Chapter 56: Tai Bai

He held a fly whisk and bowed respectfully to the Jade Emperor.

“Your Majesty, this old minister holds a different view.”

The immortals looked over and saw it was Tai Bai Jin Xing.

This old immortal held a prestigious position in Tiangong, a trusted minister of the Jade Emperor, always on good terms with the celestial deities, a master of diplomacy.

Seeing him, the Jade Emperor’s expression softened slightly. “Oh? What is your wise counsel, Jin Xing?”

Tai Bai Jin Xing spoke calmly: “Your Majesty, Heaven cherishes life. That demon monkey was born of Heaven and Earth, newly attained human form, ignorant of celestial order and etiquette—hence his transgressions.

If we act without inquiry and immediately mobilize troops to punish him, first, the beings of the Three Realms may resent us;

second, that demon monkey wields great power and commands seventy-two demon kings. If war truly breaks out, our celestial army will surely suffer heavy losses.”

“Then what do you suggest, my loyal minister?” asked the Jade Emperor.

Tai Bai Jin Xing smiled faintly, confident: “In this old minister’s view, we should offer him amnesty and bring him to Heaven.”

“Amnesty?”

At these words, all the celestial ministers froze in surprise.

Even the Jade Emperor showed a look of astonishment.

Tai Bai Jin Xing continued calmly: “Your Majesty, any mortal being with cultivation may be summoned to Tiangong, granted an official post, and brought under control.

Since that demon monkey calls himself ‘Qitian Dasheng,’ he must be one who craves fame and glory.

Why not go with the flow, issue a decree of amnesty, grant him an official title, and summon him to the celestial realm?

Thus, we keep him under our very eyes—every move he makes, within our control.

If he accepts his post in good faith, we avoid war entirely.

If he remains defiant and stirs trouble again, only then may we punish him.

On the Nine Heavens, even if he possesses boundless power, he gains no advantage.”

After speaking, Tai Bai Jin Xing stroked his long beard, wearing a smile of perfect assurance.

The immortals in the hall, upon hearing this, all felt Tai Bai Jin Xing’s words were sound.

Even Li Jing, who had moments ago shouted for war, frowned deeply in thought.

The Jade Emperor clapped his hands in approval: “Jin Xing’s words suit me perfectly.”

He immediately issued an edict: “Then the matter of amnesty shall be entrusted entirely to you, Jin Xing. I grant you full authority to act as you see fit!”

“This old minister obeys Your Majesty’s decree!”

Tai Bai Jin Xing bowed deeply to receive the order.

Having received the Jade Emperor’s command, Tai Bai Jin Xing did not delay. He immediately took leave of the Jade Emperor and the immortals, turning and exiting Lingxiao Bao Dian.

He stepped upon auspicious clouds, transforming into a streak of light, speeding directly toward the mortal realm, toward the eastern Shenzhou.

Along the way, he was in high spirits, humming an unfamiliar tune.

In his view, this mission was as easy as plucking an apple—simple and pleasant.

His descent to the mortal realm was no different from a paid vacation.

Soon, a magnificent immortal mountain, wreathed in divine mist and breathtaking scenery, appeared before his eyes.

“Hmm, that must be Huaguo Mountain.”

Tai Bai Jin Xing descended from his clouds, suppressing his divine radiance, appearing more like a kind, grandfatherly old man.

He adjusted his robes, wore a gentle smile, and walked steadily toward the Water Curtain Cave.

Before he had gone far, a rustling came from the forest ahead, and a large group of monkeys burst forth.

Each monkey held wooden staves, spears, swords, and halberds, surrounding him with bared teeth and hostile expressions.

The lead monkey was the same one who had once blocked Su Chen.

Seeing Tai Bai Jin Xing, he stepped forward and barked: “Halt! Old man, who are you? What business do you have on Huaguo Mountain?”

“Hehehe…”

Tai Bai Jin Xing looked at the furry little creatures and felt no anger—only affection.

He flicked his fly whisk and spoke kindly: “Little monkeys, cease your rudeness. I am a celestial deity from above, bearing the Jade Emperor’s sacred decree to summon your Great King to Heaven for an official post. Go inform him quickly—do not delay this great matter.”

“Summon him to Heaven for an official post?”

The old monkey paused, his monkey face filled with doubt.

He sized up Tai Bai Jin Xing, sensing something untrustworthy about this smiling old man.

But since he was an envoy, he dared not neglect him: “Then please wait here, old divine envoy. I shall report to the Great King at once!”

The old monkey replied, then gave a subtle glance to a clever young monkey beside him.

Telling them to watch Tai Bai Jin Xing, he sprinted back toward the Water Curtain Cave.

…

Inside the Water Curtain Cave at this moment.

Sun Wukong lay lazily on his throne, legs crossed, gnawing on a peach.

During Su Chen’s seclusion, his days had grown dull.

Without his younger brother to chat with, drink, and boast, something vital was missing.

Bored, Sun Wukong yawned, preparing for a nap.

The messenger monkey rushed in.

“Great King! Great King!”

“What’s the rush?” Sun Wukong snapped, his drowsiness shattered.

The old monkey panted, bowing: “An old man has come from below. He claims to be a celestial immortal sent by the Jade Emperor, summoning Your Majesty to Heaven for an official post!”

“What?”

Sun Wukong leapt from his throne in an instant, eyes wide with shock.

The celestial court had sent someone?

Summoning Old Sun to Heaven for an official post?

His mind flashed back to the words Su Chen had spoken that night.

“Big Brother, the celestial court will inevitably notice you. To preserve their dignity and control you, they’ll almost certainly send someone to summon you to Heaven.”

“If that day comes, you must absolutely refuse!”

“Once you go, you step into a trap they’ve laid for you. Then, call to Heaven and no answer, call to Earth and no reply—you’ll regret it too late!”

…

“It’s a trap!”

Sun Wukong shuddered violently.

His face hardened with suspicion and caution.

“Little Brother’s words have all come true.”

He now had not the slightest doubt about Su Chen’s words.

“So! You celestial court bastards truly have no good intentions!”

Sun Wukong’s eyes flashed with fury; golden light flickered in his hand—the Ruyi Jingu Bang appeared.

He longed to rush out and smash that so-called immortal into pulp with one blow.

But he paused, reconsidering.

He could not yet openly break with the celestial court.

If he struck down the envoy now, wouldn’t that be a declaration of war?

When the celestial army descended, he himself didn’t care—but what of the monkeys of Huaguo Mountain?

“No, I must not act rashly.”

Sun Wukong forced himself to calm down.

His eyes darted, and he quickly devised a plan.

“Hmph! Old Sun will see what tricks these celestial court immortals are hiding!”

He ordered the messenger monkey: “Go, bring that immortal from below to me!”

“Children!” Sun Wukong called loudly to the monkeys within the cave, “Prepare wine, fruits, and delicacies—the celestial envoy is arriving!”

“Yes, Great King!”

The monkeys chorused in unison, each taking up their duties to prepare the reception.

Sun Wukong nodded in satisfaction.

He sat back on his throne and tucked the Ruyi Jingu Bang behind his ear.