The second level describes how Sun Wukong changes his tactics, devising all sorts of methods to trick the demon's three important treasures - the "Purple Gold Red Gourd", the "Jade Lip Clean Bottle", and the "Gleaming Golden Rope" - into his possession. This time, the author fully displays their comedic talent, vividly portraying the battle of wits between Monkey and the lesser demons in a way that is highly entertaining.
The demon sends two lesser demons with the "Purple Gold Red Gourd" and the "Jade Lip Clean Bottle" to capture Monkey. Monkey transforms into an old Taoist priest with white hair and youthful features (a bit like "fighting fire with fire"), blocking the path of the two lesser demons. By logical inference, Sun Wukong should be on a different level compared to these two lesser demons; he could easily grab the treasures without much effort. But if it were this simple, the story would be rather dull. More importantly, it wouldn't align with Monkey's usual principles. "Not good! Not good! If I snatch them, it ruins my reputation. That would be daylight robbery." Monkey’s reasoning makes some sense.
When the lesser demons ask where he comes from, Monkey deliberately mystifies them, claiming to be a celestial being from Mount Penglai, successfully deceiving the two lesser demons. However, how can he make the lesser demons willingly hand over their treasures? Monkey once again demonstrates his intelligence. He uses a hair to transform into an enormous gourd and falsely claims it can contain the heavens. Can the heavens truly be contained? Monkey's idea is indeed bold. Although he is incredibly powerful, this is the first time he has encountered such a situation. At this point, the reader can't help but feel anxious for Wukong.
Nevertheless, Monkey is no ordinary being. He goes to heaven and enlists Nezha's help. Nezha borrows the Black Crane Banner from Zhenwu at the Northern Heaven Gate and unfurls it at the Southern Heaven Gate, blocking out the sun, moon, and stars. Though it isn't truly containing the heavens, this "illusion" leaves the two lesser demons utterly impressed. After discussing privately, they decide to exchange their treasures for Monkey's. Monkey's goal is finally achieved, but he goes even further, plucking a hair from his navel, blowing divine breath onto it, and transforming it into a copper coin to send the lesser demons to buy paper. For what purpose? It turns out he wants to draft a contract with the lesser demons to prevent them from reneging. At this point, we can't help but smile at Monkey's cunning nature as he toys with the lesser demons.
Soon after, Monkey repeats his trick, deceiving the nine-tailed fox spirit and obtaining the Gleaming Golden Rope. Now, out of the demon's five treasures, Monkey already possesses three. It seems that Monkey is about to accomplish his mission.