Sun Wukong returned to Wanling Hall.

"Great Saint, Emperor has come for a visit."

An Ning said quietly and calmly while welcoming him at the entrance.

"Emperor?"

Sun Wukong was somewhat surprised and quickly walked in. Indeed, Emperor Donghua was sitting inside, drinking tea.

"Emperor, what business do you have with me?"

Upon seeing Sun Wukong, Emperor Donghua rose and gazed at him.

Sun Wukong nodded, "Indeed, that person is me."

Emperor Donghua showed an understanding expression.

He was in charge of the Wanling population registry and had long speculated about the true identity of the mysterious man in the library.

After confirming that Sun Wukong had followed Jade-faced Fox on a visit to various countries to resolve the trade issues of the Golden Path, Emperor Donghua asked about the reasons.

"I am somewhat concerned."

Sun Wukong replied, "The Golden Path is very important; there cannot be any mishaps."

The Golden Path was something he had been planning since establishing Wanling Country.

It was important not only for trade communication between Wanling Country and the Western Continent but also a vital passageway connected to the Southern Continent, critically important for the future landscape.

Apology crept into the eyes of the Emperor.

"Are you aware of their actions?"

Sun Wukong saw what he meant and his face showed surprise, "Why didn't you tell me?"

Emperor Donghua shook his head.

It was the independent action of a few individuals that did not greatly affect Wanling Country; he thought it unnecessary to inform Sun Wukong.

"That is true as well..."

Sun Wukong sighed, understanding Emperor Donghua's lack of concern.

Wanling Country was already very prosperous, so the Emperor wasn't particularly interested in trade with human countries.

Only Sun Wukong placed far greater importance on trade than anyone else.

"Emperor, you have indeed landed me in quite a problem."

Sun Wukong was somewhat helpless, "If we could nip it in the bud, they wouldn't have become a force to reckon with."

He had long advised the Emperor to be cautious of others penetrating into the countries; if handled appropriately, those people would not have an opportunity to exploit, nor would it have escalated to the current situation.

Emperor Donghua felt some helplessness.

It wasn't that he had been negligent. Instead, he was short-staffed. There are so many nations in the Western Continent; no matter how guarded, some with great divine skills would manage to infiltrate.

"At least I didn't let someone like Six-Eared Macaque infiltrate..."

Emperor Donghua communicated this to Sun Wukong with his eyes.

Considering all, he had done quite well.

In the Eastern Continent, even demons managed to control human countries through marriage alliances.

The one who committed such audacious acts was none other than Six-Eared Macaque, and the Jade Emperor seemed to be unable to do anything because of restrictions from the Heavenly Rules.

"The situation with Six-Eared Macaque is different; the Jade Emperor might not be in a rush to deal with it..."

Sun Wukong only mentioned this briefly before asking another question, "Emperor, there is one more thing I would like to ask."

His expression turned serious, "How many demons or Taoists have infiltrated the governments of various countries? Are there any followers of the Buddha among them?"

Emperor Donghua nodded, giving him an unexpected answer.

Not many had infiltrated the royal courts of various countries, but there were indeed quite a few in the Western Continent who volunteered to work for the Jade Emperor and Buddha.

Emperor Donghua did not know the exact number.

"So it is."

Sun Wukong acknowledged the information, nodding, "Then that simplifies matters."

A puzzled look appeared on the Emperor's face.

Sun Wukong then called for Ao Luan to inform her of the results of this mission.

After hearing the reasons, Ao Luan became furious, "I want to capture those villains!"

"There's no rush for now."

Sun Wukong shook his head and said to Ao Luan, "They still have their uses."

"Do you have a plan, brother?"

Seeing Sun Wukong's confident demeanor, Ao Luan also calmed down, "But we can't let those people spread rumours unchecked."

"Send someone to clarify."

Sun Wukong said, "Try to persuade the kings of each country not to believe in slander."

"Yes."

Ao Luan nodded and took his leave.

Emperor Donghua's eyes turned to Sun Wukong: "Can you persuade them?"

"It's highly unlikely."

Sun Wukong shook his head.

The reason those kings united was due to a genuine fear of Wanling—the entity growing in strength right beside them, posing a tangible threat.

And their concerns were not unfounded; a hundred years from now, Wanling would transform the entire Western Continent.

Sun Wukong would not offer those kings any assurance—he would try to minimize the damage, but who could predict the future?

"They wish for their thrones to last forever."

Sun Wukong said: "However, I cannot provide them with such a promise."

Therefore, Ao Luan's clarification might be ineffective.

"Emperor."

For the last time, Sun Wukong inquired of Emperor Donghua: "Are you certain there's no one like the Six-Eared Macaque manipulating from behind the scenes?"

Emperor Donghua shook his head.

"Is that so..."

Sun Wukong's heart sank.

If there were no such figures, that would be good news.

But if such a figure did exist and Emperor Donghua had not detected it—then the situation would be troublesome.

Three months later, Ao Luan returned to report that there was no change in the stance of the countries.

"Brother, what should we do?" She was somewhat worried.

"I have a plan."

Sun Wukong answered, "We'll start with the Kingdom of Baoxiang and the Kingdom of Chechi."

He had previously investigated and found that while these nations seemed united, they all ultimately looked to these two countries for direction.

To catch the thieves, first catch the leader; if he could change the stance of these two nations, it would be easier to handle the others.

Sun Wukong had gathered information on both countries and formulated several plans in his mind.

"What shall we do?"

Ao Luan asked.

"Business as usual."

Sun Wukong answered.

Ao Luan was puzzled.

"You won't need to help."

Sun Wukong continued: "Just focus on your work, leave everything to me."

Hearing his assurance, Ao Luan's face was full of disbelief.

Was he planning to handle this situation alone?

Indeed, Sun Wukong did intend to handle it by himself.

He alone was enough.

In the library, Sun Wukong was browsing "Heavenly Craftsmanship" while jotting down notes and sketches on paper.

"The master has been looking at that book for several days now, what is he researching?"

The regulars at the library noticed Sun Wukong's actions and were puzzled.

Sun Wukong usually stayed in the depths of the library, perusing the most advanced technologies; why was he looking at the decades-old "Heavenly Craftsmanship"?

"He's looking into the technology for casting currency."

An elderly man who had walked around came back and said.

"Casting currency?"

The regulars gathered out of curiosity and asked: "Does 'Heavenly Craftsmanship' have the technology for casting currency?"

"Of course."

The elderly man answered: "Nowadays, the government of every country monopolizes mines and the right to cast currency, the technology all comes from 'Heavenly Craftsmanship', and the currencies cast by the countries are similar, making circulation much more stable than in the past."

The others showed a look of surprise: "Is the master copying the currency casting technology?"

"That's not it."

The elder shook his head and said: "I glanced over what the master was writing just now, and I'm afraid he's combining other forging technologies from Wanling City to create a more advanced method of currency casting."

This revelation startled the others.

Upon hearing this, someone immediately became thoughtful.

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