Chapter 19

In the blink of an eye, vast immortal might swept across a thousand miles like a tidal surge, shrouding the entire Spirit Platform Mountain range. Amid the rolling sea of clouds, countless living beings sensed it and devoutly bowed toward Mount Fangcun.

Within the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars, extraordinary phenomena filled the Scripture Hall. Zhuang Yan sat upon a lotus throne, crystalline immortal light flowing around him while the Five Qi above his head transformed into a mysterious lotus bloom. Patriarch Bodhi stood smiling with a whisk in hand, and the disciples held their breaths as they carefully sensed the Dao resonance permeating the air.

A brilliant radiance suddenly flared from Zhuang Yan's spirit platform. His soul and spirit merged into three Golden Flowers, which lightly descended upon the Five Qi lotus throne. As clear Dao chimes echoed through the hall, the Three Flowers and Five Qi became one, condensing into a thumb-sized golden figure whose features were identical to Zhuang Yan's true appearance.

This primordial spirit sat in meditation with hand seals formed, the Three Flowers revolving above its head and the Five Qi cycling within its chest. In an instant, Zhuang Yan's true body soared into the sky, bursting out of the cave mansion and rising into the clouds. His fleshly body transformed within immortal light, his Niwan Palace blazing with brilliance, his mana surging like a vast sea. At last, he achieved an Immortal Physique and Jade Bones.

Once his primordial spirit had stabilized, a mysterious Dao Bead rose in his palm, the sign that his Earth Immortal Fruit Position had reached completion. Zhuang Yan looked down upon the mountains and rivers with divine light in his eyes and chanted aloud, "Three Flowers Gather at the Crown and reach the heavenly gates; the primordial spirit first appears, shedding the mortal body. From this day forth, I roam free beyond the Three Realms, ascending immortal steps upon the road to longevity."

When his immortal trace returned to the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars, Patriarch Bodhi had already led the others out to welcome him. Zhuang Yan solemnly performed a salute. "Ten years of seeking the Dao were made possible only through your guidance, Daoist friend. For the grace of helping me attain the Dao, please accept three bows from Zhuang Yan." With that, he prostrated himself in a grand salute. Patriarch Bodhi accepted with a smile, then turned and instructed, "Quickly invite the Mountain Guard General to the immortal banquet. Today, we must celebrate Daoist Zhuang Yan's success in attaining the Dao."

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

Before the Mountain God Temple on Danchi Ridge, Zhuang Yan and the Fire Spirit True Immortal returned on clouds. From afar, they saw a burly figure pacing before the temple gates.

"Hu Da?" Zhuang Yan called aloud.

The figure turned at the sound. It was Father of Hu Lai Hu Qu. Hu Da hurried forward, dropped to one knee, and presented a basket of Spirit Fruit. "Congratulations, Mountain Lord, on attaining the immortal Dao. My wife and I searched all over Spirit Platform Mountain to gather these Spirit Fruit as a small token of our regard."

Zhuang Yan accepted it with a smile. "You have put thought into this." The Fire Spirit True Immortal naturally took the fruit basket. Only then did Hu Da rise, though he seemed hesitant to speak.

"Is there something else?" Zhuang Yan asked, raising a brow.

Hu Da took a deep breath and cupped his fists. "I humbly ask Mountain Lord to grant me a position. My young children are growing up, and the resources they need for cultivation increase by the day. Our meager savings can no longer support us."

Zhuang Yan assessed his cultivation at the Refining Void into Dao stage and nodded. "You have conducted yourself uprightly and achieved success in cultivation. Very well. Serve under the Mountain Guard General as a vanguard. Your monthly salary will be one hundred Purple Coins."

Hu Da's tiger eyes widened at those words—this was equal to half a year's income for his entire family. He kowtowed solemnly. "Hu Da swears to serve Mountain Lord unto death!"

With a flick of his sleeve, Zhuang Yan sent a hundred Purple Coins flying into Hu Da's hands. "Go back and make your preparations. Report for duty tomorrow." Hu Da tightly gripped the Purple Coins, his throat bobbing. Only after giving a deep bow did he depart.

"Understood." Vanguard Hu saluted respectfully, then turned and took his leave.

After Vanguard Hu left, Zhuang Yan turned to the Fire Spirit True Immortal. "It just occurred to me that you have followed me for over ten years, yet you have never received a salary."

The Fire Spirit True Immortal replied with a smile, "Mountain Lord has treated this subordinate generously. I have already gained greatly from your favor. How could I dare ask for payment?"

"Rules cannot be abandoned." Zhuang Yan's tone was calm. "Since you are the Mountain Guard General, your salary must naturally be paid in full. Vanguard Hu receives one hundred Purple Coins each month. You will receive five hundred."

The Fire Spirit True Immortal bowed in thanks. "This subordinate thanks Mountain Lord for your generosity."

Zhuang Yan turned his hand over and produced one hundred thousand Purple Coins, handing them to him. "This is your back pay for more than ten years. Keep the rest for your future use and Vanguard Hu's. If it is not enough, come find me again."

The Fire Spirit True Immortal was secretly startled. Then, remembering that Zhuang Yan held the post of Seventh-Rank Immortal Official, he was no longer surprised. He put away the Purple Coins and solemnly replied, "This subordinate shall obey your decree."

Zhuang Yan then flew into the Eight Immortals Pavilion. As a Seventh-Rank Immortal Official, he received eight thousand Purple Coins each month, ninety-six thousand a year. Over ten years, that amounted to nine hundred and sixty thousand.

Purple Coins had many uses, but their most precious function was refining purple qi to aid cultivation. Thus, Zhuang Yan used part of his monthly salary for cultivation. After giving the Fire Spirit True Immortal one hundred thousand, he still had three hundred and fifty thousand Purple Coins remaining.

This currency was not only accepted throughout the immortal realm; in the mortal world, it was worth far more than gold or silver. Yet cultivators mostly used it for cultivation and rarely entered the secular world to spend extravagantly.

Now that he had become an immortal, Zhuang Yan immediately began gathering Heaven's Dao Power. Since he had previously sensed that he would attain the Earth Immortal Dao Fruit, he had deliberately saved this month's quota so that he could take more after becoming an immortal.

He sat cross-legged and focused his mind, gazing into the heavens as he stirred his intent. To his surprise, there was nothing at all. He could not obtain even a fraction of Heaven's Dao Power.

"Strange." Zhuang Yan frowned. "I clearly did not take this month's share. Why has all this effort come to nothing?"

He immediately activated his great power to investigate the Heavenly Dao. An instant later, he abruptly opened his eyes and withdrew his power, sighing. "The Heavenly Dao is ever-changing; its mysteries are impossible to predict."

It turned out that a change had occurred in the workings of the Heavenly Dao. Heaven's Dao Power no longer appeared monthly, but yearly. In the past, he could obtain seven points every month; from now on, he could gather it only once a year.

Though he found it regrettable, Zhuang Yan knew that he was essentially "stealing heaven's secrets," so he soon accepted it. Heaven's Dao Power had existed since ancient times, and only he could draw upon it. Moreover, the deeper his Dao cultivation, the easier it would be to acquire. Forget once a year—even if it appeared only once every hundred years, there was nothing to fear.

For now, he still had eight hundred and forty points of Heaven's Dao Power saved up. He had originally planned to unlock a new divine ability after becoming an immortal, but he would keep it in reserve for future needs.

The mountain path wound onward as Wu the Woodcutter walked slowly beneath a load of firewood. Towering pines brushed the clouds, white mist curled through the hills, mountain winds tugged at the corners of his coarse clothes, and the morning sun draped the peaks in violet gauze. Filled with delight, he began to sing aloud:

The axe handle rotted beside a chess game, and the rhythmic sound of chopping wood carried far away.

I walked slowly through clouds and valleys.

I sold firewood for wine and laughed heartily to console this life.

Untouched by favor or disgrace, I passed my years in quiet indifference.

When chance encounters came, they involved either the Dao or immortals, and I casually spoke of the Yellow Court Scripture.

Before the lingering notes had faded, rustling sounded in the woods. Suddenly, a monkey with a Hairy Face and Thunderbolt Mouth sprang out and bowed in the middle of the path. "Greetings, old immortal."

The woodcutter staggered back half a step in fright. Seeing that it was merely an ugly-looking monkey, he hurriedly returned the salute. "You flatter me! I am only a firewood cutter dressed in coarse clothes and fed on rough food. How could I deserve to be called an immortal?"

"If you are not an immortal, how could you sing immortal verses?" The monkey scratched his ears and cheeks. "I clearly heard you sing that chance encounters involved either the Dao or immortals, and that you spoke of the Yellow Court. The Yellow Court Scripture is a supreme treasure of the Daoist school."

The woodcutter laughed. "A certain Immortal Master in these mountains taught me that song."

The monkey's eyes darted about. "Since you know a true immortal, why not cultivate under him? Would it not be wonderful to seek immortality and freedom from old age?"

"To my shame." The woodcutter wiped the sweat from his brow. "My family was poor when I was young, and I did not begin to understand things until I was nine. My father died early, leaving only my widowed mother behind. I have neither brothers nor sisters. I depend entirely on selling firewood for rice and cooking porridge to serve my mother. Given such circumstances, how could I dare dream of cultivating immortality?"

The monkey was deeply impressed. "So you are a filial son. Heaven will surely bless you. I only ask that you point me toward the Immortal Master's dwelling, so that I may pay him a visit."

"This mountain is called Mount Lingtai Fangcun." The woodcutter pointed toward the depths of the clouds and mist. "Patriarch Subhuti lives in the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars atop the mountain. Over the years, his disciples who attained the Dao have been beyond counting, and he still has thirty or forty disciples attending him. Follow this path for another ten li." With that, he shifted his shoulder pole and headed down the mountain.

The monkey immediately bowed with his head to the ground. The woodcutter waved a hand and continued down the mountain, leaving the monkey to straighten himself and bound up the slope.

After climbing cliffs and crossing streams for more than ten li, he suddenly saw a cave dwelling where the clouds parted and the mist dispersed. Rosy light spread everywhere, while ancient cypresses stood thick and tall. Fragrant jade grass grew beside a stone bridge, and emerald moss dripped from the cliff walls. White cranes occasionally crossed the sky, and colorful phoenixes sometimes perched upon parasol trees. A couplet hung above the main entrance: Mount Lingtai Fangcun, Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars.

The monkey was so delighted that he scratched his ears and cheeks. "My journey was not in vain after all!" Yet he did not dare knock recklessly. Instead, he leaped onto the tip of a pine tree and picked fruit to pass the time.

Suddenly, there was a sound, and the cave gates opened. A boy with twin topknots stepped out. His wide sleeves billowed in the wind, and his features were as beautiful as a painting. He had the appearance of a child, yet carried the vicissitudes of a thousand years. It was Cloudy Boy. Standing before the steps, he shouted clearly, "What visitor is making such a commotion here?"

The monkey hurriedly jumped down and saluted respectfully. "Immortal boy, I have come seeking immortality and the Dao. I did not mean to disturb you."

Cloudy Boy asked, "You have come in search of the Dao?"

The monkey answered, "That is correct."

The boy said with a smile, "Master just rose and is receiving guests in the hall. He suddenly said that a cultivator had arrived outside and told me to welcome him. That must be you?"

The monkey quickly replied, "It is indeed me."

The boy nodded. "Then follow me."

The monkey straightened his clothes and respectfully followed the boy deep into the cave dwelling. Layer upon layer of towers and halls rose before him, their secluded elegance beyond description.

When they arrived below the jade terrace, he saw Patriarch Bodhi seated above. The monkey looked up and beheld the Patriarch:

A Great Enlightened Golden Immortal, transcendent beyond the mundane,

Western Bodhi, majestic in wondrous appearance.

Unborn and undying, free and unrestrained,

Whole in spirit and qi, boundlessly compassionate.

Naturally empty and still, changing as he willed,

His true suchness and original nature acting without restraint.

A solemn Dharma form, as long-lived as heaven,

An awakened holy master, clear-hearted through countless tribulations.

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

More than thirty Daoist Children stood along both sides of the hall, all disciples of the Patriarch.

The monkey prostrated himself and recited, "I offer a sincere bow of reverence."

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

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

The Patriarch's expression changed. He waved his hand. "Someone, drive this liar out."

The monkey hurriedly defended himself. "Master, every word I spoke is true."

The Patriarch said, "If you speak the truth, Eastern Continent of Victory is separated from here by two great seas and the Southern Continent of Jambudvipa. How did you get here?"

The monkey answered, "I crossed seas and wandered the world. It took more than ten years before I finally found this place."

The Patriarch stroked his beard. "Since you have come from so far away... very well. What is your surname?"

The monkey said, "I have no temperament. When people curse me, I do not grow angry. When they strike me, I do not rage. I simply apologize and let the matter pass."

A light laugh sounded. It came from the divine being beside the Patriarch.

The Patriarch laughed as well. "I was not asking about your temperament. What are your father's and mother's surnames?"

The monkey said, "I have neither father nor mother. I was born from an immortal stone on Flower-Fruit Mountain."

The Patriarch nodded. "So you were born of heaven and raised by earth. Rise and walk a few steps for me."

The monkey hopped and skipped around twice.

The Patriarch smiled. "You look like a monkey that eats pinecones. Remove the beast radical from the character and make that your surname."

The monkey happily kowtowed. "Wonderful! I beg Master to grant me a name as well."

The Patriarch said, "My disciples follow the Twelve-Character Generation. You belong to the Wu generation. How about Sun Wukong?"

The monkey beamed with joy. "Excellent! From now on, I shall be called Sun Wukong!"

With that, he knelt and kowtowed. "Sun Wukong pays respects to Master."

Patriarch Bodhi lightly flicked his whisk. "Join the ranks."

Sun Wukong thanked him for the grace of taking him as a disciple, then walked to the last position on the left and sat cross-legged.

Patriarch Bodhi turned to Zhuang Yan. "What do you think, Daoist friend?"

Zhuang Yan clapped his hands in praise. "At the beginning of Primordial Chaos, there was no name; only by seeing through the void can one awaken to emptiness. Wonderful!"

Hearing this, the Patriarch stroked his beard and laughed heartily. Seeing this, Sun Wukong quietly asked the Senior Brother in front of him, "What divine being is that Immortal Master beside Master?"