Chapter 35: The Ruyi Jingu Bang

Deep within the Crow Heaven Cave, Yu Qiye sat cross-legged.

A black pill slowly ascended into the air.

Looking closely, one could even discern the faint phantom of a small green snake coiled around the pill. This was a "Demon Seed" refined from the Green Snake King. The Green Snake King was not particularly powerful—merely a half-step Demon King—but like the proverb says, though a sparrow is small, it possesses all the vital organs.

"Eat it first, worry later."

He opened his mouth and inhaled.

Boom!

Yu Qiye’s entire body shuddered. Accompanying this sensation was a flood of immense energy pouring into his physique, his bones, and even the depths of his soul. It was warm and comfortable. Faintly, one could even hear bursts of mournful wailing.

...

It is unknown how much time had passed when Yu Qiye finally opened his eyes. A ghostly glint flashed in their depths.

"Even a Demon Seed refined from a half-step Demon King is worth decades of my bitter cultivation."

With a sigh, Yu Qiye began to take stock of his gains. His physical strength had increased slightly, and the concentration of his Golden Crow bloodline had deepened by a margin. Most importantly, however, he had firmly stepped into the mid-stage of the True Immortal realm.

This was excellent. At this rate, he should be able to reach the Mysterious Immortal realm, or perhaps even push further, before the Handsome Monkey King, Sun Wukong, wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Palace.

"I still need to seek out a few more traits to boost my cultivation speed."

The Demon Seed could be considered one such trait. Though somewhat extreme, the results were significant. If he could acquire a few more, his cultivation speed would likely advance even further.

Just then, Yu Qiye’s brow flickered. In a flash of movement akin to teleportation, he arrived high above the Crow Heaven Cave.

He gazed out toward the sea. The ocean was surging, whipped into monstrous waves, with golden light erupting into the sky.

"Good treasure! Fine treasure!"

Amidst repeated shouts, a figure leaped out of the sea. It was a monkey with a hairy face and thunder-god cheeks. However, he looked extraordinary now.

He wore a golden Phoenix-Wing Purple-Gold Crown, inlaid with crystal-clear, auspicious cloud patterns that shimmered with light. Draped over his shoulders was a splendid robe like a cape, embroidered with fine, golden dragon patterns that fluttered in the air. He was clad in golden armor, with dragons and phoenixes carved into the chest piece, looking remarkably noble. Beneath, he wore a red silk skirt, cinched at the waist with a gold-threaded belt that trailed to the ground.

Yet, the most eye-catching thing was what he held in his hand: an ink-black iron rod with golden hoops at both ends. Even before it drew near, Yu Qiye felt an incredibly oppressive aura emanating from the weapon.

"So, this is the Ruyi Jingu Bang."

Suppressing the shock in his heart, Yu Qiye narrowed his eyes.

"Brother Crow, what do you think of the treasure I’ve found?"

The Handsome Monkey King suddenly looked up at the sky at a 45-degree angle and hurled the Ruyi Jingu Bang upward with all his might.

Boom!

With a terrifying roar, the clouds shattered. The black iron rod grew in the wind... transforming into a pillar reaching the heavens, rushing toward Yu Qiye.

Yu Qiye knew that Sun Wukong meant no harm. He was like a child with a new toy, eager to show off to his friend at the first opportunity.

"Let me see it, then."

With a long whistle, Yu Qiye raised his hands, preparing to brace against the oncoming pillar.

"Rumble, rumble..."

Amidst the continuous vibrations, even one as powerful as Yu Qiye was forced to retreat. The Ruyi Jingu Bang was not light, and combined with the innate divine strength of Sun Wukong, even Yu Qiye could not easily halt its momentum.

"This is truly a fine treasure," Yu Qiye praised.

"Hahaha!"

The Monkey King somersaulted through the air and raised his right hand. The black iron rod, which had seemed like a pillar of heaven, shrank rapidly until it became a golden needle, landing in his palm.

"This is the treasure of the East Sea Dragon Palace. The old Dragon King gave it to me."

"Did he really *give* it to you?" Yu Qiye asked with a cryptic smile.

"He said he 'gave' it," Sun Wukong replied, his eyes rolling as he laughed mischievously. He had long since attained human-like intelligence and was incredibly sharp; he had naturally sensed the old Dragon King’s reluctance. But it didn't matter. He was destined for this Jingu Bang. If he wouldn't give it willingly, he would have to give it regardless!

...

With his new attire, the Monkey King’s appearance had improved by a grade or two. Combined with his new Ruyi spiritual treasure, he couldn't suppress the grin on his face.

"Come, let’s go drink!" the Monkey King invited repeatedly.

However, Yu Qiye asked, "What do you plan to do next?"

"Me?" Sun Wukong fell silent for a moment, as if in thought. After a while, he spoke frankly: "The cave is boring. I plan to go out and wander the world."

"As expected."

Yu Qiye smiled to himself as he pondered. He remembered that before the Monkey King went to the Heavenly Palace, he had traveled the world. He had "chased the clouds, roamed the four seas, and enjoyed the thousand mountains. He displayed his martial arts, visited heroes everywhere, and used his supernatural powers to make friends." He had even befriended several renowned Demon Kings.

Thinking of this, Yu Qiye offered a reminder: "If you go out to wander, you can call on me."

Yu Qiye had no desire to storm the Dragon Palace or wreak havoc in the Underworld; those acts carried heavy karmic burdens and were more likely to alert the heavens. But he was more than willing to join the Monkey King in roaming the four seas and befriending heroes.

The reason was simple: Yu Qiye was eyeing their "traits." Especially those of the Monkey King’s good brothers.

"If those six brothers can give me a few Gold-rank traits, that wouldn't be too much to ask, would it?" Yu Qiye’s eyes flickered. They were famous, named Demon Kings who had slaughtered their way to the top among billions of demons; their talents must be staggering. According to Yu Qiye’s theory, they were likely born with Gold-rank traits—perhaps even more than one. This made Yu Qiye truly covetous.

"Easily done, easily done!" Hearing Yu Qiye’s words, Sun Wukong nodded repeatedly before heading straight for the Water Curtain Cave.

As for Yu Qiye, he declined the invitation. That monkey was gifted with peak talent and could indulge in wine to his heart's content, but he was different. Though his talent was good, he still needed to "work hard."

...

Seeing the Monkey King obtain his divine weapon, Yu Qiye had a sudden thought. He remembered that Snake Lady was also refining a magical treasure for him, though he hadn't heard any news for several years.

With this in mind, Yu Qiye spread his wings and flew straight toward Snake Lady’s cave dwelling.

Snake Lady did not live in the Crow Heaven Cave. In fact, few of the demons who followed Yu Qiye lived there. They each found their own cave dwellings in the Heaven Green Mountain or other nearby ranges. These demons were of different species and had different habits; Yu Qiye preferred peace and tranquility, while Snake Lady, being a snake spirit, preferred the dark and damp.