"So, should we be calling you Great Sage now?"
A curious glint flashed through Yi Tianxing's eyes.The monkey's origin was astonishing—beyond ordinary imagination.His true body was formed from the Heaven-Mending Stone left behind by Goddess Nuwa, nurtured by the essence of heaven and earth, sun and moon.In some sense, Nuwa could be considered his mother.
"No need," the monkey grinned, "call me whatever you like.Right now, I'm merely using the opportunity granted by my True Spirit to meet with you.Outside of us, no one can hear a thing."
Sun Wukong waved his hand casually.
Around them, Zhu Wuya, Ruyi True Immortal, and the others were completely shielded by a restriction.There were things that simply could not be shared with others—especially those whose cultivation hadn't reached the required level.
"When our conversation ends, this strand of divine sense will dissipate.This body will return to being Yuan Gang.Whether he lives as Yuan Gang or returns to me after death…it makes no difference. The process doesn't matter.The outcome—the return—is what matters."
Sun Wukong smiled lightly.
"If he can one day break free of my shadow and forge his own path,that would be a blessing. A new Dao will bring great benefit to me too."
This reincarnation method—casting monkey hairs into samsara—was a path of experience.He lost nothing from it.
The reason he revived this divine thought todaywas solely to meet Yi Tianxing.
Even having returned to his origin, Wukong was no stranger to Yi's reputation.Knowing he traveled incognito, Wukong had specially arranged this restricted space.
He wasn't some naïve newborn.Though naturally unruly, he understood human relationships just fine.
"Great Sage, your spirit is unmatched.With your foundation, you'll surely attain the Dao," Yi Tianxing nodded.
Even if he hadn't survived the previous era, Sun Wukong's current accumulation was immense.It was only a matter of which Dao he chose to pursue.
"Heh heh, no rush," Wukong laughed."It'll still be a while before I re-enter the world.But when I do, don't think of keeping me out of your Great Yi Holy Court!"
He chuckled again.
"But I've come with a warning too,"Sun Wukong said, tone turning serious.
"Oh? Please speak,"Yi Tianxing straightened up.
"According to what I learned from Goddess Nuwa,the 81 secret realms along this Western Journey are each calamities in disguise."
"That much, I'm sure you already know."
"But what you might not know is that each realm seals a fragment of a top-tier Demon God from the Eternal Night World."
"This Demon God was forcibly split into 81 parts, sealed separately.The secret realms were crafted using ancestral vein true spirits to gradually wear away the immortal demonic will within."
"And… one of these secret realms holds the Demon God's Immortal Soul."
Even Saints couldn't identify which one—it could be any of the remaining 80.Wukong's tone grew heavy.
"Are you sure it's a Demon God of the Eternal Night World, and not from our Eternal World?"Yi Tianxing frowned slightly.
This clarification was important.Luohu had been sealed in the last realm, and his soul fragment had been the primary threat.But if this warning referred to an Eternal Night Demon God, it meant a far greater danger still lurked.
He had no intention of actively seeking out the other secret realms now.If fate brought one before him, so be it—but he wouldn't go out of his way.
"Heh, I'm just the messenger,"Wukong chuckled."Whether you act on it or not—that's up to you."
"But don't expect me to walk the Western Road again."
"All those monastic rules and precepts… not for me."
"Last era, if it weren't for that damn golden headband, I wouldn't have gone all the way to Mount Ling in the first place."
Then, he grinned again.
"Anyway… I'm off."
As his words fell, the aura around the monkey shifted drastically.Much of his wildness faded.
A brief moment of disorientation passed—then clarity returned to his gaze.
"I am Yuan Gang.Even if I was born from a single hair,I will live brilliantly—brighter than anyone!"
His eyes locked onto Yi Tianxing, blazing with resolve.
"This life is mine.When I die, I'll return to the original body.Until then—I'll fight, grow, and shine."
Yi Tianxing smiled slightly.
"What are your plans next?"
The secret realm had been resolved.The monkey's cultivation issue had been settled.
Yi himself didn't plan to continue the Western Journey—there was no sense in chasing hidden realms blindly.
"Heh heh, I plan to stick with you for a while,"Yuan Gang grinned.
"With you, life will never be dull—it's bound to be thrilling!"
After all, just tagging along had already earned him Heavenly Merit.
This man was clearly favored by the heavens.
Unless Yi kicked him out himself, the monkey had no plans to leave.
BANG BANG BANG!
Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed outside.
A group of female soldiers appeared at the door.
Hong Ying approached and, upon seeing Yi Tianxing, let out a breath of relief.
"Mister Yi, Her Majesty requests your presence at the palace. There is an urgent matter to discuss."
"The palace?"Yi's eyes narrowed slightly.
He quickly nodded.
"Lead the way."
It was likely a decision had been made regarding their earlier discussions.
The matter of Women Country was no small affair.The possibility of a continuous flow of female citizens had long-term implications.
Following Hong Ying, Yi soon reached the royal palace.
Though it couldn't match the grandeur of the Saint King's Palace of Great Yi, it had its own unique charm.
The palace was filled with flowers—roses, peonies, camellias, and more.Their fragrance permeated the air, lifting the heart.
"So this is truly Women Country,"Yi Tianxing mused with a smile.
"Her Majesty awaits you ahead,"Hong Ying said."We're not permitted to follow."
Ahead lay the Imperial Garden—and it was filled not with ordinary flora,but spiritual flowers, each exuding gentle mystic energy.
Even breathing here invigorated body and mind.
"Fellow Daoist Yi, you're here,"came a voice from within the Fragrance Pavilion.
Seated inside was the Queen, beside a tray of exquisite treats.
"These are our nation's specialty—Hundred-Flower Jade Dew Cakes.Let's chat over a few."
Even from afar, the pastries' aroma was irresistible.
Yi sat down, picked up a cake—it was small, bite-sized, and shaped like animals: lions, tigers, rabbits, foxes… Each one was vivid, lifelike.
"Mmm… truly a delicacy,"Yi Tianxing nodded.
The taste delighted every cell in his body.Even his physical power began increasing.
"Queen, have you made your decision?"
He asked, mid-bite.
"We can agree to your proposal,"the Queen said solemnly.
"Humans have emotions and desires.We shouldn't suppress them."
"If Great Yi has a way to solve the issue,then we will not deny our people that future."
"But—we have one condition.If you agree, everything else will follow."
"Oh? And what condition is that?"Yi Tianxing asked.
"Very simple—a marriage alliance."
The Queen took a deep breath, as if steeling herself.
"Marriage alliance?"
Yi's hand, holding a cake, paused slightly.
Then he smiled.
"It's true—marriage is the fastest way to eliminate distrust."
"But… who exactly is getting married?"
"You. And me."
The Queen's eyes locked on his, steady and unwavering.
"What?"
Yi Tianxing frowned slightly, gazing at her in surprise.