Time drifted through mortal life, floating like dust on a country road.
After wandering the ferry crossing for two years, the monkey had finally made a name for himself. The little path down the wild ferry's back hillside had become a broad road. It was no longer only cultivators and demons crossing the river; ordinary people could reach the opposite bank as well. Though the demon monkey was short and ugly, he had an excellent reputation. Rumor had it that he was a great demon among Fierce Beasts, though no one knew why he was ferrying travelers here.
As for the monkey boatman, cautious people kept their silence as deep as a sealed jar.
There were always bold fools who made up wild stories. One sect claimed the ferry's demon monkey had been sealed and suppressed by their deity, condemned to ferry people across the great river to atone for his sins. They used this tale to deceive believers among the common folk and gain prestige. After all, one had to borrow power to make a living in this trade.
Whenever he had nothing to do, the monkey squatted on the dock and fished, utterly dismissive of the rumors.
One day.
More than ten passengers crossed the river.
The Ruyi Jingu Bang served as an oar, churning through the water and propelling the large boat that could carry over ten people.
Unfortunately, after ferrying travelers for so long, he had never encountered another moment of insight. Countless ordinary lives hurried across the river. He had gained too many cultivation resources and worldly gold and silver, yet his heart felt hollow...
The passengers sat separately on either side without speaking. Cultivators occupied the bow, while ordinary people sat closer to the monkey at the stern.
No one dared speak carelessly aboard