Rat in Yellow Wind Ridge, rising from plundering entries

Chapter 27 The Art of Herding Humans and Demons, Forging Divine Arrows, and Refining the Ruyi Spirit Weapon!

Huang Fengwang’s eyes flickered.

“Herding humans?”

The old black fox nodded.

“Indeed! Herding humans!”

“In my travels across the Eastern Lands, I encountered an official title—Governor (Zhōumù). A governor oversees an entire province, and why is the title ‘牧’ (mù, herding) used? Because governing people is like herding cattle and sheep!”

“If humans can herd humans, why can’t we?”

“These humans are skilled in reproduction, multiply quickly, and can mine, forge, weave, farm, cook, and build.”

“If we simply restrain our demons from harming or eating them, and provide them with food, clothing, and wealth, plenty of humans will gladly work for us.”

“And if you, Great King, ensure them good harvests and peace, they will revere you as their deity, offering incense and worship.”

“This is even an act of merit—why not?”

Hiss…

Huang Fengwang squinted at the old black fox. This old schemer—he’s got the mind of a capitalist already!

The rat general, golden lion, and other demon officers instinctively stepped away from him.

This fox is too cunning. Too dangerous.

They plundered and robbed on impulse, but the old black fox? He schemed from the cradle to the grave, calculating generations ahead.

The old fox chuckled.

“Great King, my idea is but a small matter. The greater truth lies in the endless cycle of reincarnation.”

He pointed towards the sky. Huang Fengwang’s expression stiffened. He sat upright and sternly reprimanded, “Three feet above one’s head, the gods watch. Do not speak recklessly!”

The old black fox bowed.

“This humble one has spoken out of turn, Great King!”

“Leave now.”

After the fox and the other demons departed, Huang Fengwang’s eyes gleamed. The old black fox’s words had sparked a new train of thought.

The Heavenly Court maintained order in the Three Realms not only to preserve cosmic stability but also to secure its rule. It controlled immortality through peaches of longevity.

It monopolized tribulation survival techniques like lightning, fire, and water arts—the ‘core technologies’ that choked off others’ paths to transcendence.

And it limited the number of immortals through laws and reincarnation cycles. It was a flawless system. No wonder demons fought tooth and nail to get into the Heavenly Court, the Underworld, or at least become mountain or river gods.

“Ah… bureaucracy is truly sweet.”

A bold idea sprouted in Huang Fengwang’s mind. Huangfeng Ridge spans 800 miles—if properly managed, it could become something much greater.

“I must wait.”

“When Brother Monkey causes havoc in Heaven, I’ll seize the chance to secure a post in the Celestial Bureaucracy. With official status, I can operate freely.”

“Otherwise, without legitimacy, I’d just be labeled a traitor.”

“For now, strengthening myself comes first.”

Huang Fengwang knew that power was the foundation of all ambitions.

“Fortify the walls, stockpile provisions!”

He bathed in moonlight, practiced his arts, and then retreated to the mountains to light a furnace.

He used the tendons of the Thunder Toad to forge a bowstring.

He smelted Ruyi Iron (a mystical metal that could morph at will) with a strange stone from the Thunder Toad’s stomach acid to forge a long spear.

Ruyi Iron was a spiritual material capable of crafting divine weapons akin to the Ruyi Jingu Bang (Monkey King’s Staff).

Huang Fengwang attempted to forge Five Element Arrows. Unfortunately, such arrows required a Gold Core with five elemental patterns and proficiency in Five Elemental Arts.

Too difficult.

He abandoned the idea and instead refined the Thunder Toad’s stomach pouch into a Qiankun Bag (a storage pouch).

He needed help. So he called upon the Six-Tusked Elephant, the Iron-Eating Bear and the Golden Lion. These three possessed innate Blacksmith Physiques.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

49 days later, a Ruyi Divine Spear was born!

Length: 15 feet

Weight: 10,800 catties

Size: Can change at will

It contained five enchantments.

Enhancement – Boosts power

Sharpness – Enhances cutting ability

Durability – Strengthens resilience

Anti-Magic – Counters formations, spells, and barriers

Soul-Piercing – Directly damages an opponent’s soul

The last two were learned from his Fangcun Mountain brothers.

His Lightning Wood Bow was now strung with Thunder Toad tendon. When he drew the bowstring, lightning surged forth!

No arrows needed. With his [Lightning Veins], he could channel demonic power into the bow to fire pure lightning arrows.

Regular arrows could also be imbued with electricity, increasing their lethality.

Fully armed, Huang Fengwang descends the Mountain. The old black fox had already recruited master craftsmen under the protection of the rat general.vThey roamed the mountains, mapping the terrain and designing blueprints. The entire Wuzhen Mountain bustled with activity.

________

Splash!

The lake’s surface churned.

A childish voice rang out.

“Big Rat! Come here!”

Huang Fengwang turned towards the Moon-Devouring Lake. A column of water rose, revealing a golden carp—except it had already gained a human voice. Though still in fish form, it had clearly undergone a transformation.

He examined it.

True Dragon Bloodline (Gold)

Nine Transformations of the True Dragon (Purple)

Dragon’s Might (Red)

Vein Gathering (Red)

Dragon Fortune (Blue)

Water Mastery (Red)

Wave Surge (Red)

Current Riding (Blue)

Water Shield (Blue)

A True Dragon bloodline?

Even a lowly Golden Core demon would be no match for this creature.

Huang Fengwang resisted the urge to plunder its traits. Better to wait—grow the fish into a real dragon, then take the best possible trait. He knocked on its head.

“What ‘Big Rat’? Call me ‘Great King!’”

The carp dragon dodged, flicking its tail and splashing water in his face. It made a silly face. A mischievous brat.

Huang Fengwang laughed.

“What do you want?”

The carp dragon grinned.

“Are you building a palace?”

“More or less. What of it?”

“Are you building an underwater Dragon Palace?”

“Too difficult.”

The carp dragon puffed up proudly.

“I already have one!”

With a flick of its fin, it cast a water veil, revealing an extravagant underwater palace! Golden towers, shimmering pearls, lobster guards, turtle generals, and fish servants patrolling. Huang Fengwang was stunned.

“Where did you get a Dragon Palace!?”

The carp dragon blinked.

“Did you forget? The bamboo basket you carried me in was actually my spiritual treasure—Ruyi Basket!”

“…”

Huang Fengwang stared at the fish.

So it was never just a simple carp…

Suddenly, a thought struck him.

The Thunder Toad had mysteriously appeared in the lake seven or eight years ago—right after he left for Fangcun Mountain.

Too coincidental.

Has someone from Fangcun Mountain secretly investigated Huangfeng Ridge?

Was the Thunder Toad meant to test him?

Had the mountain deity been involved?

Or had Patriarch Bodhi himself placed a hidden wager on him?