Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

The four Dragon Kings watched, a strange light flashing in their eyes.

The unusual colors were extremely complex.

Sun Wukong, however, was completely unaware.

He felt completely relaxed, with every one of his 36,000 pores feeling comfortable.

The golden cudgel trembled slightly in his palm, as if a long-lost friend was whispering to him.

"My darling!"

Sun Wukong grinned, a thought stirring in his mind.

The golden cudgel suddenly shrank, turning into an embroidery needle, and fell into the ear.

Then it suddenly grew larger, becoming as thick as a bowl and twelve feet long, which could be held in the palm of your hand.

It can be as large as the sky and as small as a mustard seed.

Change as you please, and may everything go as you wish.

"Old Dragon King, I, Old Sun, will take this treasure!"

Sun Wukong put the golden cudgel into his ear and bowed to the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas.

Ao Guang quickly returned the greeting: "You're too kind, Immortal."

The divine iron slumbered in the sea for ten thousand years; its encounter with a wise ruler today is its destiny.

Ao Qin suddenly spoke up: "Immortal, I have a question to ask you."

Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed slightly: "Please speak, Old Dragon King."

Ao Qin stroked his beard and said:

"When the immortal was testing the staff just now, I vaguely sensed that there was a close connection between the divine iron and the immortal."

"May I ask, sir, were you born of heaven and earth?"

Sun Wukong was taken aback, then laughed and said, "Old Dragon King, you have a good eye!"

I, Old Sun, am a stone monkey born of Flower Fruit Mountain. I absorbed the essence of the sun and moon, and received the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, before I was able to take human form.

A strange light flashed in Ao Qin's eyes as he exchanged glances with the other three dragons.

Ao Run stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Congratulations, Immortal! Congratulations, Immortal!"

Sun Wukong scratched his ear: "What's the joy?"

Ao Run laughed and said, "Immortal, you are unaware of this."

That precious iron was used by Yu the Great in ancient times to measure the depth of rivers and seas during his flood control efforts.

Its material is refined iron through nine cycles, forged by the personal hand of Laozi (the Supreme Lord Lao), and then cast into the East Sea, where it was nourished by the waters for ten thousand years.

"This treasure cannot be obtained by anyone but those with the right destiny. When a celestial being arrives, it will emit countless rays of light and auspicious clouds."

Now, they have even recognized each other as masters, their hearts in harmony with the immortals. This is the will of Heaven; is it not a cause for great joy?

Sun Wukong grinned broadly, "So that's how it is! So that's how it is!"

Ao Guang suddenly sighed.

Sun Wukong looked at him: "Why is the Old Dragon King sighing?"

Ao Guang shook his head and said, "I just remembered something."

When Yu the Great successfully controlled the floods, he left this iron in the East Sea, along with a saying.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes lit up: "What did you say?"

Ao Guang slowly said, "He said that if someone is destined to obtain this iron in the future, it will be a matter of fate..."

Having said that, he gave Sun Wukong a deep look.

"Immortal, you have obtained this treasure today; you will surely achieve great things in the future. This old man offers his congratulations in advance."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong couldn't help but say:

"Old Dragon King, I, Old Sun, have obtained a treasure today, and I am overjoyed."

In a few days, I plan to hold a banquet at Flower Fruit Mountain and invite the four old Dragon Kings to grace us with their presence.

Firstly, I thank you for your generous gift today; secondly, let's get to know each other better.

The four dragons exchanged a glance and said in unison, "How dare we refuse the Immortal's kind invitation?"

Sun Wukong grinned and strode out of the hall.

Upon reaching the palace gate, they made a hand gesture to separate the waterways, and the golden shadow, like a golden carp, vanished in an instant.

The Four Dragon Kings stood before the palace gate, gazing at the departing golden figure, remaining silent for a long time.

After a long silence, Ao Qin spoke up: "Brother, this monkey is no ordinary creature."

Ao Guang nodded: "It's more than just simple. That divine iron recognized its master, triggering extraordinary phenomena in heaven and earth."

This child will surely achieve great things in the future.

Ao Run pondered for a moment and said, "However, the second half of Yu's sentence..."

Ao Guang waved his hand: "Don't mention it. Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed."

Ao Shun said, "Brother, I've read the contract."

The right to divert water three times in a century is indeed a well-intentioned gesture.

That Kanyuan Mountain is a genuine spiritual vein. This monkey, it seems, is quite honest.

Ao Guang nodded: "Honest is honest. But it is precisely because of this honesty that it is even more terrifying."

As he spoke, he looked at the golden figure that had long since vanished.

"If he is cunning, we can still be wary. If he is honest, it will be difficult for us to take action."

Ao Qin frowned: "What does Big Brother mean?"

Ao Guang shook his head and slowly walked towards the palace.

Behind them, the three Dragon Kings of the Seas looked at each other in bewilderment, and then followed.

Meanwhile, Sun Wukong parted the waterways and headed upstream.

They arrived cautiously, but returned as if in their element.

The golden cudgel vibrated slightly in my ear, as if cheering.

In high spirits, he decided to unleash his full speed.

As the golden shadow passed by, the seawater parted automatically, making way for a passage.

Upon seeing this, the aquatic creatures all gave way.

Those who didn't have time to dodge were swept away by a gust of wind and sent flying far away.

Half an hour later.

thump!

Water splashed everywhere.

The golden figure leaped out of the deep pool beneath the iron bridge and landed at the bridgehead.

The monkeys were playing by the bridge when they suddenly saw their king return, and they all cheered and surrounded him.

"The King is back!"

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!"

Sun Wukong laughed heartily, picked up Little Drill Wind who was charging ahead, and lifted him above his head.

The little creature, held high, wasn't afraid at all; instead, it squeaked and chirped excitedly.

Sun Wukong put it down and took the golden cudgel out of his ear.

"My children, look what treasures I, Old Sun, have acquired!"

As he spoke, a thought suddenly occurred to him.

The golden cudgel suddenly grew larger, becoming as thick as a bucket and three zhang long, standing tall at the bridgehead.

The staff is made of black gold with gold hoops at both ends, gleaming in the sunlight.

The monkeys stared in disbelief, and after a long while, they burst into cheers.

Sun Wukong had another thought.

The golden cudgel could change shape in an instant, changing at will.

The monkeys were dazzled by the sight, and their cheers rose in waves.

Just as Sun Wukong was feeling smug, he suddenly heard a voice.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty, on obtaining this priceless treasure."

Sun Wukong turned around and saw Li Yan standing not far away, a gray sable perched on his shoulder, and the little head of a jade rat peeking out from his arms.

He grinned and strode forward.

"Brother! I, Old Sun, have it! I've got it!"

Li Yan nodded slightly, his gaze falling on the golden cudgel.

In his eyes, the two currents of yin and yang flowed, reflecting the inner mirror of his heart.

In his eyes, the golden cudgel was no longer just an iron rod.

Instead, it was a primordial energy that perfectly matched Sun Wukong's aura.

It's as if we were originally one, separated for thousands of years, and finally reunited today.

The Ruyi Jingu Bang (Golden Cudgel)

[Rank: Acquired Spiritual Treasure (Sealed)]

【Origin: Nine-times-refined iron, hammered and forged by Laozi, and then nourished by the water element of the East Sea for ten thousand years】

【Features: Can change size at will, can break all spells, and can suppress mountains and rivers】

[Current Status: Initial Master Recognition, First Layer of Seal Unlocked]

[Host Compatibility: 100%]

Li Yan's heart stirred slightly.

This golden cudgel is actually an acquired spiritual treasure.

Although it is sealed, it is already a rare divine weapon.

If the seal is fully broken in the future, its power will be immeasurable.

"Your Majesty, this treasure is a match made in heaven for you."

Li Yan smiled.

Sun Wukong was overjoyed to hear this.

He put away his golden cudgel and pulled Li Yan aside, saying:

"Brother, I, Old Sun, have made a contract with those four old dragon kings as you instructed."

The power to divert waterways three times in a hundred years was exchanged for the Golden Cudgel.

Kanyuan Mountain, change into new clothes.

The three old dragon kings each contributed a treasure.

As she spoke, she displayed the phoenix-winged purple-gold crown, the chainmail golden armor, and the lotus-silk cloud-walking shoes one by one.

After reading it, Li Yan nodded and said, "Your Majesty has done a very good job. In this way, it is not a request, but a transaction."

If the Heavenly Court wishes to pursue the matter in the future, the contract will serve as proof.

Sun Wukong scratched his ear and said, "Brother, those four old dragon kings seem quite kind."

But then Ao Qin, the Dragon King of the South Sea, asked me if I was born of nature, and I told him the truth.

Li Yan's gaze narrowed slightly.

Why did he ask that question?

Sun Wukong said, "He said he sensed a close connection between me and the golden cudgel, so he asked about it."

Li Yan pondered for a moment.

"Your Majesty, if those four old Dragon Kings visit again in the future, we must be more careful."

Sun Wukong was taken aback: "Brother, are you saying there's something wrong with them?"

Li Yan shook his head: "They have lived for more than 10,000 years, are knowledgeable and have a deep mind."

"Your Majesty is honest; they can easily trick you into revealing information."

Sun Wukong nodded.

There's no need to deliberately distance yourself.

However, when interacting with others, be cautious, don't reveal your true intentions, don't make promises lightly, and don't incur favors.

Sun Wukong scratched his head:

"I, Old Sun, have just obtained a treasure and am overjoyed. So I invited them to a banquet at Flower Fruit Mountain in a few days."

Firstly, to thank you for your generous gift today; secondly, to get closer to you.

Li Yan nodded slightly.

"Since we're neighbors, we should visit each other. But..."

"However, Your Majesty must be mindful of one thing during this banquet."

Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed: "What is it?"

Li Yan slowly said, "Wine."

Sun Wukong was taken aback.

Li Yan said, "Wine can cloud judgment and lead to careless speech."

"Even though Your Majesty is half a Golden Immortal, if you drink too much, you will inevitably make mistakes."

"Furthermore, if those four old dragon kings intend to test us, they will surely try to extract information from us during the banquet."

"If Your Majesty does not wish for them to discover your secrets, you must—abstain from alcohol."

Sun Wukong scratched his ear, somewhat embarrassed: "Well... if I, Old Sun, am treating everyone but not drinking myself, wouldn't that be a spoilsport?"

Li Yan smiled slightly.

"Your Majesty, rest assured. I have a plan."

Having said that, he took out a jade bottle from his sleeve.

The jade bottle was crystal clear, and inside were three pills.

The elixir was pale gold in color, with a faint mist swirling around it.

"This pill is called the 'Awakening Pill,' and it is made by refining Ganoderma lucidum from the mountains with moonlight."

"Before the banquet, the king took one pill. Afterwards, even if he drank a thousand cups, it was as if he were drinking water; his mind remained clear and he was never intoxicated."

Sun Wukong took the jade bottle, overjoyed, and exclaimed, "Brother, this isn't cultivation, it's clearly opening a shop! You have all kinds of elixirs!"

Li Yan shook his head and laughed, "They're just some self-defense items, better than nothing."

Sun Wukong put the jade bottle into his bosom, then remembered something else.

"Brother, now that I, Old Sun, have obtained the Golden Cudgel, I feel my inner power surging, as if I'm about to break through."

Li Yan's eyes lit up.

"Your Majesty, this is an opportune moment. The Golden Cudgel resonates with Your Majesty, drawing upon your inner essence, presenting an opportunity for a breakthrough."

Sun Wukong nodded and looked into the depths of the Water Curtain Cave.

"Then I, Old Sun, will go into seclusion."

Li Yan said, "Your Majesty may leave. I will take care of the banquet arrangements."

Sun Wukong grinned and strode towards the Water Curtain Cave.

For the next few days, Huaguo Mountain remained calm and peaceful.

Li Yan would begin his lectures at dawn and continue until noon, continuing to teach methods of self-protection.

The monkeys listened intently, and their foundation gradually became solid.

The four old monkeys also came to listen to the lectures every day.

They crouched at the edge of the crowd, listening to Li Yan's sermon, a complex emotion occasionally flashing in their eyes.

On this day, after the sermon was finished, the monkeys dispersed.

The gibbon stepped forward and bowed deeply to Li Yan.

"Fellow Daoist, I have a question to ask you."

Li Yan nodded slightly: "Please speak, sir."

The gibbon hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Fellow Daoist, is the Great King in seclusion?"

Li Yan nodded.

A strange light flashed in the eyes of the gibbon.

"Fellow Daoist, I dare to use my divine sense to sense that there is a faint aura surging deep within the Water Curtain Cave."

Is His Majesty about to break through to a higher level?

Li Yan's gaze narrowed slightly.

"The King has obtained a rare treasure, which has activated his primordial essence, and he is currently attempting to break through to the Golden Immortal realm."

The gibbon and the three monkeys exchanged a glance and knelt down in unison.

"Fellow Daoist!"

If Your Majesty attains the Golden Immortal realm, then Flower Fruit Mountain will have a Golden Immortal to preside over it! This is a cause for great joy!

"We, the old ones...we, the old ones, are willing to protect Your Majesty!"

Li Yan was taken aback, then raised his hand to offer a helping hand.

"Please rise, gentlemen. The King is in seclusion; I will personally protect him."

If the four old men are so inclined, they should keep a close watch on the mountains and guard against any potential enemies.

The four monkeys then got up.

The gibbon said, "Fellow Daoist, rest assured."

Although we have sealed our cultivation, our divine senses still remain. If any external enemy approaches, we will be the first to detect it.

Li Yan nodded, about to speak again.

Suddenly, a long howl came from deep within the Water Curtain Cave.

The roar was initially like a dragon's cry, then like a tiger's roar, and finally transformed into rolling thunder.

All seventy-two peaks trembled simultaneously.

The waterfall flows backward, and water mist rises.

The monkeys were terrified and immediately lay down on the ground.

Li Yan's gaze sharpened as he looked into the depths of the Water Curtain Cave.

A golden figure was reflected in the mirror of the mind.

The figure sat cross-legged in the stone chamber.

Golden light flowed around him.

The golden light initially appeared as fine threads, then as mist and clouds, and finally transformed into a pillar of light that soared straight into the heavens.

The once clear sky above Huaguo Mountain suddenly darkened.

The golden light was so intense that it overshadowed the sunlight.

Within the golden light, the sun, moon, and stars faintly revolve, mountains and rivers appear and disappear, and dragons, phoenixes, and unicorns dance.

Even more striking was the fleeting phantom of the primordial chaos, the beginning of creation.

The strange phenomenon lasted for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea before slowly dissipating.

The golden light faded, and the sky brightened again.

But at that moment, all living beings on Flower Fruit Mountain sensed something.

It was an omnipresent pressure.

It was as if heaven and earth themselves were looking down upon all living beings.

Just now.

Deep within the Water Curtain Cave, the golden figure slowly rose.

He opened his eyes.

Those golden eyes, now tinged with purple and containing gold within gold, faintly hinted at the beginning of the world and the birth and death of all things.

Sun Wukong seemed to be deep in thought.

He could sense that there was something invisible between heaven and earth.

That thing is everywhere, yet nowhere to be found.

In the past, his attempts to sense things were like trying to see flowers through a fog.

Now, that fog has dissipated.

He saw the Tao itself.

It's not just about seeing.

He reached out and shook hands.

In that instant, time seemed to stand still within a hundred miles of Huaguo Mountain.

The waterfall seems to freeze in mid-air, the water droplets standing still.

The wind stopped, the clouds dispersed, and the birdsong abruptly ceased.

Then, everything returned to normal.

Sun Wukong withdrew his hand and murmured, "So, this is the Taiyi Golden Immortal."

Taiyi is Taiyi, the origin of all things.

The Golden Immortal is an immortal being.

The Taiyi Golden Immortal is one who has touched the origin.

In a single thought, the world can be turned upside down.

In a single thought, time and space can be frozen.

Sun Wukong grinned.

"I see."

He strode out of the stone chamber.

Outside the cave, Li Yan was standing there.

Upon seeing Sun Wukong emerge, Li Yan bowed deeply.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty, you have attained the status of a Taiyi Golden Immortal."

Sun Wukong stepped forward and helped him up.

"Brother, why are you being so polite with me, Old Sun?"

Li Yan smiled slightly.

"This is truly congratulations. Your Majesty has attained the highest level of enlightenment, thus transcending the Three Realms and being no longer bound by the Five Elements."

Even within the Heavenly Court, he would be a supreme ruler. This is a cause for great joy.

Sun Wukong scratched his ear and laughed, "I never expected that the golden cudgel would trigger my original essence as soon as it entered my body."

During those seven days of seclusion, I, Old Sun, felt my entire body surging with magical power, like a river bursting its banks, unstoppable.

Li Yan said, "Your Majesty is born of Heaven and Earth, and your origins are profound."

That golden cudgel was an acquired spiritual treasure, perfectly suited to the king.

The combination of these two elements, leading to the attainment of the Taiyi Golden Immortal realm, was a natural progression.

Sun Wukong nodded, then seemed to remember something.

"Brother, while I've been in seclusion these past few days, have those four old Dragon Kings come by?"

Li Yan shook his head: "Never."

However, now that Your Majesty has attained the Golden Immortal realm, this banquet can be held even more grandly.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes lit up.

"What does 'brother' mean?"

Li Yan said, "Those four Dragon Kings are merely Earth Immortals. Even the Dragon King of the East Sea, who has the highest cultivation, is only a Golden Immortal."

"Your Majesty has now attained the highest level of enlightenment, and your rank is far above theirs."

"At the banquet, Your Majesty need only sit in the main seat and accept their bows."

Let them drink the wine themselves.

Let them say it themselves.

"If they intend to test you, Your Majesty need only use the power of Taiyi to subdue them with a gentle touch."

Sun Wukong nodded repeatedly as he listened.

"Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brother, you're really good at scheming!"

Li Yan shook his head.

"It's something we have to consider."

The king attained the highest level of enlightenment, and from then on, he became the focus of attention throughout the three realms.

Those powerful beings are probably watching from the shadows right now.

If we don't proceed cautiously step by step, we'll fall into their trap sooner or later.

Sun Wukong's smile faded, and he said solemnly, "Brother is right. I'll remember that."

Three days later, in front of the Water Curtain Cave.

A high platform has been built beside the waterfall.

The platform is built of mountain stones, covered with soft grass, and decorated with colorful flags at the four corners.

Colorful flags fluttered in the wind, making a rustling sound.

On the high platform, five jade tables were set up.

The central image, the largest and decorated with gold patterns, is the seat of Sun Wukong.

There are two smaller ones on each side, representing the positions of the Four Dragon Kings.

On the jade table, rare fruits from the mountains were laid out.

Fire jujube, pear, red fruit, lingzhi, polygonatum, he shou wu...

There's also the fruit wine brewed with mountain spring water, served in a jade pot, its fragrance filling the air.

Below the high platform, a group of monkeys stood in a line.

The older monkeys were in front, the young and strong were in the middle, and the baby monkeys were in the back.

They were all dressed neatly, their fur bright and shiny, and they eagerly awaited their arrival.

Li Yan stood on one side of the high platform, a gray sable perched on his shoulder, and the little head of a jade rat peeking out from his arms.

Today he changed into a white robe, with a silk sash around his waist and cloud-patterned shoes.

Although his aura remained restrained as usual, it subtly revealed an air of otherworldly refinement.

The third quarter of the hour of Si (9:45 AM).

Four clouds suddenly appeared on the horizon.

A fiery red mass.

A vast expanse of blue, like the sea.

A golden hue, like a rosy cloud.

A mass of pitch-black ink.

Four clouds of mist came from the east and arrived in an instant.

As the clouds dispersed, four figures landed before the high platform.

The four figures were all startled as soon as they landed.

Ao Guang, the Dragon King of the East Sea, looked up at the golden figure sitting on the high platform, a hint of horror flashing in his eyes.

That monkey is still the same monkey.

But it was no longer that monkey at all.

He sat there, like a mountain.

An insurmountable mountain.

He looked at them, and they were like a vast sky.

A sky that cannot be seen.