013 CHAPTER FOUR: C. FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD

Look at the Monkey King's victorious return to the mountain!

The seventy-two beast kings and his six brothers all came to congratulate him in the heavenly realm, celebrating with unparalleled joy and festivity.

"Since I am now known as the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, you may also be called Great Sages, " the Monkey King said.

The Bull Beast King suddenly exclaimed, "Brother, your words make sense. I shall be known as the Great Sage of the Flat Heaven."

The Dragon Beast King said, "I shall be the Great Sage of the Overturning Seas."

The Roc Beast King declared, "I shall be the Great Sage of the Merging Skies."

The Lion Beast King proclaimed, "I shall be the Great Sage of the Moving Mountains."

The Macaque Beast King said, "I shall be the Great Sage of the Breezy Winds."

The Rhesus Beast King added, "I shall be the Great Sage of the Chasing off Deities."

The seven Great Sages named themselves and had a joyous time together for a day before parting ways.

Led by the Heavenly King Li and the third prince, the troops marched all the way to the Lingxiao Palace. Immediately, they reported to the court, "We have followed the divine decree and marched to the mortal realm to capture and subdue the demon-immortal Sun Wukong. Unexpectedly, his powers are vast, and we couldn't defeat him. We humbly request Your Majesty to send more troops to eliminate him."

"Why do you need to add more troops for just one monkey? How much power does he really possess?" asked the Jade Emperor.

The Prince stepped forward again. "Please pardon our failure. This monkey wielded a mighty iron staff and injured my arm," The Prince reported, "Outside his cave, he raised a flag with the words 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven.' He claims to hold such a high rank, so he'll surrender if we stop fighting. But if he doesn't hold such a position, he will strike even the Lingxiao Palace."

Hearing this, the Jade Emperor was astonished. "How dare this monkey be so arrogant? Order the troops to execute him immediately."

As they were talking, Counselor Eveningstar stepped forward. "That monkey only knows how to talk, but he doesn't understand the consequences of his actions. Sending more troops to fight him might not bring a swift victory, and it will only exhaust our forces. Instead, Your Majesty, in your boundless mercy, could bestow upon him the title of 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven.' Just give him an honorary position without any real authority or benefits."

"What do you mean by 'an honorary position without any real authority'?" The Jade Emperor asked.

"He will be called the 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven,' but he won't have any actual responsibilities or privileges. We'll keep him in the mortal realm, away from positions of power, to curb his arrogance. This will ensure peace in the world and harmony in the universe."

Upon hearing Eveningstar out, the Jade Emperor agreed. "Your suggestion is wise." Then he issued a decree and instructed Counselor Eveningstar to deliver it to Sun Wukong.

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After returning through the South Heaven Gate, Counselor Eveningstar went straight to the Water Curtain Cave at Flower Fruit Mountain.

This time, the mountain appeared different than before, emanating a mighty aura and an air of impending battle. There were all sorts of monsters present, armed with swords, spears, knives, and staves, roaring and leaping around. As they saw Eveningstar, they approached him with hostile intent.

Counselor Eveningstar commanded, "I beckon the leaders to go and inform your Great Sage: I am a celestial envoy sent by the Heavenly Emperor with a divine decree to request his presence."

Sun Wukong thought, "Nice, nice. It must be Counselor Eveningstar who came before. Last time, he invited me to the heavens, and even though the rank wasn't that high, I did get a chance to visit. Now, I know my way around the Heavenly Gate. If he's back again, he must have good intentions."

With that in mind, the Great Sage commanded the demon leaders to prepare a grand welcome for the envoy. He led his monkey subjects, all wearing crowns and armor with a yellow robe draped over it. He himself wore cloud shoes.

Sun Wukong hurried outside. "Counselor Eveningstar, please come in. Forgive me for not welcoming you properly." He shouted while bowing respectfully.

Counselor Eveningstar took quick steps forward and entered the cave. Facing south, he said, "Listen, Great Sage: Last time, you didn't like the lowly position and left the Royal Horse Stable. The officials reported you to the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor issued an edict, saying, 'All official appointments start from lower positions to higher ones. Why do you dislike the smaller role?' That's when Heavenly King Li took Nezha down to the mortal world for a battle. But, little did they know about your divine powers, and you defeated them. They returned with your message: 'I want to be recognized as the Great Sage Equal to Heaven.' The other military officials tried to evade the issue, but I, as an old man, took the blame and pleaded for leniency on your behalf, avoiding the need for military action. I requested the King to promote you, saying you were ready to take on the role of the Great Sage. The Jade Emperor approved my petition, which is why I have come to invite you."

"You've been a true friend before, and now you're showing love again. Much appreciated!" Sun Wukong replied, smiling, "But I'm curious, will the Heavenly Court actually grant me the title of the Great Sage Equal to Heaven?"

"I made this request on your behalf, and it was approved. Only then did I dare to come and deliver the edict. If anything goes wrong, I will take responsibility for it," Counselor Eveningstar said.

Sun Wukong was overjoyed. Refusing to leave, he insisted that Counselor Eveningstar had to stay for a banquet this time.

Afterward, Sun Wukong and Eveningstar rode their clouds to the gates of the Southern Heaven.

The heavenly guards and celestial generals all greeted them respectfully. They went straight into Lingxiao Hall.

Eveningstar bowed and reported, "I've been ordered to announce that the Horse Care Assistant, Sun Wukong, has arrived."

"Let Sun Wukong come forward," The Jade Emperor said, "Today, I appoint you as the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, the highest rank. But be warned, don't act recklessly."

The Monkey King bowed politely in response. "Thank you for the honor."

The Jade Emperor then instructed the teachers Zhang and Lu to build the Great Sage's mansion to the right of the Peach Garden. Inside the residence, they set up two bureaus: one called the Bureau of Tranquility and the other the Bureau of Serenity. Each bureau had divine officials to assist and support. Additionally, the Jade Emperor sent Secretary Alkaid to accompany Sun Wukong to his post. As an outer reward, he presented two bottles of imperial wine and ten golden flowers, urging him to focus his mind and not to act recklessly.

The Monkey King gratefully accepted the appointment and followed the instructions. On the same day, he went with Secretary Alkaid to his new residence. They opened the wine bottles and drank together with delight. After seeing off the celestial official, he felt completely satisfied and overjoyed, reveling in the Heavenly Palace's happiness without any worries or constraints. This truly was a time of blissful contentment in the Heavenly Realm.

> In timeless realms, immortal names enshrine,

> Within the scroll of life, they brightly shine,

> Breaking free from the cycle's endless maze,

> Through ages, this truth they shall embrace.

>

> Yet, the road ahead remains unknown,

> What lies beyond, a mystery to own,

> But fear not, for the next chapter shall disclose,

> All secrets unveiled, as the story goes.