Chapter 988
Open and Upright
"Alright, Brother Monkey!" Chu Yang nodded, his figure flashed, and he ran silently towards the clearing like a shadow. His footsteps were extremely light, making almost no sound as he stepped on the fallen leaves. He quickly reached the center of the clearing, glanced back at Sun Wukong and the others, and seeing that they were cautiously following him, he continued running towards the mountain stream.
Tang Sanzang rode on the back of the white dragon horse, gripping the reins tightly, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily, softly chanting sutras, praying for a safe journey. Sun Wukong followed beside the white dragon horse, his golden cudgel discreetly in his hand, his fiery golden eyes constantly scanning the surrounding woods, fearing a sudden appearance of a demon. Zhu Bajie brought up the rear, carrying the luggage, barely daring to breathe, constantly glancing back, afraid a monster might be chasing after them.
Just as Chu Yang was about to reach the edge of the mountain stream and touch the wild grass by the stream, suddenly, a deafening roar came from the depths of Lion Camel Ridge. The voice was full of anger and howling, causing leaves to fall and the ground to tremble slightly.
"Oh no! We've been discovered!" Sun Wukong's expression changed, and he shouted sharply, "Master, Bajie, quick, speed up, run towards the ravine!"
Tang Sanzang was also terrified, his face turning pale. He quickly patted the white dragon horse, which neighed and quickened its pace, galloping towards the mountain stream. Zhu Bajie was even more frightened, carrying his luggage and scrambling forward, muttering repeatedly, "It's over! We've been discovered! Brother Monkey, please save me, old Pig!"
Chu Yang stopped and looked back into the depths of Lion Camel Ridge. In the darkness, a massive black shadow was hurtling towards them. Trees snapped in its wake, and a palpable demonic aura filled the air, creating an oppressive atmosphere. The shadow moved with incredible speed, closing the distance in the blink of an eye. They could vaguely make out its tall stature, its body covered in dark blue-green fur, its head resembling a lion's but with bull horns, and its eyes, like lanterns, flashing a scarlet light. In its hand, it gripped a massive spiked club, its shaft covered in sharp spikes, radiating a chilling aura.
"It's the Black Mountain Demon King, a subordinate of the Green-haired Lion Monster!" Chu Yang's expression changed, and he hurriedly shouted to Sun Wukong, "Brother Monkey, it's the Black Mountain Demon King! This monster is highly powerful and skilled in using a spiked club. We must be careful!"
Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong's eyes narrowed, and he leaped forward, blocking Tang Sanzang and Zhu Bajie. He swung his golden cudgel, which made a soft "hum" sound, and shouted coldly at the dark figure: "You wicked demon! I, Old Sun, am here. Don't be so insolent!"
Hearing Sun Wukong's voice, the dark figure abruptly stopped, landing on a nearby open space with a loud bang, leaving a shallow crater in the ground. He raised his head, his scarlet eyes fixed on Sun Wukong, and let out a low, hoarse roar: "Where did this monkey come from, daring to sneak into my Lion Camel Ridge with Tang Sanzang, and even trying to escape? Today, I, the Black Mountain Demon King, will capture you all and offer you to the Three Great Kings, to skin you alive, dismember you, and boil you for wine!"
"You think you can do this?" Sun Wukong sneered, pointing his golden cudgel directly at the Black Mountain Demon King. "You wicked demon, why don't you take a piss and look at yourself in the mirror? Back in the day, I, Old Sun, wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Palace, and even the Jade Emperor had to give me some leeway. You, a mere demon king, dare to be arrogant in front of me? Get out of my way right now, or I'll smash your soul to pieces with one blow!"
"Arrogant!" Black Mountain Demon King roared, his eyes turning even more bloodshot. He raised his spiked club high and slammed it down at Sun Wukong. "You monkey, stop spouting nonsense! Behold my spiked club!"
The spiked club, whistling through the air, crashed down on Sun Wukong like a mountain collapsing. The chill emanating from the club made the surrounding air feel icy. Sun Wukong's eyes sharpened. Instead of retreating, he advanced, leaping to avoid the club's attack. At the same time, he slammed his golden cudgel down hard on the Black Mountain Demon King's back.
With a loud "Bang!", the golden cudgel slammed solidly into the Black Mountain Demon King's back. The Demon King cried out in pain, staggering forward and nearly falling to the ground. He turned around, his eyes filled with rage and disbelief, staring intently at Sun Wukong: "You little monkey, you're quite strong! How dare you ambush me! I'll tear your monkey skin to shreds!"
"A sneak attack?" Sun Wukong sneered, twirling his golden cudgel in his hand. "Do I need to resort to sneak attacks to deal with a wicked demon like you? I, Old Sun, will fight fair and square, and I can beat you to a pulp with just a punch and a kick!"
With that, Sun Wukong leaped into the air again, his golden cudgel like a nimble silver snake, smashing down towards the Black Mountain Demon King's head. The Black Mountain Demon King hurriedly raised his spiked club to block the golden cudgel's attack. With a crisp "clang," sparks flew, and the impact made the Black Mountain Demon King's arm go numb. He staggered back several steps, crushing the fallen leaves beneath his feet.
"Such strength!" The Black Mountain Demon King steadied himself, his eyes filled with apprehension, yet he still refused to show weakness. "Monkey, you do have some skill, but I, the Black Mountain Demon King, am not to be trifled with! Today, let's have a proper contest and see who is stronger!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than the Black Mountain Demon King raised his spiked club again and charged at Sun Wukong. The club whistled through the air, each strike powerful and heavy, carrying a world-destroying force. Sun Wukong was agile, dodging left and right, avoiding every attack from the Black Mountain Demon King. At the same time, his golden cudgel retaliated relentlessly, each strike aimed precisely at the Black Mountain Demon King's vital points.
The two fought fiercely, and for a time, the wind howled across the open space. The sounds of trees snapping, weapons clashing, monsters roaring, and Sun Wukong shouting mingled together, echoing throughout the entire back mountain. A waning moon peeked out from behind the dark clouds, its faint light illuminating the figures of the two fighters. A golden light and a dark shadow darted back and forth across the open space, moving so fast that they were almost invisible.
Chu Yang stood by the mountain stream, his gaze fixed intently on the two fighting figures, his face filled with anxiety. He knew that the Black Mountain Demon King possessed immense magical power, and although Sun Wukong was formidable, defeating him quickly would not be easy. Furthermore, deep within Lion Camel Ridge lay the three great demon kings—the Green-Haired Lion Demon, the Yellow-Toothed Elephant Demon, and the Golden-Winged Roc—along with countless lesser demons. If they were to arrive soon, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"Master, Bajie, hurry and cross the ravine!" Chu Yang shouted to Tang Sanzang and Zhu Bajie. "I'll help Brother Monkey hold off the Black Mountain Demon King here. You two hurry across the ravine, leave Lion Camel Ridge, and wait for us in the woods on the other side!"
Tang Sanzang's face turned pale. He looked at the two fighting, then at Chu Yang, and quickly said, "Chu Yang, no, it's too dangerous. You have to cross the ravine with us. We can't leave you and Wukong behind!"
"Master, there's no time!" Chu Yang said urgently. "The Black Mountain Demon King is only chasing ahead. The three great demon kings and the other lesser demons will arrive soon, and then we won't be able to leave! You and Pigsy should cross the ravine quickly, and Monkey King and I will follow shortly!"
Pigsy was also anxious. He tugged at Tang Sanzang's sleeve and said urgently, "Master, Brother Chu Yang is right. We can't delay any longer! Brother Monkey is very capable, and Brother Chu Yang is also very powerful. They will definitely be able to get here in time. Let's cross the ravine first and not hold them back!"
Watching Sun Wukong and the Black Mountain Demon King fight, Tang Sanzang clasped his hands together, silently chanted "Amitabha," and finally nodded, "Alright, alright, let's cross the ravine first. You must be careful, and don't be reckless!" With that, Tang Sanzang mounted the white dragon horse and carefully made his way towards the ravine. The stream was swift, and the banks were slippery. The white dragon horse carefully stepped on the stones, slowly making its way to the other side. Pigsy, carrying the luggage, followed closely behind, step by step, afraid of falling, constantly muttering, "Brother Monkey, Brother Chu Yang, you must hurry over! I, Old Pig, will be waiting for you on the other side!"
Meanwhile, the battle between Sun Wukong and the Black Mountain Demon King intensified. The Black Mountain Demon King's spiked club grew faster and faster, each strike carrying powerful demonic energy. Trees around them were snapped in half by the club, leaving the ground riddled with craters. Sun Wukong's golden cudgel was equally formidable, its golden light gleaming as each strike was precise and ruthless, forcing the Black Mountain Demon King to retreat repeatedly.
"Monkey, what is your background? Why are you so powerful?" the Black Mountain Demon King asked hoarsely as he fought, his eyes filled with fear. He was considered a powerful figure in Lion Camel Ridge, with many lesser demons under his command. He usually ran rampant in Lion Camel Ridge, and few could defeat him. But today, facing this monkey, he was gradually losing ground.
"I, Sun Wukong, am the Great Sage Equal to Heaven!" Sun Wukong laughed loudly, and smashed his golden cudgel hard against the Black Mountain Demon King's chest. "You wicked demon, today I, Sun Wukong, will show you my power and let you know what it means to be truly powerful!"
The Black Mountain Demon King's expression changed drastically. He hurriedly raised his spiked club to block the Golden Cudgel's attack. With a crisp clang, he was once again forced back several steps, a trickle of black blood spilling from the corner of his mouth. He knew that he was no match for Sun Wukong at all; continuing the fight would only result in losses, and he might even lose his life.
"Fine, you win!" The Black Mountain Demon King gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with resentment and anger. "Sun Wukong, I'll let you go for now, but when I get back and report to the Three Great Kings, I'll bring a million lesser demons and tear you and Tang Sanzang to pieces to avenge our grievances!"
With that, the Black Mountain Demon King turned and headed towards the depths of Lion Camel Ridge, hoping to fetch reinforcements. Sun Wukong, however, had no chance to give him the chance. He sneered, "You impudent demon, now that you're here, don't even think about leaving! Today, I, Old Sun, will completely eliminate you, saving you the trouble of going back to fetch reinforcements and causing us further trouble!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than Sun Wukong leaped into the air, his figure like a golden streak of light, quickly catching up with the Black Mountain Demon King. His golden cudgel slammed down hard on the demon king's hind leg. With a crisp crack, the Black Mountain Demon King's hind leg was broken, and he let out a piercing scream before collapsing to the ground, unable to rise again.
"Sun Wukong, how dare you hurt me!" The Black Mountain Demon King lay on the ground, his scarlet eyes fixed on Sun Wukong, his voice hoarse and fierce, "The three great kings will not let you go, they will definitely avenge me! The million lesser demons of Lion Camel Ridge will also tear you to pieces!"
"Hmph, stubborn fool!" Sun Wukong sneered, raising his golden cudgel high, ready to smash it down on the Black Mountain Demon King's head, wanting to end his life.
"Brother Monkey, don't kill him!" Just then, Chu Yang rushed over and stopped Sun Wukong. "Brother Monkey, keeping him alive might still be useful! We can get more information about the three demon kings from him. Besides, killing him will only alert the three demon kings and the other lesser demons faster. Let's quickly take him across the ravine and leave this place!"
Sun Wukong paused for a moment, then nodded: "Alright, I'll listen to you! However, this cunning demon is very sly, we have to keep a close watch on him and not let him escape!"
With that, Sun Wukong put away his golden cudgel, grabbed the Black Mountain Demon King by the collar, lifted him up, and shouted sternly, "You wicked demon, behave yourself! If you dare to play any tricks, I, Old Sun, will smash your soul to pieces with one blow!"
The Black Mountain Demon King was held in Sun Wukong's hand and could not move. He could only glare fiercely at Sun Wukong and Chu Yang, cursing incessantly: "You two despicable villains, how dare you ambush me! If you have the guts, put me down and let's have a fair fight!"
"You scoundrel, still dare to talk back!" Chu Yang glanced at him coldly. "Even now, you still dare to be arrogant? If you dare to say another word, I'll cripple your other leg!"
The Black Mountain Demon King's expression changed. Looking at Chu Yang's cold eyes, he couldn't help but shiver. He dared not curse anymore and could only stare at them fiercely, his eyes full of resentment and anger.
"Let's go, hurry and cross the ravine!" Sun Wukong said to Chu Yang, carrying the Black Mountain Demon King. "Master and Pigsy should have already crossed the ravine. Let's hurry and catch up with them, leave this awful place, lest something unforeseen happens!"
"Okay!" Chu Yang nodded and took the lead, running towards the mountain stream. Sun Wukong, carrying the Black Mountain Demon King, followed closely behind, moving extremely fast, and soon arrived at the edge of the stream.
At this moment, Tang Sanzang and Zhu Bajie had successfully crossed the mountain stream and were standing by the woods on the opposite bank, anxiously looking this way. Seeing Sun Wukong and Chu Yang approaching carrying the Black Mountain Demon King, Zhu Bajie's eyes lit up, and he shouted, "Brother Monkey, Brother Chu Yang, you've finally made it! That's great!"
Tang Sanzang also breathed a sigh of relief, a look of satisfaction on his face: "Wukong, Chu Yang, it's good that you're alright. Thank you for your hard work."
Sun Wukong, carrying the Black Mountain Demon King, leaped across the ravine with ease and landed beside Tang Sanzang and Zhu Bajie. Chu Yang followed closely behind, leaping down to land beside them as well.
"Master, we're alright. We even captured a demon. He's a subordinate of the Green-haired Lion Demon, the Black Mountain Demon King," Chu Yang said to Tang Sanzang. "We can get more information about the three great demon kings from him, so we can be prepared if we encounter them in the future." (End of Chapter)