While Red Boy was deep in thought, Erlang Shen raised a hand and pointed to the side. Instantly, a massive table appeared on the ground.
Axel immediately began setting down food and wine.
Seeing this, Princess Iron Fan quickly stepped forward and took over, neatly arranging the dishes with practiced elegance.
Once Axel sat down, Erlang Shen, Princess Iron Fan, Red Boy, and the others followed suit.
At that moment, a miserable howl echoed from the distance through swirling black wind.
"Great Sage, save Old Pig's life! This damned old bull is actually trying to kill me!"
"Then let him kill you, hahaha! You killed his wife, so you deserve it!"
Axel casually waved toward the sky while laughing. Even though he never told Bull Demon King to stop, the giant demon still ended the chase.
Bull Demon King landed beside the table, black wind still surrounding him, then snorted unhappily.
"Fine, for Big Brother's sake, I'll spare this pig today!
Big Brother, I no longer need you to accompany me to the Underworld. I only ask one thing now, send this pig down there with me!
Once I use him to cross the River of Forgetfulness, recover my wife's soul, and make him kneel and apologize to her, this matter will finally end!"
"Settled, definitely settled!"
Zhu Bajie hurriedly sat down while grinning awkwardly.
"It's just crossing a river, right? Brother Niu can ride on Old Pig if necessary!
I commanded the Heavenly River Navy back then, what's one lousy river to me?"
Axel laughed while watching the two sit down.
Then he suddenly whistled toward Mirror Lake.
"Kang, stop hiding and come eat already! Don't embarrass me."
"Wuwu... I... alright, I'm coming!"
After a long hesitation, Kang finally flew out from Mirror Lake in human form.
She fixed her makeup beside the icy lake first, carefully wiping away all traces of tears before slowly approaching the table.
The moment she saw Princess Iron Fan sitting beside Axel, her eyes practically burst into flames.
Surprisingly, Princess Iron Fan took the initiative and leaned over to whisper something in Kang's ear.
Nobody else heard what she said, but it instantly made Kang laugh.
A second later, Kang's face turned red again. She obediently sat beside Axel and carefully raised her wine cup.
"Great Sage, this immortal offers you a toast."
"Don't just toast me. Everyone drink together!"
Axel lifted his cup with a grin.
Soon, cups clinked together as the entire gathering drank and laughed.
After several rounds of food and alcohol, Axel finally set down his cup and looked around at the flushed faces surrounding him.
"I know what all of you are waiting for.
Let's head to Heaven.
Nezha has been stuck up there for far too long. This time, we're bringing him back no matter what."
The moment he finished speaking, Axel grabbed an entire bottle of Moutai and drank it in one go.
Then he smashed the empty bottle onto the ground.
Crash!
Next, he reached behind his ear.
Whoosh!
The Golden Cudgel instantly appeared in his hand.
Axel rested it over his shoulder and grinned.
"Erlang, Old Bull, Old Pig, let's move!"
"Great Sage Daddy, I want to go too!"
Red Boy immediately jumped up excitedly.
Seeing the little brat's eager expression, along with Princess Iron Fan's worried face nearby, Axel laughed and waved him off.
"Relax, kid. I'll bring you along when it's time to attack Spirit Mountain.
Today's trip is just to scare the old Jade Emperor a little. Nothing important."
The next second, Axel shot into the sky like a blazing meteor.
Erlang Shen immediately chased after him, then leaned close and whispered awkwardly.
"Big Brother... you're flying the wrong direction."
"Huh? Heaven has directions?"
Axel blinked in confusion before clicking his tongue irritably.
"Then you lead."
Erlang Shen's eyes lit up instantly.
"Leave it to me."
He immediately changed course and flew toward the South Heaven Gate.
As they traveled through countless layers of clouds and heavenly barriers, Bull Demon King moved closer to Axel.
"Big Brother, conserve your strength for now.
Let Erlang, Old Pig, and me clear the South Heaven Gate first. Once we break into Heaven properly, you can do whatever you want."
"Sounds good to me."
Axel nodded lazily.
The group continued forward.
Soon, the scenery around them transformed completely.
Boundless auspicious light illuminated the skies, colorful clouds stretched endlessly across the heavens, immortal cranes soared through the air, and divine dragons coiled around distant celestial mountains.
Towering heavenly palaces gradually came into view.
Even the clouds beneath their feet became firmer, almost solid.
Erlang Shen descended first, landing atop a massive cloud platform. The others followed shortly after.
Once everyone landed, Erlang Shen pointed ahead confidently.
"Big Brother, that's the South Heaven Gate."
As he spoke, he turned toward Axel.
Then he froze.
Axel was stomping around on the clouds with an amused expression, even wiggling his toes into them.
"Hehehe, this feels amazing. Feels like stepping into something ridiculously soft.
No wonder immortals don't like wearing shoes. The Barefoot Immortal really understood life, hahaha!
Later, let's grab some clouds and bring them back."
"Uh..."
Erlang Shen and Bull Demon King exchanged helpless looks.
Then Bull Demon King burst out laughing.
"Big Brother truly has an incredible mentality. Even while marching into Heaven, he's still playing around."
"Enough talking."
Erlang Shen gripped his three pointed double edged spear and strode forward.
"Let's enter the South Heaven Gate."
Bull Demon King immediately followed beside him while carrying his iron cudgel.
Behind them, Zhu Bajie nervously clutched his nine toothed rake.
Among the entire group, Axel looked completely fearless, Erlang Shen radiated confidence, and Bull Demon King burned with hatred.
Only Zhu Bajie was genuinely terrified.
Still, he forced himself to keep chatting with Axel the entire way just to calm his nerves.
Eventually, the group arrived before the towering South Heaven Gate.
The Four Heavenly Kings stood ahead like massive giants guarding the entrance itself.
Erlang Shen snorted coldly and inverted his spear in his hand before stepping forward.
Bull Demon King cracked his neck and tapped his iron cudgel against the ground.
He had already decided that the moment Erlang Shen attacked, he would smash the dragon wielding Heavenly King into meat paste.
But just as the atmosphere became tense, one of the Four Heavenly Kings suddenly lowered his weapon and smiled warmly.
"Just as Immortal He predicted, the True Lord has indeed brought friends from the lower realm."
The giant Heavenly King bowed respectfully toward Erlang Shen.
"Immortal He already delivered His Majesty's orders.
If the True Lord arrives with guests, we are to welcome everyone into Heaven immediately."
Then the Four Heavenly Kings actually put away their weapons completely and bowed again.
"Great Strength King, it's been a long time. And Marshal Tianpeng, or rather, Marshal of the Altar now, welcome back."
Finally, all four turned toward Axel with unusually enthusiastic smiles.
"And this must be Great Sage Axel.
His Majesty specifically ordered us to welcome you warmly. The Moon Palace dancers have even prepared performances in your honor.
Please, Great Sage, enter quickly.
His Majesty has praised your divine abilities repeatedly, even stating your power surpasses that of Erlang Shen himself.
With talents like yours, Great Sage, you will surely hold a high position in Heaven soon.
When that time comes, we hope the Great Sage will take care of us humble brothers as well."