Black Myth Series: Wukong Fights with God Erlang (part 1)

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At the South Sea's Mount Putuo, the Greatly Compassionate and Merciful Guanyin Bodhisattva, who saves those in distress, had been invited by the Queen Mother to attend the Peach Banquet. She arrived at the Jade Pool Pavilion with her first disciple, Hui'an Xingzhe. Upon arrival, she saw the place was desolate and the banquet tables were in disarray. Although a few celestial beings were present, none of them were seated; instead, they were all discussing the recent events in a chaotic manner. After meeting the celestial beings, they reported the earlier incidents to the Bodhisattva. Guanyin said, "Since there is no grand banquet and no toasts being made, you can follow me to see the Jade Emperor." The celestial beings gladly followed her. Upon reaching the Hall of Universal Brightness, they were greeted by the Four Great Heavenly Masters, the Barefoot Immortal, and other celestial beings, who informed her that the Jade Emperor was troubled and had dispatched heavenly soldiers to capture the demon, but they had not yet returned. Guanyin said, "I wish to see the Jade Emperor. Please convey my request." The Heavenly Master Qiu Hongji immediately entered the Hall of Divine Mist to inform the Jade Emperor. At that moment, the Supreme Old Lord was present, and the Queen Mother was in attendance.

Before we continue, let's talk about the scene outside the military camp where someone reported, "The Great Sage has brought a group of monkey demons and is calling for battle outside." The Four Heavenly Kings, along with Li Tianwang and his son, were discussing sending out troops. Muzha said, "Father, I have been instructed by the Bodhisattva to come and gather information, and I was told that if there is a battle, I could assist. Now, I am willing to go and see what this Great Sage is capable of!" Tianwang replied, "Son, you have been practicing under the Bodhisattva for years, so you must have some divine powers. Be careful."

The brave prince, wielding an iron rod in both hands, adjusted his embroidered clothes, and leaped out of the camp gate, shouting, "Who is the Great Sage Equal to Heaven?" The Great Sage, holding his Ruyi Jingu Bang, responded, "I am the Great Sage. Who are you to question me?" Muzha replied, "I am Muzha, the second son of Li Tianwang, now a disciple and protector under the Bodhisattva Guanyin, with the dharma name Hui'an." The Great Sage said, "Why are you here instead of practicing in the South Sea?" Muzha replied, "I was sent by my master to gather military intelligence and, seeing your arrogance, I have come to capture you!" The Great Sage said, "How dare you speak such big words! Don't run away, take this blow from my staff!" Muzha, unafraid, met the attack with his iron rod. They fought fiercely in the mountains outside the camp:

Staves clashed with different metals, and though weapons met, the men were not the same. One was the Great Sage called by the scattered immortals of Taiyi, the other was the true dragon disciple of Guanyin. The iron rod was forged with a thousand hammers, wielded with divine power by the Six Ding and Six Jia; the Ruyi Jingu Bang was a treasure from the Milky Way, a divine relic of immense power. These two were true opponents, their moves endless. One's stealthy rod, ferocious and swift as the wind, circled and struck; the other's spear-like rod, never missing, blocked and parried from left to right. Banners fluttered in one camp, war drums pounded in the other. Thousands of heavenly soldiers surrounded them, while a horde of monkey demons gathered. Dark clouds and ominous fog filled the underworld, while smoke and murderous intent shot up to the heavens. Yesterday's chaotic battle was bearable, but today's struggle was even fiercer. Admire the Monkey King's true skills, as Muzha was defeated yet escaped.

The Great Sage and Hui'an fought for fifty to sixty rounds. Hui'an's arms grew sore and numb, unable to withstand the enemy, he feigned a move and retreated in defeat. The Great Sage also withdrew his monkey soldiers, setting up camp outside the cave entrance. At the camp gate, the heavenly soldiers welcomed the prince, clearing the way for him to enter the camp. Breathless, he reported to the Four Heavenly Kings, Li Tianwang, and Nezha, "What a Great Sage! Truly powerful and skilled. I couldn't defeat him and had to retreat!" Li Tianwang was alarmed and immediately ordered a report to be written for assistance, sending the Great Strength Ghost King and Prince Muzha to the heavens to deliver it.

The two did not dare delay and quickly rode the auspicious clouds. In no time, they arrived at the Hall of Universal Brightness, where they were received by the Four Great Heavenly Masters and led to the Hall of Divine Mist to present the report. Hui'an also greeted the Bodhisattva with a salute. The Bodhisattva asked, "What have you found out?" Hui'an replied, "Upon receiving the order, I went to Flower Fruit Mountain, opened the gates of the heavenly net, and informed my father of the master's command. My father said, 'Yesterday we fought the Monkey King but only captured his tigers, leopards, and lions, not a single monkey demon.' While we were discussing, he called for battle again. I fought him with my iron rod for fifty to sixty rounds but couldn't win and had to retreat. My father then sent the Great Strength Ghost King and me to seek assistance." The Bodhisattva lowered her head in thought.

Meanwhile, the Jade Emperor opened the report and saw the request for assistance. He laughed, "How can this monkey demon be so capable as to withstand ten thousand heavenly soldiers? Li Tianwang is asking for more help. Which divine soldiers should we send?" Before he finished speaking, the Bodhisattva clasped her hands and said, "Your Majesty, be at ease. I recommend a deity who can capture this monkey." The Jade Emperor asked, "Which deity do you recommend?" The Bodhisattva replied, "It is your nephew, the True Lord Erlang, who resides at Guanjiangkou in Guanzhou, receiving incense offerings from the lower realm. He once defeated six monsters and has brothers from Meishan and twelve hundred grass-headed deities under his command. He is immensely powerful. However, he only responds to orders, not summons. Your Majesty can issue a military order for him to assist, and he will capture the monkey." The Jade Emperor, hearing this, immediately issued a military order and sent the Great Strength Ghost King to deliver it.

The Ghost King, receiving the order, quickly rode the clouds to Guanjiangkou. In less than half an hour, he arrived at the True Lord's temple. The gatekeeper ghost judge reported, "A heavenly messenger has arrived with an order." Erlang, along with his brothers, came out to receive the order, burned incense, and read it. The order stated:

The monkey demon, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, is causing chaos at Flower Fruit Mountain. He stole peaches, wine, and elixirs in the palace, disrupted the Peach Banquet, and faced ten thousand heavenly soldiers and eighteen heavenly nets, but has not been subdued. Now, we specially order our virtuous nephew and his righteous brothers to go to Flower Fruit Mountain to assist in eliminating the demon. Success will be rewarded with high honors.

The True Lord joyfully said, "Messenger, please return. I will immediately go to assist." The Ghost King returned to report, and the matter was not mentioned again.

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