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墨書 Inktalez
The sound of music surged like a tide, crashing against Wu Kong's eardrums. He was already restless, and the noise only heightened his impatience. With a somersault, he flipped over the intricately carved palace walls. The palaces stacked upon one another appeared as flat ground to Wu Kong, who navigated through them effortlessly, his golden figure casting fleeting glimmers on the glazed tiles. Soon, he arrived at a resplendent hall bustling with people, yet it was eerily silent, the only striking sight being the bright yellow Dragon Robe amidst the crowd.
Wu Kong concealed himself behind a carved beam, coldly observing everything that transpired below. He wanted to see what tricks this mortal emperor was up to.
The New Emperor sat upright but bore no trace of imperial majesty; instead, he resembled a frightened rabbit, his eyes darting around as if in fear. Suddenly, he slammed his hand on the dragon throne and hurled the Imperial Tang Treasure Instruction onto the floor with a furious shout: “Absurd! Simply absurd!”
The ministers fell silent, not daring to breathe. The New Emperor had recently ascended the throne and was known for his unpredictable temper; no one knew which words might provoke his wrath.
“Yesterday, I perused the Imperial Tang Treasure Instruction and discovered that the monk Chen Xuanzang harbors ill intentions!” The New Emperor pointed at the book on the ground, spitting as he spoke. “It states that this monk uses his title to deceive the late king, and all his disciples are monsters from Water Curtain Mountain Stream. His staff and wooden bowl are actually weapons of killing, intending to invade our territory forty years hence—he is indeed a great enemy!”
At this point, he seemed to recall something, a flicker of terror crossing his face as his voice trembled: “The book also mentions that five hundred years ago, there was a Demonic Ape named Wu Kong who wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Palace, aiming to overthrow the Jade Emperor and declare himself king. Fortunately, Buddha intervened and suppressed him. If that Demonic Ape dared to rebel against heaven, how much more so would he in the mortal realm?”
He abruptly stood up, pointing at his ministers as he scolded: “I see that monk has taken the Demonic Ape as his chief disciple—his heart deserves punishment! He intends to use the name of Journey to the West for nefarious purposes, leveraging the power of the Demonic Ape to strengthen himself and ultimately invade our Tang Dynasty! Every time I think of this, my heart races with fear! Today I shall dispatch General Zhao Chengwang to lead an army westward and execute that monk on the spot! As for his disciples, I shall pardon their crimes and allow them to disperse to prevent further trouble!”
Wu Kong listened with cold amusement. This foolish ruler was terrified by a mere book and dared to utter threats against his master’s life! Just as he was about to reveal himself, someone stepped forward and said: “Your Majesty, Chen Xuanzang must not be killed; he may yet prove useful! However, if you wish to eliminate him, it must be done by his own strength; otherwise, it may not sit well!”
The speaker was Li Kuang, an official who had crossed paths with Wu Kong before. Wu Kong silently nodded; Li Kuang was indeed wise.
Upon hearing this advice, the New Emperor found it reasonable and ordered for treasures from the armory: Flying Jiao Sword, Sword of King Wu, Jieshi Hook, Thunder Flower Spear, Five Cloud Precious Sword, Helm of the Black Horse, Silver Fish Armor, Flying Tiger Banner, Yao Shun Banner, Peach Blossom Axe, September Axe, Glass Moon Mirror Helmet, Flying Fish Red Gold Robe, Demon-Slaying Crystal Boots, Seven Star Fan among many others. He had them packed into a brocade box along with a yellow silk edict and commanded swift horses to deliver them to Western Paradise for General Chen Xuanzang.
As soon as the imperial edict was issued, all officials gasped in shock; this was no decree but rather an excessively flattering invitation. The mighty emperor had bowed so low before a monk—what face would the Tang Dynasty have left if this got out?
Yet the New Emperor remained oblivious; his eyes were glued eagerly on that brocade box as if it contained not weapons but a long-desired war god. He envisioned that monk in robes moved by his “sincerity,” resolutely shedding his monk's garb for armor and riding back into Chang'an on horseback adorned with glory and battle intent, kneeling before him while exclaiming “Long Live Your Majesty!”
"I want the whole world to know the might of my Tang Dynasty!" The emperor roared in his heart, as if possessed by a demon.
The imperial edict lay before him, the ink still wet, yet the words dripped with a nauseating hypocrisy and calculation.
To his own surprise, the emperor read the edict aloud, word by word. "General, your virtue is as pure as the green bamboo, and your integrity is as unwavering as the red strings of a zither. In days past, you patrolled the various lords, hastening to the Western Paradise. Everywhere you went, praises of your bravery and might flooded in, leaving the people of the Western Regions speechless in awe, even dimming the brilliance of the mirages at sea.
In this era of flourishing beauty and rich history in our dynasty, talents like you are truly rare. I have always held deep admiration for you. Whenever I hear the beautiful praises sung about you, I cannot help but gaze westward, feeling both comforted and slightly saddened. Now, with bandits scattered across the western lands and battle reports coming in frequently, perhaps it is heaven's will that has grown weary of war and separation; it is time for you to return.
Why not leap into the clear Yao Pool, lay down your wise sword, remove your black battle robe, and pour forth your wisdom and talents? May the vast forests be as tranquil as white silk, and may there be no more news of fires in the night. At that time, I hope this sincere letter can transform into the honor-laden reins on your warhorse. Today you wear silver armor and wield a decorated spear; perhaps tomorrow you can enjoy a peaceful old age within tranquil curtains.
As for the Copper Pillar Inscription on Kunlun Mountain, it may be difficult to capture your grand life in its entirety; who can compose a triumphant return ode for you beneath the splendid Yunxia that stretches like golden ropes across the sky? I hope you will think carefully about this. Moreover, I have long grown weary of those gaudy coral bows and jade arrows."
After finishing the last line, the emperor let out a long sigh, as if he had cast off a heavy burden. He slumped back onto his dragon throne, his face bearing a hint of sickly flush.
He then instructed his attendants to fetch the Longhu Festival from within the palace to present to the envoy. Upon receiving the imperial decree, the envoy grasped the Longhu Festival tightly while holding the seal and edict bestowed by the emperor. He rode off on a royal steed at full gallop, kicking up clouds of dust behind him, wishing he had two more legs to escape this place of strife sooner. Witnessing this scene, Wu Kong was greatly alarmed and thought to himself that something was amiss. He had intended to reveal himself to stop them but feared that doing so might alert others and endanger his master. Thus, he could only suppress his anger and watch helplessly as the envoy disappeared into the distance.
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