Witnessing Monkey King's struggle to break free from his restraints, Macaque once again tapped into his powers to free the captives, a move that left him weakened alongside the Nine-Headed Demon, who was now severed from his source of chaotic energy. In an attempt to stop MK, Macaque implored Monkey King to intervene, only to further enrage the Nine-Headed Demon, who adamantly declared that he would not permit anyone to interfere with MK's freedom of choice. As Monkey King stepped in to confront MK, the group banded together to confront the Nine Headed Demon who began to transform into his beast form, laughing maniacally as he taunted them for their perceived foolishness, creeping Tang out due to the laughter. The Nine-Headed Demon made a solemn vow to take matters into his own hands and eradicate them should they manage to thwart MK's sacrifice. Elsewhere, MK implores Monkey King to step aside, but Monkey King disagreed, pointing out that MK had never abandoned him, so he would not abandon MK either. MK warns Monkey King not to force him into a fight, but Monkey King advises against taking matters into his own hands. The confrontation escalates, leading to an altercation where MK throws the Golden Staff at Monkey King, who catches it and uses it to summon chains that bind MK. Monkey King agrees that a sacrifice is the only solution to save the universe, but argues that he should be the one to do it, highlighting their shared origins from the stone created by Nüwa. MK protests, but Monkey King maintains that the world is better off with MK alive, being grateful before departing on his magic cloud. MK, determined to fulfill his destiny, breaks free from the chains, which urges Monkey King to hasten towards the Pillar. However, MK tightens the circlet around Monkey King, causing him excruciating pain as he watches MK ascend to the Pillar of Heaven. Simultaneously.

"UGH...KID...NO... DON'T DO IT...NOOOO!!!"

Wukong screamed out

(We love angst)