Journey to the West: Demon Emperor: Beginning as a Little Toad

Chapter 504 The Jade Emperor vs. Laozi
Heaven, at the Antian Conference.

The Jade Emperor sat regally on his throne, his face dignified and imposing.

He had just heard the deity's report on the Incense Official and the Flower Official, and was already troubled by their affair. Now, he saw the Secretary break his glass cup.

There was a "click".

The crisp cracking sound was like a thunderclap, instantly igniting the anger in his heart, burning him with uncontrollable rage.

Scenes from the past flashed through the Jade Emperor's mind:

First, there was the Martial Star Lord, who, after drinking, lost his temper and dared to flirt with the fairy Chang'e, causing chaos and unrest in the heavens.

Then Marshal Tianpeng was tempted by mortal desires and was banished to the mortal realm.

Now, this has happened again.

Is it really true that divine affection cannot be restrained?
Even if one severs their immortal roots, the word "love" will still take root and sprout in the cycle of reincarnation.

Is the "immortal path where you can roam freely" advocated by Emperor Donghua the right one?

Was the Jade Emperor wrong?
Could it be that I am wrong to uphold the heavenly rules and severely punish errant deities?

Thinking of this, the Jade Emperor grew even angrier, and slammed his fist on the armrest of his throne, the sound shaking the heavens:

"Demote him to the mortal realm! Demote him to the mortal realm!"

"They've all been demoted!"

"Let this mortal world smooth out their rough edges and let them taste the bitterness of life!"

……

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

A host of heavenly soldiers and generals emerged in response, their iron chains clanging and gleaming like venomous snakes spitting their tongues, surrounding the incense-official clerk (the previous incarnation of Tieguai Li, one of the Eight Immortals of Taoism), the flower-official (the previous incarnation of He Xiangu, one of the Eight Immortals of Taoism), and the palace secretary (the previous incarnation of Han Xiangzi, one of the Eight Immortals of Taoism).

The celestial officials were pale-faced and filled with fear, but dared not resist in the slightest. They could only let the heavenly soldiers escort them, their steps heavy as they slowly walked toward the "Demotion Platform" that led to the mortal realm.

……

On the Demotion Terrace, the gale cuts like a knife, and the clouds and mist stain the sky like ink.

The figures of Wuqu Xingjun and Tianpeng Yuanshuai are still vivid in my mind, and in the blink of an eye, these few more celestial officials have been added.

They stood on the edge of the platform, gazing at the unfathomable depths of the mortal realm, their hearts filled with fear and confusion.

Being a god is a miserable existence.

However, it is obvious that ordinary people suffer more!

While there is warmth in the dim light of life, there is also the helplessness of birth, aging, sickness, and death; the trivialities of daily life; and the weariness of a lifetime of toil, all for a few meager sums of money…

Bitter!

On the Banished Immortal Terrace, a fierce wind howled and clouds and mist filled the air.

The God of War and Marshal Tianpeng had just left when they arrived again.

"The time has come; you are banished to the mortal realm!"

At a command from the heavenly soldiers and generals, they were thrown off the "Demotion Platform." The celestial officials felt a tremendous force strike them, and their bodies involuntarily plummeted downwards.

They tumbled through the clouds, the wind whistling in their ears, and the scenery constantly changing before their eyes.

When they woke up again, they were ordinary mortals.

……

This series of unexpected events instantly turned the originally lively Antian Conference into a tense atmosphere.

All the immortals fell silent, no longer daring to laugh as freely as before, for fear that they might inadvertently anger the Jade Emperor and suffer the same fate as those other immortal officials.

Seeing this, the Jade Emperor was still angry, but he knew it was not the right time to cause any more trouble. So he waved his hand and announced the abrupt end of the Heavenly Peace Assembly.

With trepidation in their hearts, the immortals dispersed one after another.

The Antiyon Conference has now concluded.

Only the silence of the celestial palaces and halls, such as Dongyang Jade Hall, Taixuan Palace, and Yujing Golden Palace, remains, along with the lingering clouds on the Demotion Platform, telling the story of the cycle and vicissitudes of the celestial realm.

……

"Tathagata..."

The Jade Emperor slightly raised his hand, his expression solemn and majestic.

"Great Celestial Venerable..."

The Buddha clasped his hands together, nodded slightly, and was surrounded by a radiant aura, exuding peace and solemnity.

Subsequently.

The Jade Emperor and the Buddha moved into the Tongming Hall and began a secret discussion about the "Eastern Transmission of Buddhism" from the Western Paradise.

As for what the Jade Emperor and the Buddha Tathagata talked about.
What conditions and agreements did the Jade Emperor and the Buddha reach?

That's unknown.

Only the tightly closed palace doors remained, cutting off all outside prying eyes.

……

Subsequently, the Jade Emperor instructed Zhang Tianshi to arrange for the Buddha, Ananda, and Kasyapa to stay in the Heavenly Realm.

Zhang Tianshi accepted the order and left in haste, not daring to delay for even a moment.

At the same time, the Jade Emperor sent Venus to the South Sea to invite Guanyin Bodhisattva of the South Sea to discuss important matters.

Venus transformed into a streak of light and vanished into the sky in an instant, heading straight for the South China Sea.

……

The Lingxiao Palace is where the Jade Emperor holds grand court assemblies.

The grand assembly in the Heavenly Realm is basically attended by all the great gods of the Heavenly Court to discuss important matters concerning the Three Realms.

The scene was truly spectacular, with all the immortals present, creating an exceptionally lively atmosphere.

The immortals, their robes fluttering and their spirits high, stood according to their rank, creating a solemn yet enthusiastic atmosphere.

Today there is a great meeting in heaven.

"Taishang Laojun" is also included in this list.

However, the Supreme Lord Laozi of Heaven is naturally not the Sage of Taiqing, but the Supreme Lord of Morality and Law.

The Supreme Sage has long since transcended the Three Realms and is beyond cause and effect and reincarnation. He rarely appears in public and hardly participates in the affairs of the Three Realms.

Laozi, the Supreme Lord, is the "incarnation" or "manifestation" of the Supreme Saint, and is one of the "three corpses" (the good corpse) cut off by the Moral Heavenly Venerable.

Laozi (Taishang Laojun) focused more on participating in specific affairs of Taoism, much like the Taiqing Sage's representative in the Three Realms.

Looking back, Laozi once descended to earth and transformed into Li Er (Laozi), passing down the Tao Te Ching and spreading the profound Taoist thought among humankind.

Among the beings in the Three Realms, the one who can see the incarnation of the Three Pure Ones is mainly Laozi (Taishang Laojun).

As an incarnation of the Supreme Sage, Laozi was actually mainly responsible for managing the mundane affairs of the Taoist sects in the Three Realms.

Although Laozi's strength is far weaker than that of the Taiqing Sage.

However, among the gods in Heaven and the Taoist sects of the Three Realms, Laozi's prestige is still extremely high.

Laozi (Taishang Laojun) assists the Jade Emperor in managing the Heavenly Court, but also oversees the Jade Emperor and protects the interests of the Taoist sect.

Although the Jade Emperor is the most powerful in the Three Realms, Laozi sometimes has to obey the Jade Emperor's orders, such as refining elixirs for the Jade Emperor, just like a loyal subject.

Even when Laozi (the Supreme Lord Lao) meets the Jade Emperor, he needs to report to the Jade Emperor and act according to the Jade Emperor's decree.

Laozi (the Supreme Lord Lao) needs to pay homage to the Jade Emperor to show his respect.

As stated in the original text of "Journey to the West":

After Laozi paid his respects to the Jade Emperor, he said:

"In my palace, I refined some 'Nine-Turn Golden Elixir' to serve Your Majesty at the 'Elixir Ceremony,' but it was unexpectedly stolen by a thief. I am writing to inform Your Majesty of this."

Laozi then reported to the Jade Emperor: "That monkey ate the peaches of immortality, drank the imperial wine, and stole the elixir of immortality..."

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor immediately ordered the Six Ding and Six Jia to untie him and hand him over to Laozi.

Laozi (the Supreme Lord Lao) accepted the imperial decree and departed.

From the phrases "Taishang Laojun paying homage, presenting memorials, and receiving imperial decrees," it is quite clear that within the Heavenly Court's system, Taishang Laojun is a subject of the Jade Emperor.

but.

Sometimes, even the Jade Emperor needs to pay homage to Laozi, the Supreme Lord of Taoism, to show his respect for this "Supreme Lord of Taoism".

Such as:
Then four more Grand Celestial Masters came to report: "The Supreme Dao Ancestor has arrived."

The Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother then went out to "welcome Laozi".

When Sun Wukong rebelled against Heaven at Flower Fruit Mountain, Guanyin Bodhisattva went to the Lingxiao Palace to see the Jade Emperor and offer her a plan. What she saw was:
"At that time, Laozi was above and the Queen Mother of the West was behind."

That is, in the Lingxiao Palace, if the seating arrangement is as follows, the Jade Emperor sits in the middle, Laozi sits at the head, and the Queen Mother sits behind.

Guanyin Bodhisattva first paid homage to the Jade Emperor, and after exchanging greetings with the Jade Emperor, she also met with Laozi and the Queen Mother of the West.

Their order of precedence is: first the Jade Emperor, then Laozi (the Supreme Lord Lao), and finally the Queen Mother of the West.

……

If we compare the Heavenly Court to a large and complex corporation, then the Jade Emperor is undoubtedly the CEO standing at the pinnacle of power.

The Jade Emperor rules over the three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Man, and formulates a long-term development plan for the Heavenly Court.

At the same time, the Jade Emperor was also the original shareholder and founder of the Heavenly Court Group. From the very beginning of the establishment of the Heavenly Court, he shouldered the heavy responsibility of leading the development of the Heavenly Court and possessed an extremely high status and unshakeable power.

The Three Pure Ones of Taoism are also major shareholders of the Heavenly Court, though they joined later.

The investment of the Three Pure Ones diluted the Jade Emperor's shareholding.

This is like a new, powerful player suddenly joining a game that was originally dominated by one person, so that the rules of the game are no longer entirely determined by one person.

After the Investiture of the Gods war.

Although the Heavenly Court became more powerful with the addition of the Three Pure Ones and their disciples, it was no longer a place where the Jade Emperor had absolute power.

The Jade Emperor nominally holds supreme decision-making power, but in reality, he is constrained by the Three Pure Ones (the board of directors/shareholders' meeting).

He needs to balance the power of various factions, such as the Three Pure Ones and the Western Religion, to ensure the stability and development of the Heavenly Court.

The Queen Mother of the Jade Pool is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) or Human Resources Director of the Heavenly Court Group.

The Queen Mother of the West presides over the Peach Banquet (annual team building/performance evaluation), distributing celestial resources (peaches, immortal herbs, and other "employee benefits"). These resources are crucial for the immortals, not only enhancing their cultivation but also strengthening their power.

The way the Queen Mother of the West distributed the offerings directly affected the loyalty and sense of belonging of the immortals to the Heavenly Court.

Laozi, on the other hand, is an "independent director" sent to Heaven by the major shareholders of the Three Pure Ones, responsible for evaluating whether the decisions of the Jade Emperor, the CEO, are compliant and effective.

at the same time.

Lao Tzu is also the company's Chief Technology Officer (CTO) or strategic advisor.

Laozi (Taishang Laojun) is the Heavenly Court's greatest talent in alchemy and weapon crafting, maintaining the Heavenly Court's "core competitiveness".

The elixirs he refines can help immortals improve their cultivation.

The magical artifacts he created were incredibly powerful, providing strong protection for the Heavenly Court's defense and offense.

The Jade Emperor, the Queen Mother of the West, and Laozi together constitute the top power structure of the Heavenly Court, a "monopolistic enterprise."

Well known.

Triangles are stable.

The Jade Emperor, the Queen Mother of the West, and Laozi (Taishang Laojun) cooperate with each other while also checking and balancing each other.

……

today.

Inside the Lingxiao Palace, celestial music filled the air, and auspicious clouds swirled around.

The immortals arrived one after another, standing solemnly in two ranks, one for civil officials and the other for military officials, creating a dignified and peaceful atmosphere.

The Buddha Tathagata, whose light shines universally.

Laozi, the founder of Taoism, was a man of ethereal and otherworldly bearing.

The two sat side by side at the head of the table.

Suddenly, a female bodhisattva appeared gracefully and came to attend the gathering.

This female bodhisattva had her hair styled in an elegant, coiled dragon bun, with embroidered ribbons fluttering like colorful phoenix feathers. She wore jade buttons, a long white silk robe, and was surrounded by auspicious light; her brocade skirt was adorned with golden threads, and she exuded a welcoming aura of good fortune.

Her jade-like face naturally radiated joy, as if possessing an aura of peace that could dispel all gloom in the world; her lips, a touch of crimson, were like flowers blooming in spring, delicate and captivating. Her eyebrows were like crescent moons, gentle and serene; her eyes, like twin stars, were bright and deep.

And the pure bottle of nectar is full year after year, and the willow branches inserted at an angle remain green year after year.

This is none other than the compassionate Lord of Mount Luojia, Guanyin Bodhisattva of the South Sea.

Guanyin Bodhisattva moved gracefully with lotus steps, first arriving before the Jade Emperor's throne. She clasped her hands together, bowed slightly, and parted her lips to speak:

"Greetings to Your Majesty the Jade Emperor. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless longevity and bring peace to the Three Realms."

The Jade Emperor smiled warmly, nodded slightly, and said:
"Bodhisattva, you need not stand on ceremony. Your presence at this gathering is truly a blessing for the Heavenly Court."

……

After Guanyin Bodhisattva paid her respects to the Jade Emperor and Buddha, and exchanged pleasantries, she met with Laozi and the Queen Mother of the West, and they greeted each other.

Afterwards, they all sat down and waited for the court session to begin.

Above the Lingxiao Palace, the Jade Emperor sat in the Golden Palace of Clouds, where civil and military officials gathered for the morning court.

The immortals stood in order of rank, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

……

"Clang, clang, clang!"

As several melodious and solemn bells rang out, the grand court assembly in the Lingxiao Palace officially began.

The Jade Emperor spoke first, shouting sternly:
"I have summoned you all here today to discuss two matters."

"Firstly, that traitor Donghua was incredibly audacious, daring to defy Heaven and fight his way from the South Heavenly Gate all the way to the outside of the Tongming Palace."

"Our Heavenly Court is filled with gods, and should be awe-inspiring in its divine might, yet we have no gods to command!"

"No god can stop that traitor Donghua, causing my Heavenly Court to lose face and all its prestige!"

Doumu Yuanjun, Jiutian Yingyuan Leisheng Puhua Tianzun, Wucaishen Zhao Gongming, Wenshen Lü Yue, Shuide Xingjun, Huode Xingjun, Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun... Upon hearing this, all the gods of the Heavenly Court remained silent, each pondering their own thoughts.

When Emperor Donghua rebelled against Heaven, they naturally knew what they were thinking.

Whether they were willing but powerless, or there were other hidden reasons, they could only silently endure the Jade Emperor's wrath at this moment.

Today, the Jade Emperor has clearly broken off all pretense and launched a direct attack.

His gaze was piercing as he scanned the immortals, as if trying to see through their thoughts.

Then, the Jade Emperor spoke again:

"Only the Buddha of the West traveled thousands of miles to suppress the traitors of Donghua with his supreme Buddhist teachings and save the Heavenly Court from its peril."

"I am grateful to the Buddha of the West for saving my life, but the Heavenly Court has no one to rely on. This is truly my fault."

"Buddha, the Western Vulture Peak saved you, and this merit is invaluable."

"We have specially invited the Buddha of the West and the Bodhisattva Guanyin of the South Sea to serve in our Heavenly Court as the Western Buddha Elder and the Southern Buddha Elder, ranking below the Four Emperors and among the Five Elders of the Five Directions."

"I hope that you two will continue to serve the Heavenly Court and protect the peace of the Three Realms."

Upon hearing this, both Buddha and Guanyin Bodhisattva rose, clasped their hands in prayer, and solemnly said:
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The Jade Emperor's move undoubtedly brought the Western Spirit Mountain and the Southern South Sea entirely into the Heavenly Court's territory.

From this day forward, the Western sacred mountain and the Eastern Taoist sect, immortals and Buddhas, will be one family, jointly ruling the Three Realms, ushering in a brand new era.

The gods in Heaven had no objection to this.

It's just a title, nothing important.

In ancient times, the greatest merit was undoubtedly that of saving the emperor or following the emperor's lead.

The Western Spirit Mountain made great contributions in suppressing the rebellion, both in saving the emperor and in following the emperor's lead.

It is only right that they be rewarded.

Empty fame is not important. Isn't the Monkey King, the demon king of the lower realm, still the Great Sage Equal to Heaven?
The key question is what benefits the Jade Emperor will share with the Western Paradise. That's the most important thing!
Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, stepped forward and directly stated:

"Your Majesty's action is excellent!"

"The Western Spirit Mountain has rendered meritorious service in saving the Emperor and deserves to be rewarded. In this way, with the Heavenly Court and the Spirit Mountain joining hands, the Three Realms will surely be more peaceful."

Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, had two sons: Jinzha, the eldest son of Li Jing, who was a Dharma protector before the Buddha, and Muzha, the second son of Li Jing, who was a Dharma protector of Guanyin Bodhisattva. Both of them held positions at Mount Ling and were considered members of the Buddhist community.

He naturally felt deeply grateful for Buddha's grace, and it was only natural for him to stand up and express his opinion at this moment.

Then, the Jade Emperor paused, glanced at the assembled immortals, and spoke:

"To express our gratitude to the Western sacred mountain for saving our lives."

"I have decided that Mount Ling in the West may spread Buddhist teachings to Jambudvipa (the southern continent) and propagate the Dharma."

……

"what?"

"Can the Western Vulture Peak transmit scriptures to Jambudvipa (the southern continent)?"

"Isn't this diverting our offerings?"

"The incense offerings in Jambudvipa are just enough for us to eat."

"If the Western sacred mountain interferes, what will we eat in the future?"

The Jade Emperor's words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, causing an uproar in the Lingxiao Palace.

The immortals discussed amongst themselves, their faces showing dissatisfaction, as if they had a thousand grievances and ten thousand helpless feelings.

After all, people fight for a breath of air, while gods and Buddhas fight for a stick of incense.

however.

Without waiting for a response from the gods of Heaven.

The Buddha quickly expressed his gratitude:
"This humble monk thanks Your Majesty."

“The Buddha’s teachings can educate all beings and reduce conflict in the world. In this way, the Heavenly Court will also have fewer worries about governance.”

"This is an act that benefits the three realms. This humble monk will certainly do his utmost to spread Buddhism in the East."

Guanyin Bodhisattva also quickly said:
"The Buddha's teachings are boundless, and they universally save all sentient beings."

"I am willing to follow the Buddha in spreading the Dharma and saving all sentient beings."

At this moment.

Doumu Yuanjun, Jiutian Yingyuan Leisheng Puhua Tianzun, Wucaishen Zhao Gongming, Wenshen Lü Yue, Shuide Xingjun, Huode Xingjun, Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun... all turned their gazes toward Taishang Laojun, who sat at the head of the table.

after all.

When Emperor Donghua rebelled against Heaven.

Indeed, the gods of the Heavenly Court and the Taoist sects did not contribute any merit or effort.

The Buddha of the West has the merit of saving the emperor and suppressing the Eastern Emperor.

Now, the Jade Emperor is using this as an excuse to make trouble, demanding that a portion of their incense offerings be given to the Western Paradise.

They also find it difficult to stand out or speak up.

Only Laozi, the "Supreme Ancestor of Taoism," is most suitable to speak for these Taoist deities.

After all, red flowers, white lotus roots, and green lotus leaves—the three religions were originally one family.

This is in the common interest of the three schools of Taoism.

The Supreme Dao Ancestor should do something.

In the highest seat of the Lingxiao Palace, Laozi, holding the Taiyi whisk, sat upright on a futon, his eyes slightly closed, seemingly deep in thought.

The Jade Emperor also looked at Laozi.

For a while.

The Lingxiao Palace, where all the gods gathered, was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.

All the gods awaited Laozi's response, and the atmosphere in the Lingxiao Palace grew increasingly tense.

Lingxiao Palace.

The Jade Emperor and Laozi were locked in a fierce battle, as if a storm was about to break.

(End of this chapter)