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

Chapter 573 Visiting General Curtain-Rolling
skyline.

Mirror Sea Mountain.

……

They are about to descend to the mortal realm.

Xiao Chen's gaze pierced through the layers of clouds and mist, landing on the Taiyin constellation high in the sky, its clear light shining down.

The moon hangs high in the sky.

Between the palaces, osmanthus trees sway gently, their fragrance filling the air; a jade rabbit pounds medicine, lively and adorable.

"In the Moon Palace, there dwells the Moon Goddess..."

"The Promise in the Moon Palace..."

Xiao Chen muttered to himself, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

A jade slip with flowing frost-colored patterns appeared in his hand.

This jade slip was a token given to him by the fairy Su'e, representing their "love affair in the mortal realm".

In this world where immortals and gods roam freely, the strong are respected, and the weak are preyed upon by the strong.

When awake, the Demon King wields power over the demon realm, his might shaking all directions; when drunk, he rests on the lap of a beauty, indulging in tenderness.

For them, the vast and beautiful land was something they were determined to possess.

And the stunningly beautiful woman is an indispensable embellishment, adding endless charm to her life.

Before descending to the mortal realm, King Golden Horn still had an unfinished agreement to fulfill, which he needed to settle at the Toad Palace.

This agreement was a "fate in the mortal realm" that he and Fairy Su'e made in a half-joking, half-serious manner.

The image of the fairy Chang'e dancing gracefully in the cold moonlight of the Guanghan Palace flashed through his mind.

The fairy Chang'e, praised in Journey to the West:

"Her fair complexion and icy skin exuded an air of nobility; her delicate eyebrows resembled distant mountains shrouded in mist. Her cherry lips parted slightly, revealing pearly white teeth; her rosy cheeks shone in the sunlight, and her graceful figure swayed like a flower in the breeze."

"Alluring and charming, stunningly beautiful, more beautiful than flowers and jade."

"These celestial maidens are extremely adorable and truly worthy of praise. Adorned with exquisite palace makeup, how can Chang'e compare?"

The beauty of the fairy Chang'e can be glimpsed from this.

Her face was fair and her skin was smooth and white, like jade. Her figure and appearance were all of the highest quality. She was indeed a beautiful woman, exquisitely crafted.

On the road westward.

The princess of Tianzhu Kingdom is actually the reincarnation of the fairy Chang'e in the Moon Palace.

This calamity in India may well be the place where a move might be made in the game of chess, in the darkest of times.

If he could use this opportunity to accumulate merit for heaven and earth, it would undoubtedly be a great help to him.

The territory of the Kingdom of Tianzhu, and the princess of Tianzhu, namely Fairy Su'e, are merely a "side move," which may be useful if necessary.

It doesn't matter if it's useless or not. It just means he has to work harder, the Toad King has to shed more eggs, and he has to expend "some more energy." It's not a big deal.

in the future.

Regardless of the eastward transmission of Buddhism or the vicissitudes of the journey to the west to obtain Buddhist scriptures,

Will Sun Wukong still go to Mount Ling to retrieve the Buddhist scriptures?

If you plan ahead and gain the upper hand, there shouldn't be any problems.

Moreover, the fairy Su'e was exceptionally beautiful, with a fair face and skin as white as snow. She was also skilled in singing and dancing, and had a graceful and supple figure, as supple as a serpent.

Every gesture she makes exudes charm and elegance; she is truly a fairy maiden, a rare sight in the mortal realm.

King Golden Horn has always cherished beautiful women, how could he sit idly by and watch such a beauty perish as her lifespan runs out, leaving only regret?

The fairy of the moon palace should reside in the moon palace.

King Golden Horn would naturally take this "Fairy of the Toad Palace" into his "Blessed Land of the Toad Palace," to enjoy her dance, listen to her music, and indulge in her pleasures.

Ok……

When it's time for King Golden Horn to arbitrarily "whip" others, he naturally can't slack off!

He, the Golden Horned King, would certainly "whip that cold and proud spirit of the Moon Palace," transforming it into his own unique tenderness...

He wanted the fairy Chang'e to willingly stay by his side...

"Heh, heh, heh..."

"The merits and virtues accumulated on the journey to the West, and the enchanting and alluring fairy of the Moon Palace with her fair face and icy skin..."

Thinking of this, Xiao Chen's lips curled into a wicked smile.

The Demon King's true nature.

That domineering possessiveness vanished in an instant.

Xiao Chen had already made up his mind to go to the Taiyin Star and find Fairy Su'e to fulfill his "love affair in the mortal world".

He now has many large, flat peaches, more than two hundred of them.

These precious items were nothing more than ordinary things to him, like snacks for mortals.

They would use this as a bargaining chip to exchange for the "accompaniment of the fairy Chang'e" and the possible "merit from heaven and earth" on the journey to the west.

In his opinion, this deal was definitely a good one.

Of course.

He had an even more important matter to attend to on his journey to the Moon.

That was the stuff that King Golden Horn used to conquer the land, his old comrade who had fought alongside him for many years.

"Fang Tian Hua Ji..."

With a slight thought, Xiao Chen opened his mouth and uttered...
A sharp, cold light suddenly flashed and landed in the palm of his hand—a long halberd with an incomparably sharp edge, its entire body flowing with a dark, watery light.

It was the Fangtian Halberd that had accompanied him through many battles and countless bloody storms!

The halberd shaft was cold and heavy in my hand.

Under the flowing moonlight, the halberd blade reflected a chilling, captivating light, and an intense, almost solidified aura of blood and fire surrounded it, almost solidifying into a tangible black demon.

This halberd is the very artifact that Xiao Chen, Sun Wukong, the Bull Demon King, and others obtained when they entered the Dragon Palace of the East Sea.

It is also known as "Painted Pole Halberd".

then.

Sun Wukong obtained the Ruyi Jingu Bang, a magical staff made of iron, which could change size at will and was capable of stirring up the sea and overturning the river.

The Bull Demon King chose the Qingfeng Twin Swords, whose blades were as white as frost and gleamed with a chilling light. He gave the Qingfeng Twin Swords to Princess Iron Fan, which became their token of love.

King Golden Horn, on the other hand, took a liking to this imposing and domineering halberd with its sweeping and powerful strokes! From then on, it remained by his side.

"The halberd, my old friend..."

Xiao Chen stroked the halberd in his hand, the one that had accompanied him in his battles, as if he were confiding in an old friend he hadn't seen for many years.

"Buzzing..."

The halberd's tip emitted a faint yet clear buzzing sound, as if responding to its master's call, or expressing nostalgia for past battles.

There is an emotional connection and a relationship between people and weapons.

This halberd, which accompanied King Golden Horn for many years, fought countless battles, and weathered storms, still retains its sharpness, truly a divine weapon of the dragon clan.

however.

Xiao Chen sighed inwardly:
"Ultimately, it lacks that spiritual quality of 'being able to do as one pleases'!"

Xiao Chen could clearly sense its limitations.

Although this halberd is sharp, it is ultimately an "inanimate object" and cannot change size at will.

It lacks the spiritual blessing of Sun Wukong's "Ruyi Jingu Bang" and Yang Jian's "Three-Pointed Double-Edged Sword," which can change size at will.

Whenever Xiao Chen activates "Law of Heaven and Earth", his figure becomes enormous, like a giant standing between heaven and earth.

However, the Fangtian Halberd could not grow to his desired size, making it difficult to match the earth-shattering power of his "Law of Heaven and Earth" divine ability.

"In the future, every move will be a battle between supreme immortals... The advantage of divine weapons is indispensable!"

Xiao Chen thought to himself.

In this grand future game, he will face opponents of an even higher level.

However, this weapon proved inadequate in such a fierce battle, and could hardly lend him any assistance.

He needs a true divine weapon that can change at will and be as easy to use as his own arm!

A divine weapon that can communicate with him at crucial moments and unleash its greatest power.

Therefore, Xiao Chen plans to upgrade the Fangtian Halberd and forge it into a "divine weapon of wish fulfillment," so that it can change according to his will, be as easy to use as his own arm, and become his supreme weapon for conquering all directions.

Considering this point.

Xiao Chen's gaze suddenly sharpened. He stared at the halberd in his hand and said in a deep voice:
"Old friend... it's time to sharpen your edge once more!"

However, forging such divine weapons is no easy task.

The key to recreating divine weapons lies in two aspects.

First, there is the Six Ding Divine Fire, which can melt all things, imbue them with the power of rules, and is the number one weapon-refining divine fire in the Three Realms!
Fortunately, this item was already in Xiao Chen's possession—within his inner world, there were more than a dozen "fire bricks" taken from the Eight Trigrams Furnace.

It contains the Six Ding Divine Fire.

Secondly, there are top-grade precious materials that can imbue weapons with the spiritual power of "changing at will"!

Such precious materials are rare in the world, and the best ones are innate spiritual objects.

Primordial spiritual objects are born at the beginning of the creation of heaven and earth, containing the primordial power of heaven and earth, and possessing miraculous effects.

Moreover, this innate spiritual object is the best... it is naturally compatible with his toad origin and the nature of yin!
And these refining materials point to the Taiyin star, which hangs high in the sky, cold and lonely!
The Taiyin star is the place where the essence of the moon gathers.

Within the Moon Palace lies the opportunity to complete the divine weapon and imbue the Fangtian Halberd with spiritual power!

"moon……"

Xiao Chen looked at the Moon Star.

He went to the Moon Palace to meet a beautiful woman, and also to forge divine weapons.

With the plan in mind, the journey to the Moon Palace could not be delayed!
……

The top-grade refining materials in the Moon Palace, which possess the spiritual power to "change as one pleases," also have some connection with General Curtain Roller.

I desire the divine soldiers of the Moon Palace.

He still needs to try the path of the Curtain-Rolling General.

...The next morning, as dawn broke in the east.

Xiao Chen then went straight to the imposing mansion of the Curtain-Raising General.

Today happens to be the day when General Juanlian is on leave and not on duty.

This general, who usually commands great power and influence, is indeed:
"I am the most honored in the Southern Heavenly Gate, I am the highest before the Lingxiao Palace, I am the first to protect the emperor, and I am the most senior when accompanying the court."

Such a person's residence would naturally be exceptionally luxurious and extraordinary.

The residence of General Curtain-Roller is located on the side of the Lingxiao Palace, so that General Curtain-Roller can be summoned at any time and obey the Jade Emperor's orders to fulfill his duty of protecting the emperor.

The foundation of the mansion is paved with white jade, which is crystal clear and warm to the touch; the tiles are covered with glazed tiles, which are colorful and shine in the sun.

The demon-slaying bell on the eaves swayed gently in the wind, its tinkling sound chilling and menacing.

Two rows of golden-armored celestial soldiers stood solemnly, halberds in hand, their sharp gazes sweeping over every approaching figure like blades.

On both sides of the mansion gate, there are huge stone sculptures in the shape of demon-slaying staffs, which stand tall and majestic, demonstrating the authority of the mansion lord.

……

From the very beginning, Xiao Chen accompanied General Juanlian to the overseas seas to capture the golden turtle in the vast ocean.

Later, when Emperor Donghua raised an army to rebel against Heaven, Xiao Chen followed General Juanlian and threw himself into the fierce battle.

Then, Xiao Chen followed General Curtain-Roller to guard the South Heavenly Gate.

Then, Xiao Chen followed General Juanlian to guard Tongming Palace.

Then, Xiao Chen was ordered by General Rolling Curtain to borrow a golden hairpin from Yaochi. Xiao Chen did not fail in his mission and successfully borrowed the hairpin, winning the praise of General Rolling Curtain.

Then, Xiao Chen was officially transferred to General Juanlian's command and became his capable subordinate.

……

It can be said that Xiao Chen spent most of his time in the Heavenly Realm serving under General Curtain-Rolling.

His background was relatively clean, his cultivation and strength were decent, and he had fought many battles alongside General Curtain-Roller.

In this way, he had become a trusted confidant of General Juanlian.

The Curtain-Roller General treated him quite well, showing him great care.

therefore.

After Xiao Chen stated his name and purpose of visit.

"Captain Yang, come inside!"

"The general is training in the drill ground."

Knowing his identity, the gatekeepers dared not neglect him and led him directly into the martial arts training ground of the government office.

On the training ground, the wind and clouds seemed to be stirring, as if a storm was brewing!
Among Tang Sanzang and his disciples, the most robust was actually the Curtain-Raising General, while the thinnest was actually Sun Wukong.

General Rolling Curtain, clad in golden armor, with a tiger tally at his waist and a precious staff in his hand, is usually over four meters tall, like a little giant.

Sun Wukong wasn't actually that tall.

On the martial arts field.

The Curtain-Rolling General was a towering figure, his muscles bulging like an angry dragon coiled around his body.

At this moment, he was wielding the demon-slaying staff that was famous throughout the Heavenly Court. The staff was extremely heavy, but in his hand, it transformed into a dark, black light that flowed like lightning.

With a "whoosh".

A strong wind swept out, stirring up the ever-changing clouds and sky, with the faint sounds of thunder and lightning accompanying it.

Wherever the staff passed, it seemed as if mountains were collapsing; it was truly incomparably powerful!

"Yang Guoshan! You've come at the perfect time!"

Just as General Rolling Curtain was enjoying himself immensely, he suddenly saw Xiao Chen approaching. His tiger-like eyes flashed with a sharp light, and his exhilarating fighting spirit transformed into a loud laugh:
"Come on, come with me and stretch your muscles and warm up!"

"Take the gun!"

Before he finished speaking, General Rolling Curtain lightly flicked his toes, and a long spear soared into the air.

Back then, on Fangzhang Immortal Mountain, General Juanlian led his troops in a fierce battle against the rebellious army of Emperor Donghua.

Seeing Yang Guoshan wielding a long spear that moved like a dragon, and how he fought alongside him, Yang Guoshan's martial arts were quite remarkable, and he couldn't help but feel a desire to appreciate his talent.

So he used his methods to recruit him into his ranks.

Now, feeling a sudden urge to test his skills, General Rolling Curtain couldn't resist wanting to spar with Yang Guoshan to see if his martial arts had improved.

It also carries the connotation of testing or evaluating.

"call out--!!!"

A thick, heavy spear, as thick as an arm and forged from cold iron, whistled through the air, tearing through the gale, and aimed straight at Xiao Chen's face.

The strong wind rushed towards him, causing Xiao Chen's hair to dance wildly, like tangled weeds.

"The General has given the order; how dare this humble general disobey?"

Xiao Chen responded loudly, his body neither dodging nor avoiding, but taking a half step back with his left leg.

Just as the tip of the spear was about to touch his eyelashes, at the critical moment!
"Snap! Buzz—!"

Xiao Chen's five claws were like iron clamps, precisely gripping the end of the gun barrel.

A tremendous force struck, and the gun vibrated violently like a dragon's roar!

With the gun in his hand, Xiao Chen flicked and twisted his wrist, and the buzzing sound stopped immediately.

Immediately afterwards, a burst of cold, star-like spear blossoms bloomed in front of him, completely dissolving the sharp edge.

Then, Xiao Chen casually shoved the butt of his gun into the ground.

With a clang!

The jade brick floor suddenly shattered, and several spiderweb-like cracks spread out.

"Great marksmanship! Take this!"

The general's fighting spirit burned even brighter. He let out a wild laugh, his arm muscles bulging like a dragon awakening. He swung his demon-slaying staff in a wide arc, like dark clouds pressing down overhead, executing the move "Splitting Mount Hua with Force".

The staff's wind was fierce, as if it would split the training ground in two!

However, since this was a martial arts sparring session with his subordinates, General Curtain-Roller naturally suppressed his cultivation level and strength.

"Look at the gun!"

Instead of retreating, Xiao Chen advanced, let out a low shout, and channeled his strength into his arms. His cold iron spear, like a silver python, flipped and swung upwards!
Swift as lightning, unstoppable!
"Dang! Dang! Dang!"

A series of deafening metallic explosions rang out, echoing through the heavens.

Blinding sparks rained down like a sudden downpour, scattering everywhere.

The powerful energy surged forth, transforming into invisible ripples that swept outwards, sending pebbles flying wherever it passed.

"Good strength!"

"Impressive martial arts skills!"

A hint of admiration flashed in the eyes of the Curtain-Rolling General. His moves changed instantly, his staff transforming from a slash to a sweep. The dark, black light left only a shadow, sweeping across the battlefield and slashing towards Xiao Chen's waist and abdomen with the speed of thunder.

Xiao Chen's eyes flashed like lightning. He used the force of the spear to deflect it, then wielded the spear, instantly transforming it into a sky full of spear shadows, densely packed, protecting himself completely.

"Ding Ding!"

"Clang!"

"Ding Dong!"

……

The ear-piercing crashes echoed one after another!
Two figures moved with ghostly speed, entangled together on the training ground.

The staff's momentum was like layered mountains, and the spear's shadow was like a raging tide!

The clanging of metal echoed and resounded throughout the training ground!
Sparks flew out continuously with the force of the energy, striking the barrier wall of the training ground with a crackling sound!

The ten or so rounds were brief yet intense, like a sudden storm.

Just as General Rolling Curtain unleashed a violent sweeping attack, the old force dissipated and the new force had not yet arisen.

"drink!"

Xiao Chen exhaled and spoke, his spear like a poisonous dragon emerging from its cave, piercing straight for the center of the palace!

The tip of the gun tore through the air, emitting a piercing, shrill sound!
"Well done!"

Upon seeing this, the Curtain-Rolling General glared angrily, raised his staff to block, and looked fierce!

Just as the two armies were about to clash, something strange suddenly happened.

Xiao Chen's wrist seemed to be "shaken" by an invisible force, causing it to suddenly loosen!
"bass--!"

The cold iron spear shot out like a wild horse, flying out of his hand!

It swept past the edge of the Demon-Slaying Staff with a sharp gust of wind.

"Boom!!!"

With a dull thud, the spear was deeply embedded in a white jade pillar ten feet away!

The white jade pillar was incredibly hard, usually impervious to even swords and knives, yet it was easily pierced by this spear.

The butt of the gun continued to vibrate and hum violently, as if telling the story of the power of the attack just now.

"Um?!"

The general with the rolled-up curtain stopped his stance and stood still. His thick eyebrows stood up like sharp blades, and his piercing eyes shot towards Xiao Chen, whose breathing was slightly disordered. His gaze was full of doubt and scrutiny as he asked in a deep voice:

"Your spear thrust was so steady and powerful just now, how could it suddenly slip from your grasp?"

"Could it be that I used too much force, causing you to lose control of your weapon?"

He knew the limits of his parrying power. With his years of experience and profound cultivation, he was certain that he would not allow such a capable general as Yang Guoshan to lose control of his weapon.

"call……"

Xiao Chen's face instantly showed a mixture of frustration and helplessness, like a defeated rooster hanging its head in dejection.

He bowed and sighed, his voice carrying a hint of self-reproach and explanation:
"General, you are wise! It is not that I am not skilled enough, but that... I was ordered to borrow a golden hairpin from Yaochi, and I was fortunate enough to be favored by the Queen Mother of the West, who bestowed upon me a large peach."

He spread his hands, as if he couldn't do it, his eyes full of helplessness:
"This peach has extraordinary medicinal properties; it can truly be called a divine treasure of heaven and earth!"

"After taking it, I felt a surge of immense power coursing through my body, my cultivation level increased dramatically, and my strength and physical abilities also surged..."

"Now, these ordinary weapons feel as light as a blade of grass in my hand!"

(End of this chapter)