Chapter 116: The Diamond Ring

Yuan Wuji quickly sat cross-legged to begin his recovery, as did Yang Jian. The only one left standing was Sun Wukong.

Sun Wukong walked to the space between the two, looking from Yuan Wuji to Yang Jian. He had already dissipated the golden light around his body, showing no intention of taking advantage of their weakened state. Now that Yuan Wuji and Yang Jian were severely injured, Sun Wukong could easily secure victory with a mere swing of his golden staff, yet he did not. Or perhaps, he felt it beneath his dignity; he, the Great Sage, disdained such underhanded tactics. Instead, standing between them, he appeared more like a guardian.

"Demon monkey, strike if you are going to, or you will miss your chance," Yang Jian said, his expression flickering between shadow and light, clearly unwilling to accept Sun Wukong's mercy.

"Sun Wukong, instead of saving your monkey kin, you stand here guarding us. Does that not seem inappropriate?" Yuan Wuji also spoke.

"This is my business, what has it to do with you?"

Sun Wukong simply lay down on the ground, showing no concern for the monkey soldiers of Huaguo Mountain—a behavior that felt entirely out of character compared to the Sun Wukong of Yuan Wuji’s memories.

Possessing the attribute of life, Yuan Wuji undoubtedly had superior regenerative abilities. In a short while, his external injuries had healed, though his internal wounds were far more stubborn. Meanwhile, the situation of the three was being projected clearly across the Celestial Court.

"How could they turn on one another like this?"
"Both General Divine Ape and True Lord Erlang are severely wounded. Who is left to capture the demon monkey?"
"Indeed, does this not just give the demon monkey an opportunity?"

A group of immortals chattered incessantly below, while the primary instigators remained quiet. After all, this unexpected turn of events benefited no one, and each held their own private agenda.

"Your Majesty, Bodhisattva, now that General Divine Ape and Yang Jian have been defeated by Sun Wukong, what should be done?" Taibai Jinxing’s question brought Guanyin and the Jade Emperor back to the matter at hand.

"This..."
"This..."

Both hesitated, clearly troubled. Had it been an ordinary Taoyi immortal, they could have handled it with ease, but Sun Wukong’s identity was so unique that they dared not act rashly.

"Allow me," Taishang Laojun said, stepping out from the crowd.

Seeing Taishang Laojun descend, Guanyin and the Jade Emperor were overjoyed. They knew exactly who he was, and with him intervening, they felt a sense of relief.

"What means do you have, Laojun?"
"This treasure shall suffice."

Taishang Laojun withdrew a golden steel ring from his wide sleeve. Its rank was indiscernible, but it was certainly no ordinary object. He flicked the ring out; there was no perceptible ripple of magical power, yet everyone turned their gaze to the mirror to witness the result.

On Huaguo Mountain, Sun Wukong was naturally unaware that Taishang Laojun had already made his move. Yuan Wuji, sitting on the ground, realized that his internal injuries were beyond simple healing; even with the boost of his life attribute, he had reached his limit, especially since he had only mastered thirty percent of that affinity.

As Yuan Wuji stood up, Yang Jian followed suit. Both remained wary of their opponent, yet neither dared to strike first, as if deeply cautious of the other.

"Why, your injur—"

Before Sun Wukong could finish, a golden steel ring materialized out of thin air and struck him upon the head, sending him into a daze.

"The Diamond Snare."

Yuan Wuji recognized it instantly. It was the Diamond Snare, a magical artifact that left a profound mark on the legends of the Journey to the West—an object Yuan Wuji had made sure to study.

"General Divine Ape, True Lord Erlang, bring Sun Wukong to the Celestial Court at once," Taishang Laojun’s voice echoed in their ears, a warning to them both to cease hostilities.

As Sun Wukong was stunned, Li Jing arrived with the celestial troops. Sensing their approach, Yuan Wuji decided not to return to the Celestial Court with them. Nezha was trailing behind Li Jing, and in his current state, Yuan Wuji was not certain he could best the boy; it was best to retreat.

Under Yang Jian’s watchful gaze, Yuan Wuji utilized the "Golden Light Ground-Traversal" technique to depart Huaguo Mountain at maximum speed. Once clear, he switched to riding the clouds, as the ground-traversal technique was too taxing for his current injured state.

After Yuan Wuji left, Yang Jian collapsed to the ground. Lacking the life attribute, Yang Jian’s self-healing could not compare. While Yuan Wuji had repaired his external injuries, Yang Jian had only managed to recover a modicum of strength and magic. Furthermore, Yuan Wuji’s attacks had contained two opposing, volatile energies that continued to ravage Yang Jian’s body, preventing any true recovery.

"Second Brother, are you alright?"

Nezha hurried over and carefully helped the fallen Yang Jian up. Li Jing, meanwhile, bound the unconscious Sun Wukong. Strangely, as soon as the bindings were secured, Sun Wukong regained consciousness.

"Release me! I did not realize you were all such despicable cowards, relying on sneak attacks. If you have any skill, release me and let us fight fairly!" Sun Wukong roared, struggling against the ropes.

"Save your strength, Sun Wukong. This is the Immortal-Binding Rope."

"Hmph!" Ignoring Li Jing, Sun Wukong continued to struggle for a time, but to no avail, eventually forcing him to give up.

Supported by Nezha, Yang Jian could barely stand.

"Second Brother, are you feeling better?"
"That Yuan Wuji’s energy is extremely strange. Unless I purge it from my body, it will be hard to recover."
"What should we do?"
"Do not worry. For now, let us return to the Celestial Court and deliver Sun Wukong."

Yang Jian signaled for Nezha to assist him, and they followed Li Jing back to the Celestial Court to report their mission.

Back in the court, Taishang Laojun retrieved the Diamond Snare and stood to the side, showing no immediate intention of leaving. The Jade Emperor noticed this and, perhaps understanding something, glanced away.

"Your Majesty, since the demon monkey has been captured, I shall take my leave," Guanyin said, her task complete.

"Bodhisattva, farewell."
"Farewell."