"I, Sun Wukong, have lived two lives and am so many years old, yet this is the first time I've encountered someone like Rahu, who possesses such astonishing self-awareness. Not only does he consider me a fellow countryman, but because we both possess Pangu's bloodline, he actually wants to make peace with me?"
"Although it's only a secret peace treaty, and we still have to fight openly, it's much better than living in constant fear."
"Since that's the case, then during my subsequent trials, I will shamelessly extort him! After all, he's always believed that he and I can cooperate, so why not seize this opportunity to extract as much value as possible?"
Having thought this, Sun Wukong no longer dwelled too much on the second round of Journey to the West in the mortal realm or this Rahu.
Compared to the conventional methods he used before, he had now mastered a more advanced and effective approach.
Nothing else.
It was to mercilessly extort him in a way that even Rahu acknowledged, and in a righteous manner!
Of course.
None of these things had happened yet, and it was impossible to predict whether Rahu would truly adhere to the agreement when faced with major or minor incidents in the future.
Whether he would truly obey after the three-clause agreement, as he claimed.
For this reason.
Sun Wukong dared not celebrate too early. He then tidied his thoughts, returned to Jin Chanzi, had a brief chat, and.
The next morning.
The master and disciple, along with the Six Ding and Six Jia, set off again.
Perhaps it was because there were no demons or monsters obstructing them on the road ahead.
Or perhaps it was because Rahu had indeed kept his word. Seeing that Sun Wukong and he had the same goal and great potential for the future, he had previously instructed his demon subjects not to cause trouble.
Or perhaps due to other reasons.
In short.
This journey of sixty million li did not subject Sun Wukong and Jin Chanzi to the arduous battles and painful torment of the previous eight trials.
Instead, it was a journey of peace, smooth sailing, and uninterrupted progress.
The master and disciple traveled from spring to summer, from summer to autumn, from autumn to winter, and then to the next spring.
Compared to Jin Chanzi's solo journey from Baihu Ridge to Liangjieshan, this trip was considerably faster. However, due to the heavenly laws, Jin Chanzi could only travel on horseback, and Sun Wukong could not carry him on the Chaos Somersault Cloud.
Thus.
Sun Wukong had no choice but to continue as usual, using the scenery along the way to pass the time until six years later.
Finally, the master and disciple completed the sixty million li journey.
They arrived at Snake Pan Mountain and Eagle Sorrow Stream!
Upon reaching this point, the ninth trial finally began. And because the "White Dragon Horse" ambushing here was none other than Nezha, who had already made the arrangements.
Coupled with the Eight Immortals of the Chan Sect arriving in advance to wait, as soon as they saw Sun Wukong and Jin Chanzi appear, they eagerly rushed over.
Once they met.
The subsequent matters became much easier.
"Nezha, what are you still spacing out for?"
"With the help of Master Jin Chanzi and the permission of Great Sage Sun, you can transform into the White Dragon Horse. This way, you can obtain merit for the Journey to the West, and in the future, you have hope of escaping the Investiture of the Gods."
"This is an opportunity that your fellow disciples, Yang Jian and Huang Tianhua, long for but cannot attain."
"The eight of us are discussing other important matters with Great Sage Sun and Master Jin Chanzi. Why don't you quickly find a way to devour Master Jin Chanzi's white horse and surrender obediently? What are you waiting for?"
Seeing that Sun Wukong and Jin Chanzi showed no embarrassment about this blatant cheating, but rather acted very calmly, indicating excellent psychological resilience.
On the other hand, their own Nezha seemed somewhat hesitant, unsure of how to proceed.
At this moment, the Eight Immortals of the Chan Sect all spoke to remind him.
With these words, Nezha became much more responsive. He didn't wait for the Eight Immortals of the Chan Sect to continue chiding him for becoming dazed and foolish since being placed on the Investiture of the Gods.
He immediately followed the original plot, devoured the white horse, accepted Jin Chanzi's teachings, Sun Wukong's criticism, and willingly transformed into the White Dragon Horse.
From then on, he became Sun Wukong and Jin Chanzi's new teammate.
It was also at this time.
The Heavenly Dao in the Nine Heavens sensed it and issued corresponding merit rewards!
"The first round of the Journey to the West in the Earthly Immortal Realm, the ninth trial, Steep Ravine Horse Exchange, successfully passed. All those who participated in this trial shall receive merit rewards, varying in amount, as determined by heaven."
"The first individual to contribute, the third-generation disciple of the Chan Sect, the Great God of the Three Altars of the Sea, Nezha, for his unparalleled wisdom and courage, and for voluntarily admitting his mistake, is hereby rewarded."
"Reward: One hundred units of Heavenly Dao merit for Nezha, and ten thousand units of Journey to the West merit!"
As expected.
Because this ninth trial was incredibly simple, arguably the easiest trial in history, it was passed through cooperation between both sides with virtually no difficulty.
Therefore, the Heavenly Dao bestowed the most merit rewards upon Nezha, who had expended the most effort.
Regarding this, Sun Wukong was not jealous of Nezha. After all, the rewards he received from any previous trial were several times greater than Nezha's.
Furthermore.
From the perspective of the effort expended, Nezha truly put in the most work. Just now, while Nezha was laboriously devouring the white horse, Sun Wukong and Jin Chanzi were still enjoying fine wine and delicacies with the Eight Immortals of the Chan Sect.
While eating delicious food.
They could also receive some merit rewards without lifting a finger or breaking a sweat.
If such things happened every day, Sun Wukong dared to guarantee that he could continue to mooch off the Heavenly Dao's stored merit until it ran out, and then continue for several trillion more years!
"Great Sage Sun, Master Jin Chanzi, since the matter has been successfully concluded, we eight dare not trouble you further. We shall now return to Chang'an City and continue to await your good news."
"We wish you and your disciple success in your Journey to the West and prompt reports of victory."
Seeing that the ninth trial had been passed, and even the Heavenly Dao did not begrudge their blatant cheating, the Eight Immortals of the Chan Sect rose to leave.
After respectfully bowing to Sun Wukong and Jin Chanzi.
They turned and sternly instructed Nezha.
"Nezha, the ninth trial has concluded. You shall loyally follow Great Sage Sun and Master Jin Chanzi and proceed with the Journey to the West."
"In the past, you were too easily swayed by the Jade Emperor and committed many wrongdoings for the Heavenly Court. But now, the Grand Master has forgiven you. You only need to assist Great Sage Sun and Master Jin Chanzi diligently."
"In this way, when the first round of the Journey to the West in the Earthly Immortal Realm is successfully completed, you and the other third-generation disciples of the Chan Sect will have the opportunity to return to your original selves and rejoin the Chan Sect."
"Absolutely do not waver in your resolve during this period."
"And remember one thing, although the Jade Emperor has control over many disciples of our Chan Sect, he remains one of our formidable enemies. In future trials, when you encounter them, you must be firm and show no mercy, lest you make grave mistakes."
After saying this, and seeing that Nezha seemed to truly know his mistakes, admit them, and be determined to reform, the Eight Immortals of the Chan Sect no longer lingered and then flew back to Chang'an City.
There was no need to say more.
Meanwhile.
Sun Wukong and Jin Chanzi tested the White Dragon Horse, which was Nezha in disguise, and found it to be quite good.
Their impression of him improved slightly.
Subsequently, they continued on their journey.
Their target.
Was directly aimed at the tenth trial!