The Primordial Chaos Opens

In the blink of an eye, immense immortal might surged like a tide for a thousand miles, enveloping the entire Spirit Platform Mountain range. As the sea of clouds churned, myriad beings felt a connection and bowed piously towards Mount Fangcun.

Inside the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars, the Scripture Lecture Pavilion was filled with auspicious signs. Zhuang Yan sat cross-legged on a lotus pedestal, enveloped in radiant immortal light, with the Five Qi transforming into a mystical lotus flower above his head. Patriarch Bodhi stood nearby, holding a whisk and smiling, while the disciples held their breath, carefully savoring the profound Dao rhythm permeating the air.

Suddenly, brilliant light erupted from Zhuang Yan's spiritual platform. His soul and spirit merged, forming three golden flowers that gently descended onto the Five Qi lotus pedestal. As clear Daoist tones echoed, the Three Flowers and Five Qi became one, condensing into a golden figure no larger than a thumb, with features as vivid as Zhuang Yan's own.

This Primordial Spirit formed a seal and sat cross-legged, the Three Flowers revolving above its head and the Five Qi circulating within its chest. In an instant, Zhuang Yan's true body ascended, breaking through the cave and soaring into the firmament. His physical body underwent a transformation in the immortal light, his Niwan Palace shining brightly. His magical power surged like the boundless sea, finally achieving the form of immortal physique and jade bones.

Once his Primordial Spirit stabilized, he held a profound Dao Bead in his palm, a sign of the Earth Immortal Fruit Position's perfection. Zhuang Yan gazed at the mountains and rivers with divine light in his eyes, chanting loudly: "The Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown connect to the celestial palace, the Primordial Spirit appears, shedding the mortal coil. From now on, I shall roam free beyond the Three Realms, stepping onto the immortal path on the road to eternal life."

When his immortal presence returned to the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars, Patriarch Bodhi had already led the disciples to welcome him. Zhuang Yan solemnly performed the rites: "Ten years of seeking the Dao, all thanks to my fellow disciples' guidance. For this grace of achieving the Dao, please accept Zhuang Yan's three bows." With that, he prostrated himself in a grand ceremony. Patriarch Bodhi accepted the bows with a smile and turned to instruct: "Quickly invite the Mountain Guard General to join us for an immortal banquet. Today, we shall celebrate Daoist Brother Zhuang Yan's attainment of the Dao!"

After the banquet, Patriarch Bodhi instructed the disciples to prepare another feast and personally led Zhuang Yan into the depths of the cave.

Before the Mountain God Temple on Danchi Ridge, Zhuang Yan and the Fire Spirit True Immortal returned by cloud. From afar, they spotted a sturdy figure lingering by the temple gate.

"Hu Da?" Zhuang Yan called out loudly.

The figure turned at the sound of his voice; it was the Father of Hu Lai Hu Qu. Hu Da strode forward and knelt on one knee, presenting a basket of spiritual fruits: "Congratulations to the Mountain Lord on achieving the immortal path. These are spiritual fruits my wife and I gathered from all over Spirit Platform Mountain, a small token of our regard."

Zhuang Yan accepted with a smile: "You are thoughtful." The Fire Spirit True Immortal took the fruit basket, and Hu Da finally stood up, but seemed hesitant to speak.

"Is there another matter?" Zhuang Yan asked, raising an eyebrow.

Hu Da took a deep breath and clasped his fist: "I implore the Mountain Lord to grant me a position. My youngest son is growing, and his cultivation requires more and more resources. Our meager savings are simply not enough."

Zhuang Yan appraised his Refining Void into Dao cultivation and nodded: "Since you are upright and have achieved success in your cultivation, how about this: serve as a vanguard under the Mountain Guard General, with a monthly salary of one hundred Purple Coins."

Hu Da's tiger eyes widened at the words—this was equivalent to half a year's income for his entire family. He solemnly kowtowed: "Hu Da swears to serve the Mountain Lord with his life!"

Zhuang Yan waved his sleeve, and one hundred Purple Coins flew into Hu Da's palm: "Go back and prepare. You will take up your post tomorrow." Hu Da clutched the Purple Coins, his throat bobbing, and bowed deeply before departing.

"As you command." Vanguard Hu bowed respectfully, then turned to take his leave.

After Vanguard Hu departed, Zhuang Yan turned to the Fire Spirit True Immortal and said, "I just remembered, you've followed me for over ten years, yet you've never received a salary."

The Fire Spirit True Immortal replied with a smile: "Thanks to the Mountain Lord's generosity, I have already benefited greatly. How could I dare ask for more?"

"Rules must be followed," Zhuang Yan said calmly. "Since you are the Mountain Guard General, your salary shall be paid in full. Vanguard Hu's monthly salary is one hundred Purple Coins, so you shall receive five hundred."

The Fire Spirit True Immortal bowed his thanks: "Your subordinate thanks the Mountain Lord for his grace."

Zhuang Yan flipped his hand and produced one hundred thousand Purple Coins, handing them over: "This is to compensate for over ten years of back pay. The remainder is for your and Vanguard Hu's future use. If it's not enough, come find me again."

The Fire Spirit True Immortal was secretly startled, but then remembered Zhuang Yan's Seventh-Rank Immortal Official position and felt reassured. He accepted the Purple Coins and replied solemnly: "I shall obey your edict."

Zhuang Yan then flew into the Eight Immortals Pavilion. As a Seventh-Rank Immortal Official, his monthly salary was eight thousand Purple Coins, totaling ninety-six thousand annually. Over ten years, this accumulated to nine hundred sixty thousand.

Purple Coins had wide-ranging uses, especially their refinement into Purple Qi to aid cultivation, making them highly precious. Thus, Zhuang Yan consumed a portion of them each month for his practice. Currently, aside from the one hundred thousand gifted to the Fire Spirit True Immortal, he still had three hundred fifty thousand Purple Coins remaining.

These coins were not only legal tender in the immortal realm but also incredibly valuable in the mortal world, far surpassing gold and silver. However, cultivators mostly used them for cultivation and rarely indulged in worldly extravagance.

Having now become an immortal, Zhuang Yan immediately set about absorbing Heavenly Dao Power. Because he had foreseen his attainment of the Earth Immortal Fruit Position earlier, he had specifically saved this month's allocation, intending to take more after becoming an immortal.

He sat in meditation, gazing at the firmament and focusing his mind. To his surprise, his efforts were in vain; not a trace of Heavenly Dao Power was gained.

"Strange," Zhuang Yan frowned. "I didn't take any this month, why is it all for naught?"

He immediately used his great power to probe the Heavenly Dao. After an instant, he abruptly opened his eyes and withdrew his strength, sighing, "The Heavenly Dao is unpredictable, its mysteries difficult to fathom."

It turned out that the Heavenly Dao's operations had changed. Heavenly Dao Power, previously obtainable monthly, would now be obtainable annually. In the past, he could gain seven points each month; from now on, he could only absorb it once a year.

Although he felt regret, Zhuang Yan knew he was "stealing heavenly secrets," so he quickly came to terms with it. Heavenly Dao Power was eternal, and only he could take it. Furthermore, the deeper his Dao Cultivation, the easier it would be to obtain. Even if it were only obtainable once a century, it would not be a cause for concern.

Fortunately, he had accumulated eight hundred and forty points of Heavenly Dao Power. He had originally planned to unlock new divine abilities after becoming an immortal, but for now, he would save them for future needs.

The mountain path wound its way, and Wu the Woodcutter carried his firewood, walking slowly. He saw towering pines brushing the clouds and white mist swirling. The mountain wind lifted the corners of his coarse cloth clothes, and the morning sun draped the peaks in a purple veil. He felt a surge of joy in his heart and couldn't help but sing:

"The axe handle rots in the game, the sound of chopping echoes far. Treading clouds and crossing valleys, I walk leisurely. Selling firewood for wine, I laugh heartily throughout my life... Unmoved by favor or disgrace, I pass my years in tranquility. When I chance upon others, they are either Daoists or Immortals, and we idly discuss the Yellow Court."

Before the last notes faded, the forest rustled. Suddenly, a monkey with a hairy face and a thunder-god's beak darted out, bowing at the path: "Old Immortal, greetings."

The woodcutter stumbled back half a step in surprise. Seeing a crude-looking monkey, he quickly returned the bow: "You honor me too much! A woodcutter in rough clothes and simple food, how can I be worthy of the title 'Immortal'?"

"If you are not an Immortal, how can you sing Immortal's verses?" The monkey scratched its ear, having clearly heard him sing of Daoists and Immortals discussing the Yellow Court just now. "The Yellow Court Scripture is a supreme treasure of the Xuanmen."

The woodcutter chuckled: "This song was taught to me by an immortal elder in the mountains."

The monkey's eyes darted around. "Since you know a True Immortal, why not cultivate with him? Wouldn't it be wonderful to seek immortality?"

"I am ashamed to say," the woodcutter wiped the sweat from his brow. "I was poor as a child and only became aware of things at the age of nine. My father died early, leaving my elderly mother a widow. I have no brothers or sisters. I rely entirely on chopping wood to buy rice and cooking porridge for my mother. In such circumstances, how could I dare to dream of cultivating immortality?"

The monkey's respect grew: "So you are a filial son. Heaven must surely bless you. Please tell me the whereabouts of the immortal elder, so I may pay my respects."

"This mountain is called Mount Lingtai Fangcun," the woodcutter pointed towards the depths of the clouds and mist. "In the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars atop the mountain lives Patriarch Subhuti. Over the years, countless disciples have attained the Dao, and there are still thirty to forty followers attending him. He said, shifting his carrying pole to the other shoulder, 'Continue along this path for another ten li, and you will arrive.'"

Upon hearing this, the monkey prostrated himself. The woodcutter waved his hand and headed down the mountain. The monkey had no choice but to tidy his appearance and scramble up the mountain.

After climbing rocks and crossing streams for over ten li, he suddenly saw the clouds and mist part, revealing a cave dwelling. It was a magnificent sight: "Rosy clouds scattered, ancient cypresses stood tall. Beside the stone bridge, jade grass bloomed fragrantly; on the steep cliffs, green moss dripped with dew. White cranes occasionally soared through the sky, and colorful phoenixes sometimes perched on phoenix trees. Above the main entrance hung a couplet: Mount Lingtai Fangcun, Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars."

The monkey was overjoyed, scratching his ears and cheeks: "It was truly worth the trip!" However, he dared not knock rashly and instead leaped onto a pine branch to pick and eat fruit.

Suddenly, a sound was heard, and the cave door opened. A young Daoist with his hair tied in two buns walked out. He was dressed in wide sleeves that billowed in the wind, and his features were as beautiful as a painting. Though he looked like a child, he exuded an aura of a thousand years of vicissitude. It was Cloudy Boy, standing at the threshold, who called out in a clear voice: "Who goes there, making a disturbance?"

The monkey quickly jumped down and bowed respectfully: "Immortal child, I am here to seek immortality and inquire about the Dao. I did not mean to disturb you."

Cloudy Boy asked, "Are you here to seek the Dao?"

The monkey replied, "Indeed."

The boy said with a smile, "Master just got up and is meeting guests in the hall. He suddenly said a cultivator arrived outside and went to greet them. It must be you?"

The monkey repeatedly said, "It's me, no mistake."

The boy nodded, "Then follow me."

The monkey tidied his clothes and respectfully followed the boy into the depths of the cave dwelling. He saw layers of pavilions and palaces everywhere, indescribably serene and elegant.

Arriving at the foot of the Jade Terrace, he saw Patriarch Bodhi seated above. The monkey looked up and beheld the Patriarch:

The Great Enlightened Golden Immortal, transcendent and refined, Western Bodhi, with a solemn and wondrous countenance.

Neither birth nor death, free and at ease, Full of spirit and energy, infinitely compassionate.

Empty and natural, transforming at will, True nature acting as he pleased.

His solemn Dharma form, co-eternal with Heaven, A sage master who has seen through tribulations and illuminated his mind.

Beside the Patriarch sat a divine being, surrounded by auspicious light, with an extraordinary bearing.

Along both sides of the hall stood over thirty Daoist boys, all disciples of the Patriarch.

The monkey prostrated himself and bowed, saying, "I sincerely pay my respects."

The Patriarch asked, "Where are you from? State your name before you bow again."

The monkey replied, "I am from Flower-Fruit Mountain in Aolai Country, Eastern Continent of Victory."

The Patriarch's expression changed, and he waved his hand, saying, "Guards, throw this imposter out."

The monkey hurriedly explained, "Master, what I said is the absolute truth."

The Patriarch said, "If you speak the truth, how did you get here, with two great oceans and a South Continent of Jambudvipa separating you from here?"

The monkey replied, "I sailed across the ocean, traveled all directions, and after more than ten years, I finally found this place."

The Patriarch stroked his beard and said, "Since you have come from afar... very well. What is your surname?"

The monkey said, "I have no surname. I don't get angry when cursed, nor do I get upset when beaten. I just apologize."

A light laugh was heard; it came from the divine being beside the Patriarch.

The Patriarch also laughed, "I'm not asking about your temperament. What is your parents' surname?"

The monkey said, "I have no father or mother. I was born from a magical stone on Flower-Fruit Mountain."

The Patriarch nodded, "So you are born of Heaven and Earth. Get up and walk a few steps to see."

The monkey hopped and walked around twice.

The Patriarch laughed, "Looking at your appearance, you resemble a monkey that eats pine nuts. So, take the character for 'beast' and remove the 'dog' radical, and use that as your surname."

The monkey happily kowtowed, "That's wonderful! I beg Master to bestow a name upon me."

The Patriarch said, "My disciples follow a twelve-character generation sequence. You belong to the 'Wu' generation. How about calling you Sun Wukong?"

The monkey's face lit up with joy, "Excellent! From now on, I shall be called Sun Wukong!"

Having spoken, he knelt and bowed, "Sun Wukong pays respects to my master."

Patriarch Bodhi lightly waved his whisk, "Take your place."

Sun Wukong thanked his master for his kindness and went to sit at the back of the left row.

Patriarch Bodhi turned to Zhuang Yan and asked, "Fellow Daoist, what do you think?"

Zhuang Yan clapped his hands and praised, "Primordial Chaos was nameless; only by breaking through the void did one attain Wukong. Wonderful!"

Hearing this, the Patriarch stroked his beard and chuckled. Sun Wukong, seeing this, quietly asked the senior brother in front of him, "Who is that immortal elder beside Master?"