Great Demon Sun Wukong

If Sun Wukong wanted to return to the Pangu Realm, it wouldn't be simple—in fact, it would be quite difficult. Within the cosmic rules, there are clear restrictions placed on powerful individuals traveling to smaller worlds. This means anyone with strength at the level of Dao Patterns or above must stay within high-level worlds or divine kingdoms. Saints of the Great Dao and figures above that level, as well as those with strength just below Dao Patterns, can only exist in intermediate worlds. Only those below the level of Saint of the Great Dao can be in smaller worlds. These are the ironclad rules of this particular universe. Anyone whose strength exceeds these limits will ascend to higher realms through Transcending Heavenly Tribulation.

For someone with high strength to return to a lower-level world, they must either diminish their own strength or use a doppelganger; otherwise, it is completely impossible. And as for what happened inside the Pangu Realm, after Chang'er—in her incarnation as Heavenly Dao—was defeated and sealed by Zhu Bajie, the Pangu Realm lost the restrictions of Heavenly Dao. Without the restrictions of Heavenly Dao, the people within this small world were no longer subjected to limitations on improving their strength, but it also meant they lost the possibility of ascending to a higher-level world through Tribulation.

This is why Zhu Bajie, even at the Unity Dao level, still remained in the Pangu Realm. However, Heavenly Dao being sealed and cultivation losing its restrictions was only regarding small worlds and high-level worlds. If Zhu Bajie could cultivate to the Dao Patterns level, then he would be drawn directly by the cosmic rules to a high-level world that suited him, bypassing the intermediate stage. Of course, cultivating to the level of Dao Patterns in a small world is absolutely impossible—unless this small world is called the Pangu Realm.

Before entering the pit, Sun Wukong had already left a grain of spatial sand in the air. After collecting those treasures and successfully getting the star marrow to recognize a new master, Sun Wukong prepared to leave the underground space and return to the Patrolling Celestial World, led by the nine-headed serpent. Before leaving, Sun Wukong looked at the Crystal Palace with considerable reluctance; it was such a pity that he couldn't take it with him. If he could, and then let Fan Xin cultivate inside, how wonderful that would be. However, the nine-headed serpent made it clear to Sun Wukong that if the Crystal Palace were to leave the Patrolling Celestial World, the whole world would immediately wither, which would surely attract the attention of the law enforcers.

Even though he couldn't take it with him, Sun Wukong still left a grain of spatial sand on the plaque above the gate of the Crystal Palace. The fact that he didn't have the strength or qualifications to take it now didn't mean he couldn't in the future. Leaving a grain of spatial sand behind was like creating a back-up plan for himself. Having done all this, Sun Wukong no longer hesitated. In a flash, he appeared above the void. "Snake Two, right? How do we proceed now?"

The nine-headed serpent shook its nine serpent heads and said, "How else can we go? You don't have the ability to break open the space here. Use the teleportation array on you to return to that Netherworld World first, then go from the Netherworld World to its subordinate intermediate worlds and make your way back little by little. I really don't see what's so good about a measly small world. Okay, now I'm going to release the restriction on that teleportation array, get ready to teleport. Remember, don't let anyone discover my existence, especially that Soul Master Yue Huangquan you spoke of."

After the nine-headed serpent finished speaking, Sun Wukong felt intense spatial fluctuations suddenly appearing beneath his feet. Shortly after, the formation patterns of the teleportation array that once appeared under everyone's feet started to materialize in the void. The moment all the formation patterns connected, Sun Wukong's Heaven and Earth Fire Eyes widened, having recorded the entire layout, size, and flow of spiritual power in the teleportation array. Then, he disappeared.

When he appeared again, it was in a grand hall Sun Wukong found somewhat familiar. As the light of the teleportation array on his body dimmed, Sun Wukong could see his surroundings clearly. When he did, he couldn't help feeling a little embarrassed. He hadn't planned to stay so long originally, so he frantically packed the ferocious beasts into the mystic space when the teleportation array was activated. However, it was only at the last moment that the serpent's voice echoed in his mind, rapidly communicating some matters with him, and then temporarily restricting the teleportation array on Sun Wukong's body. This was why he didn't leave the Patrolling Celestial World immediately. Thinking of the serpent, Sun Wukong suddenly remembered he had yet to tell him the method for his master's resurrection. But judging by the current situation, it obviously wasn't the right time.

Sun Wukong felt embarrassed because he saw Yue Huangquan, among others, looking anxiously in his direction. After everyone had returned and hadn't found him, they must have feared something had happened to him. Seeing their concern, Sun Wukong truly felt guilty. But before Sun Wukong could speak, the little fox had already run over and pinned him to the ground. Of course, at this time, the little fox was still in its original form, not in human shape. The over three-meter-tall fox with nine tails instantly buried Sun Wukong completely.

"Why were you gone for so long? We thought you had swindled the Spirit Controller and that the Spirit Controller held a grudge and left you there. What exactly happened?" The Flame God originally wanted to come forward, but seeing the sprawling fox tails all over the ground, he stood to the side and questioned Sun Wukong. The moment Sun Wukong had appeared, they knew he was safe, so they let the little fox make a fuss.

Sun Wukong climbed out from among a pile of soft fox tails, but the little fox wouldn't give up and clung to his back, wrapping her body tightly around him. Wukong could only let the little fox hold on to him and said apologetically, "There was a slight problem with the teleportation array, but now everything is fine. I'm truly sorry, especially to Yue Huangquan, for troubling you to this extent!"

As he spoke, Sun Wukong bowed respectfully to Yue Huangquan, but the sight of the little fox on his back was quite comical. At that moment, Flame God stepped up to Wukong and said to the little fox, "If you don't get down now, I'll make nine scarves out of you." Clearly frightened by Flame God, the little fox hurriedly got down and hid behind Sun Wukong's back. Then Yue Huangquan said, "Heroes, you've astonished me. Not only have you retained the status of Divine Kingdom in the Netherworld World, but you've also secured first place. It's truly unexpected. Sun Wukong, in particular, has made indelible contributions. You used to call me 'my lord,' and that was only natural, but now it's no longer appropriate. If we really fought, I might not even be able to beat you. From today on, all of us are equals, brothers without subjects or rulers!"

After speaking, Yue Huangquan, without any pretense, stepped down from the throne and looked closely at everyone in turn, proclaiming loudly, "Everyone present is a benefactor to Yue Huangquan. Without your bloodshed, there would be no future for the Netherworld World. Although many warriors have been sacrificed, their blood was not shed in vain. Now that Wukong has returned safely, we should celebrate with a lively feast, no rest until we're all drunk!"

The victory celebration was a sharing of joy, so although Sun Wukong was anxious to return to the Pangu Realm, he couldn't refuse. And though he previously thought he had no more attachments in the Netherworld World, upon reflection, that wasn't quite right. Whether it was the little fox, Demon Emperor Di Jun and Donghuang Taiyi, or the brothers who fought amidst blood and sacrifice, he couldn't sever his feelings for them.

With that, Yue Huangquan led everyone through a breach in the spatial barrier of the Netherworld World, arriving at another high-level world under the Netherworld World jurisdiction. This high-level world wasn't a realm of souls but a planet where normal life thrived. The people who had physical bodies naturally felt more comfortable here. Among those who returned from the Patrolling Celestial World were Rogue Heart Sword Hero, Flame God, Zhan Yunyi, Shang Sheng, Du Tianyang, Zijing, and Wan Jun from the Annihilation Demon Nation, now joined by Sun Wukong. It could be said that out of the thirty-six participants, only seven had survived the trial.

Among them, Ming Wanjie from the Underworld had died in battle, Xi Zhao had betrayed them, Old King had betrayed, and Evil Monarch had joined forces with Xi Zhao to become one. The remaining Nine Patterns Supreme powerhouses had all perished, but such an outcome was still far better compared to other forces. Just as everyone had settled down, Sun Wukong suddenly slapped his forehead and exclaimed, "Wait, wait, I've been so happy that I forgot about so many people." Once Wukong mentioned this, Rogue Heart Sword Hero and others also remembered. Indeed, there were still many people in Wukong's mystic space.

To Yue Huangquan's astonishment, Sun Wukong waved his hand, and first Ye Zi stepped out of the void, followed by Ye Wu, then Hei Kui, with a little monkey on his shoulder who had almost fully recovered. Behind the little monkey were three well-behaved gorillas of Domain Lord Level strength, and when Sun Wukong learned their names, he was speechless: Hei Da, Hei Er, Hei San. Were these ferocious beasts so casual when they named themselves?

Seeing these new arrivals, Yue Huangquan was quite surprised. Ye Zi, an Intermediate Grade Domain Lord, possessed an enormous and unbelievable life force, although he didn't seem in the best condition now. Ye Wu, at the peak level of Domain Lord, felt like he had strong attack power and was likely fire attribute. Hei Kui's level was indiscernible, but the thick Blood Fiend Force he carried made Yue Huangquan quite wary. The frail little monkey's level was also indiscernible, and he seemed quite ordinary. The three gorillas following him all had the peak strength of a Domain Lord.

And it didn't end there. As Yue Huangquan watched in shock, Sun Wukong formed a hand seal and muttered a few words. Then the space beside Wukong tore open, and out stepped the Nine Decisions Primordial Beast, Wu Zhiqi.

The moment Wu Zhiqi appeared, Yue Huangquan suddenly felt a wave of fear. What level was this beast, which resembled an ape? Just one glance had elicited intense fear in him—a feeling he had only experienced from Law Enforcers. Who exactly were these people?

(To Be Continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to recommend and cast your monthly pass at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)