Five hundred years—seas turn into mulberry fields.
Many of the demons Sun Wukong encountered during his journey to the west were likely still hiding in obscure corners of the world at this time.
Take the likes of Old Black Fox and General Rat—demon officers under King Yellow Wind's command. By the time of Wukong's journey, their fates would already be sealed, their names forgotten.
For those who fail to ascend to immortality, longevity is but a fleeting illusion.
Many perished under heavenly tribulations, others fell victim to human strife: purges by Ling Mountain, celestial generals, or exorcists.
It was well-known that every so often, the heavenly court, Ling Mountain, and the underworld would launch joint campaigns to sweep clean the demons of the mortal realm.
The mountains, vast as they were, were like fields of spiritual wheat. As long as the land remained fertile, new growth would always sprout after each harvest.
If left unchecked, these burgeoning demons might one day forget their place and attempt to usurp heaven's order.
Moreover, without purging demons, where would the immortals earn their merits? Where would they obtain the materials for refining elixirs and divine tools?
After all, the wool must come from somewhere.
The four continents were but heavenly farmlands, rotated and harvested with precision.
King Yellow Wind pushed such thoughts aside and addressed True Immortal Ruyi.
"Pray, tell me the purpose of your visit."
Ruyi smiled and replied, "I have come for two matters."
"First, on behalf of my elder brother, I offer a gift to congratulate the Great King on attaining immortality."
He presented a box containing a bottle of pills. The pills were smooth and white as jade, emitting a rich fragrance.
"These are the Jade Spirit Pills. There are nine in this bottle. Each pill grants an additional thirty years of life. I offer them to you, Great King, in hopes of your eternal longevity!"
Hearing of the pills' effects, King Yellow Wind raised an eyebrow in surprise. This was no small gift.
His time at Square Inch Mountain had greatly expanded his understanding of the world.
King Yellow Wind knew that the Three Realms of Journey to the West were governed by strict rules. Life spans were dictated by the heavenly court and underworld, leaving little room for defiance.
When one's allotted years expired—whether human, demon, celestial, or even Buddha—death would come. Those who refused to enter the cycle of reincarnation would be dragged to the underworld by celestial enforcers.
Even someone like Sun Wukong, born of stone, would have died at 342 years old had he not achieved immortality through cultivation.
For ordinary demons, life was even harsher.
Many used secret arts to evade the underworld's grasp, but few could withstand the might of the heavenly armies.
This was why so many demon kings, hearing rumors of Tang Sanzang's flesh granting eternal life, risked everything to capture and consume him.
It was also why certain celestial beings turned a blind eye to their mounts causing havoc in the mortal realm—covertly seeking ways to extend their own lives.
Though reincarnation offered privileges to celestial beings, no one willingly surrendered the fruits of millennia of cultivation.
To prevent immortals from clinging to power indefinitely, the cosmos periodically unleashed kalpas—cataclysms that cleared the ranks of stagnating deities.
These calamities were also known as the Curse of Longevity.
Ruyi was unaware of King Yellow Wind's musings. Noticing his composed expression, he silently admired the king's restraint.
Had this been any ordinary demon king, they'd already be trembling with excitement.
Ruyi explained, "Alas, adding mortal years comes at the cost of disrupting heaven's order. Thus, only one pill may be taken. Consuming more has no effect beyond calming the mind and repelling impurities."
King Yellow Wind suddenly understood.
These pills were likely Ruyi's own creations. Since neither he nor his elder brother, the Bull Demon King, could use them anymore, they had chosen to offer them as a gesture of goodwill.
The Bull Demon King, known for his love of forging alliances, had built a formidable network in Xiniu Hezhou—an influence that would dominate four of the Eighty-One Calamities in the Journey to the West.
Truly, a family of great renown.
"This is a fine gift. I accept it gratefully."
King Yellow Wind accepted the pills without hesitation. Though still young at fifty years of age, he knew many of his followers could benefit from extended lifespans.
Ruyi smiled and continued, "Secondly, a year from now, on the Ghost Festival, my elder brother will celebrate his thousandth birthday. He invites you to attend."
He presented an invitation card.
King Yellow Wind examined it. Written in fine, formal script, the card detailed the date and location of the celebration.
"Very well. Inform your brother that I shall attend. Since you've come such a long way, stay for a meal before you depart."
King Yellow Wind saw this as an opportunity to gather more information about the Bull Demon King.
Ruyi, eager to observe King Yellow Wind's domain, readily agreed.
After half a day, Ruyi departed on a whirlwind.
King Yellow Wind summoned his seven demon generals and bestowed each with one Jade Spirit Pill.
"An additional thirty years of life?"
Old Black Fox was overjoyed.
"Thank you, Great King!"
Having lived a millennium, his lifespan was nearing its end. This gift granted him a vital chance at ascension—how could he not rejoice?
The other six generals were equally ecstatic.
"Thank you, Great King!"
They swallowed the pills on the spot, feeling a surge of pure energy course through them. Their extended lifespans filled them with newfound hope and gratitude.
Old Black Fox's cunning eyes gleamed. Stepping forward, he offered counsel.
"Great King, may I make a suggestion?"
"Speak."
Old Black Fox, also known as Linghu Zihei from his scholarly travels in the East, proposed:
"You have achieved immortality, and in time, celestial friends will surely visit. While our camp serves us well, it lacks the majesty befitting a divine domain. Why not construct a grand palace in the mountains to reflect your newfound status?"
King Yellow Wind stroked his whiskers thoughtfully.
"I've considered this, but among our ranks, there are no skilled builders."
Old Black Fox chuckled.
"At the foot of my Hundred Fox Mountain lies a human village. These refugees fled the Flowing Sands Kingdom and include master craftsmen. Before the calamity, they spoke of a Mouse God warning them in a dream. Was that not you, Great King?"
"Indeed, it was."
King Yellow Wind felt gratified.
"Some escaped, after all. My efforts were not in vain."
Old Black Fox bowed.
"The entire village is deeply grateful. Now is the perfect time to recruit these craftsmen. Planting virtuous seeds yields virtuous fruits, and their skills can serve your cause."
King Yellow Wind weighed his options.
The Yellow Wind Ridge, being a key node along the Westward Journey, undoubtedly held hidden karmic significance.
Moreover, this would be his permanent domain. It was time to establish a true sanctuary.
He instructed Old Black Fox:
"Your scholarly expertise is unmatched. I entrust the construction of the palace to you. Build according to the natural terrain—ensure no harm comes to the land's feng shui or spiritual veins. I'll oversee it myself."
"Also, recruit craftsmen on a voluntary basis. Do not resort to force or coercion."
Old Black Fox bowed deeply.
"Rest assured, Great King. Coercion is beneath us—such methods are for lesser demons."
Nearby, General Rat and Silver Wolf exchanged guilty glances, recalling their less-than-noble deeds.
Flower Deer Maiden, Six-Tusk Elephant, and Iron-Eater Bear nodded approvingly, clearly proud of their own restraint.
King Yellow Wind noticed but chose not to comment.
Old Black Fox added:
"Great King, setting aside distinctions of human and demon, mortals possess remarkable ingenuity. Though their lives are short, their innate Dao potential makes them ideal stewards and craftsmen."
"If we guide them as shepherds do their flocks, their service could yield countless benefits."
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