Chapter 599: 560th Chapter: The Surrender of the Mo Wu Ferret
After Wu Zhiqi was summoned by Sun Wukong as well, Rogue Heart Sword Hero couldn't help but ask curiously, "Hey? Monkey, where's the big monk? You didn't forget your disciple brother, did you?" Sun Wukong, however, responded with a mysterious smile, "Old Sha's a bit busy right now, I'll call him out in a bit. Let's drink first, drink!" Having said that, Sun Wukong suddenly noticed the shock on Yue Huangquan's face who was standing at the foremost place. Sun Wukong let out a "yikes", realizing he had been too excited and had yet to introduce Yue Huangquan; after all, this was someone else's turf, and it wouldn't be right to upstage the host.
Having thought this, Sun Wukong quickly pulled Ye Zi and the others over to Yue Huangquan to give introductions and emphasized how these individuals had aided him in the Patrolling Celestial World's trials, fighting valiantly, leading to their final victory. When Sun Wukong finished, Yue Huangquan didn't know what to say. In this world where strength reigns supreme, those with greater power have the right to speak. Although Yue Huangquan was the lord of the Netherworld World, he didn't put on any airs in front of these powerhouses who were no less strong than himself, and some even surpassed him in cultivation.
Not only that, after the initial shock, Yue Huangquan showed immense enthusiasm, first greeting each one individually and expressing his gratitude before immediately ordering his subordinates to fetch bowls and chopsticks for these individuals, and he personally poured wine for them. Yue Huangquan's behavior was nothing short of excellent, impressively so. Upon discovering that those Sun Wukong had brought were on the same level or even above himself, his first reaction wasn't concern about their impact on his status but rather that he must not neglect them.
From this, it was clear that Yue Huangquan truly embodied the aura of an emperor, displaying respect for the wise in his court without compromising his dignity, and in a manner that left no room for criticism—something not just anyone could achieve. After pouring wine for Ye Zi and the others, Yue Huangquan personally filled the cups of Rogue Heart Sword Hero and several other old subordinates from the Netherworld World. Although he couldn't neglect his original guests, he also didn't want to chill the hearts of his own men. While Rogue Heart Sword Hero and the others certainly wouldn't mind these details, Yue Huangquan paid close attention.
Once everyone held a full cup of wine, Yue Huangquan didn't return to his throne. Instead, he ordered the tables to be cleared away and replaced with four large roasting spits, then various prepared exotic birds and beasts were placed on the grills. Only then did Yue Huangquan address everyone in a loud voice, "All of you present are great benefactors and heroes of my Netherworld World, and so today, I won't presume myself the Domain Lord. From now on, if you all hold Yue Huangquan in high regard, then let us be brothers. Here, let's finish this drink, and after that, let the Sword Hero show us his skills again!"
After speaking, Yue Huangquan, feeling buoyant, drained his cup in one gulp. Once upon a time, he, Yue Huangquan, was also a hot-blooded youth, who with only a World Suppressing Stele in hand, managed to defeat countless foes to achieve his current position, becoming the Domain Lord of a Divine Kingdom. Deep down, Yue Huangquan longed to be a free spirit like Sun Wukong, adventuring through the cosmos with a group of brothers to rely on in life and death.
However, after he had ascended to the position of Domain Lord, he realized his mission had changed. He needed to be calm, wise, and even a schemer. But he knew that he was still the same Yue Huangquan they called the Tyrant, and not the scheming figure who sat on the throne today. Therefore, regarding the individuals Sun Wukong had just brought about, Yue Huangquan did not see them as a threat to his status. Yue Huangquan also knew that these weren't individuals he could control either. If that were the case, then better make friends. If they truly became friends, they surely wouldn't stand by idly if the Netherworld World ever faced trouble one day.
In fact, whether it was Hei Kui who had reached Half-step Heavenly Venerate, Wu Zhiqi who was at the Heavenly Venerate Primary Stage, or Ye Zi and Ye Wu, they were all straightforward individuals without much guile. Although the little monkey might be craftier at times, it was only for the sake of survival. Thus, they all found Yue Huangquan's demeanor very natural and comfortable and never regarded him differently because of his status. In their eyes, Yue Huangquan was a decent fellow.
While Rogue Heart Sword Hero and the others were somewhat taken aback, after their initial surprise, they felt reassured. Particularly for Rogue Heart Sword Hero, who hadn't known Yue Huangquan for long, he sincerely respected him. Now seeing Yue Huangquan could set aside status to call each other brothers, drink from big bowls, and feast heartily, Rogue Heart Sword Hero was truly joyful. This is how people are; no matter what position one holds, there comes a time to remove the mask and have a heartfelt drink with those one trusts the most.
This point was something that the other Domain Lords simply couldn't achieve. As everyone was busily toasting in pairs and groups, Sun Wukong suddenly clapped his hands, signaling everyone to quiet down. When all eyes were fixed on Sun Wukong, he cleared his throat and said, "Come, come, come, allow me to introduce two friends to you all. Perhaps you know these two already, but please keep calm when you see them, and we can talk after, okay?"
Finishing his words, Sun Wukong's right hand sliced through the void in front of him, and instantly, a rift was torn open in the space ahead of him. Sha Wujing then walked out from it. Upon realizing it was Sha Wujing, Ye Zi and the others couldn't help but exclaim, "Hey, we thought it was someone else. Old Sha, we all know you; why make it so mysterious? By the way, Old Sha, what happened to you?" At this time, Sha Wujing's armor was tattered and his body bore many bloodstains, along with evident injuries.
After Ye Zi spoke, he promptly stepped forward and consciously placed his hand on Sha Wujing's back. Pure life force then flowed from Ye Zi's arm into Sha Wujing's body, healing his wounds. Sha Wujing nodded gratefully, then said, "It's not me. The person Big Brother mentioned is still behind." After saying that, he pulled Ye Zi a few steps forward, and then everyone saw another person poking his head out from the rift in space.
Everyone was stunned at the sight of this person. Recognizing who it was, the Rogue Heart Sword Hero didn't hesitate and was ready to grab his Dragon Origin to confront him, but he was stopped by Wan Jun, "Senior brother, don't act rashly. These two from the Annihilation Demon Nation aren't like the others. If it weren't for them, I would've completely turned into a demon by now." At this point, Sun Wukong also added, "Wan Jun is right. Mo Wu and Mo Mietian are different from Mo Mietian and Ling Weiyang. Actually, it's after learning some secrets that I made this judgment."
Sun Wukong then gestured for the two to come out. But when Mo Wu and Mo Mietian appeared, everyone looked at each other in disbelief, looking back and forth between Sha Wujing and the two newcomers, as if catching on to something. Mo Mietian, seeming somewhat embarrassed by the stares, said softly, "We made a bet with this bearded monk; if we won, we would be allowed to leave, but if we lost, we would join you." That's when Wan Jun asked, "And the result?"
No sooner had Wan Jun finished asking than Mo Mietian's expression became quite strange, hesitantly saying, "We... we lost by a slight margin!" With Mo Mietian's words, the others didn't think much of it, but Yue Huangquan was shocked once more. He certainly knew who Mo Mietian and Mo Wu were; they were top-notch super experts in the Annihilation Demon Nation, equal in status and power to the Rogue Heart Sword Hero of the Netherworld World. Yet, the two of them combined weren't a match for this bearded monk—that was simply inconceivable. Where on earth did Sun Wukong find so many super experts?
If Yue Huangquan knew that Sun Wukong and Sha Wujing between them possessed three World Suppressing Steles, who knows what he would have thought. With Sun Wukong's help, Mo Wu and Mo Mietian told everyone about how Xi Zhao had planned the incidents in the Li Fire Realm and the ruin of the Dominion of Soil, and how they had been killed by their combined efforts in the end. The listeners were stunned by the revelation of so many secrets, especially Yue Huangquan, whose expression grew exceptionally grim. Nevertheless, Yue Huangquan readily accepted the allegiance of Mo Wu and Mo Mietian.
It seemed that the strategies of both Myriad Demons Country and Annihilation Demon Nation were completely beyond his own expectations. In the future, should he also start deploying some of his trump cards?
The revelry of the group lasted a full three days and nights. On the morning of the fourth day, Sun Wukong, Sha Wujing, and the Ye Zi brothers took their leave of the high-level world while everyone else was still sound asleep. (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to Starting Point (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation and monthly pass votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)