"Chen Xiang's family of three once lived at the foot of Mount Hua. Then the Heavenly Court decreed that immortals and mortals could not fall in love and imprisoned my mother beneath the mountain. My father fled with me from place to place before we finally settled in Liu Family Village!"
"Later, by chance, I learned my mother was still alive. From then on, I vowed to save her. After many twists and turns, my uncle pointed me here!"
Chen Xiang remembered the bitter pursuit that had dogged them all the way. His voice rose with emotion until he suddenly knelt and refused to get up. His heavy words fell like boulders:
"My father and mother have been separated for more than ten years, denied the life they should have shared as husband and wife. I grew up without seeing my mother, unable to fulfill my duty as her son..."
Sun Wukong had not meant to make things difficult for Chen Xiang. He had merely wanted to assess him. After all, this was merit from the calamity, secured through the Buddhist Sect's schemes. If he pushed too hard, plenty of others would take the opportunity.
"Very well. From now on, you're my first disciple. I'll teach you everything I know. But as for how much you learn, your Human Race has a saying: a master shows you the way; cultivation is up to you."
"Your disciple Chen Xiang greets you, Master!" Chen Xiang bowed again.
Seeing the envy in the eyes of Ao Chun and the other two, Sun Wukong chuckled. "As it happens, I'm on good terms with the old Dragon King, the Phoenix King, and the Qilin King. Since you've come all this way, stay and cultivate here for a while. You may listen in when I lecture