High above the Heavenly Court, the mist glowed in surreal colors, swirling clouds veiling a massive boulder that flickered in and out of sight.
Atop this boulder, lush with ordinary green plants, sat a stone table flanked by two stone benches. On these benches were seated two elders: one with white hair, the other with black.
The black-haired elder was the same who had previously played chess with Lord Lao. As for the white-haired elder—he had the features of a child despite his age, kind brows and gentle eyes, dressed in flowing white robes and bathed in a milky radiance. Were any mortal to glimpse him, they would surely be dazzled and unable to open their eyes.
The two sat in silence, sipping their tea. After a long while, the black-haired elder stroked his beard and spoke: "I hear that Tusita Palace has recently brought in two new palace maids."
"Oh?" The white-haired elder took a sip of tea and replied mildly, "Now that is strange indeed. Tusita Palace has never had women since its founding, has it? Rare for you, Senior Brother, to want to add a touch of feminine energy to Tusita. Hahaha."
"If that’s truly the case, it would be a good thing." The black-haired elder gazed up at the sky, as crystalline as glazed glass, and said, "This world hasn’t changed for countless millennia—truly tedious. Rare to see him take such an interest. But I suspect there’s a deeper reason."
As he spoke, those eyes—black as the abyss—slowly slanted toward the white-haired elder.
The white-haired elder leisurely sipped his tea. After a moment, he said, "And what does Junior Brother think the reason is?"
"These days, the demon-suppression campaign in Eastrealm has taken several unexpected turns. Are you aware of this, Senior Brother?"
The white-haired elder raised his head and seemed to ponder for a moment, then asked in confusion, "I’ve heard a bit, but haven’t given it much thought. Why, is there some hidden twist to these battles?"
"If you put it that way, Senior Brother, there’s no point in talking further." The black-haired elder paused over his teacup, growing impatient.
The white-haired elder chuckled and said, "How can you be so hasty, Junior Brother? I was only joking."
After a brief pause, the white-haired elder asked, "Did you consult with Eldest Brother about this matter?"
"I asked casually. He said, 'the Heavenly Dao is unchanged, just took a roundabout way.'" The black-haired elder replied carelessly.
"If Eldest Brother says nothing has changed, then so it must be. You and I have long since retired—why trouble ourselves over such matters? Wouldn’t it be better to spend our time contemplating the mysteries of Heaven and Earth together?"
The black-haired elder fell completely silent.
After a few more idle remarks and half a pot of tea, the black-haired elder lost interest and took his leave.
Once the black-haired elder had departed, the white-haired elder lowered his head and calculated on his fingers. The smile faded slightly from his face as he turned and flew away.
In an instant, the white-haired elder arrived before a modest palace. A young attendant hurried up, bowed, and greeted him: "Welcome, Master."
Without a word, the white-haired elder brushed past the attendant and strode into the inner hall. Summoning another boy, he whispered, "I’ve heard Tusita Palace has gained two new palace maids. Go investigate their origins—when they became immortals, who they were before, any relatives or friends, who taught them, whom they've associated with since ascending, what posts they've held, what they've done—find out everything, leave nothing out. And above all, tell no one of this!"
"I will obey Master’s command!"
...
Inside Tusita Palace, a young attendant knelt respectfully before Lord Lao.
"While I was away, did Miss say anything?"
"In reply to Master, Miss mentioned 'Monkey.'"
"She mentioned 'Monkey'? What exactly did she say?"
The boy lowered his head, drew a bamboo slip from his sleeve, and presented it with both hands. "Every word Miss spoke, I have recorded here, Master. Please take a look."
Lord Lao took the bamboo slip, glanced over it, then quickly rolled it up and tucked it into his sleeve. "She spoke very little."
"In reply to Master, it seems Miss has forgotten many things and needs time to remember. And since she’s newly arrived, perhaps she feels out of place—so she hasn’t spoken much."
"Then speak with her more, help her recall what she’s forgotten."
"As you command, Master."
"Let those two palace maids handle direct contact with her. You’re to assist from the side. All her food, clothing, and daily needs are your responsibility—do not neglect anything. Also, this matter must be kept strictly secret. From now on, those two maids are forbidden to leave Tusita Palace." After a brief pause, Lord Lao added, "I have other important business. While I’m away, you are entrusted with everything here."
"I will not fail you, Master!" The boy bowed deeply. When he looked up again, Lord Lao had already vanished.
...
Blossom Mountain.
Countless wounded soldiers had already been moved deep underground; all of Blossom Mountain was in chaos, every demon running themselves ragged.
Following Monkey’s orders, the army began abandoning its former positions—not to retreat and defend, but to reorganize and prepare for a decisive counterattack.
At this point, seeking a final battle and ending the entanglement with the Heavenly Fleet as soon as possible was the wisest choice for Blossom Mountain.
Yet even Monkey could not say how much hope defeating the entire Heavenly Fleet would actually win for Blossom Mountain.
As for most of the demons, they didn’t even know what Blossom Mountain was about to face. They’d only heard rumors of an enemy even stronger than the Heavenly Fleet, but just how strong—that, they had no idea.
Of course, it wasn’t that Monkey was hiding anything from them. In fact, his orders had been perfectly clear—but most of the demons still had no real concept of the enemy they were about to face.
After all, the situation had long since surpassed anything they could have imagined.
Not so long ago, the Heavenly Fleet—and before them, even the South Heaven Gate armada—had seemed like invincible foes.
Though the fighting was fierce and victory still uncertain, at least they had held out, and the situation was turning in their favor.
In recent days, the Heavenly Fleet hadn’t even launched any attacks.
Over the years, under Monkey’s leadership, Blossom Mountain’s demons had always managed to survive even the strongest enemies. Most of the rank-and-file had come to believe that, no matter what happened, Monkey would somehow pull them through. This kept spirits generally optimistic.
Of course, optimism didn’t mean complacency. With Monkey’s repeated orders, every demon was mobilized and preparing for battle with all their might.
...
Amid the chaos, Belle made her way down a long, dark corridor. Demons passed by, brushing shoulders with her, but hardly spared her a glance.
Of course—at a time like this, she was just another nobody in Blossom Mountain. Who would notice her?
These past two days, she hadn’t even managed to see Monkey once.
She wandered back to her own quarters, took a deep breath, and pushed open the half-closed door.
Inside, Lord Lao sat at the long table, sighing over a pot of tea.
"Really, little girl, is there not a single decent tea leaf in this room? Do you know how far this old man traveled just to bring you the news? Not even tea prepared—how thoughtless!"
"You haven’t left yet, sir?"
"Oh, are you trying to kick me out?"
Surprised, Belle walked over to the table and sat down, pouting as she snatched the teapot from Lord Lao and poured herself a cup. Cradling the tea, she complained softly, "He doesn’t trust me. He let General Lee go... If he’d trusted me then, things wouldn’t have turned out like this."
"It’s normal for him not to trust you. Trusting you would be the real surprise."
"Why would that be normal?" Belle looked up and asked.
"Because, from any angle, it shouldn’t have happened this way. Not just him—even Heaven wouldn’t believe it. I’d wager the Jade Emperor himself never imagined things would turn out like this."
"Then why do you think it’s bound to happen, sir?" Belle asked, her brow furrowed.
"Because... because..." Lord Lao stroked his beard, gave a dry chuckle, and replied solemnly, "Because I am clairvoyant."
"Oh, please." Belle shot Lord Lao a glare. "You just got lucky, that’s all. Even my master, Master Sage Subhuti, wouldn’t claim to be clairvoyant—and you do?"
"Your master can’t compare to me." Lord Lao smiled and tipped his head back, earning an eye-roll from Belle.
After sitting in silence for a long time, Belle finally glanced sideways and asked, "Sir, is Blossom Mountain really doomed?"
"Mm, maybe."
"Now it’s just a maybe?"
"Didn’t you say I couldn’t be clairvoyant?" Lord Lao shot Belle a look.
"You—!" Belle sprang to her feet. "Sir! If... if it really comes to that, will you help me?"
Lord Lao shrank back and turned away, saying, "Didn’t you say your master was better? Go ask him for help."
"Sir!" Belle hurried around to face Lord Lao, staring into his eyes. "Will you help me?"
"Your master’s better..."
"He is better, but... he won’t help. If he was going to, he’d have done it already. The fact that he hasn’t means asking him is useless. That’s what Monkey says."
"Fine, he’s still better, so go ask him." With that, Lord Lao turned back to his tea.
Belle was nearly sick with worry, and could only pout helplessly, "Fine, fine, you’re the best, okay? Please help me!"
Lord Lao chuckled, "See? If you’d said that from the start, we wouldn’t have a problem."
"So you’ll help me?"
"No."
...
"What’s wrong?"
"How can you joke at a time like this!"
Belle furrowed her brow and reached out to tug Lord Lao’s beard.
"No, no, no!" Lord Lao waved his hands quickly. "I’m just saying I can’t help—but I know someone who can."
Belle froze, then asked, "Who?"
"The Jade Emperor."
Belle’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Would he really agree to help?"
"Hmm... maybe. If I go invite him for tea, and he’s in a good mood, maybe he’ll say yes."
"Braggart!" Belle pouted.