Rat in Yellow Wind Ridge, rising from plundering entries

Chapter 26 The Grateful City! Jade Spirit Pills, and the Curse of Immortality!

Five hundred years—a blink in eternity, yet enough to turn seas into mulberry fields. The demons that Sun Wukong would encounter in his journey to the West—where were they now? Probably still hiding in some forgotten corner of the world.

Take the old black fox, the rat general, and the other demon officers under Huang Fengwang, by the time of Journey to the West, they had vanished. It was no surprise.

Without attaining immortality, they had no means of prolonging their existence. Some perished in tribulation lightning, failing to evade celestial disasters. Others fell to the Heavenly Court’s demon purges, the exorcism campaigns of Daoist masters, or even the ruthless sweeps of Spirit Mountain.

It was well known that every so often, the Heavenly Court, Spirit Mountain, and the Underworld would launch grand purges against demons and other lower beings.

After all, the countless demons inhabiting the vast mountains were like weeds—no matter how often they were cut down, they would sprout anew.

If left unchecked, some would inevitably overreach, attempting to usurp the Dao of Heaven with their own petty paths. Besides, if there were no demon-hunting campaigns, how would the gods build their merit? Where would the materials for refining pills and magical artifacts come from?

Wool must be sheared from sheep. The Four Great Continents were like fertile farmlands, cultivated in turns—was that not the most efficient system?

Suppressing his thoughts, Huang Fengwang asked the Daoist Ruyi, “What brings you here today?”

Ruyi Daoist replied, “I have come for two matters.”

“First, my elder brother saw from afar that a great demon had ascended to immortality. He sends a gift to congratulate you, Great King.”

He presented a wooden box, inside which was a jade bottle filled with fragrant white pills.

“These are called Jade Spirit Pills. There are nine in total. Each pill extends one’s lifespan by thirty years. I offer them to you, Great King, for a long and prosperous life!”

Huang Fengwang was surprised—this was a truly generous gift. His time at Fangcun Mountain had broadened his knowledge. He was well aware that in the Journey to the West cosmos, the Three Realms were governed by strict rules. Under the jurisdiction of the Heavenly Court and the Underworld, the lifespans of demons and cultivators were limited.

When their time was up, whether they were mortals, demons, immortals, or even gods and Buddhas, they were required to enter the cycle of reincarnation. Those who refused would be dragged away by the underworld’s ghostly soldiers.

Take Sun Wukong, for instance. Had he not cultivated to immortality, his natural lifespan as a stone-born monkey would have been precisely 342 years before he would have died of old age.

As for other demons? Even worse.

Though there existed ways to evade the Underworld’s grasp, none could escape the wrath of the Heavenly Court’s armies. This was precisely why so many demon kings, upon hearing the legend that eating Tang Sanzang’s flesh would grant eternal life, were willing to risk everything to capture him.

Even certain immortals and gods, in order to extend their own lifespans, secretly allowed their mounts to descend into the mortal realm and wreak havoc, engaging in all manner of illicit schemes behind the scenes.

Though immortals who reincarnated were given preferential treatment, who would willingly discard thousands of years of arduous cultivation in a single moment?

To prevent these ancient beings from clinging to life endlessly, the Heavens decreed great calamities to purge the parasites feasting on the cosmic order. Thus, such calamities were known as the ‘Curse of Immortality’.

Ruyi Daoist was unaware of Huang Fengwang’s thoughts. Seeing his calm expression, he gained a newfound respect for him. Any other demon king would have been ecstatic at the mere thought of extending their life.

He added, “However, extending one’s lifespan goes against the natural order, defying Heaven’s will. Thus, only one pill may be consumed—any more would be ineffective.”

“At best, additional doses can clear the mind, ward off evil, and expel maladies.”

Huang Fengwang understood immediately.

These pills were Ruyi Daoist’s own creation. Since he and his elder brother, the Bull Demon King, had already consumed them, they no longer had any effect—so why not use them to befriend other demon kings?

The Bull Demon King was a well-known socialite among demons.

By the time Journey to the West took place five hundred years later, his family would control a significant portion of Xiniu Hezhou—occupying four of the eighty-one tribulations of the pilgrimage. Truly, a household of loyal troublemakers.

“Very well. I shall accept this gift.”

Huang Fengwang did not refuse.

He calculated his own lifespan—he was merely fifty years old, far from the end of his years.

However, his elder demons under his command could certainly use these pills to extend their lives.

Ruyi Daoist continued, “Secondly, in one year’s time, during the Ghost Festival, my elder brother will be celebrating his thousandth birthday. He formally invites you to the banquet.”

He presented a finely written invitation, detailing the date and location.

One does not refuse gifts from another.

Huang Fengwang accepted the invitation, saying, “Very well. Inform your elder brother that I shall attend in one year’s time. But since you have traveled far, allow me to host you for a meal before you depart.”

He wanted to ask about the Bull Demon King’s current circumstances. Ruyi Daoist also had his own questions and gladly agreed.

Half a day later, he departed on a gust of wind. Huang Fengwang summoned his seven demon generals and bestowed each of them a Jade Spirit Pill.

“Thirty years of additional life?”

The old black fox was overjoyed and bowed deeply.

“Thank you, Great King!”

He had already lived for a thousand years and had little time left. To gain thirty more years—a greater chance to achieve immortality—how could he not be ecstatic?

The six other demon generals were equally thrilled. They swallowed their pills on the spot, feeling pure energy infused in their bodies. Their lifespans extended, and they bowed again, unable to contain their joy.

The old black fox’s eyes gleamed with thought. He stepped forward and said, “Great King, I have a proposal.”

“Speak.”

Huang Fengwang regarded him. The old black fox, also known as Linghu Zihei, had once studied in the Eastern Lands as a scholar.

He said, “Great King, now that you have ascended to immortality, it is certain that more celestial and Daoist friends will visit in the future. While our current encampment is suitable, it is rather lacking in grandeur.”

“Why not construct a proper palace and immortal pavilion in the mountains to reflect your newfound status?”

Huang Fengwang stroked his whiskers. .

“I have considered this. However, among our ranks, there are no skilled craftsmen.”

The old black fox grinned.

“Great King, near my Hundred Fox Mountain, there is a town inhabited by refugees from the fallen Liusha Kingdom. Among them are many skilled artisans.”

“I once heard them say that before the disaster, a divine rat appeared in their dreams, warning them to flee. Great King… could that have been you?”

“Oh?”

A divine rat in their dreams?

Wasn’t that him?

Huang Fengwang felt gratified.

“So some of them survived. My efforts were not in vain.”

The old black fox said, “Indeed, Great King. The people of that city are deeply grateful to you!”

“Good deeds yield good rewards. You saved them in their time of need—now, when we require skilled hands, why not recruit them?”

Huang Fengwang fell into contemplation.

Huangfeng Ridge was a crucial point on the journey to the West. Spirit Mountain must have had its reasons for placing it here.

Besides, this was his home. No matter how powerful he became, this would remain his Daoist stronghold—it was worth developing properly.

He instructed the old black fox, “You are the most learned among us. The task of planning and constructing our immortal halls falls to you.”

“Remember: build in harmony with the mountain’s natural terrain. Do not disturb the feng shui or ley lines. I shall personally oversee this matter.”

“Furthermore, recruit artisans willingly—there shall be no forced labor or abductions.”

The old black fox happily agreed.

“Rest assured, Great King. Such base tactics are beneath me.”

Some of the more violent demons, who had indeed abducted humans before, shifted uncomfortably. Others, who had refrained, nodded smugly in approval. Huang Fengwang simply observed.

The old black fox added, “Great King, humans may be short-lived, but they possess great intelligence and adaptability. If nurtured properly… they will prove invaluable.”