The Tathāgata Must Fail

Chapter 19: The Soul of Substance


Heavenly Pillar, lush forests, flowers everywhere, mountain mists drifting, mountain springs cascading into waterfalls, merging into rivers that surge into the distance.

At the boundary between heaven and earth, towering palace hundred of zhang high stands imposingly.

This is the newly built Heavenly Palace.

Inside the palace, golden light flows as the Immortals discuss the Immortal Positions established by Sun Wukong with great enthusiasm and ardor.

They have been discussing for two days.

Various Star Officials, Heavenly Generals, Heavenly Kings, Gong Cao, True Monarchs, through widespread recommendations and discussions, have all now come to a resolution.

"What a great method."

Nuwa, looking at the Immortals' deliberations, couldn't help but say to Sun Wukong.

Compared to appointing one by one, this method of selecting Immortal Positions is more likely to be accepted by all.

"It's also because of their good quality."

Sun Wukong said.

He did not know much about these Immortals; instead of making arbitrary appointments, it was better to let them recommend themselves.

The candidates recommended were then appointed one by one by Sun Wukong.

All the Immortals involved in the establishment of the Heavenly Palace had Immortal Positions, even the giant turtle and the two-headed dragon did not miss out on a half-official position.

This day, the last vacancy was also filled.

"If no one has any objections, these will be the Immortal Positions."

Sun Wukong said.

"Yes."

The Immortals responded with heartfelt agreement.

In two days, Sun Wukong also won the trust of the Immortals with his own.

His charm was irresistible, as if he were a born leader.

After all the Immortals were effectively arranged, Sun Wukong stood up again; he had to personally arrange some important Immortals.

"E Huang, Nu Ying."

Sun Wukong read out the names.

These are the real names of the Mountain Gods of Mount Hua and Tai Mountain, the elder sister named E Huang and the younger sister named Nu Ying.

Initially, the two did not wish to divulge their real names; however, in order to obtain Immortal Positions, they finally opened up.

"Present."

The two sisters stepped forward.

"You moved Mount Hua and Tai Mountain to Buzhou Mountain, creating the Heavenly Pillar for me, a great Merit; from now on, you are the Ancestors of Earth Immortals, overseeing all the Mountain Gods under heaven."

Sun Wukong said.

The Immortals came forward to offer their congratulations; being Ancestors of Earth Immortals was no small position.

However, the sisters were not completely satisfied.

"That's a bit stingy."

"At least confer the title of Queen Mother on us."

The two of them murmured.

Afterward, Sun Wukong turned to the Dragon King, charging him with the governance of the Four Seas.

Naturally, the Dragon King accepted.

"Fang Mountain."

Sun Wukong looked towards Fang Mountain, pondering for a long time, and said: "You are Emperor of Fang Mountain, overseeing all Immortal Records under heaven."

All the Immortals were taken aback upon hearing this.

Fang Mountain was also stunned; he had never imagined Sun Wukong would entrust him with such an important position.

"This subordinate fears he may not be up to the task."

Fang Mountain said, taken aback by the honor.

"Your temperament is suitable, do not refuse."

Sun Wukong said.

He had thought for a long time; Fang Mountain was amiable and well-liked, most suitable to take over this job.

"Next, I will appoint the three Heavenly Venerates."

Sun Wukong continued to speak.

The Immortals quieted down, Heavenly Venerates are below only the Heavenly Emperor, the highest-ranking among Immortals.

These three supremely esteemed positions, only those three could attain.

"Zhu Rong."

Sun Wukong read out the first name.

Zhu Rong stepped forward: "This subordinate is here."

"You are the Fire God, in charge of all fires under heaven, and the sun, moon, and stars."

Sun Wukong said.

"Yes."

Zhu Rong joyfully accepted.

"Gong Gong."

Sun Wukong read out the second name.

Gong Gong stepped forward and clasped his hands in salute.

Sun Wukong looked at him for a while and said: "You are the Water God, in charge of all precipitation under heaven and the Immortal Position of War God."

"The moment the four words 'War God Immortal Position' were pronounced, Gong Gong was shocked, lifting his head to look at Sun Wukong: "Your Majesty, this..."

"Currently, you are the only one fit to assume the position of War God."

Sun Wukong said.

Water God is Gong Gong's original duty.

The position of War God, however, is of great importance; Sun Wukong entrusted it to Gong Gong because his temperament was most suitable.

"This servant accepts the command."

Gong Gong joyously accepted.

"Lastly, we come to Lady Nuwa."

Sun Wukong turned to Nuwa: "Lady is of great kindness and compassion, with boundless merit, should be the Wa Huang, governing the Three Realms of heaven, earth, and humanity alongside me."

He granted Nuwa the most exalted status.

All the Immortals were astonished.

Though surprised, none of the Immortals objected, for Nuwa had mended the skies to save people, indeed deserving such treatment.

"Wa Huang, Your Majesty."

The Immortals proceeded to pay respects to Nuwa.

Nuwa returned the salutations with some joy: "Please take good care of me in the future."

Sun Wukong watched this scene with a smile and finally said.

"From this day forth, the Heavenly Palace is established!"

As soon as the words fell, strands of light descended from the heavens, the Heavenly Palace was showered with blossoms of variegated colors and filled with a fragrant aroma.

The Immortals were enveloped in the petal rain, smelling the sweet fragrance, hearts tranquil and spirits uplifted, immersed in joy.

Various radiance bloomed from their hands as if they gained something extra.

"This is..."

Fang Mountain had a semi-visible book in his hand.

Upon opening it, his eyes incredulously widened.

It was a registry, listing the names of all the Immortals of the Heavenly Palace.

"I, I can really manage the Immortal Records."

Fang Mountain stuttered.

It seemed as if heaven and earth recognized his Immortal Position, granting him a portion of power.

"How could this be."

The other Immortals also gained the power associated with their Immortal Positions, one by one overjoyed beyond measure.

Heaven and earth had entrusted them with Immortal rights, did this not mean that their Immortal Positions were genuinely authentic!

Looking at Sun Wukong again, the Immortals' gazes had completely changed.

"Heavenly Emperor!"

"He really is the Heavenly Emperor!"

Every one of them was filled with surging emotions.

Without the Heavenly Emperor Jade Seal, but able to grant Immortal Positions, there was no doubt that Sun Wukong was the true Heavenly Emperor.

Sun Wukong's hand also bore a semi-visible Jade Seal.

Gazing upon it, he felt an extremely familiar sensation.

However, just as he was about to explore this sensation, a familiar yet unfamiliar cold snort suddenly emerged; the Heavenly Emperor Jade Seal instantly shattered and vanished.

The Immortal Artifacts in the Immortals' hands also disappeared.

"Gone, it's gone!"

The Immortals felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over them, their joy turning into disappointment.

"...Interesting!"

Sun Wukong pondered for a moment then lifted his gaze to survey the grand hall.

"Heaven and earth recognize us, the Heavenly Palace shall be established."

He said: "But there is one thing obstructing us, and that is Heavenly Destiny."

"Heavenly Destiny binds heaven and earth, and has also taken our Immortal Positions."

Sun Wukong spoke further: "Only by breaking it, can we liberate the Jade Seal and establish the true Heavenly Palace."

With these words, all Immortals suddenly realized, and none doubted it any longer.

A fiery light rekindled in their eyes.

That's right, by breaking Heavenly Destiny, they would truly become Immortals.

Once the Heavenly Palace is established, they would rule the Three Realms, roam freely without limitations.

"Please issue your command, Your Majesty."

The Immortals knelt on the ground: "How shall we break Heavenly Destiny?"

"I resonate with heaven and earth."

Sun Wukong replied: "It informs me that this Heavenly Destiny has a tangible soul, you all must first find it."

"Acknowledged!"

The Immortals responded in unison, ready to depart.

"Wait."

Sun Wukong called out to them again, adding: "The great calamity has just passed, and the floodwaters have not receded, you all may save the suffering mortals along the way, showcasing the majesty of the Heavenly Palace."

The Immortals nodded, then left one after another.

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