"So, that demon monkey is surely seeking a title to escape punishment. In my humble opinion, between two evils, we should choose the lesser. Now, Lord Lao is in seclusion, the demon army has risen, and our Celestial troops are exhausted from war. Why not placate that demon monkey for now by granting him a title? In doing so, we might reclaim the souls of our soldiers seized by the demon army, send them into reincarnation, and give the Three Realms an answer. Once this crisis passes and Lord Lao emerges... heh, if the demon monkey stirs up trouble again, we can deal with him then—there’s no rush."
"Yes, yes, let’s get through this ordeal first. If we must deal with the demon monkey, we can do so whenever Lord Lao returns."
"Your Majesty, I believe this plan is sound."
The immortal continued with enthusiasm, and many others echoed his words. But the Jade Emperor only gazed upward and let out a long, weary sigh.
Matters had come to this point; the Jade Emperor had long lost his resolve.
It’s said that wise rulers of the mortal world act as a balance: when their ministers offer advice, they weigh every opinion, implementing what all agree upon and shelving what all oppose.
If it were truly so simple, being a wise ruler would be the easiest post in all the world.
Helplessly shaking his head, he blinked and spoke in a low voice, "Then tell me, what title should we grant him to appease the situation?"
His expression brimmed with disappointment, leaving the immortals stunned. The uproar that had swelled at the prospect of a clever solution was instantly silenced.
Among the gathered immortals, Grandmaster White hid a fleeting smile behind his hand—just long enough for the Jade Emperor to notice.
The High Sky Throne Hall fell silent. After a long moment, the immortal who had championed appeasement stepped forward, stammering, "Since he calls himself the Handsome Monkey King, why not simply grant him the title Handsome Monkey King? It’s an empty honor, so the name hardly matters. He needn’t take up any post in Heaven—surely, the demon monkey will be satisfied."
The Jade Emperor let out a faint sigh, idly rubbing his thumb ring as he asked, "Grant him whatever title he claims? Is that wise?"
"Well…" The immortal faltered, and the others exchanged uneasy glances.
Seeing their hesitation, the Jade Emperor couldn’t help but let out a dry chuckle.
At such a time, appeasing the demon monkey again was as revolting to Heaven as swallowing a fly—yet these immortals made it sound as if they’d stumbled on a treasure.
The imperial edict was filled with ornate phrases like 'Heaven’s grace' and 'pardon,' but could such embellishments truly erase the fact that Heaven was showing weakness?
If not for the utter lack of solutions, and the fear that no one would dare speak again, the Jade Emperor would have long since expelled that jubilant immortal from the High Sky Throne Hall.
Seeing the stalemate, King Brightcourt grew anxious, his voice trembling as he reminded, "Your Majesty, time is running short."
"I am well aware," the Jade Emperor replied impatiently, pointing to Grandmaster White. "Grandmaster White, I wish to hear your counsel."
"Your Majesty seeks my counsel?" Grandmaster White was momentarily stunned.