Chapter 117: The Awakening Pill

The presence of Taishang Laojun in the Lingxiao Palace was primarily at the behest of his true self. Given Sun Wukong’s unique status, even after being captured, no one dared to press him too hard; the proceedings were largely a formality.

Ultimately, it required the involvement of a special immortal—Taishang Laojun himself. Acting on instructions from his true self, Laojun had a specific mission beyond merely using the alchemy furnace to refine Sun Wukong’s cultivation.

Judging from the combat prowess displayed in the mirror, Sun Wukong was not a genius of unparalleled natural talent. The only thing that piqued Taishang Laojun’s interest was the monkey's innate Metal-elemental body; there was nothing else of note.

While Taishang Laojun waited for Sun Wukong in the Lingxiao Palace, he received a telepathic command from his true self to return to the Tushita Palace.

"Jade Emperor, I have urgent matters to attend to; I must take my leave."
"Hmm... very well, Laojun. Proceed with care."

The Jade Emperor had observed that Taishang Laojun initially had no intention of leaving, yet now he was departing abruptly. It seemed this was not Laojun’s own choice, but rather—

The Jade Emperor’s expression shifted as he realized the implication. The true self of Taishang Laojun was not someone he could afford to offend.

Having left the Lingxiao Palace, Taishang Laojun swiftly returned to the Tushita Palace. There, only one person was present: Laozi, the true self of Taishang Laojun, standing by the alchemy furnace and awaiting his return.

"You have arrived."
"Indeed. Was I not instructed to bring Sun Wukong back from the Lingxiao Palace? Why summon me away so soon?" Taishang Laojun asked his true self, perplexed.

"Could it be that the Buddhist sect is making new moves?" he ventured, but Laozi remained silent.

Ignoring the question, Laozi touched the alchemy furnace and tapped it a few times before speaking. "Do you recall what I told you previously?"
"Naturally, but..."
"No, that has changed."

Laozi cut him off and revealed the purpose of this endeavor: "Sun Wukong has consumed three gourds of your Nine-Turn Golden Elixirs, and he has also stolen your other two gourds of Awakening Elixirs. His innate divine ability is highly likely to awaken while he is inside the alchemy furnace."

"What? My Awakening Elixirs were stolen as well?"
Taishang Laojun hurried toward a specific spot and recited a incantation. Two gourds appeared out of thin air, but they were empty.

When all the protective barriers in the Tushita Palace had been lowered, Sun Wukong had evidently discovered the hidden gourds of Awakening Elixirs.

"Had I not cast a divination, I would never have known Sun Wukong possessed the means to detect the elixirs hidden within the void. If he were to awaken his innate divine ability, the plans of the Buddhist sect would be largely thwarted."

"Then what is my mission?"
"Beyond assisting Sun Wukong in refining the Nine-Turn Golden Elixirs to bring his cultivation to the perfection of the Metal element, you must ruin his soon-to-awaken innate divine ability."
"Understood."
"The Samadhi True Fire within the furnace, combined with your alchemy skills, should make this easy. However, be careful—do not accidentally destroy Sun Wukong himself."

After detailing the remaining tasks, Laozi departed from the Tushita Palace, leaving Taishang Laojun alone.

"In that case, the alchemy furnace must be readjusted."
Taishang Laojun began to modify the furnace. Alchemy and refining a living being were two entirely different concepts, and given that the subject was Sun Wukong, he could not afford a single mistake.

While Taishang Laojun was busy setting up the furnace, Sun Wukong was already at the Lingxiao Palace.

"Sun Wukong, do you know your crimes?"
"Crimes? What crimes? I have no crimes!"
"Audacious! You dare to be stubborn when death is at your doorstep?"

The Jade Emperor appeared calm, but the fury deep in his eyes betrayed his true temper. Yet, considering Sun Wukong’s background, his anger was mingled with helplessness.

"Guards, take him away and execute him!" the Jade Emperor commanded impatiently.
The blades used were, naturally, rigged—mere mortal steel from the human realm. How could they possibly cut Sun Wukong? It was all just for show.

After the celestial soldiers led Sun Wukong away, the Emperor continued, "In this campaign, Erlang Shen and General Divine Ape contributed the most; they shall be rewarded."

Yuan Wuji had left the Flower-Fruit Mountain earlier than Li Jing and the others. Instead of returning to the heavenly ranks, he had come to the Lingxiao Palace. Standing among the immortals, he stepped forward at the Jade Emperor’s command, accompanied by Yang Jian.

"Reward General Divine Ape with one Xiantian spiritual treasure, to be delivered to his residence tomorrow."
"Reward Erlang Shen with several Flat Peaches, a hundred Golden Elixirs, and one Houtian spiritual treasure, to be delivered tomorrow."

The rewards seemed comparable, but the disparity was significant. The Flat Peaches were not specified as being of a certain age, nor were the Golden Elixirs identified. As for the Houtian spiritual treasure, Yang Jian had no use for it, whereas Yuan Wuji received a Xiantian spiritual treasure—to a low-ranking immortal, the difference was negligible, but those with discerning eyes could see the inequality.

It was clear that the Jade Emperor did not favor Yang Jian; otherwise, he would not have been so vague. Under normal circumstances, Yang Jian might have protested, but he was severely wounded and lacked the energy. He only wished to conclude this quickly and return to the Guanjiang River to recover.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."
They spoke in unison, but Yuan Wuji was noticeably excited. After all, he did not yet possess a Xiantian spiritual treasure, so how could he not be pleased? Yang Jian, by contrast, remained indifferent.

"Very well, you two may withdraw. Heavenly King Li, step forward..."

The Jade Emperor intended to continue the distribution of rewards, but the celestial soldier who had taken Sun Wukong away returned to the palace. Li Jing, who was expecting a reward, saw his expression darken.

"Your Majesty, those blades are unable to sever Sun Wukong’s head."
The clamor of Sun Wukong’s defiant shouting could be heard even from the Lingxiao Palace, making the Jade Emperor’s expression even uglier.

"I don't care what methods you use; exhaust every means possible on him!"
The Jade Emperor knew that all the methods used against Sun Wukong were rigged, but what else could he do? He could only vent his rage by shouting at the soldier.

"Yes... yes, at once!"
The sudden outburst terrified the soldier, who scrambled away to carry out the order.

After the soldier departed, the Jade Emperor adjusted his composure and continued the awards, though the subsequent gifts were inferior to those given to Yuan Wuji, even for Li Jing.

After the ceremonies, the celestial soldier returned to the Lingxiao Palace again. There was no need to guess the outcome. Because of the Emperor’s earlier outburst, the soldier was visibly terrified, his legs trembling as he walked.

"Your... Your Majesty, Sun Wukong is... still... alive." The soldier stammered out the result.

"What use are you useless lot? You cannot even finish off a monkey that is already captured! Get out!"
Relieved to be dismissed, the soldier fled the Lingxiao Palace, fearing the Emperor might execute him in a fit of rage. Serving the Emperor was like sleeping beside a tiger; he had witnessed enough of that.