Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

Upon hearing this, General Beng quickly asked, "Your Majesty, where are you going? Would you like us to accompany you as guards?"

Sun Wukong waved his hand: "No need. You can't interfere with what Brother Li and I are doing."

General Ba asked, "When will the King return?"

Sun Wukong said, "It will take at least one or two days, and at most three or four days. Just take good care of the house and don't cause any trouble."

Marshal Ma stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said:

"Your Majesty, rest assured, we will do our utmost to protect Flower Fruit Mountain."

Marshal Liu also said, "If any foreign enemies invade, we will risk our lives to protect the cave."

Sun Wukong nodded, took out four jade talismans from his robes, and handed them to them one by one.

"This is a jade talisman crafted by Brother Li. If you encounter any danger, crush this talisman, and I, Old Sun, will know."

The four old monkeys accepted the jade talisman and carefully put it away.

Li Yan stepped forward and said slowly, "Generals, a formation has been set up in this mountain. The key point of the formation is here."

As he spoke, he raised his hand and pointed, and a beam of starlight shot into the sky above the mountain peak, dazzling and brilliant.

"At the eye of that formation, I left behind a trace of the Great King's aura."

If a powerful enemy attacks, its aura will manifest, using the might of a Taiyi Golden Immortal to intimidate the intruder.

"You only need to keep the monkeys in check, prevent them from panicking and running around, and stay inside the cave."

Generals Bengba and Marshals Ma Liu bowed in unison: "We will obey the Taoist priest's instructions!"

Li Yan glanced at the group of monkeys again, his gaze gentle.

The gray sable squatted beside Li Yan, squeaked twice, and also gave instructions.

The jade rat poked its head out from a tree hole not far away, glanced at the monkeys, and then shrank back inside.

Little Drill lay on the rock and waved its little paws at the two of them.

Sun Wukong looked around at the group of monkeys and said loudly:

"My men, while I, Old Sun, am away, you shall all obey the orders of the four generals."

Don't go down the mountain and cause trouble, don't quarrel or fight, don't...

He scratched his head: "Don't steal the fruit that I, Old Sun, hid!"

The monkeys laughed loudly and readily agreed.

Sun Wukong was finally satisfied and turned to Li Yan: "Brother, let's go."

Li Yan nodded.

The two figures flashed and disappeared from the spot.

General Bengba and Marshal Ma Liu exchanged a glance.

The four monkeys all looked up at the starlight that enveloped the entire Flower and Fruit Mountain.

The starlight shifts, and the weather changes in countless ways.

General Beng murmured, "This Taoist priest Li is truly unfathomable."

General Ba said, "With him by the king's side, we can rest assured."

Marshal Ma said, "Let's go, everyone do your duty."

Marshal Liu said, "From today onwards, patrols will be conducted in shifts, and there must be no mistakes."

The four old monkeys dispersed, each leading their troop to their respective positions.

Above Huaguo Mountain, the Zhou Tian Star Array slowly rotated, and starlight fell, protecting this blessed land.

at the same time.

Li Yan took out a jade talisman from his sleeve.

The jade talisman was entirely black, with a faint flow of yin energy within it.

"This talisman is called the 'Netherworld Guiding Talisman,' and it was made from a wisp of Yin energy left behind by the two ghost soldiers that day."

Holding this talisman allows one to directly communicate with the netherworld, unhindered by the barrier between the mortal and spiritual realms.

Sun Wukong took the jade talisman, examined it briefly, and grinned, saying:

"Brother, this isn't cultivation, it's clearly opening a shop! You have all kinds of talismans!"

Li Yan smiled slightly.

"These are just minor tricks, not worth mentioning."

Having said that, he pointed in the void.

A sliver of starlight emerged and disappeared into the jade talisman.

The jade talisman emitted a bright, eerie light, transforming into a gate of light that hung in the void.

Within the portal, the space was deep and unfathomable, with faint sounds of ghostly wails emanating from within.

Li Yan said, "Your Majesty, please."

Sun Wukong took a deep breath and strode into the portal of light.

Li Yan followed closely behind.

With a flash of light, the two disappeared from their spot.

Before my eyes, everything blurred, and when I looked again, I found myself in a hazy, gray world.

There is no sun or moon in the sky, and no grass or trees on the ground.

Only a gray fog hung in the air, and a chilling wind blew in.

In the distance, the outline of a city could be faintly seen, appearing and disappearing in the gray fog.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes shone brightly as he gazed at the city.

The city was majestic and imposing, with a solemn atmosphere.

The city wall was cast from black iron, standing a hundred feet high, its dark, oppressive presence suffocating people.

Above the city gate hangs an iron plaque.

The sign has three large characters: Netherworld.

Sun Wukong looked at the three characters and grinned, "Brother, this is the Underworld?"

Li Yan nodded.

"That's right. The Ten Palaces are located in that city."

Sun Wukong scratched his ear and said, "Let's go! Let's go inside!"

Li Yan said, "Your Majesty, please wait."

Sun Wukong was taken aback.

Li Yan said, "Your Majesty, we are here to handle business, not to cause trouble."

Before we go in, there are a few things that need to be made clear.

Sun Wukong said, "Brother, please speak."

Li Yan said, "First, once inside, you must not get angry."

No matter what you see or hear, remain calm and composed.

"Second, do not take action."

Although the Ten Kings of Hell are no match for the Great King in magical combat, they were still appointed by the Heavenly Court.

To harm him is to offend the Heavenly Court's reputation.

Third, one should not say too much.

"Your Majesty only needs to state your purpose and request that they erase the past. The rest, I will handle."

Sun Wukong listened attentively and wrote down everything.

"Don't worry, brother, I'll remember this."

Li Yan nodded.

"Then let's go in."

The two headed towards the city gate.

As they approached, they saw that the city gates were wide open.

Two rows of ghost soldiers stood on either side of the gate.

Some had bull heads, some had horse faces, some had blue faces and fangs, and some had red hair and blue eyes.

Each of them held a weapon, looking imposing and awe-inspiring.

As the two approached, the ghost soldiers quickly parted to make way for them.

A minotaur stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said:

"Could it be Sun Shangxiang and Li Daoren from Flower Fruit Mountain?"

Sun Wukong said, "That's right."

The ox-headed demon soldier said, "The Ten Kings of Hell are already waiting in the hall. Please follow me."

Having said that, he turned and led the way.

Sun Wukong and Li Yan exchanged a glance, then followed him into the city.

In the city, streets crisscross and houses stand in neat rows.

However, the houses were all black-tiled and white-walled, exuding a cold and gloomy atmosphere.

There are also ghosts among the pedestrians on the street.

People of all ages and genders.

Some wept bitterly, while others walked on listlessly.

On both sides, ghost soldiers stood with knives, maintaining order.

Sun Wukong looked at the ghosts, a complex emotion flashing in his golden eyes.

He thought of his children.

If one day they come here too...

He shook his head, not daring to think about it anymore.

After walking for about a quarter of an hour, a grand hall came into view.

The palace doors were wide open, and ten figures could be vaguely seen sitting inside.

It was none other than the Ten Kings of Hell.

The bull-headed demon soldier stopped in front of the palace gate and bowed, saying:

"Please come in, both of you."

Sun Wukong took a deep breath and strode into the hall.

Li Yan followed closely behind.

Inside the hall, the ten kings sat regally on their thrones.

Upon seeing the two enter, the ten kings all stood up, cupped their hands, and said:

"Immortal Sun, Daoist Li, please forgive me for not greeting you properly."

Sun Wukong returned the greeting with clasped hands.

"Your Majesties are too kind. I, Old Sun, have taken the liberty of visiting you and causing you trouble."

King Yama laughed and said, "Please sit, sir. Serve tea!"

A little devil brought two chairs and placed them in the hall.

Sun Wukong and Li Yan took their seats.

Then a little devil served fragrant tea.

The teacup is carved from a single piece of black jade, and the tea is crystal clear with a subtle fragrance.

Sun Wukong picked up his teacup and took a sip.

I felt a cool sensation travel down my throat and into my lower abdomen, making me feel completely relaxed.

"Excellent tea!"

King Yama said, "This tea is called 'Forget-Worries,' a specialty of the underworld, brewed with water from the River of Oblivion."

"If the immortal likes it, please take some back with you later."

Sun Wukong waved his hand and said, "No need, no need. I, Old Sun, am not here to beg for tea."

Yama, the King of Hell, smiled slightly.

"What brings you here, esteemed immortal?"

Sun Wukong looked at Li Yan.

Li Yan nodded slightly.

Sun Wukong understood and said:

"My lords of the underworld, I, Old Sun, have come here today for one matter."

"I, Old Sun, recently transcended my tribulation and attained the status of a Taiyi Golden Immortal, transcending the Three Realms and no longer being bound by the Five Elements."

"But I, Old Sun, have heard that my old name is still on the Book of Life and Death."

"If this is not eliminated, it will surely cause trouble in the future."

"Therefore, I, Old Sun, would like to ask you, the Kings of Hell, to do me a favor."

Upon hearing this, the ten kings exchanged glances.

Yama, the King of Hell, asked, "Does the immortal wish to erase his name from the Book of Life and Death?"

Sun Wukong nodded.

"Exactly."

The ten kings remained silent in thought.

Li Yan spoke up: "My lords of the underworld, the King has come not to force me, but to earnestly request me."

"That old name is something from the past; keeping it is of no use and will only cause future trouble."

"After this cleansing, it will be a relief for the King and a relief for the underworld. It's a win-win situation, so why not do it?"

Yama, the King of Hell:

"Master Li's words make sense. However, erasing names from the Book of Life and Death is no small matter. It requires..."

Li Yan replied, "It requires the approval of the Heavenly Court. I understand."

"I have already prepared a memorial and presented it to the Heavenly Court. It is only awaiting the Jade Emperor's approval before it can be implemented."

"Before this, Your Majesty only came to examine the old image, not to remove it."

Upon hearing this, the Ten Kings' expressions softened slightly.

King Qin Guang said, "In that case, please let the immortal examine it."

Having said that, he raised his hand in a gesture of invitation.

Suddenly, a crack appeared in the void within the hall.

From the gap, a huge book slowly descended.

The book was entirely black, with three large golden characters on the cover: Book of Life and Death.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes shone brightly as he looked at the Book of Life and Death.

The book was slowly turned open.

Page after page, countless names were turned over.

Finally, I turned to a certain page and stopped.

On that page, three words were clearly written: Sun Wukong.

As Sun Wukong looked at those three words, a strange feeling welled up in his heart.

Sun Wukong took a deep breath and looked at Li Yan.

Li Yan nodded slightly.

Sun Wukong raised his hand and pressed it on those three words.

In that instant, his vision blurred.

Countless images flashed by like a revolving lantern.

From emerging from the rock, to becoming king of the mountain, to...

The scene abruptly ended, frozen in one place.

That place was eerily quiet, filled with the wails of ghosts and howls of wolves.

Sun Wukong withdrew his hand and exhaled a long breath.

"Thank you, Lords of Hell, for allowing me, Old Sun, to see these things."

The Ten Kings bowed and said, "You're too kind, Immortal."

Sun Wukong said, "I, Old Sun, have a request to make."

King Yama said, "Please speak, Immortal."

Sun Wukong said, "My children, though they are ordinary monkeys, are still living beings."

I, Old Sun, would like to ask you, the Kings of Hell, to take good care of them in the future.

"So that when they die of old age, they can leave in peace."

Upon hearing this, a strange light flashed in the eyes of the Ten Kings.

King Yama said, "Your Excellency is merciful. We will certainly comply."

Sun Wukong grinned.

"Thank you so much!"

As he spoke, he took something out of his pocket.

It was a jade box, golden in color, with faint dragon energy flowing inside.

It was the treasure he had recently obtained from the Dragon Palace.

"This is a specialty of the Dragon Palace of the East Sea, called 'Dragon Saliva Fruit,' which is cultivated using dragon energy."

I, Old Sun, brought a box as a token of my gratitude.

The Ten Kings took the jade box, opened it, and saw that it contained ten golden fruits, from which the faint sound of dragon roars could be heard.

King Yama said, "We are unworthy of such a generous gift from the immortal."

Sun Wukong waved his hand and said, "You're too kind. If you ever need anything in the future, just come to Flower Fruit Mountain to find me, Old Sun."

The ten kings nodded in unison.

The ten kings nodded in unison.

Sun Wukong looked at Li Yan.

Li Yan rose, bowed to the Ten Kings, and was about to take his leave.

But then Yama raised his hand in a gesture of obstruction, a hint of hesitation flashing across his face.

"Fellow Daoist, please wait."

Li Yan's gaze sharpened slightly, and he stopped in his tracks.

Sun Wukong turned around, a hint of doubt in his golden eyes: "King Yama, is there anything else?"

King Yama opened his mouth but did not utter a sound; he simply looked at the other nine kings.

King Qin Guang lowered his eyes, stroked his beard, and remained silent.

King Chujiang turned his head and looked out at the gray sky outside the palace.

The Song emperor lowered his head and fiddled with the jade belt at his waist.

King Wuguan picked up his teacup, took a sip, but forgot to put it down.

The ten kings had different expressions, but none of them spoke.

Li Yan's mind stirred slightly, but his face remained impassive. He simply said:

"Esteemed Kings of Hell, is there some unspeakable difficulty you are facing?"

King Yama sighed and finally spoke:

"Fellow Daoist has discerning eyes. To be honest, today... today happens to be the day when celestial officials from the Heavenly Court descend to the mortal realm for inspection."

Sun Wukong scratched his ear and said, "Heavenly officials? Let them come, what does it have to do with me?"

King Yama said, "Immortal, you are unaware of this."

The names on the Book of Life and Death can be temporarily debited, but to completely erase them from the record, Heavenly Court's approval is required.

"According to usual practice, we would need to draft a memorial and present it to the Jade Emperor, and only after receiving his approval can it be implemented."

This round trip will take at least three to five months.

"But the celestial official who has come today is a close minister of the Jade Emperor, holding a high position and great power."

If he were willing to add a single stroke to the immortal's memorial, the matter could be resolved immediately, saving countless troubles.

As Li Yan listened, a strange feeling arose in his heart.

Three days ago, when he was talking to the Ten Kings, he had not heard anything about any celestial officials descending to the mortal realm.

Why is it that today, of all days, the celestial official arrived right after them?

Is it really just a coincidence?

He remained expressionless, only saying:

"I wonder which celestial official has arrived?"

King Yama said, "It is Venus, Li Changgeng."

Sun Wukong's golden eyes lit up: "Taibai Jinxing? I've heard people mention him before."

He was said to be a senior official of the Heavenly Court, highly respected and virtuous.

Li Yan nodded slightly, but became increasingly vigilant.

Venus, how could he not know this person?

In the original story, this old man descended to the mortal realm several times to recruit Sun Wukong.

First came the title of弼马温 (Bima Wen, a lowly official in charge of horses), then the title of齐天大圣 (Qitian Dasheng, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven), gradually leading the monkey into the Heavenly Court's trap.

If you say it was all a coincidence, Li Yan would be the first to disbelieve it.

only……

He looked at Sun Wukong, whose golden eyes were full of anticipation.

Looking at the ten kings, their expressions varied, but all revealed a sense of relief at having arrived just in time.

Li Yan's mind raced, and all sorts of guesses came to mind.

If he were to take his leave now, it would make it seem like he had something to hide.

If we stay and wait, we fear there might be a trap.

Just as he was pondering, a series of footsteps suddenly came from outside the hall.

A little devil strode in and knelt down:

"Your Majesties, Venus has arrived outside the city."