"If you dare to send them, my old Sun will accept them all!"
Sun Kong's fierce declaration wasn't truly because he was itching for a fight, having gone through three tribulations with little opportunity for combat.
It was because, upon recent divination, he discovered that the twelfth tribulation ahead was far less significant than the eighth.
Yet, the "Wuhou Seven Star Formation" indicated that the enthusiasm of various factions to participate was not only undiminished but increasing.
A great battle was clearly brewing!
In the face of this,
Sun Kong did not fear but rather smiled, rubbing his hands together, eager for another exhilarating fight.
Therefore,
Without directly informing Jin Chanzi and the others, he protected Jin Chanzi on their journey, a distance of ninety million li from Guanyin Chan Yuan to Gao Lao Zhuang,
Never slackening, day or night.
Meanwhile, he also conjured a monkey hair clone to preemptively warn his sworn brother Wu Zhiqi, whom he had arranged to be there, to be extremely cautious.
He must not be careless.
Finally,
As he observed the pleasant scenery along the way, a place neither Buddhist nor Daoist, nor possessing the heavily Confucian atmosphere of the Great Tang Empire, resembling more a terrestrial paradise,
Sun Kong's mood became even more relaxed and joyful!
...
At the same time,
Just as Sun Kong had divined, seeing that the ninth, tenth, and eleventh tribulations had been swiftly resolved by Sun Kong, leading to a period of utmost peace.
It was only when the opportunity for the twelfth tribulation arose that various factions, after years of dormancy, began to harbor all sorts of new intentions.
According to the original plot, in this twelfth tribulation, besides Sun Kong, Jin Chanzi, and Wu Zhiqi, other important characters could have their roles usurped.
For instance, Gao Taigong, the master of Gao Lao Zhuang, although his first life had been killed by Sun Kong five hundred years ago, no longer being the same person.
Still, no one could guarantee that others wouldn't fill in.
Another example, Gao Cuilan, whom Sun Kong had left for the first life of the true Marshal Tianpeng, Zhu Yishi, should still be there now.
But it was impossible to say for sure if someone had secretly interfered; vigilance was necessary.
In addition, some minor characters, such as Gao Cai, Gao Xianglan, Gao Yulan, and others, as participants in this tribulation, could share a little bit of merit reward.
This would undoubtedly attract many!
For this reason,
The heavenly path, the demonic path, the sages of the heavens, and all manner of factions were actively strategizing!
...
On Lao Zi's side, having divined the imminent appearance of Zhu Bajie.
Without further ado, he decisively dispatched Grand Master Xuandu.
And continued to urge the Eight Immortals of the Upper Grotto on the mortal realm to quickly contact Luo Hou and seize the opportunity for cooperation, not to waste any more time!
...
On Yuanshi Tianzun's side, sensing the imminent birth of Zhu Bajie, he commanded the Eight Immortals of the Chan Sect to be on standby at all times.
As for the Southern Pole Immortal Weng, who was sent back by Sun Kong last time, after being re-educated by him, he had finally recovered and was still in seclusion.
Awaiting the next time!
...
On Empress Nuwa's side, as expected, she once again lamented the prowess of her own son, Sun Kong, and sent Feng'er and Huang'er down to the mortal realm.
While delivering two treasures to Sun Kong,
It was also to make his subsequent tribulations easier to pass!
...
On the Western Sect's two saints' side, as always, they remained neutral, playing both sides, believing that with the Buddha Randeng responsible for this matter, they would not invest further.
Especially after seeing Sun Kong rescue and return Bodhisattva Guanyin.
Their indifference towards Sun Kong slightly diminished, deeming him still useful!
...
Among the sages of the heavens, the person most displeased by the swift arrival of the twelfth tribulation should be Sect Master Tongtian.
But alas,
His subordinates were temporarily assigned by the Jade Emperor, making it difficult for them to achieve anything significant. He could only seek out the Jade Emperor and see what he had to say!
...
On the side of the Demonic Sage and Luo Hou.
Sensing the twelfth tribulation, the two exchanged smiles.
They clearly had a plan long ago!
...
On the Heavenly Court's Jade Emperor's side, upon seeing Sect Master Tongtian personally paying a visit, he knew it was time for him to act.
Thus,
He decisively and secretly plotted with Sect Master Tongtian overnight!
...
In the depths of the chaotic void.
The Heavenly Way and Ancestor Hongjun, who had been resting for several years, were forced to open their eyes due to the arrival of the twelfth tribulation. Unlike others who were not in a hurry to send people, they displayed a rare solemnity.
"Hongjun, with this twelfth tribulation about to arrive, what are your thoughts? Sun Monkey has overcome so many previous tribulations with such brilliance; this time, we must be cautious."
"Heavenly Way, I understand everything you wish to say. However, the simultaneous appearance of Pangu's bloodline in Sun Kong and Luo Hou already hints at this child's extraordinary origins. How can mere caution be enough to deal with him?"
"This twelfth tribulation has no great significance. It merely serves to solidify the karma that Sun Monkey altered five hundred years ago. I imagine that even someone as noble as you cannot interfere too much, let alone this Dao Ancestor?"
"Hehehe, Daoist Hongjun, you jest. We have worked together for many years. Although you have no one else available among your disciples, this Heavenly Way knows very well that you will not truly allow Sun Monkey to have it too easy."
"If nothing else, if he completes the Journey to the West so quickly, the first person he will deal with in the future may not be the demon race, but possibly you."
What a Heavenly Way!
Indeed, as the primary ruler of the Great Desolate World, with a single glance, he saw through the thoughts that Ancestor Hongjun was desperately trying to conceal. Furthermore, because his words were so sharp and incisive,
It instantly rendered Ancestor Hongjun speechless.
Seeing that he could no longer hide anything from the Heavenly Way, Ancestor Hongjun no longer remained evasive. He let out a cold laugh and actually brought up Zhu Yishi and his wife.
He had made some special arrangements for them long ago!
"That Sun Monkey believes that by forcibly altering the first life of Marshal Tianpeng over five hundred years ago, he has avoided today's twelfth tribulation."
"He never expected that, although I did not anticipate his appearance and the disruption to the Journey to the West, I had an encounter with Tianpeng many years ago."
"This twelfth tribulation is far from as complex as others believe, nor as simple as Sun Monkey thinks. If you don't believe me, just wait and see. No matter how they act, their performance will not escape our eyes!"
As he spoke, a red light flashed in Ancestor Hongjun's eyes, revealing considerable confidence.
After finishing the main topic,
The two could not help but discuss Xing Tian, who was sealed beneath Black Wind Mountain.
At this moment, the Heavenly Way and Ancestor Hongjun were still unaware of the interaction between Sun Kong and Xing Tian. However, due to the complete upheaval of the Journey to the West's grand scheme,
They had to make arrangements in advance.
After all, outsiders might not understand, but they, as the strongest proponents of suppressing the Wu and Yao races back then, knew best that Xing Tian and his group were left behind to counterbalance the rise of the demonic path!
"Heavenly Way, neither you nor I can intervene in this matter. We need to find an intermediary to go. Who do you think would be suitable?"
"An intermediary? Hehehehe, Daoist Hongjun, you jest. Besides that person, who else could it be?"
The two simultaneously thought of that person!
...
Fuling Mountain, Cloud-Cleft Cave.
Wu Zhiqi was waiting for the great storm to arrive!