This is a fresh, complete English translation of Wu Cheng’en’s public-domain one-hundred-chapter novel, produced with GPT-5.3-Codex-Spark assistance. It is an AI-assisted first edition, not a reproduction of an existing translation.

Taibai Jinxing and the Handsome Monkey King left together from the depths of their cave-heaven and rose on clouds together. Wukong’s cloud was unlike all others, far swifter than most, so he left the Golden Star behind and reached the outer South Heavenly Gate first. As he was about to gather the clouds and move forward, Taizhang Tianwang came leading the soldiers Peng, Liu, Gou, Bi, Deng, Xin, Zhang, and Tao—greatly armed heavenly guards with spears, sabres, and halberds—blocking the gate and refusing passage. The Monkey King said, “This old Golden Star is a deceitful rogue. Since he invited Old-Sun, why did he have these men brandish spears and swords to block the way?” While he was still scolding, Jinxing suddenly arrived. Wukong turned on him in anger: “Old fellow, how are you fooling me? You told me you came with the Jade Emperor’s recruitment edict to summon me, yet you made these people block the gate and not let Old-Sun pass!” Jinxing laughed: “Great King, calm yourself. You have never been to this Heaven before and are unknown here. These heavenly attendants do not know you. How could they let you in at once? Once you have seen the Celestial Lord and been given your divine tally and title, from then on you will move in and out with these attendants and none will dare to block you again.” Wukong said, “If it is like that, all right—I will not go in.” Jinxing grabbed him by the arm and said, “You will come in with me.”

As they approached the Heavenly Gate, Taibai Jinxing cried out: “That’s the gate commanders, great and small, open the way. This is an immortal from the lower world; I bring him under the Jade Emperor’s sacred edict and proclaim his coming.” Then Taizhang Tianwang and all the heavenly guards withdrew their weapons and stepped aside. The Monkey King then believed him and, with Jinxing, walked in more slowly to see. Truly:

First he ascended into the heavens, newly entering Heaven. A myriad golden rays rolled into red rainbows; ten thousand auspicious qi-veils burst up as purple mists. The South Heaven Gate was before him, deep blue and made of crystal; bright and lustrous, built with precious jade. On both sides stood dozens of sky-general captains, each braced by a pillar, holding halberds and carrying banners; around on all sides were ten or so groups of golden-armor gods, each brandishing halberds and lash-crooks, with knives and swords. The outer side was tolerable; within it was astonishing: there were massive pillars in the inner hall, wrapped with red-bearded, sun-glinting, golden-scaled dragons; there were also several long bridges where vermilion-crested peacocks with patterned feathers wheeled through empty air. Bright rosy clouds shimmered reflecting heaven’s light; blue mist, dense and dim, concealed the gate-mouthed sky. In Heaven there were thirty-three palaces: the Dispatched-Cloud Hall, the Bisha Hall, the Wuxing Hall, the Sun Hall, the Flower-Music Hall, and so on—each roof-ridge with a golden-locked stable beast atop it. There were also seventy-two layered treasure halls: the Assembly Hall, the Soaring-Hollow Hall, the Hall of Radiant Splendour, the Heavenly King’s Hall, and the Spirit-Official Hall, and so on—each hall’s columns lined with jade qilin. On the Terrace of Longevity stood famous flowers that do not lose their fragrance for thousands of years; by the alchemical furnace grew embroidered grasses that stay ever green for ten thousand years. He came to the Hall of Holy Audience: crimson gauze robes, stars shining; lotus crowns, and bright golden discs of radiance. Jadespread hairpins, pearl sandals, purple ribbons, and golden seals with plaques. Golden bells crashed; three Censorates of the gods advanced to the cinnabar threshold; when the heavenly drums sounded, ten thousand sacred kings attended before the Jade Emperor. Then to Lingxiao Treasure Hall: doors of jade fixed with gold nails, vermilion doors before which colourful phoenixes danced. There were corridors turning back and forth, everywhere exquisitely translucent; triple-eaved, cluster-like roofs, layer upon layer with dragons and phoenixes soaring. Above was a purple lofty mass—shining, luminous, round and bright—with a great golden gourd on top. Below stood a heavenly maiden with a suspended fan, jade maidens carrying immortal kerchiefs, fierce-faced gate gods, and proud immortals guarding the palanquin-bearing retinue. In the centre, in a glass basin, were heaped many tiered piles of Taiyi pills; in onyx bottles stood a few crooked-curved coral trees. Truly there are all sorts of wonders in Heaven—items like those have no counterpart on earth. Golden-pavilions and silver litters, Purple Courts, together with wondrous stones, divine grasses, and pearl-like blossoms. Passing by the Jade Rabbit altar before the Court King, he saw the golden crows of the participating saints soaring in the lowest sky. Wukong had by fate entered the realm of Heaven, and would not fall back to stain the muddy world below.

Taibai Jinxing led the Beautiful Monkey King to the outside of Lingxiao Hall, and instead of waiting to read out an edict, he went straight to the imperial presence and bowed. Wukong stood upright at his side, and did not kneel at first, only listening closely to Jinxing’s report. Jinxing said, “I have received the sacred command and have announced that the demon-immortal has arrived.” The Jade Emperor lowered the curtain and asked, “Who is that demon-immortal?” Wukong then bent and answered, “Old-Sun, it is I.” The immortals were shocked and pale: “This wild monkey—how can he not bow to pay court and yet say so plainly, ‘Old-Sun, it is I’? He deserves death, indeed death.” The Jade Emperor ordered, “That Sun Wukong is a demon-spirit from the lower world; at first he obtained a human body and does not know court ritual. For now, pardon his fault.” The immortals cried, “Thank you for your grace.” Wukong then made a deep respectful bow. The Jade Emperor reviewed the ranks of martial and immortal officials and asked where he might be given an office; then he said, “Grant him an appointment.” Wuqü Star Lord spoke up from the side: “Across the heavenly palaces and halls and in all quarters, there is no office lacking, except that the Imperial Stable Office lacks one chief attendant in charge.” The Jade Emperor decreed, “Then make him a Bi Ma Wen.” The ministers thanked him, and he only bowed once more. The Jade Emperor again sent Mudé Star Officer to take him to the Imperial Stable Office for audience and induction.

At that time the Monkey King, delighted, went directly with Officer Mude to take up his post. When the work was done, Mude returned to the palace. In the stable office, he gathered the deputy supervisor, deputy manager, registrar, strongmen, and officials of every rank and checked the records. There were only one thousand heavenly horses. They were:

Hu Liao and Qiji; Lu Rui and Xianli; Longmei and Ziyan; Xieyi and Sushuang; Jue Ti and Yao Niao Fei Huang; Tao Tu and Chi Tu; Yuhui and Mijing; Tengwu and Shenghuang; Zhui Feng and Jue Di, Fei𦑭 Benxia; Yipiao and Chidian; Tongjue and Fuyun; Conglong and Huguan; Juechen and Zuling— four extreme superb steeds, eight eminent chargers, and nine extraordinary steeds, a stock beyond compare by a thousand li. Each of these excellent horses had wind-like neighing and lightning-like vigor, with spirits and strength that only grew in cloud and mist.

The Monkey King reviewed the registers and accounted for each horse. In the office, the registrar prepared fodder lists and grain; the wrestlers’ officers handled washing the horses, binding hay, watering, and cooking feed; the deputy and assistant overseers assisted and urged the work. As Bimawen, he neither slept by day nor by night, nourishing the horses. By day he played with them capably; by night he tended to them diligently. When they slept he roused them to eat; when they strayed he caught them and brought them back to their stalls. Those heavenly steeds, upon seeing him, lowered their ears and gathered their hooves together. He fattened them well and filled them with meat and strength. Before he knew it, more than half a month had passed.

One day, in a moment of leisure, all the bureau officials arranged a banquet for him, partly to welcome him and partly to congratulate him. In the midst of their joyous drinking, the Monkey King set down his cup and asked, “What rank of office is this Bimawen I hold?” They answered, “That is its name.” He asked, “And of what grade is this rank?” They replied, “It has no grade.” Sun Wukong said, “No grade—surely that is the highest?” They said, “Not high—not at all. It is simply called lowly, beneath the stream.” The Monkey King asked, “Why call it ‘beneath the stream’?” They explained, “Meanly low and lowest of all. It lets you do little but tend horses. Once you arrive and serve with care, if you fatten the steeds well, you might hear only one word of praise—‘good.’ But if they are even slightly lean, you are blamed; if they are badly damaged, you are fined and put on trial.” Hearing this, his heart flared and he growled through clenched teeth, “Such contempt toward Old Sun! In Flower-Fruit Mountain I am king and ancestor to all—how could they trick me into caring for their horses? To raise horses is an ignoble task for youngsters and inferiors. It is not for one like me. I will not do it.” He shouted, and at once knocked over the public desk; from his ear he drew his precious treasure, made it flash, and struck with one sweep—clearing all at hand—then broke out of the stable office, racing straight for the South Heavenly Gate. The celestial guards, knowing he had received the divine tally and was a Bimawen, dared not restrain him; they let him pass out of Heaven unhindered.

After a short while he descended in cloud, returning to Flower-Fruit Mountain. He saw the four bodyguards and demon kings of the caves in drill with their troops. The Monkey King shouted loudly, “Attend! Old Sun has returned.” A band of monkeys came to kneel and bow, then guided him back into the deep cave-heavens and invited him to take the treasured seat. He ascended the hall and, on one side, had wine made ready to greet him. They said, “Congratulations, Great King. You have been in the upper world for more than ten years and surely returned in glory?” Wukong said, “I have been there for only half a month, how ten years?” They replied, “Great King, in Heaven one day equals one year below. Tell us, what office did you hold?” He waved his hand: “It is hard to say, very hard to say—so shameful it could kill the living. The Jade Emperor does not know how to use talent. Seeing my appearance, he gave me this ‘Bimawen’ title—intending me, in truth, to be a horse-tender, a lowest grade matter. On first arrival I knew nothing and only played foolishly in the horse bureau. Only today, asking the others, did I learn this is such a despised office. Wukong was greatly enraged; he overturned the seats and refused the title, and so returned.” The monkeys cried, “Well done, well done! In this blessed cavern-heaven, as king you enjoy much honour and joy—why would you become a horseman for him?” They ordered everyone to bring wine quickly and cheer the king to lighten his heart.

While they were still in good cheer and wine drinking, someone reported: “Great King, there are two one-horned demon kings at the gate seeking audience.” The Monkey King said, “Let them come in.” The pair entered, dressed in order, and prostrated themselves. Wukong asked, “Why have you come before me?” One said, “We have long heard that Great King gathers worthy men but had no chance to see you. Now that you have received Heaven’s tally and returned in triumph, we have brought a reddish-yellow robe to celebrate you. If Your Greatness would not spurn our low station, I beg you to accept it; then I may render but dog-like service.” Wukong was greatly pleased and put on the robe. All rejoiced and lined up to make obeisance. He next invested the envoy as a forward commander-general of the fore corps. After he had offered thanks, the king asked, “When you have stayed in Heaven so long, what rank was granted you?” Wukong replied, “By the Jade Emperor’s favour I was made some manner of ‘Bimawen.’” The ghost king, hearing this, spoke again: “If the Great King has such divine might, why serve him in horse-keeping? Why not be called the Great Sage Equal to Heaven? Why not indeed?” Wukong rejoiced and could barely contain himself, crying “Good! Good! Good!” three times, then told the four bodyguards: “Immediately set banners and pennants. Write on the standard four great characters: ‘Equal to Heaven, Great Sage.’ Erect poles and hang them high. Henceforth they must call me the Great Sage of Equal-Heaven and never again Great King. Also send this to every cave king so all may know at once.” This need not be described further here.

The next day, the Jade Emperor held court. Then Zhang Tian Shi arrived with the superintendent and deputy of the imperial stables and knelt on the vermilion steps to report: “Long live the Son of Heaven. The newly appointed Bimawen Sun Wukong, displeased by the lowly rank, left the Heaven Court yesterday.” As he spoke, Zengzhang Tianwang was also seen outside the South Gate, leading his heavenly soldiers, and reported, “This Bimawen, for no clear reason, has walked out through the South Gate.” Hearing this, the Jade Emperor issued: “Have the two battalions return to their own duties. I will send heavenly troops to seize this rogue.” From the ranks leapt Tuo-ta Li Tianwang and Nezha, Third Prince. Stepping forward they petitioned, “Your Majesty, this servant is incompetent; please issue the command to subdue this demon.” The Jade Emperor was pleased and appointed Li Tianwang Tuo-ta as Commander-in-Chief for Subduing Demons, and Nezha, Third Prince, as the Great Deity of the Triple-Altar Sea Assembly, and immediately ordered the campaign to begin below.

Li Tianwang and Nezha knelt and gave thanks, then went straight to his hall. He raised the three armies and led all heads of the battalions, appointing Juling Shen as vanguard, Yudu to the rear, and Yacha to urge the troops on. In an instant they came out beyond the South Gate and went straight to Flower-Fruit Mountain, chose a level place and set up camp, then ordered Juling Shen to issue the challenge. Juling Shen obeyed, formed the ranks in order, brandished his floral axe, and came to the outside of Water-Curtain Cave. Outside the small cave gate stood many demons—of wolves, bugs, tigers, leopards and the like—brandishing spears and dancing with swords, leaping and roaring. Juling Shen shouted: “You evil brutes! Go quickly and report to the Bimawen. I am a supreme general from Above, sent by the Jade Emperor’s decree to subdue you. Tell him to come out and surrender early, lest all of you be maimed.” The demons ran back in panic and reported in the cave: “A calamity! A calamity!” The Monkey King asked, “What calamity?” They answered, “Outside stands a heavenly general. He says he holds office of Great Sage and bears the Jade Emperor’s order to subdue you; he told him to come out and submit at once, lest all our lives be ruined.” The Monkey King said, “Fetch my armor.” He put on the purple-gold crown, buckled on the golden mail, put on his cloud-sandals, took the Ruyi Golden Hooped Cudgel, led out his followers, and formed an array. Juling Shen then regarded him and spoke in verse:

Body clad in bright golden armor, shining and splendidly clear. Golden crown on his head, its radiance shining in return. In his hand a single Ruyi Golden Hoop Staff. Cloud-sandals on his feet; all of it fitting perfectly. His two strange eyes like stars; his two ears hung hard past his shoulders. Tall, upright and broad of frame; he knew many transformations. His voice rang out clear, like bronze bells and sounding stones. Sharp nose, sharp fangs: a Bimawen in form, Yet high-spirited, he sought to make himself Great Sage Equal to Heaven.

Juling God barked in a harsh cry, “You wild monkey! Do you know me?” The Great Sage asked sharply, “What sort of hairy spirit are you? Old Sun has never met you. Give your name at once.” Juling God said, “You are a deceitful ape! You do not even recognize me. I am Juling, a vanguard Juling heavenly commander under Li Tianwang of the High Divine Canopy, sent here under the Jade Emperor’s edict to subdue you. Quickly strip your gear and submit to Heaven’s grace, otherwise these beasts on the mountain will all be destroyed; if you speak even a single word against this, I will turn you to powder at once.” Sun Wukong heard this and was furious: “Rabid-haired spirit! Don’t strut so much or wag your long tongue. I had meant to kill you with one stroke at first, but then who would carry the message back? Yet I spare your life—go quickly and tell the Jade Emperor: he is quite unworthy of me. Old Sun has endless powers, so why set me to tending his horse? Look at the inscription on this banner; if he grants me promotion by this title, I will not raise blade or spear and Heaven and Earth will be at peace. If he refuses, I will at once strike at Lingxiao Treasure Hall and make him unable to sit easy on his dragon couch.” Hearing this, Juling God squinted into the wind and looked out. Sure enough, outside the gate stood a tall pole with a banner bearing four bold characters: “Great Sage Equal to Heaven.” Juling God sneered three times: “This wild monkey—so ignorant, so uncouth—dared to claim he is Great Sage Equal to Heaven. Then I’ll make you truly taste my axe.” He lunged forward to hack. The Monkey King, quick to respond and not at all flustered, met him with the Golden-hooped staff in hand. This was a fierce battle:

The staff was named Ruyi, the axe named Xuanhua. They met for the first time, not knowing which was deeper. Staff and axe traded blows left and right. One concealed divine subtlety, the other boasted loudly. Using their arts, they sent up clouded haze; with an outstretched hand they raised dust and flung sand. The heavenly general had divine arts, yet the Monkey King’s transformations were truly without limit. He swung his staff like a dragon frolicking in water; and the axe came down like a phoenix cleaving blossoms. Juling’s renown was famed across the world, yet in truth his skill was not equal to him: The Great Sage lightly moved the iron staff, one strike to the head that numbed him all over.

Jiling God could not endure facing him. The Monkey King struck once at the head with his staff; Jiling, in panic, raised his axe as guard, and with a crack the haft split in two. He withdrew in disorder and fled from the field. Sun Wukong laughed: “Pus-headed one, pus-filled one. I have spared you. Run and report at once—quick, report at once.”

Juling God returned to the camp gate and at once saw Li Tianwang. He knelt in haste and said, “Bimawen is truly all-powerful; this junior general could not withstand him, so I return defeated to atone for this failure.” Li Tianwang grew angry: “That brute has shattered my proud momentum—drag him out and execute him!” From the side, Nezha, the Crown Prince, stepped forward to intercede: “Father King, calm your anger and pardon Juling’s offense for now. Let your son go out once; then you will know the measure of him.” The King heeded the counsel and sent him back to camp to await punishment.”

That was Nezha, the Third Prince, his armor perfectly arranged, leaping from camp and barreling to the mouth of Water Curtain Cave. At that moment Sun Wukong was ordering his troops, and on seeing how boldly Nezha arrived, he spoke: “Good prince.”

The angle of his brows was small and neat, his young body hair scarcely yet covered his shoulders. His wits were keen and his senses quick, and his bones and form were even finer and cleaner; truly a heavenly qilin-born, surely a phoenix of cloud and rosy radiance. A child of dragon stock by nature, never of mundane appearance; in such young years he was not like ordinary dust-bound men. He carried six divine weapons and could fly and transform without limit. Now, by the Jade Emperor’s golden-mouthed decree, he had been appointed and titled as the one of the Three Altars.

Sun Wukong advanced and asked, “Who are you, young lord? You have broken into my gate—what is your business?” Nezha shouted, “Demon ape! Do you not recognize me? I am Nezha, Third Prince of the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King. By the Jade Emperor’s order I have come down to seize you.” Sun Wukong laughed. “Young prince, your milk teeth have not yet fallen and your downy hair is not yet dry; how dare you boast like this? I will let your life be spared and not strike you. Look at what is written on my banner—if that is my official title, then all can stop, and I will submit. If my wish is not met, I will strike up to the Lingxiao Hall.” Nezha looked up and saw the four words: “齊天大聖.” Nezha said, “How can this demon ape have such divine power to dare that title? Do not flinch—take this one stroke of my sword.” Sun Wukong answered, “I will simply stand still. Cut away with as many strikes as you can.” Enraged, Nezha shouted “Transform!” and became three-headed and six-armed, furious, wielding six weapons: the Demon-Slaying Sword, Demon-Splitting Blade, Demon-Binding Net, Demon-Subduing Mace, Embroidered Bolas, Fire Wheels, and a pair of ya-ya forks, then charged in to strike. Sun Wukong saw this and said in alarm, “This little lord does know some tactics. No need for such impudence—watch my divine arts.” “Great Sage,” he shouted, “Transform!” and himself became three-headed and six-armed. He flicked the Golden Hoop Staff and it became three rods. His six hands took those three rods and held them firm. The battle now made the earth shake and the mountains sway; it was indeed grimly slaughterous:

Six-armed Nezha, the crown prince, and the heaven-born handsome stone-king ape met as true opponents, each the source of his line. One came down from Heaven on a divine commission; the other stirred this world in arrogant strife. The Demon-Slaying Treasure Sword flashed with keen edge; the Demon-Splitting Blade was so fierce that ghosts and spirits trembled; The Demon-Binding Net moved like a flying python, the demon-subduing club like a wolf’s head; The Fire Wheels whipped sparks of lightning; the embroidered boluses rolled fiercely in constant loops. The Great Sage’s three As-You-Will rods blocked and defended before and behind with tactical dexterity. In fierce combat there was no clear superior in many rounds; in his heart the prince would not relent. He made his six weapons transform repeatedly, casting billions to strike at his head. The Monkey King did not fear, and laughed aloud as he made his iron staff turn and plan its own stratagem. With one change into a thousand and another into ten thousand, he danced chaotically through the sky like a soaring dragon. It scared every demon king in every cave to lock their doors and all mountain spirits and monsters to hide their heads. The divine soldiers’ wrath gathered darkly like storm-clouds; the golden-hooped iron staff rang with a rushing sound. On this side heavenly lieutenants shouted, and everyone feared; on that side the monkey fiends shook banners and all were sorrowful. Both sides, fierce and enraged, fought with all strength; none could yet tell which was hard and which was soft.

The Third Prince and Sun Wukong each displayed their divine might, and fought for thirty rounds. The prince’s six weapons transformed into ten-thousands and ten-thousands more; Sun Wukong’s Golden-Hoop Staff became ten-thousands and tens of thousands. In midair they were like rain drops and falling meteors, with no winner decided.

Right then, as chaos was at its height, Sun Wukong plucked up one hair from his body and called, “Transform!” He changed into his true form, holding out his staff and taking the figure of Nezha, while his true body in one bound leapt behind Nezha’s head and struck a blow to his left arm. As Nezha was in the middle of casting his arts, he heard the wind-sound at the club’s head and tried to dodge, but could not evade in time; he was struck, hurt, and fled. Gathering up his arts, he drew the six weapons back to himself as before and returned in defeat.

Li Tianwang had already seen the fray and wanted to call in troops to aid the fight when suddenly the prince came before him, trembling, and reported: “Father, Bimawen truly has power; with this level of magic, even my arm cannot prevail against him—I have already been struck and injured.” Li Tianwang turned pale: “With powers like this, how can this rogue be taken?” The prince said, “Outside his cave he raised a staff-flown flag, with four characters: ‘齊天大聖.’ He claimed it himself as a spoken boast and said that if the Jade Emperor had bestowed this title on him, everything was done; if it was not this title, he would strike at the Lingxiao Hall.” Li Tianwang said, “If so, do not continue to spar with him. Go now to court and submit this report, then send more heavenly troops to encircle and seize this fellow; it is not yet too late.” The prince, in pain and unable to continue combat, therefore returned with his father to Heaven to report.

You see that the Monkey King returned triumphant to the mountain. The seventy-two cave demon lords and the six brothers all came to congratulate him, and in their cave-heavens and blessed lands they feasted in unmatched delight. Then he told the six brothers: “Since I have been called Great Sage Equal to Heaven, you too may call yourselves Great Sage.” At once the Bull Demon King suddenly cried out, “My worthy younger brother’s words are just. I will be called Great Sage Pacifying Heaven.” The Snaking-Demon King said, “I will be called Great Sage Who Overcomes the Sea.” The Peng Demon King said, “I will be called Great Sage Who Mixes the Heavens.” The Lion- Ape King said, “I will be called Great Sage Who Moves Mountains.” The Macaque King said, “I will be called Great Sage Who Passes Through the Winds.” The Yaruang King said, “I will be called Great Sage Who Drives Away Gods.” At this point the seven Great Sages self-appointed themselves with self-chosen titles, frolicked in fun for a day, then each dispersed back to his own place.

Li Tianwang and the Third Prince, leading all their generals, went straight to the Lingxiao Palace and reported: “Your Majesty, on Your order we marched on a heavenly mission to suppress the demon-celestial Sun Wukong. Unexpectedly, he has vast powers; we could not defeat him. We still beg Your Majesty to send additional troops to eliminate him.” The Jade Emperor said, “How much can a demon ape have, that even more troops are still needed?” The prince stepped forward again and reported: “Please pardon this servant’s fault, Your Majesty. That demon ape, with one iron rod, first defeated the Great Spirit God and also struck my arm. Outside his cave he set up one pole-flag with four words: ‘齊天大聖.’ It is said that if he is granted this official title he will at once lay down arms; if not, he threatens to assault the Lingxiao Palace.” On hearing this, the Jade Emperor cried in astonishment, “How dare this demon ape speak so wildly? Order all the generals to execute him at once.”

Just then, Taibai Jinxing appeared from the retinue and reported: “That troublesome monkey only knows how to bark and argue; he knows no sense of rank. If we send troops to fight him, we cannot subdue him at once and will only waste the army. It would be better, with Your Majesty’s mercy, to issue a pacifying edict and summon him into service, making him Great Sage Equal to Heaven. Just give him only an empty title—an office without duties and no stipend will suffice.” The Jade Emperor asked, “How can it be called ‘an office without stipend’?” Jinxing said, “His title is Great Sage Equal to Heaven, but do not entrust him with administration, and give him no pay. Keep him living between Heaven and Earth, so his wickedness is contained and arrogance does not take root; then the world and seas will come to peace.” The Jade Emperor agreed: “As you have advised.” He issued the edict at once and again ordered Jinxing to carry it.

Jinxing went again to the Southern Heavenly Gate and then to the entrance of Water Curtain Cave to look around. This time it differed from before: he could feel towering majesty and dense killing intent; every sort of demon and spirit was armed and roaring. One after another they held swords, spears, knives, and rods, howling and leaping about. At the sight of Jinxing, each rushed forward to attack. Jinxing said, “All leaders, return and report this to the Great Sage: I am an envoy from Heaven, come by imperial command. A royal decree awaits him.” They all ran in and said, “Outside is an old man. He says he is Heaven’s envoy with an imperial summons for you.” Sun Wukong said, “He comes well. He comes well. It must be that Taibai Jinxing from before. The time he first summoned me, though the ranks were not worthy, I did go once and learned the way in and out of the Heavenly gates. He returns now, surely with good intent.” He ordered the captains to raise the flags and drums in full array. The Great Sage led all the monkeys out, crowned and armored, with a red-yellow robe over his mail and cloud sandals on his feet. He hurried out of the cave, bowed low and paid respect, then shouted, “Old star, please enter. Forgive my poor reception.”

Jinxing stepped forward and entered directly into the cavern, facing south, and said: “Now, to inform the Great Sage: formerly, when the Great Sage disliked the lowly office and withdrew from the imperial stable watch, he was reported by local officials of this yamen to the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor decreed, ‘All offices are conferred from low to high. Why complain of low rank?’ Thus Li Tianwang came down with Nezha to battle. Unaware of the Great Sage’s powers, he was defeated and returned to Heaven to report: ‘The Great Sage raised one banner and demands to be Great Sage Equal to Heaven. The armed officials still tarried and haggled. It was this old rogue who, taking the blame of Great Sage, interceded to forestall war and begged Your Majesty to confer the register.’ The Jade Emperor approved. Therefore I have come.” Sun Wukong laughed. “You labored before; now you are gracious again. My thanks, my thanks. Yet tell me plainly: can Heaven truly grant me the title Great Sage Equal to Heaven?” Jinxing said, “The old fellow dared to bring this title in petition only because I had already secured your approval. I came only on the edict. If it is not fulfilled, then let blame fall on me.”

Greatly delighted, Sun Wukong refused to stay for a banquet and would not accept; so he followed Jinxing, riding auspicious clouds to the south of the Heavenly Gate. The heavenly soldiers and generals there greeted him with clasped hands. He entered Lingxiao Hall straight away. Jinxing knelt and reported, “Your Majesty, in obedience to Your decree, I present Bima Wen, Sun Wukong, who has arrived.” The Jade Emperor said, “Bring in Sun Wukong. Today I hereby confer on you the office of Great Sage Equal to Heaven, your rank is the highest—yet do nothing reckless.” The monkey made one respectful bow and said, “Thank You for Your grace.” The Jade Emperor ordered the palace engineers Zhang and Lu to build a Great Sage Equal to Heaven residence to the right of the Peach Garden of Immortality. Within it he established two bureaus: one named the Anjing Office and one named the Ningshen Office. Each had celestial clerks attending on either side. He also sent the Lord of the Fifth Dipper Star to escort Wukong to his post and granted him two flasks of celestial wine and ten golden flowers, telling him to keep his heart at peace and steady his resolve, and never again act recklessly.

The monkey king accepted these commands and followed the Five-Dipper Star official to the new offices that very day. He opened the wine vessels and drank them all with his retinue. After the star official had returned to his own palace, he found himself content and completely satisfied, rejoicing in heaven with no burden, no obstruction, and all things at ease. It was said:

In the immortal register his holy name is forever preserved; Not to fall again into cyclic re-birth, so shall it be told through ten thousand ages.

What befell afterward remains unsaid for now. Read on in the next installment.