Rebirth in Journey to the West: Sun Wukong

It must be said, Leng Xuan's story had a significant impact on Sun Wukong. Both being forlorn travelers, he could feel the sorrow in Leng Xuan's heart. However, he was not some overly kind person; sympathy was one thing, and camaraderie another. There wasn't a deep relationship between him and Leng Xuan, and for just this one story, facing so many formidable enemies seemed somewhat unreasonable.

After all, Leng Xuan's enemies were not simple; they included Primordial Heavenly Venerable, Zhun Ti Daoist, along with the heavenly immortals and the esteemed elders of the Qingqiu Fox Tribe—more formidable than even those Sun Wukong would have to face in his future.

"Why? Yes, I don't really have anything to rely on..."

A trace of desolation flashed through Leng Xuan's eyes as he hung his head, fists clenched tightly. After a little while, he looked up again at Sun Wukong, "I can see, Beautiful Monkey King, that you and I are alike. We share a similar gaze; surely, you must harbor deep-seated hatred too, right? Aren't you thinking of setting up governance rules?

If I'm not mistaken, you won't just be content with staying in Flower-Fruit Mountain. You're certainly looking to expand your influence starting from Flower-Fruit Mountain, aren't you? If that's the case, you will sooner or later face Heavenly Court. Wouldn't it be beneficial to have a helper like me?"

"Oh, are you so sure that I, Old Sun, will oppose Heavenly Court?"

Sun Wukong raised an eyebrow, looking at Leng Xuan somewhat playfully.

"I'm certain!"

Leng Xuan met Sun Wukong's gaze without showing any weakness, "Without the ambition to achieve something great, there would be no need for such strict governance rules. I assume you intend to revitalize the Demon Cult, to restore the ancient glory of the Demon Race, right? If so, opposition to Heavenly Court is inevitable! We would be the best of allies!"

The voice of Leng Xuan stopped, and so did Sun Wukong. After exchanging glances for a while, Sun Wukong laughed, "Well argued, I'm at a loss for words! Looks like Old Sun has no choice but to accept you. Welcome to the Flower-Fruit Mountain Demon Cult; I am pleased to collaborate with you!"

"Many thanks, Beautiful Monkey King! Pleased to collaborate!"

A smile also appeared on Leng Xuan's face as he reached out and shook hands with Sun Wukong.

"Someone, prepare some poultry; we roast poultry tonight, one bird per demon, let's celebrate properly!"

"Why poultry?"

"Just to bring good luck, big fortune, big success—tonight we eat chicken!"

"..."

Leng Xuan joined Flower-Fruit Mountain, helping Sun Wukong lay out detailed governance rules, from the classification of the ranks among the demon tribe to corresponding responsibilities, benefits, and disciplinary measures; everything was clear and organized.

Additionally, he also suggested that Sun Wukong build a Transmission Tower deep within the Water Curtain Cave Heaven to categorize and store all Cultivation Techniques, setting conditions for access. This way, even if Sun Wukong wasn't in Flower-Fruit Mountain, it wouldn't affect the daily cultivation practice of the demons.

Based on Sun Wukong's proposal, the entire Flower-Fruit Mountain Demon Cult was divided into eleven ranks, from low to high: Demon Soldier, Junior Lieutenant, Lieutenant, Senior Lieutenant, Junior Major, Major, Senior Major, Colonel, Junior General, General, and Senior General, each with specific cultivation and strength requirements, determined through discussion among Leng Xuan, Sun Wushuang, and Sun Tong.

With rules in place, the spirits of Flower-Fruit Mountain's demons shifted dramatically. Previously, everyone lived and moved together without significant status differences apart from Sun Wukong, the King. But now, ranked based on cultivation and strength, each rank had different privileges.

Seeing peers who were previously not much different now in higher positions, enjoying better food, better clothing, and better resources for cultivation, those at lower ranks grew discontented.

Previously, everyone was similar, so why should they be better off than me now? If they can do it, with effort, I can do it too!

With this comparison came motivation, and the entire Flower-Fruit Mountain Demon Race was swept into a frenzy of cultivation. Sun Wukong formally established the name of the Flower-Fruit Mountain Demon Cult, inviting demons from across the world, while he himself set out to visit his brothers from his past life, starting with Bull Demon King Niu Haibo.

Judging by the timing, Bull Demon King should currently be in the midst of his fiery honeymoon with Princess Iron Fan at her Emerald Cloud Mountain Banana Cave.

While others might be ignored, the powerful Bull Demon King was an essential ally to secure. In an upcoming war with the Heavenly Court, the Bull Demon King would undoubtedly be a significant help.

Sun Wukong rode the clouds toward Emerald Cloud Mountain while contemplating how to persuade the Bull Demon King to join the Flower-Fruit Mountain Demon Cult, at least verbally acknowledging his affiliation.

"Is Brother Bull home? Beautiful Monkey King Sun Wukong from Flower-Fruit Mountain is here to visit; Brother Niu Haibo, come out to meet me!"

Thinking it through on the way, Sun Wukong decided it was best to get straight to the point, starting with their brotherly relationship.

True enough, as soon as Sun Wukong's vigorous call entered Banana Cave on Emerald Screen Mountain, the door swiftly opened, and the robust and burly figure of the Bull Demon King appeared in the doorway, striding out with a look upward into the sky, he boomed, "Who's shouting at my cave door?"

"It is I, old Sun!"

Wukong responded, leaping down from the sky and approached the Bull Demon King with a fist wrapped in the other hand in greeting, laughing joyfully, "Wukong, the Beautiful Monkey King of Flower-Fruit Mountain, has come to pay a visit to Brother Niu Haibo. What, Brother, do you always greet guests standing at the doorstep?"

"How do you know my name? Why do you call me Brother?"

A flicker of surprise crossed the Bull Demon King's eyes as he sized up Wukong. He had indeed heard that recently a Flower-Fruit Mountain Demon Cult had emerged in Aolai Kingdom of the East Victorious Divine Continent, led by someone calling himself the Beautiful Monkey King Wukong, but he had never met him. They should have no acquaintance at all, so why had Wukong come to visit him?

And how did he know his name?

The name of the Bull Demon King had always been a secret except to Princess Jade Rakshasa and a few others; hardly anyone knew he was called Niu Haibo. Where had Wukong heard it from? Also, where did this Brother title come from?

For a moment, the Bull Demon King's mind was filled with question marks, deeply puzzled by Wukong's visit.

"Brother Niu, no need to be anxious, I will clear your confusion. Still, won't you invite me inside to sit for a while?"

"My apologies, please come inside!"

Wukong followed the Bull Demon King into Banana Cave. Princess Jade Rakshasa hurriedly directed her maids to bring tea, but the Bull Demon King stopped her: "We're all strong men here, why serve tea? Bring out the wine, let's have a couple of large bowls first!"Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Brother Niu speaks rightly, I too wish to ask for a drink at Brother Niu's place!"

Smiling, Wukong agreed, and Princess Jade Rakshasa had her people bring out fine wine and cups. After drinking a few cups with the Bull Demon King and Wukong, she excused herself, leaving the two men alone in the main hall of the cave dwelling.

It was apparent that Wukong had something to discuss with the Bull Demon King; her presence made both hold back their words, so it was better to give them some privacy.

"Brother Wukong, how did you come to know my name, and moreover, why do you persist in calling me Brother?"

Just now, with Princess Jade Rakshasa present, the Bull Demon King had not inquired openly, but now he could not suppress his curiosity.

"Brother Niu, we both come from the Bodhi fields of the Three-Star Cave on Slanted Moon Mountain; when you left the sect, I saw you from afar, so of course I must address you as Brother."

Wukong did not conceal the truth. Although the Puti Patriarch had admonished them never to mention the sect to others, he did not say brothers couldn't reveal their identities to each other.

It turned out, Wukong's move had been right, as these words instantly changed the Bull Demon King's expression, who whispered excitedly yet somewhat nervously, "Brother Wukong, are you also a disciple of the Puti Patriarch?"

"Exactly! When I joined, it was the day Brother Niu finished learning and left the mountain. Thus, our meeting was brief, and we never met face-to-face, but I have indeed heard of Brother Niu's valiant deeds from other brothers, and I hold much admiration in my heart!"

Flattery does not offend the ears, and Wukong's compliment immediately brought a blooming smile to the Bull Demon King's face, his eyes narrowing as he modestly gestured with his large hand, "Where, where, Brother Wukong you flatter me too much!"

Despite his happiness, the Bull Demon King didn't forget to remind Wukong, "Brother Wukong, let's address each other as brothers from now on, and let's not bring up the titles of Senior and Junior Brothers again, as our Master specifically instructed us not to disclose our sect's lineage—it's crucial not to defy this!"

"Well said, I understand it well!"

Wukong's eyes twinkled, "But then, setting aside our brotherly titles, how should we address each other? I mean, how should we set the ranks? I've heard that Brother Niu has five other close friends; why not call them together for a meeting and discuss it?"

In his previous life, Wukong was ranked seventh among the Seven Great Saints, not because his skills were the weakest—indeed, they were all nearly the same and they hadn't actually fought, but age had been the criterion.

This time, Wukong did not wish to be at the bottom; he aimed to revive the grandeur of the Demon Race from ancient times, and that meant he couldn't keep calling others 'Brother.' Rank shouldn't be determined by age but by skill—and he was not about to shy away from owning the top spot!

The Bull Demon King was unaware of Wukong's intricate thoughts; finding the idea reasonable, he sent signals to notify Jiao Demon King, Peng Demon King, Lion Camel King, Macaque King, and Yu Moh Wang—the Five Great Demon Kings. Before long, the skies darkened with demonic clouds, and the Five Great Demon Kings arrived at Banana Cave on Emerald Cloud Mountain, entering the cave one after another.

"Brother Niu, why such a hasty summons? What's the occasion?"

After sitting down, Macaque King asked the Bull Demon King, glancing at Wukong with a keen sparkle in his eyes, "This brother looks familiar; is he a distinguished guest at Brother Niu's residence?"