hotmtlnovel Chapter 18 Visit the Monkey
Chapter 18 Visit the Monkey
Just as everyone was feeling cheerful, someone loudly suggested, "Wukong, didn't Master teach you the Disaster Evasion Technique some time ago? How well have you mastered it?"
"I won't hide it from you, elder brothers. Firstly, it was taught by Master, and secondly, I've been diligently practicing day and night. I've mastered several variations."
"Take advantage of this good time and give us a demonstration, let us see," the crowd cheered.
The Monkey braced himself and straightened his clothes, "Please propose a challenge, elder brothers. What would you like me to transform into?" One of the elder brothers then pointed to the pine tree in front of the gate, "How about transforming into a pine tree for us to see, would that be alright?"
The Monkey had hardly finished speaking when he shook his body and transformed into a pine tree, lush and indistinguishable from the one standing at the gate, prompting the crowd to applaud and cheer. This applause drew out the patriarch, who upon understanding the situation, said to Wukong, "I won't blame you, but you should leave."
The disciples knelt down and pleaded upon hearing this, hoping the patriarch would retract his command.
However, at this moment, Bodhi the Patriarch unexpectedly became unusually stern, unlike his former self, and no matter how the crowd pleaded, he did not relent. In the end, the Monkey had no choice but to bid farewell to everyone, and as he said goodbye to Lu Yu, the Monkey said, "Scholar, if you ever leave the mountain, be sure to visit me at Huaguo Mountain!"
Lu Yu nodded and promised, "I've always heard you talk about how wonderful Huaguo Mountain is; I'll surely visit if I get the chance! Make sure you treat me well then!"
"Of course, Lao Shun is not petty. Lu Yu, Master, elder brothers, Lao Shun is leaving now!" With those words, he somersaulted and disappeared without a trace. Lu Yu watched the Monkey's fading figure, feeling a sense of loss. He had grown accustomed to the Monkey's company, and suddenly felt desolate, knowing that since Monkey had left, the patriarch might not be far behind.
In the time that followed, Lu Yu was slowly mastering his Magical Treasure, which he named 'Great Dao Treasure Vase,' hoping that one day the Treasure Vase could encompass everything within the universe, truly living up to the name of the Great Dao.
The Treasure Vase was Lu Yu's life-bound Magic Artifact, usually nurtured within his Dantian. Seeing his success in treasure refinement, the patriarch transmitted to him the Method of Sacrificial Refinement for Magic Artifacts.
It was then that Lu Yu realized the great change in the patriarch recently, less stern and more benevolent, a refreshing change from the aloof figure he used to be.
From that day forward, the patriarch lectured daily on the Dao, holding nothing back. Lu Yu, of course, knew this was a great opportunity for him and listened attentively.
"What kind of Demon King are you, calling yourself 'Scholar', such a strange title!" The little monkey, puzzled, walked toward The Water Curtain Cave, muttering as he went.
Soon, the monkey appeared, dressed in Golden Chainmail Armor, wearing lotus silk cloud-walking shoes, and a phoenix-winged purple gold crown, walking towards Lu Yu with a crowd of monkeys surrounding him.
"Scholar, you've come to see me, Lao Shun!" the monkey said enthusiastically as soon as he saw Lu Yu.
"I've just got some free time and came to see you at Huaguo Mountain right away! Tsk tsk, quite an impressive setup you have here, you really do resemble the Monkey King!"
Upon hearing this, the monkey gleefully burst into laughter, grabbed Lu Yu by the arm, and led him inside, saying, "Let me give you a good tour of my Water Curtain Cave Heaven!"
As they leapt into the waterfall, Lu Yu looked closely and indeed saw an Immortal Blessed Land. Inside the cave was another Cave Heaven with overwhelming Spiritual Energy. There were stone tables, stone chairs, and stone benches, nothing lacking, making him exclaim, "You monkey indeed are enormously fortunate to dwell in such a Cave Heaven and Blessed Land!"
"It's you, Scholar, who know the right things to say. Whatever you say, Lao Shun always finds it comforting. Wait, let me show you a treasure." While speaking, the monkey reached into his ear and pulled out a golden iron rod, upon which the words "Ruyi Jingu Bang" in gold briefly flashed on its surface.
The monkey tossed the Jingu Bang upward, uttering the word 'grow' repeatedly, and the rod began to expand with the sound, soon transforming into a towering pillar.
"What a Divine Weapon, varying in size at will. Monkey, where did you acquire such a Divine Weapon!" Seeing the long-admired Ruyi Jingu Bang, Lu Yu couldn't help but express his admiration.
"This is the Stabilizing Sea Divine Iron left by Great Yu during his conquest of the floods. That Old Dragon King in the East Sea failed to recognize its value, keeping it under dust until he met me, Lao Shun. If you want treasures, I can take you around the East Sea Dragon Palace, where that old dragon seems to have plenty of treasures!"
"Let's not, I have my Treasure Vase, which is enough. Monkey, remember it's your cultivation that matters most. Besides, I've heard that Old Dragon is stingy, and now that you have his treasure, he's unlikely to let it go. I suspect he's already on his way to the Heavenly Court to complain!" warned Lu Yu as he looked at the delighted monkey.
"What does it matter if he complains, am I, Lao Shun, the type to be afraid? Moreover, you are well aware of my methods, daring them to come and never to return!" the monkey replied carelessly.
Seeing the monkey's expression, Lu Yu knew that his words had been in vain, but he also understood that the monkey was destined to be a major figure in a great calamity, and his actions appeared to be manipulated by the great powers of the heavens. Nowadays, Lu Yu felt powerless to intervene, despite his desire to help.