiji, Couer, Xianli, Dragon-steeds, Purple Swallows, Wing-flapping, Susuang, Daidi, Yinte, Mixu, Feihuang, Linke, Fanyu, Red Hare, Chaoguang, Yuhui, Mijing, Tengwu, Shenghuang, Zhuifeng, Juedi, Feihao, Benxiao, Yipiao, Chidian, Copper Sparrow, Floating Cloud, Conglong, Hula, Dust-clearing, Purple-scaled, Four Extremes, Great Steeds, Eight Famous Steeds, Nine Excellent Steeds, and Peerless Thousand-Mile steeds. These magnificent steeds, each one, were spirited and vigorous, neighing into the wind and chasing lightning, their strength enduring as they trod through mist and ascended clouds.

The Monkey King examined the registers and verified the number of horses. In the stable, the Archivist was in charge of procuring fodder; the grooms were responsible for brushing and washing the horses, bundling hay, providing water, and preparing feed; the Supervisor and Deputy Supervisor assisted in overseeing operations. Bi Ma Wen worked day and night without rest, tending to the horses. During the day, he would sometimes play, but at night, he diligently supervised them. Any horse that slept, he would urge to eat grass; any that wandered, he would bring back to its trough. When the celestial horses saw him, they would prick up their ears and gather their hooves, and all were fed until they were plump and sleek. Unknowingly, more than half a month passed.

One day, during a break, all the stable officials prepared a banquet, both to welcome him and to celebrate his appointment. In the midst of their joyful drinking, the Monkey King suddenly paused his cup and asked, "What exactly is this official title, 'Bi Ma Wen'?" The officials replied, "That is the official name." He asked again, "What rank is this official?" They answered, "It has no rank." The Monkey King said, "No rank? Then it must be extremely high." They replied, "Not high at all, it's called 'unranked' (literally, 'not in the stream')." The Monkey King asked, "What does 'unranked' mean?" They explained, "It's the lowest rank. Such an official is the humblest and smallest, only fit for tending horses. For an esteemed person like yourself, after assuming office and diligently feeding the horses until they are fat, you only earn a 'good' remark. If they are slightly emaciated, you will be reprimanded. If they are severely injured, you will be fined and punished."

Hearing this, the Monkey King's anger flared up. He gnashed his teeth and roared, "How dare they despise Old Sun like this! On Mount Huaguo, Old Sun was a king and an ancestor, so how could they trick me into coming here to tend their horses? Horse-tending is a lowly task for young, inferior beings, not for me! I won't do it, I won't do it! I'm leaving!" With a crash, he overturned the official desk, pulled his treasure from his ear, shook it, and it grew as thick as a bowl. He fought his way out of the Imperial Stable and went straight to the South Heaven Gate. The heavenly soldiers knew he had received an immortal appointment, even if only as Bi Ma Wen, so they dared not stop him and let him break through the Heaven Gate.

In a short while, he descended his cloud and returned to Mount Huaguo, where he saw his Four Valiant Generals and the demon kings from various caves drilling their troops. The Monkey King loudly shouted, "My little ones, Old Sun is back!" A crowd of monkeys came forward, bowing and welcoming him into the depths of the cave. They invited the Monkey King to ascend his royal seat and prepared a welcoming banquet, all saying, "Congratulations, Great King! You've been to the Upper Realm for over ten years, and you must have returned triumphant and glorious, haven't you?" The Monkey King said, "I've only been there for just over half a month. How could it be ten years?" The monkeys replied, "Great King, you didn't notice the passage of time in Heaven. One day in Heaven is a year in the mortal realm. May we ask, Great King, what official position did you hold?" The Monkey King waved his hand, "Don't ask, don't ask! It's so shameful it could kill me! That Jade Emperor doesn't know how to use talent. Seeing me like this, he appointed me as some Bi Ma Wen, which turns out to be a horse groom, an unranked position. When I first took office, I didn't know, and I just had fun in the Imperial Stable. But today, when I asked my colleagues, I realized how lowly it was. Old Sun was furious, overturned the banquet, refused the official title, and so I came back down." The monkeys exclaimed, "It's good that you came back! It's good! Great King, being a king in this blessed land and grotto-heaven, how much more respected and joyful it is! Why would you agree to be his stable boy?" They ordered, "Little ones! Quickly bring wine to cheer up the Great King!"

While they were enjoying their drinks, someone came to report, "Great King, there are two One-Horned Demon Kings outside the gate who wish to see you." The Monkey King said, "Tell them to come in." The demon kings tidied their clothes and rushed into the cave, prostrating themselves. The Handsome Monkey King asked them, "Why do you wish to see me?" The demon kings replied, "We have long heard that Your Majesty seeks worthy talents but had no opportunity to meet you. Now, seeing that Your Majesty has received a celestial appointment and returned triumphantly, we specifically present this ochre-yellow robe to congratulate you. If you would not disdain our lowliness and accept us, we would be honored to serve you like dogs and horses." The Monkey King was greatly pleased. He put on the ochre-yellow robe, and all the others joyfully lined up to bow in homage. He immediately appointed the One-Horned Demon Kings as the Vanguard Commander-in-Chief. After the demon kings thanked him, they again asked, "Great King, you were in Heaven for quite some time. What position were you granted?" The Monkey King said, "The Jade Emperor disregards worthy talents. He appointed me as some Bi Ma Wen!" Hearing this, the demon kings reported again, "Your Majesty possesses such vast supernatural powers, how could you be a horse groom for him? Why not simply declare yourself 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven'? What's wrong with that?" The Monkey King was overjoyed upon hearing this, repeating "Good, good, good!" several times. He instructed his Four Valiant Generals, "Immediately prepare a banner for me. On it, write the four characters 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven' and hang it from a pole. From now on, only call me Great Sage Equal to Heaven. You are not allowed to call me Great King anymore. Also, spread the word to all demon kings in every cave so they are all aware." This matter needs no further elaboration.

Now, the next day, when the Jade Emperor held court, Heavenly Master Zhang appeared, leading the Imperial Stable Supervisor and Deputy Supervisor, who prostrated themselves before the vermillion steps and reported, "Your Majesty, the newly appointed Bi Ma Wen, Sun Wukong, found his official position too small and rebelled, returning to the mortal realm yesterday." As they spoke, the Growth King from outside the South Heaven Gate also reported with his heavenly soldiers, "Bi Ma Wen, for some unknown reason, broke out of the Heaven Gate and left." Hearing this, the Jade Emperor immediately issued a decree: "Let these two groups of deities return to their respective posts. I will dispatch heavenly troops to capture this monster." From the ranks, Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King Li and his third son, Prince Nezha, stepped forward and reported, "Your Majesty, your humble subjects are unworthy, but we request your decree to subdue this monster." The Jade Emperor was greatly pleased. He immediately appointed Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King Li Jing as the Grand Marshal for Subduing Demons, and Prince Nezha as the Great God of the Three Altars and Sea Assemblies, ordering them to immediately lead an expedition to the lower realm. Heavenly King Li and Nezha bowed and thanked him, then went directly to their palace. They mustered the three armies, led by their commanders, appointing Giant Spirit God as the vanguard, Fishbelly General to guard the rear, and Yaksha General to urge the troops forward. In an instant, they exited the South Heaven Gate and arrived directly at Mount Huaguo. They selected a flat area to set up camp and ordered Giant Spirit God to issue a challenge. Giant Spirit God received the order, arrayed himself neatly, twirled his Flowery Axe, and arrived outside the Water Curtain Cave. He saw many demons outside the cave gate, mostly wolf, insect, tiger, and leopard types, crisscrossing, twirling spears, and brandishing swords, leaping and roaring. Giant Spirit God roared, "You vile beasts! Quickly go and report to Bi Ma Wen that I am a great general from Heaven, sent by the Jade Emperor's decree to subdue him. Tell him to come out quickly and surrender, lest all of you be wounded and crippled!" The monsters scurried frantically, reporting inside the cave, "Disaster! Disaster!" The Monkey King asked, "What disaster?" The demons said, "Outside the gate, there's a heavenly general who referred to your Great Sage's official title and said he was sent by the Jade Emperor's imperial decree to subdue you. He ordered you to surrender quickly to avoid harming our lives." Hearing this, the Monkey King ordered, "Bring me my armor!" He put on his purple-gold crown, donned his golden armor, stepped into his cloud-walking shoes, grasped his Compliant Golden-Hooped Rod, and led his followers out, arraying them in formation. Giant Spirit God opened his eyes wide and observed. What a splendid Monkey King—

His body clad in shining golden armor, his head adorned with a glittering golden crown. In his hand, a single golden-hooped rod, on his feet, cloud-walking shoes, all fitting perfectly. His pair of strange eyes shone like bright stars, his ears reached his shoulders, and his eyebrows were stiff. His tall, sturdy form capable of many transformations, his voice resonant like a bell or chime. A pointed mouth, bared teeth—the Bi Ma Wen, but with a lofty ambition to be the Great Sage Equal to Heaven.

Giant Spirit God roared, "You impudent monkey! Do you know who I am?" The Great Sage heard this and quickly asked, "What kind of hairy deity are you? Old Sun has never met you. Quickly state your name!" Giant Spirit God said, "You arrogant ape! You don't recognize me! I am Giant Spirit General, vanguard under Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King Li of the Supreme Divine Heavens! I have come here by the Jade Emperor's imperial decree to subdue you. Quickly shed your armor and surrender to celestial grace, lest all these creatures on the mountain be slaughtered. If you utter even half a word of refusal, I will instantly turn you into dust!" Hearing this, the Monkey King became furious. "You hairy deity, stop boasting and flapping your long tongue! I was going to kill you with one blow, but I fear no one would report back, so I'll spare your life. Hurry back to Heaven and tell the Jade Emperor: he truly doesn't know how to use worthy talents! Old Sun has boundless abilities, so why did he make me tend his horses? Look at the inscription on my banner. If I am promoted according to this title, I will not engage in warfare, and Heaven and Earth will naturally be peaceful. But if he doesn't agree, I will immediately strike the Hall of Miraculous Mists and make sure he cannot sit firmly on his dragon throne!" Giant Spirit God heard these words, quickly opened his eyes wide, looking against the wind, and indeed saw a tall pole erected outside the gate, with a banner on it bearing the four large characters "Great Sage Equal to Heaven." Giant Spirit God let out three cold sneers. "This impudent monkey, so ignorant of proper conduct, daring to be so presumptuous! You want to be the Great Sage Equal to Heaven! Take this axe blow!" He chopped straight down at Wukong's head. The Monkey King, being a master, showed no haste. He met the blow with his Golden-Hooped Rod. What a magnificent battle it was—

The rod named Compliant, the axe called Flowery. The two, meeting for the first time, knew not each other's depths. Axe and rod clashed, striking from left and right. One concealed divine wonders, the other boasted loudly. When one used his magic, clouds and mists billowed; when the other moved his hands, earth scattered and sand flew. The heavenly general's divine powers were impressive, but the Monkey King's transformations were truly boundless. The rod, when raised, was like a dragon playing in water; the axe, when it struck, was like a phoenix passing through flowers. Giant Spirit God's fame spread throughout the world, but his true ability was inferior to the Monkey King's. The Great Sage lightly swung his iron rod, and with one strike to the head, Giant Spirit God's whole body went numb.

Giant Spirit God could not withstand him. Struck by the Monkey King's blow to the head, he hastily blocked with his axe, and with a 'daidai' sound, the axe handle was broken in two. He quickly retreated, fled the battle, and escaped. The Monkey King laughed, "Coward, coward! I've spared you. Quickly go and report back, quickly go and report back!" Giant Spirit God returned to the camp gate and went directly to Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, quickly kneeling down and saying, "Bi Ma Wen truly possesses immense supernatural powers! Your humble general could not defeat him and has returned in defeat to beg for punishment." Heavenly King Li angrily said, "This fellow has dulled our morale! Take him out and behead him!" Prince Nezha stepped out from the side, bowed, and pleaded, "Father, calm your anger and pardon Giant Spirit God's offense for now. Allow your son to go out and fight once, and then we will know his true strength." The Heavenly King listened to his counsel and ordered Giant Spirit God to return to camp and await punishment while managing affairs.

Prince Nezha, his armor neatly arrayed, leaped out of the camp and charged towards the outside of the Water Curtain Cave. Wukong was just gathering his troops when he saw Nezha approaching fiercely. What a fine Prince—

His hair was only just tied in knots covering his fontanelle, his hair not yet reaching his shoulders. Possessing marvelous and keen intelligence, his bones were refined and his features exceptionally beautiful. Truly a Qilin son from Heaven, indeed an immortal phoenix of mist and clouds. A dragon's offspring, naturally not of common appearance, at such a young age, truly unlike mortals. Bearing six types of divine weapons, his leaps and transformations were boundless. Now, having received the Jade Emperor's golden decree, he was imperially appointed the Great God of the Three Altars and Sea Assemblies.

Wukong approached and asked, "Whose young man are you? Why do you trespass near my gate? What is your business?" Nezha shouted, "You impudent demon monkey! Do you not recognize me? I am Nezha, the third son of Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King! I have come here by the Jade Emperor's imperial command to capture you." Wukong laughed, "Little Prince, your milk teeth haven't fallen out yet, and your baby hair hasn't dried. How dare you speak such grand words? I'll spare your life and not hit you. Just look at the inscription on my banner. Report this title to the Jade Emperor. If I'm granted this official title, there's no need to mobilize troops, and I'll surrender myself. But if it doesn't suit my wishes, I will certainly attack the Hall of Miraculous Mists." Nezha looked up and saw the four characters "Great Sage Equal to Heaven." Nezha said, "This demon monkey, how much power does he have to dare claim this title! Don't be afraid, take this sword strike!" Wukong said, "I'll just stand here motionless. You can hack away a few times." Nezha, filled with fury, roared and shouted, "Transform!" He immediately transformed into three heads and six arms, fiercely wielding six types of weapons: the Demon-Slaying Sword, the Demon-Chopping Saber, the Demon-Binding Rope, the Demon-Subduing Pestle, the Embroidered Ball, and the Fire Wheels, attacking Wukong from all directions. Wukong was startled to see this and said, "This young man actually has some tricks! Don't be rude, behold my divine power!" The Great Sage, with a shout, cried, "Transform!" He also transformed into three heads and six arms. He shook his Golden-Hooped Rod, and it also became three rods. With his six hands, he held the three rods and parried. This battle truly made the earth shake and mountains sway. What a magnificent fight it was—

Six-armed Prince Nezha, and the naturally-born Handsome Stone Monkey King, met their true matches, encountering their destined counterparts. One was sent on a mission to the lower realm, the other arrogantly caused trouble in the celestial court. The Demon-Slaying Sword's blade was swift, the Demon-Chopping Saber was fierce enough to make ghosts and gods tremble; the Demon-Binding Rope was like a flying python, the Demon-Subduing Pestle like a wolf's head; the Fire Wheels flashed like lightning, dazzling and brilliant; the Embroidered Ball rolled back and forth. The Great Sage, with his three Compliant Rods, parried attacks from front and back, employing cunning strategies. After several fierce clashes, neither gained the upper hand, and the Prince's heart refused to give up. He made his six weapons multiply into hundreds, thousands, millions, and billions, hurling them at Wukong's head. The Monkey King, fearless, laughed heartily, his iron rod swirling as he executed his own plans. One transformed into a thousand, and a thousand into ten thousand, dancing wildly in the air like flying hornless dragons. Frightened, the demon kings in every cave closed their doors, and all the mountain ghosts and monsters hid their heads. The divine soldiers' anger made the clouds gloomy, and the golden-hooped iron rod whistled through the air. On one side, the heavenly soldiers roared, filling everyone with fear; on the other, the monkey monsters waved their banners, each filled with worry. Both sides fiercely fought with courage, but it was unclear who was stronger and who was weaker.

Prince Nezha and Wukong each exerted their divine might, battling for thirty rounds. The Prince's six weapons transformed into countless millions; Sun Wukong's Golden-Hooped Rod transformed into myriad thousands. In mid-air, they resembled a shower of meteors, with no clear victor. It turned out Wukong was quick-witted and agile. In the midst of the chaos, he plucked a strand of hair and shouted, "Transform!" It transformed into his original form, wielding the rod, engaging Nezha. His true body, meanwhile, leaped and caught up behind Nezha, striking his left arm with a rod. Nezha, in the midst of using his magic, heard the rod's whoosh. When he tried to dodge, he was unable to react in time and was struck. Injured and in pain, he fled, retracted his magic, and his six weapons returned to his body. He returned defeated.

Heavenly King Li, who was already watching from the formation, was about to lead his troops to assist when, to his surprise, the Prince suddenly appeared before him, reporting tremblingly, "Father, Bi Ma Wen truly has great abilities! Even with my magic, I could not defeat him and have been wounded in the arm." The Heavenly King was greatly alarmed and said, "That fellow has such divine power, how can we win?" The Prince said, "Outside his cave gate, he has erected a banner with the four characters 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven' written on it. He personally boasts that if the Jade Emperor appoints him with this title, everything will be settled. But if he doesn't receive this title, he will definitely attack the Hall of Miraculous Mists!" The Heavenly King said, "If that is the case, then let us not engage him further. Let us return to the Upper Realm, report this matter, and then dispatch more heavenly troops to surround and capture this fellow. It will not be too late." The Prince was injured and unable to fight again, so he returned to Heaven with the Heavenly King to report, a matter not needing further detail.

Witness the Monkey King returning victorious to his mountain. The demon kings from the seventy-two caves and his six sworn brothers all came to congratulate him. In the blessed grotto-heaven, they enjoyed unparalleled feasting and revelry. He then said to his six sworn brothers, "Since your younger brother is now called 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven,' you can also take the title of 'Great Sage.'" Among them, the Bull Demon King suddenly shouted, "Brother, what you say is reasonable! I shall call myself 'Great Sage Who Levels Heaven.'" The Dragon King of the Flood said, "I shall call myself 'Great Sage Who Recovers the Sea.'" The Roc Demon King said, "I shall call myself 'Great Sage Who Penetrates Heaven.'" The Lion Camel King said, "I shall call myself 'Great Sage Who Moves Mountains.'" The Macaque King said, "I shall call myself 'Great Sage Who Understands All.'" The Marmoset King said, "I shall call myself 'Great Sage Who Drives Away Gods.'" At this point, the Seven Great Sages acted as they pleased, claiming their own titles, enjoying themselves for a day, and then each dispersed.

Now, Heavenly King Li and Prince Nezha, leading their generals, went straight to the Hall of Miraculous Mists and reported, "Your subjects were commanded to lead an expedition to the lower realm to subdue the demon immortal Sun Wukong. Unexpectedly, his supernatural powers are immense, and we could not defeat him. We still hope Your Majesty will send more troops to suppress him." The Jade Emperor said, "How much power could a mere demon monkey possess that you need more troops?" The Prince then stepped forward and reported, "I beg Your Majesty to pardon your subject's death! That demon monkey wielded an iron rod, first defeating Giant Spirit God, and then injuring your subject's arm. Outside his cave gate, he has erected a banner with the four characters 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven' written on it, claiming that if he is appointed to this official position, he will cease hostilities and surrender. But if he is not granted this office, he will attack the Hall of Miraculous Mists!" Hearing this, the Jade Emperor was astonished and exclaimed, "How dare this demon monkey be so arrogant! Order all generals to immediately execute him." As he spoke, Tai Bai Jin Xing again stepped out from the ranks and reported, "That demon monkey only knows how to speak boldly, without knowing proper protocol. If we add more troops and fight him, I fear he cannot be subdued quickly, and it would only weary our forces. It would be better if Your Majesty showed great benevolence and issued another decree of amnesty, appointing him as 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven.' It would just be an empty title, with rank but no stipend, and that would be fine." The Jade Emperor asked, "What do you mean by 'rank without stipend'?" Jin Xing explained, "His title would be Great Sage Equal to Heaven, but he wouldn't be given any actual responsibilities or salary. We would simply keep him within the heavenly realms to curb his mischievous impulses and prevent him from acting wildly, so that the universe may be peaceful and the world tranquil." Hearing this, the Jade Emperor said, "As you have advised, minister." He immediately ordered a decree to be issued and again instructed Jin Xing to deliver it.

Jin Xing once again exited the South Heaven Gate and went to observe the area outside the Water Curtain Cave on Mount Huaguo. This time, it was different from before. A majestic aura filled the air, and a chilling killing intent pervaded the scene. All sorts of demons were present. Each one held a sword or grasped a spear, brandished a saber or wielded a staff, roaring and leaping about. As soon as they saw Jin Xing, they all stepped forward to attack. Jin Xing said, "Hey, chieftains! Please report to your Great Sage. I am an envoy sent by the Jade Emperor, and I have an imperial decree here to invite him." The demons immediately ran inside and reported, "There's an old man outside. He says he's an envoy from the Upper Realm and has a decree to invite you." Wukong said, "Good, good that he's come! It must be Tai Bai Jin Xing, who came before. That time he invited me to Heaven, although the official position was terrible, I did get to travel in Heaven once and learned the roads inside and outside the Heaven Gate. This time he comes again, it must be with good intentions." He ordered the chieftains to grandly display their banners and drums and arrange a welcoming formation. The Great Sage immediately led his monkey army, donning his crown and armor, covering his armor with the ochre-yellow robe, and stepping into his cloud-walking shoes. He quickly exited the cave gate, bowed deeply, and saluted. He loudly called out, "Venerable Star Lord, please come in! Forgive my failure to welcome you properly." Jin Xing strode forward and entered the cave. Standing facing south, he said, "Now, I must inform the Great Sage. Previously, because the Great Sage disliked the small official position and fled the Imperial Stable, the officials, great and small, in that stable reported it to the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor issued a decree saying, 'All official appointments proceed from humble to esteemed. Why did he disdain such a small position?' Heavenly King Li immediately led Nezha down to engage in battle. Unaware of the Great Sage's divine powers, they suffered defeat and returned to Heaven, reporting: 'The Great Sage has erected a banner and wishes to be 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven.' While the other military generals hesitated, this old man (referring to himself) risked offense to report this on behalf of the Great Sage, to prevent further military action, and to ask Your Majesty to grant him the title. The Jade Emperor approved this request, and thus I have come to invite you." Wukong laughed, "You exerted yourself last time, and now I again receive your favor. Thank you, thank you! But I wonder if Heaven truly has this official title of 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven'?" Jin Xing said, "This old man (referring to himself) made this title known and received approval, only then did I dare come with the decree. If it does not come to pass, only blame this old man."

Wukong was greatly pleased. Jin Xing declined his earnest invitation to stay for a feast. So, Wukong and Jin Xing rode auspicious clouds to the outside of the South Heaven Gate. The heavenly soldiers and generals all bowed with clasped hands in welcome, and they proceeded directly to the Hall of Miraculous Mists. Jin Xing bowed and reported, "Your subject, having followed the decree to summon Bi Ma Wen, Sun Wukong, has arrived." The Jade Emperor said, "Sun Wukong, come forward. Today, I declare you 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven.' This rank is supreme, but you must absolutely not behave wildly." The monkey merely bowed deeply towards the Emperor and expressed his thanks for the grace. The Jade Emperor immediately ordered the officials in charge of construction, of the Zhang and Lu divisions, to build a 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven's Residence' to the right of the Immortal Peach Garden. Within the residence, two departments were to be established: one called the Department of Tranquility, and the other the Department of Serenity. Both departments were to have immortal officials to assist and support. He also dispatched the Five Dipper Star Lords to escort Wukong to his post, and furthermore bestowed upon him two bottles of imperial wine and ten golden flowers, instructing him to be at ease and settled, and to not cause trouble again. The Monkey King accepted and acted accordingly. That very day, he went to the residence with the Five Dipper Star Lords, opened the wine bottles, and drank it all with them. After sending the Star Lords back to their respective palaces, he was utterly content and overjoyed, delighting in his carefree existence in the celestial palace. Truly: His immortal name forever recorded in the Register of Longevity, never to fall into reincarnation, passed down through eternal ages. Ultimately, what happened next is unknown. Let us listen to the next chapter's explanation.