Chapter Twenty-Two: Schemes and Strategies

Inside the Jade Purity Hall, Yang Nan summoned Pighead and the other small demons from the Mountains and Rivers Ring. The dozen or so steward disciples, seeing their uncle return with so many monsters, were curious. The demons, observing the radiant brilliance and exquisite beauty of the Jade Purity Hall, sensed countless hidden wards and restrictions; awe and envy filled their hearts, and they scarcely dared to breathe.

How could a monster's cave compare to a cultivator's abode?

The Monkey Demon King followed Yang Nan unhindered into the Jade Purity Hall. Clearly, this was not his first visit, nor did he suspect Yang Nan of luring him here to kill him—if Yang Nan had intended to do so, he would have acted already.

Yang Nan had seen through the Monkey King's intentions. Hu Yuan had once said that the Monkey King never ate meat, subsisting solely on mountain fruits and pine essence, drinking only spring water and flower dew, and delighting in leaping and wandering through the mountains. He was carefree by nature, but as a beast-type demon, he had to ally with the Tiger and Horse Kings to oppose the Peng King, whose magical power was supreme.

Previously, the Monkey King had clearly seen Yang Nan as a mere child and sought to test his strength to determine his course of action: if Yang Nan could withstand him, he would pledge himself to the Jade Purity Hall; if Yang Nan's powers were shallow, he would remain neutral.

Were it not for this, why would he come alone?

The Monkey King understood well: he could avoid Yang Nan's authority, but killing him would bring dire consequences. Even though Yang Nan was just an ostracized inner disciple, Kunlun disciples were not to be slain lightly. If anyone dared kill Yang Nan, even fleeing to the ends of the earth, the Kunlun sect would hunt them down relentlessly.

If Kunlun were not so domineering and protective, their foundation would have been stolen and they'd have been driven from the mountain long ago! The Tiger King, emboldened by the former steward's reckless words, thought he could challenge Kunlun—greatly mistaken. This was the Monkey King's best opportunity to break away.

Yang Nan ordered tea to be served by the steward disciples, and only when the demons had calmed did he speak: "Since you were willing to follow me, I assume you wish to lend me your strength?"

The Monkey King nodded, replying, "Though you are young, Master, your powers are vast; this humble monkey is willing to aid you. However, I have a request."

'A request?' Yang Nan's heart stirred. "Speak freely, friend."

The Monkey King said earnestly, "If Master promises henceforth to let me come and go freely, and no longer restrain my monkey tribe, I will rally the valley's demon soldiers to support you!"

'Seeking freedom?' Yang Nan frowned. If the mountain's demons were unrestrained and wreaked havoc among mortals, wouldn't the blame fall on him? If the charge of indulging demons were laid upon him, the Kunlun elders would have even more leverage against him.

This demand was absolutely unacceptable! Yang Nan's expression grew heavy.

Seeing his displeasure, the Monkey King realized Yang Nan had misunderstood and hastened to explain...

The Seventy-two Demon Valleys had been founded by Ancestor Qingya, so all the monsters here were his private demon soldiers. After Kunlun took over, the demons each had their duties; Kunlun regularly sent people to collect offerings and select demon soldiers. The Spirit Beast Mountain was rich in spiritual energy, rare flowers, exotic beasts, spirit stones, and common metals. The demons, however, grumbled at these hard tasks; wild by nature, they became lax in fulfilling their obligations.

Stewards of the Spirit Beast Mountain through the ages had been troubled by these offerings. If they pressured the demon kings, rebellion was a real danger; if they didn’t, where would the offerings come from? Without contributions from various sources, how could disciples obtain ingredients for pills, spiritual iron for forging, or stones for treasures?

The Monkey King, lord of a valley, brewed Monkey Wine of unparalleled quality, offering large quantities each year, along with a variety of medicinal herbs and rare items. He loved freedom and chafed at such restrictions—hence his suffering.

Yang Nan finally understood: the Monkey King's request was merely to reduce their offerings, not to leave the mountain for mischief. The offerings from Spirit Beast Mountain diminished year by year; previous stewards, reluctant to beg the elders, had their disciples gather supplies themselves, just to get by.

Thus, what was once a coveted position became one everyone dreaded. Without cooperation from the demon kings, the collection would be immense—how could a dozen disciples manage it?

Yang Nan knew from the start that this task would not be easy. If he couldn’t provide the offerings, even subduing the demons would still be a failure. Yet, the Monkey King's request was not unreasonable; his own foundation was weak and his powers slight. If the Monkey King was willing to help, that was fortunate—driving him to the other demons would be worse.

"Very well! I accept your request. In future, I will arrange the collection myself, but the Monkey Wine is indispensable—I cannot brew such exquisite wine." Yang Nan had intended to agree to everything, but then remembered Senior Brother Hu Yuan's fondness for Monkey Wine; without it, he’d surely raise a fuss, so he amended his reply.

Kunlun disciples had always acted superior, never yielding to demon kings’ demands.

The Monkey King was delighted by Yang Nan's easy manner, replying, "Since Master says so, how could I not comply? Brewing wine is my duty; I’ll ensure you lack for nothing." Mountain monkeys were restless by nature—forcing them to gather herbs would be torture, but brewing wine was their true calling. Yang Nan’s promise relieved him; he had to brew wine anyway, so a bit more made no difference.

Once their agreement was settled, they began to discuss strategy with Pighead and the others. The Monkey King pondered, then said, "Master, the Peng King is arrogant and has long been at odds with the Tiger King. If we confront them, defeat is certain, but if we act with cunning, much can be achieved."

Yang Nan silently praised the Monkey King's wisdom. Most demons were simple-minded, but he could devise intrigue—remarkable. The demon factions in Spirit Beast Mountain resembled the Three Kingdoms of old: the plant spirits sought peace, the bird demons were ambitious and fierce, the beast demons were domineering and unruly. The plant spirits could be ignored; if the Peng King and Tiger King clashed, Yang Nan of Jade Purity Peak would benefit!

However, provoking them to mutual slaughter would not be easy. Both sides were wary of Yang Nan in the Jade Purity Hall—so long as he remained, they would unite against him. Thus, Yang Nan must not show any hostility.

"Indeed, friend Monkey, you are quite right. Tomorrow, I’ll send steward disciples to announce that Tiger King’s valley will henceforth be entirely autonomous, free from Kunlun’s constraints." Yang Nan’s eyes gleamed with a faint smile: just as in antiquity, where two peaches slew three warriors, today one peach would slay two kings!

The Monkey King’s eyes shone, instantly grasping the essence, and praised, "Master, your wisdom is truly superior—this humble monkey is deeply impressed."

Yang Nan chuckled, "That alone is not enough. I’ll also send the Tiger King lavish gifts, fanning the flames, then order a disciple to collect offerings from Great Peng Valley. If the Peng King doesn’t rage at this, I’ll be astonished!"

The demons shivered at the plan—Yang Nan was clearly implying collusion between Tiger King and the Jade Purity Hall, joining forces against Great Peng Valley. The Peng King, proud and overbearing, would never endure such provocation.

Once battle erupted, these proud demons would not easily relent.

In the end, Yang Nan would surely profit!

‘Indeed... Human cultivators must not be underestimated; when strength is lacking, clever schemes suffice!’ The Monkey King, watching Yang Nan’s mischievous smile, reevaluated this young Daoist. He did not fear Yang Nan reneging on his promise—his request was modest, and he was offering his support. If Yang Nan couldn’t meet such a small demand, how could he command the ten thousand monsters in the mountain?

Once details were settled, the Monkey King left, beaming with joy. After he departed, Yang Nan turned to the awed Pighead, Wolf Demon, and Dog Demon, smiling: "I have a task to ask of you three—would you be willing to lend me your strength?"

Initially, the three demons had only sought refuge with Yang Nan out of desperation, but seeing him subdue even the Monkey King, how could they refuse?

Pighead declared loudly, "If Master needs anything, just say the word—this old pig will see it done!" At his words, the wolf and dog demons quickly echoed their assent.

Yang Nan nodded, "You three have great influence in Tiger King’s valley. I want you to return quietly, gather allies, and when the time comes, betray the Tiger King from within. Can you do this?"

Pighead broke into a cold sweat—this Kunlun immortal left no room for mercy! Not only had he won over the Monkey King, now he sought to pull away the Tiger King’s soldiers. When battle broke out, if the demon troops turned against their lord, even with three heads and six arms, the Tiger King would not escape defeat!

Though Pighead understood the implications, he could not refuse; this cheerful Kunlun immortal was likely more dangerous to offend than the Tiger King!

Pighead nodded heavily, "Rest assured, Master. After tomorrow, I’ll take Big Dog and Little Wolf to contact our brothers. Many only wish for peace, not trouble—once I go, it will be done!"

Yang Nan, seeing his troops ready, was delighted, but he was not one to give only the stick and not the carrot. "Pighead, if you succeed, I’ll provide you with cultivation techniques and pills—you will not be neglected."

That was exactly what Pighead hoped for. What demon didn’t dream of following a cultivator to a better future? Over two thousand years ago, the seven great demon kings were mere lesser monsters; only with Ancestor Qingya’s techniques and pills did they become masters. Demons lived far longer than humans—given the right methods, even immortality and sainthood were possible!

He replied with ecstatic gratitude, "Master’s kindness is boundless—from now on, this old pig’s life is yours!"