A smile bloomed across the Stone Monkey's face as he shouted:
"Good! From this day forth, I shall be called Sun Wukong!"
The moment he shouted those words, his thoughts became clear.
Ranmu clasped his hands and bowed to Bei Ming. "Congratulations, Master, on taking in another excellent disciple."
Then he turned to Sun Wukong and solemnly clasped his hands. "Ranmu greets Senior Brother Wukong."
Wukong was still immersed in the joy of receiving a name and taking a master. Stunned by the words "Senior Brother," he hurriedly waved his hands, his face full of confusion.
"You entered the sect before me. Why do you call me Senior Brother?"
Ranmu explained, "Senior Brother is Master's Direct Disciple. Though I bear the duty of attending him, I am merely a Nominal Disciple."
Bei Ming lightly pointed a finger, and a speck of spiritual light flew from his fingertip into Wukong's brow, sinking into his Primordial Spirit.
"Titles are but trivial matters. What truly matters is the depth of one's cultivation.
"Wukong, I have passed down the Literary Sect's wonderful method to you. You have only just begun to comprehend it.
"Five hundred years from now, return to the hall. I will explain the Dao and resolve your doubts."
Sun Wukong excitedly bowed again. "Thank you, Master, for bestowing this art!"
Bei Ming nodded faintly, then looked toward Ranmu and said:
"Ranmu, take Wukong and familiarize him with the Great Void Palace and the Literary Sect's rules.
"You may both withdraw now."
Ranmu and Wukong clasped their hands at the same time and replied:
"This disciple takes his leave."
The two retreated from the hall as its great doors slowly closed behind them.
After establishing the position of Wen Zu, the universal cultivation method Bei Ming provided to the Primordial Wilderness was