The monkey’s techniques were learned from Elder Wright, but a figure of Elder Wright’s level could not possibly demonstrate the moves in person to the monkey; he only explained the principles behind them. The monkey, being greedy for knowledge, had practiced with all kinds of weapons and never neglected his martial arts. It wasn’t until he obtained that divine iron that he focused exclusively on staff techniques.

As for John Adams, ever since the era of the Investiture of the Gods, he had wielded the famous Fire-tipped Spear of the Three Realms. By rights, in terms of experience and skill, John Adams should have had the upper hand. But in reality, that was not the case—the monkey was actually stronger.

If John Adams was a renowned god of battle, then the monkey was a natural-born fighting machine. He seemed as if he was made for combat, growing more excited the longer he fought. With that staff weighing over ten thousand catties in his hands, when he swung it, even if it didn’t strike someone directly, the wind it stirred up could still injure bystanders. Although John Adams possessed the magical power of three heads and six arms, he still couldn’t withstand such a display. What’s more, when the monkey fought, his mind worked even faster than usual. After more than thirty rounds, he used a trick: he plucked a hair and transformed it into his own likeness, then used magic to launch a sneak attack, defeating John Adams with a single move.

Up in the clouds, George Washington saw John Adams lose and was shocked. Without a second thought, he withdrew his troops and returned to the Heavenly Court, bringing the demon-slaying battle to an abrupt end.

Chapter Thirteen: Havoc in Heaven—The Spirit Bird’s Gain (Part 3)

After some days, Thomas Jefferson once again descended to the mortal realm and summoned the monkey back to Heaven, appointing him as the Great Sage Equal to Heaven. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Henry Clark followed the two of them up to the Heavenly Court. Although he couldn’t match the monkey’s speed, as long as he followed behind Thomas Jefferson, he had no trouble keeping up.

Upon his first arrival in Heaven, Henry Clark saw the celestial scenery for the first time and was utterly captivated by what he beheld:

Golden light rolled in ten thousand rays, crimson rainbows swirling; auspicious energy spouted in a thousand streams of purple mist. The Southern Heavenly Gate, deep and blue, built of glazed tiles; shining bright, adorned with precious jade. On both sides stood dozens of Heavenly Marshals, each a pillar of strength, holding halberds and banners; all around, a dozen or so golden-armored deities, each wielding spears and whips, swords and sabers. The outer halls were impressive enough, but inside was even more astonishing: within, several massive pillars wound with golden-scaled, sun-glinting, red-bearded dragons; and several long bridges, upon which colorful-feathered, red-crowned cranes soared. Brilliant clouds reflected the heavenly light, emerald mists veiled the Dipper’s mouth. In Heaven, there were thirty-three celestial palaces: the Cloud Palace, Vishnu Palace, Five Brightness Palace, Sun Palace, Flower Medicine Palace, ... each palace roof adorned with golden beasts; and seventy-two treasured halls: the Audience Hall, Lingxu Hall, Baoguang Hall, Heavenly King Hall, Spirit Officer Hall, ... each hall’s columns lined with jade qilin. On the Longevity Star Terrace, there were famous flowers that never withered for thousands of years; beside the alchemy furnace, ever-green embroidered grass that thrived for tens of thousands of ages. Before the Pilgrimage Tower, crimson gauze robes, stars glittering; lotus crowns, golden ornaments shining. Jade hairpins and pearl shoes, purple sashes and golden insignia. When the golden bell tolled, the three divisions of gods presented their memorials at the cinnabar steps; when the heavenly drums sounded, myriad saints paid homage to the Jade Emperor. Then to the Lingxiao Treasure Hall: golden nails studded jade doors, colorful phoenixes danced at vermilion gates. Corridors and walkways, exquisitely carved everywhere; triple eaves and quadruple clusters, layers of dragons and phoenixes soaring. Above, a majestic, shining, round, dazzling, giant golden gourd-shaped roof; below, heavenly maidens fanned with suspended palms, jade girls held immortal scarves. Fierce and imposing, the heavenly generals presiding over court; proud and dignified, the immortal ministers guarding the throne. In the very center, within a glass tray, lay many layers of Taiyi elixirs; in agate vases, several curved coral branches. Truly, Heaven held all manner of wondrous things, none of which could be found in the mortal world. Golden towers, silver palaces, and purple mansions; rare flowers and precious herbs, jade blossoms. The kings of the morning court passed by the Jade Rabbit Altar, and the holy Golden Crow flew low in homage.

This celestial scene made Henry Clark instinctively shrink his head. To avoid suspicion, he transformed into a celestial crane—the most common immortal bird in Heaven, and also the freest. Normally, no one paid much attention to a crane, and as long as he didn’t run into some vulgar person who boiled cranes for their zither, he shouldn’t have any trouble.

Thus, Henry Clark spent his days loitering around the residence of the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, bestowed by the Jade Emperor, waiting for the day when the monkey would be assigned his official duties.

It was well known where the Peach Garden was located, and its defenses were not particularly strict—just a few earth spirits and strongmen guarding it. With Henry Clark’s current transformation skills, stealing a peach would be no problem.

But Henry Clark did not do so. His reasoning was simple: these immortals were still people. Most immortals were once mortals who had cultivated to this state; they had desires and selfishness, and no shortage of abilities. So, surely there must be others with the same idea as himself. Yet, after all these years, why had no one ever heard of anyone stealing peaches from the Peach Garden? There must be something to it, but what exactly, Henry Clark did not know.

Nor did the Jade Emperor keep Henry Clark waiting long. One day, during morning court, the immortal Xu Jingyang stepped forward and bowed, saying, “Now there is the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, idly wandering about, befriending all the stars in Heaven, high and low alike, calling them friends. I fear that with too much free time, he may cause trouble. It would be better to assign him a duty, to prevent any incidents.” The Jade Emperor, hearing this, immediately issued an edict. The Monkey King arrived cheerfully and said, “Your Majesty, what reward do you have for your old grandson?” The Jade Emperor said, “I see you are idle and free, so I will give you a post. For now, you shall be in charge of the Peach Garden. Be diligent in your duties, morning and night.” The Great Sage joyfully thanked the Emperor, bowed, and withdrew.