Let’s not talk about the heavenly gods surrounding the resting Great Sage yet.
Now, we turn to Mount Potalaka in the Southern Sea, where the compassionate and merciful Bodhisattva Guanyin, who saves the suffering and helps those in need, responded to the invitation from Queen Mother of the West to attend the Peach Banquet. She ascended the Treasure Pavilion at the Jade Pool with her senior disciple, the Benevolent Pilgrim, only to find it in a desolate and chaotic state.
Though a few heavenly immortals were present, none were seated, and everyone was discussing things in disarray.
After exchanging greetings, Guanyin asked about the situation. So, the immortals explained the recent events.
"Since there is no grand gathering and no wine to be served, let's go together to see the Jade Emperor," Guanyin suggested.
The immortals gladly followed her. When they arrived at the Hall of Brilliance, they found Four Heavenly Teachers, Daoist Barfoot, and others waiting to welcome Guanyin. They told her about the Jade Emperor's worries and the deployment of heavenly soldiers to capture a monster, which hadn't returned yet.
Guanyin said, "I wish to see the Jade Emperor. Please report my arrival."
Master Qiu Hongji entered the Divine Palace to announce Guanyin's presence. At that time, the Grand Supreme Elder Lord was present, and Queen Mother of the West was also in attendance.
The Bodhisattva led the crowd inside, and all paid respects to the Jade Emperor. They also greeted Laozi and Queen Mother before taking their seats.
The Bodhisattva asked, "How is the grand Peach Feast going?"
"Every year, it's a joyous event. But this year, the mischievous monkey caused chaos and turned it into a hollow affair," the Jade Emperor replied.
The Bodhisattva inquired further, "Where did this mischievous monkey come from?"
"The monkey sage was born from a stone egg on Flower Fruit Mountain in Aolai Country, located in the Eastern Victory Continent. When he was born, he emitted golden light that reached the South Dipper Palace. Initially, we didn't pay much attention. But he evolved into a powerful being, defeating dragons and tigers, and even erasing his name from the Book of Life and Death," the Jade Emperor explained, "The Dragon King and the King of Hell reported this matter to me. I intended to capture him, but Eveningstar advised, 'Among the Three Realms, anyone with nine apertures can become an immortal.' So, I educated and promoted him to be Protector of the Steeds in the Heavenly Stable. However, he disliked the minor position and rebelled against the Heavenly Court. I sent Heavenly King Li and Prince Nezha to subdue him. And then Eveningstar tried to persuade him to behave. We even granted him the title of Great Sage Equal to Heaven. Albeit the position was without a salary. With nothing much to do, he wandered around aimlessly. To avoid potential troubles, I appointed him as the guardian of the Peach Orchard, but he disregarded the rules and stole ripe peaches from the old trees. When the banquet was held, he, being an unsalaried staff, wasn't invited. He tricked Daoist Barfoot. By disguising himself as him, the monkey attended the banquet. There, he ate all the heavenly delicacies and drank the divine wine. He even stole Laozi's pills and a considerable amount of imperial wine to enjoy with the monkeys on the mountain. This situation troubled me, so I mobilized a hundred thousand heavenly soldiers. I even gave them the Between-Heaven-and-Earth Net to encircle and capture him. Until now, there's been no report on the battle's outcome, and I don't know who's winning."
Upon hearing this, the Bodhisattva commanded the Benevolent Pilgrim, "You should quickly descend to the Heavenly Court and go to Flower Fruit Mountain to gather intelligence about the battle. If you encounter any enemies, lend a helping hand and be sure to report back truthfully."
The Benevolent Pilgrim tidied his robe and gripped an iron staff as he rode on a cloud toward the mountain. Before him rose the Between-Heaven-and-Earth-Net, intricately layered, with guards at each camp gate, ringing bells and shouting orders, completely surrounding the mountain, leaving no gap for escape.
The Benevolent Pilgrim called out to the gatekeeper: "Could you please inform the camp leader that I am Heavenly King Li‘s second son, Muzha? I’m also known as the disciple Benevolent Pilgrim, of Guanyin from the South Sea. I've come to gather intelligence about the army's situation."
The message was relayed to the commanders in the central tent – the five Mountain Gods of the East. Quickly, the news reached the Supreme Commander, Heavenly King Li. He ordered the flags to be raised and granted Benevolent Pilgrim entry through the Between-Heaven-and-Earth-Net. As the eastern sky brightened, Benevolent Pilgrim followed the flag into the camp and found the Four Heavenly Kings and Heavenly King Li waiting to pay their respects.
After exchanging greetings, King Li asked, "Son, where do you come from?"
"I accompanied Bodhisattva to the Peach Banquet, but seeing the event deserted and Jade Pool desolate, she led us all to see the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor mentioned that you, my father, and others have descended to subdue the monkey monster. Yet there has been no news from you for a day, and the outcome remains uncertain. Bodhisattva sent me here to inquire about the truth."
"Yesterday, we camped here and challenged the monkey monster with the Nine Luminaries, but he employed powerful magic and drove them all away. Later, we personally led the troops, and he confronted us with his battle formation. We fought him until dusk, but he used his magical clones to force us to retreat. After investigating, we only captured some wolves and tigers, not even half of a monkey." King Li told his son. "Today, we haven't engaged in battle yet."
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
The King couldn't say much more because a messenger arrived outside the tent, reporting, "The Great Sage is leading a group of monkeys and is challenging us to battle."
The Four Heavenly Kings and King Li, along with the Crown Prince, were discussing sending troops. "Father, at Bodhisattva's command, I've come to gather information and offer assistance if there's a fight," Muzha said, "I'd like to go now and see what this Monkey King is all about."
"Son, you've been practicing with Bodhisattva for these years, and I reckon you have some special abilities. Just be cautious in your actions."
The prince equipped an iron rod, adjusted his embroidered robes, and leaped out of the tent. "Who's the Great Sage Equal to Heaven?"
The Great Sage brandished his Golden-Hooped Rod. "I am Boss Sun. Who are you to dare question me?"
"I am the Second Prince Muzha, son of the Heavenly King Li. I'm here under the guidance of Bodhisattva Guanyin, and my dharma name is Benevolent Pilgrim."
"Why on earth are you dropping by to see me?" asked the Monkey King. "Aren’t you supposed to be practicing in the South Sea?"
"My master sent me to gather information. Seeing you causing trouble like this, I've come to capture you," Muzha replied.
"You're kidding, right? Don't even try to run! You're about to get a taste of my strike!"
Muzha showed no fear and clashed his iron rod against the staff. They stood halfway up the mountain, outside the tent, engaged in a fierce battle: Stick met iron, each with a unique style, warriors meeting warriors with different powers.
In battle, rods clashed, each distinct,
Warriors entwined, but paths succinct.
One, hailed by Daoists, the Great Sage,
The other, disciple of Guanyin's grace.
The Compliant Golden-Hooped Rod strikes fierce,
With six domains' power, the universe's pierce.
While the Compliant Golden-Hooped Rod holds sway,
Controlling seas and skies, an awe-inspiring display.
Two rivals, meeting face to face,
Their prowess endless, no retreat or chase.
One wields a dark rod, a thousand harms it brings,
Swift as the wind, the foe it tightly rings.
The other, a dual-ended staff, never idle,
Shielding left and right, foes find it futile.
Bright banners shine on one's battlefield,
Drums resound on the other, a tumultuous yield.
Countless heavenly troops gather 'round,
Amidst the demonic horde, they astound.
Bewildering mists cloud the realm of the dead,
Menacing smoke rises, celestial realm misled.
Yesterday's melee, though fierce in strife,
Today's contention, sharper than a knife.
Admire the Monkey King's true might,
Prince Muzha defeated, evading the fight.
The Great Sage and Benevolent Pilgrim clashed in battle for about fifty or sixty rounds. Benevolent Pilgrim's arms grew sore and numb, unable to withstand the fight, so he quickly retreated and fled.
The Great Sage recalled his monkey soldiers and stationed them outside the cave entrance.
At the gate of the heavenly camp, the heavenly soldiers received the prince and cleared a path for him to enter the tent. He faced the Four Heavenly Kings, King Li, and his brother, Nezha. "What a Great Sage, what a Great Sage!" Muzha exclaimed, still catching his breath, "Truly, his magical powers are vast and mighty. I couldn't defeat him and had to retreat!"
When King Li heard this, he felt anxious and immediately wrote a report to seek help. He then sent the powerful Ghost King of Strength and Prince Muzha to deliver the message to the heavens.
At that moment, the two of them didn't dare to linger. Blowing through the net, they rode on auspicious clouds, swiftly arriving at the Hall of Brilliance. There, they met the Four Heavenly Teachers and were led to the Hall of Lingxiao, where they presented their report. Benevolent Pilgrim also paid his respects to the Bodhisattva.
"How did your investigation go?" The Bodhisattva Guanyin asked her disciple.
"I followed the orders and went to Flower Fruit Mountain. I opened the gate of the heavenly net and met my father. I conveyed the master's message. My father said, 'Yesterday, we battled the Monkey King, but we only caught some tigers, leopards, lions, and elephants; not a single monkey spirit was captured.' While discussing, the monkey king challenged us again. I fought him with my iron rod for about fifty or sixty rounds, but couldn't defeat him, so I retreated to the camp. Because of this, my father sent the Ghost King of Strength and me to seek help from the upper realm."
The Bodhisattva lowered her head, pondering over the situation.
When the Jade Emperor read the report seeking assistance, he chuckled and remarked, "How can this monkey spirit, with all his tricks, dare to challenge our massive army of a hundred thousand celestial soldiers? And now, here comes King Li seeking help. Which divine troops shall we send to assist him?"
Before anyone could make a suggestion, Guanyin, with her palms together, spoke up, "Your Majesty, worry not. I know of a deity who can capture this monkey. It is none other than your nephew, the illustrious Second Lord Shen. He resides on Mount Guan at the mouth of the Guan River, where he's revered and worshiped by mortals. He defeated the six monsters in the past and has the support of the Plum Hill Brothers and twelve hundred grass-headed deities, all of whom possess great powers. While he follows direct orders, he doesn’t keep up with heaven’s announcements. Your Majesty may issue a special call for assistance, requesting his help to capture the monkey."
Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor immediately issued the decree for Lord Shen to come forth and assist. He sent the mighty Ghost King of Strength to deliver the summons.
The Ghost King received the imperial decree and immediately rode the clouds, arriving at the mouth of the Guan River in no time. He went straight to the temple of Erlang Shen.
The gatekeeper announced, "There's a heavenly envoy here with a decree."
Erlang and his brothers came out to welcome the decree, lit incense, and read it. The decree stated:
"The Sage Equal to Heaven, Sun Wukong, from Flower Fruit Mountain, caused havoc. He stole peaches, wine, and pills from the palace, disrupting the Peach banquet. He is undefeated despite facing 100,000 heavenly soldiers and 18 layers of the Between-Heaven-and-Earth Net. The mountain is besieged, but victory hasn't been achieved. Now, I send my wise nephew and loyal brother to go to Flower Fruit Mountain and assist in exterminating the troublemaker. Once successful, you will be highly promoted and rewarded."
Erlang was overjoyed and said, "Heaven's envoy, please go back. I will go and unsheathe my sword to help as well."
The Ghost King left without further questions.
The divine lord called on the six brothers from Plum Mountain: Kang, Zhang, Yao, and Li, also called the four Commanders, and Guo Shen and Zhi Jian, also called the two generals. After they gathered in front of the hall, Lord Shen addressed them, "Just now, the Jade Emperor sent us to Flower Fruit Mountain to subdue a monster monkey. Let's go together."