Heavenly Palace, flames roared to life everywhere, resounding with thunderous booms.

Within the Heavenly Palace, no hall or chamber was spared the devastation wrought by Jingu Bang.

Those Immortals who encountered Sun Wukong could only curse their misfortune; those who did not rushed back to their own palaces, urging their subordinates to quickly move their possessions out, lest they be smashed by that formidable old monkey.

Sun Wukong became the Heavenly Palace's demon, smashing every palace that stood in his way.

He arrived at the Qinghua Joyful Realm, the Eastern Ultimate Wondrous Rock Palace.

The Eastern Ultimate Wondrous Rock Palace was the palace of Emperor Qinghua, also known as the Savior of Sufferings.

As one of the Four Emperors, countless Heavenly Soldiers and Generals now stood guard here.

The ranks of Heavenly Soldiers and Generals spread out, dense and majestic.

Alas, only a few could maintain their composure; the atmosphere outside the Eastern Ultimate Wondrous Rock Palace was fraught with tension.

These warriors were born for battle, yet now their hearts were filled with fear.

It wasn't that they lacked bravery; rather, the sight of Sun Wukong, who had swept through the entire Heavenly Palace, filled them with panic.

"You all, stand back!"

A man adorned with a ceremonial headpiece flew out.

That was Emperor Qinghua, the Savior of Sufferings.

Although this was their first meeting, Wukong could see that the emperor's Merit was no less than his own and couldn't help but feel kindred spirit.

"I've heard the reason; are you really going to destroy the Eastern Ultimate Wondrous Rock Palace?"

Emperor Qinghua asked.

"Certain."

Sun Wukong nodded; the palace was just a node to him.

"So be it."

With a wave of his long sleeves, Emperor Qinghua shot out the Nine-Colored Lotus, which transformed into thousands of lotuses and attacked Sun Wukong.

Sun Wukong parried a few times, then loosened his grip on Jingu Bang. The staff whirled on its own, battling the Nine-Colored Lotus, each swing shattering several petals.

Emperor Qinghua was internally shocked, quickly unleashing Divine Skills to do battle with Sun Wukong.

In an instant, they exchanged blows several times, both Emperor Qinghua and Sun Wukong stepping back, neither able to best the other.

They withdrew their weapons and clashed again, the thunderous explosion that ensued becoming the sole sound in this stretch of heaven and earth.

Heavenly Soldiers not standing far enough away were sent flying by the shockwaves.

Sun Wukong, with Jingu Bang in hand, its body aflame with golden fire, managed to scorch Emperor Qinghua multiple times.

However, the undying flames upon touching Emperor Qinghua transformed into lotus petals and entered the Nine-Colored Lotus, making it even more powerful.

"Well deserved is the name of the Savior of Sufferings."

Wukong thought to himself; Emperor Qinghua might be the only one in the Heavenly Palace who could restrain him.

Emperor Qinghua was immeasurably virtuous, with the Supreme Divine Power to resolve the world's Karma and Curse, even turning the Blood Lake, which symbolized the fruits of Karma and hellish forces, into a pond of the Nine-Colored Lotus.

"I must go all out."

Wukong thought to himself as he feinted a move and retreated.

"Great Emperor."

Sun Wukong asked: "Have you heard the voice within my flames?"

Emperor Qinghua shook his head: "I only saw resentment."

"Then you have not seen it clearly."

Sun Wukong felt a twinge of loneliness and sorrow.

Of all the Immortals and Buddhas, the closest to the common folk was Emperor Qinghua.

Yet, even he failed to understand the desires embodied in that resentment.

Sun Wukong raised Jingu Bang, which seemed to respond to his will, as the boiling Merit Flames surged towards the staff.

These flames weren't ineffective against Emperor Qinghua, simply not enough!

Countless golden lights wrapped around Jingu Bang, dazzling like the sun itself.

"I'll tell you what the flames are saying, Great Emperor!"

Fire blazed in Sun Wukong's eyes.

He swung Jingu Bang down!

"All beings in the sky and on the ground, everything that exists, all are granted freedom."

Emperor Qinghua controlled the Nine-Colored Lotus, shielding himself.

"Nothing is under the control of the Heavenly Palace!"

With a commanding shout from Sun Wukong, the Nine-Colored Lotus shattered upon contact with Jingu Bang, disintegrating like withering lotuses, and swiftly vanished.

"How could this be!"

Emperor Qinghua was horrified.

Before he could react, an immense roaring sound erupted from behind him.

The massive impact released from Jingu Bang struck the Eastern Ultimate Wondrous Rock Palace; gales swept through and flames shot up into the sky at once.

Emperor Qinghua turned and saw his palace engulfed in raging fire.

The doomed Eastern Ultimate Wondrous Rock Palace shone with a rainbow glow amidst the flames.

The power of Sun Wukong's strike was immense, unthinkable.

Yet his words were even heavier.

"Nothing is under the control of the Heavenly Palace..."

Muttering this phrase, Emperor Qinghua finally understood.

The power of Sun Wukong stemmed from the will of all beings—the collective will formed over countless years, yearning for change.

Even with immense Merit, Emperor Qinghua could not defy these wills.

He sighed and lowered his hands.

"This man, bearing those wills upon him, how can he be resisted?"

Emperor Qinghua thought.

He could not bring those wills to fruition; the only one who could, was Sun Wukong.

Perhaps, Sun Wukong was born for this very purpose.

Sun Wukong put away Jingu Bang.

"If there's a chance in the future, I will repay you with a palace."

He bowed slightly to Emperor Qinghua.

With that, Emperor Qinghua's anger dissipated.

He chuckled, a loss for words, and then shook his head.

This monkey, truly is something else...

Emperor Qinghua could not fathom Sun Wukong.

But he knew one thing—Sun Wukong was strong.

Even if his power alone could not conquer the Heavenly Palace, with all creation at his back, he would be invincible.

No one in the Heavenly Palace could stop him.

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