At the Three-Star Cave of the Slanted Moon…
Standing before the rear hall’s entrance, Li Changshou’s gaze swept across the temple, his eyes carrying traces of nostalgia.
His sleeves fluttered, and vines sprouted throughout the temple. As if windblown sand had passed through, the area became buried under layers of sand, creating a weathered appearance.
He summoned twenty-seven disciples before the hall, telling them of their impending relocation.
The disciples were naturally confused, but Li Changshou explained that he had divined Wukong would soon cause massive trouble. Thus, he had heartlessly sent Wukong away, and they too must relocate.
Several disciples expressed concern that abandoning their junior brother this way might violate their principles and their master’s teachings.
Li Changshou’s face hardened, and he remained silent. The disciples dared not speak further.
Subsequently, Li Changshou employed his Sleeve Universe technique, collecting all twenty-seven disciples into his sleeve before departing on a cloud toward the Western Sea.
These circumstances were all performed for the Heavenly Dao to witness.
The disciples’ doubts were within his expectations.
Their usually gentle master suddenly became stern, neither protecting nor advising Wukong, but simply departing… These contradictions and inconsistencies were also performed for the Heavenly Dao’s benefit.
Nothing more – this was exactly how ‘False Bodhi’ would act.
The difference was that Li Changshou had no designs on the monkey, nor had he ever thought to use Wukong for personal gain.
“Ah.”
Atop the clouds, ‘False Bodhi’ sighed, his aged face showing a relieved smile.
These several hundred years had passed quite swiftly.
Would the future years pass similarly?
No, they shouldn’t. With beloved creatures as companions and numerous friends by his side, loneliness should not be an issue.
The primordial world was vast, the Chaos Sea magnificent – after dealing with the small matter of eliminating the Dao Ancestor, traveling around wouldn’t be bad…
Li Changshou suddenly felt poetic. After some hesitation, he recited in his heart:
“Chaotic flowers confuse me…”
Just then!
A familiar trace of Dao essence fell upon him – the pressure of the Heavenly Dao he knew so well.
Li Changshou instantly suppressed his thoughts, his Dao heart showing slight vigilance.
“Bodhi, come to the World’s End in the Western Sea.”
Li Changshou immediately made a Daoist salute, then sped forward on his cloud at full speed.
He was already heading to the World’s End in the Western Sea, so why did the Dao Ancestor suddenly call out like this?
Could it be that the Dao Ancestor’s desire for control had reached such levels that everything must appear to happen under his command?
No, that wasn’t right – the Dao Ancestor’s calculations typically lurked behind greater trends.
There was only one reasonable explanation left – the Dao Ancestor hadn’t been paying attention to him, Bodhi, before.
After returning to Flower Fruit Mountain, the monkey would inevitably battle the demons who had occupied it, rescuing his original monkey tribe’s descendants who had been bullied for so long.
The Dao Ancestor must be watching that area, preventing any ancient demon beasts from emerging and potentially destroying Flower Fruit Mountain outright.
Just as these thoughts crossed his mind, he had already passed a hundred thousand li of blue waves.
Behind the stone tablet at World’s End stood an imposing Daoist, hands behind his back, turned away from the living beings of the Five Regions.
The Dao Ancestor.
His mere presence seemed to form its realm. The cultivators coming and going at World’s End wouldn’t even turn their heads toward the Dao Ancestor’s direction.
Even if occasional glances fell upon his location, they would only see brilliant starlight, thinking nothing more of it.
‘False Bodhi’ landed before the stone tablet, quickly moving behind it. His form unconsciously stepped into a barrier, with the Dao Ancestor standing before him.
“Greetings, Dao Ancestor.”
“Mm,” Honorable Hongj un turned around, his eyes carrying a kindly smile, “You’ve handled Wukong’s matter well.”
Li Changshou: …
So the reward would be soul dispersion?
“Thank you for your praise, Master. This disciple merely did what needed to be done.”
‘False Bodhi’ had two drops of cold sweat on his forehead as he looked up at Honorable Hongjun, his eyes showing slight unease.
“Hahaha,” the Dao Ancestor stroked his beard and laughed lightly, “You need not worry. I am no unreasonable villain. Since you’ve done well, you naturally won’t be mistreated.
Come forward and see this.”
“Thank you, Dao Ancestor.”
Li Changshou said softly, mentally breathing a slight sigh of relief as he walked forward somewhat stiffly.
Before the Dao Ancestor was the projection of the Primordial Jade Disc.
To be precise, the Dao Ancestor here was also a projection, though one that felt utterly real.
The Dao Ancestor raised his hand slightly, and the Primordial Jade Disc projected the scene at Flower Fruit Mountain.
There, Sun Wukong wore a long robe, wielding two swords seized from somewhere, battling countless flying demon shadows.
Though Wukong appeared disheveled, he was chasing these demon shadows around wildly, finding no worthy opponents.
“Well taught.”
The Dao Ancestor smiled, speaking thus.
False Bodhi bowed his head and said: “It was the profound methods you provided.”
“In these two hundred-plus years of interaction, you must understand Wukong quite well,” the Dao Ancestor smiled. “Do you think he can shoulder great responsibility?”
Li Changshou pondered briefly before seriously responding: “Whether Wukong can bear important duties is for you to judge, Dao Ancestor. This disciple merely passed on methods to him and cannot determine his future path.”
The Dao Ancestor nodded, seemingly not hearing what he wanted to hear, losing some interest in the conversation.
Thus followed a moment of silence.
Sun Wukong had successively shattered over ten demon shadows, standing at the mountain peak with a fierce expression. Yet his gaze remained crystal clear, obviously using the fierce look merely to intimidate his opponents.
Flying demon shadows howled as they approached, including several Golden Immortal realm demon beasts, yet none dared approach Wukong directly.
This could be considered Sun Wukong’s first battle, yet the composure he displayed, even the merciless ferocity when striking, all gave the impression of a ‘skilled warrior’ long experienced in battle.
Born for battle – the Great Sage Equal to Heaven.
This was the monkey.
Yet Li Changshou couldn’t spare attention to appreciate Sun Wukong’s art of battle. With the Dao Ancestor beside him, he had to consider how to conduct himself to safely depart from the Dao Ancestor’s presence.
The false identity of False Bodhi had served him far too well;
Though losing it wouldn’t matter much, he still didn’t want to concede another round to the Dao Ancestor.
Thus, Li Changshou’s eyes showed slight emotion as he praised: “Wukong is truly a born war god.”
“Indeed, a born war god.”
The Dao Ancestor smiled lightly: “However, the destiny I’ve set for him is to ultimately join the Buddhist path, becoming the Victorious Fighting Buddha.
Bodhi, as a disciple of the Western Religion, what are your thoughts on this?”
‘False Bodhi’ immediately felt awkward, lowering his head: “Today’s Spirit Mountain is not the Spirit Mountain of old. Since leaving Spirit Mountain that day, this disciple never thought of returning.
However… why shouldn’t Wukong belong to the Heavenly Court? Does the Heavenly Court not need such battle prowess?”
The Dao Ancestor smiled: “The Heavenly Court has sufficient strength now. The Heavenly Court can utilize the power of the Heavenly Dao. Though Wukong is strong, it’s merely individual valor – he lacks the wisdom to command troops.
Bodhi, do you know why I wanted to cultivate Wukong?”
Li Changshou: Here it comes – the Dao Ancestor’s overwhelming desire to confide has emerged!
However, he could understand.
From his previous encounters with the Dao Ancestor, he could determine that the Dao Ancestor was quite lonely – after all, it was cold at the top, with no normal beings around to converse with.
But this couldn’t be taken as evidence of any ‘mercy’ or ‘softness’ in the Dao Ancestor’s heart.
Quite the contrary.
The Dao Ancestor’s willingness to share these things indicated murderous intent toward him – after all, only the dead could keep secrets.
Thus, Li Changshou grew increasingly nervous.
Then he heard the Dao Ancestor speak slowly:
“I wish for Wukong to become a symbol, his story destined to spread throughout heaven and earth, serving as both an example and warning to all beings.
Bodhi, you should know how strong Wukong’s potential is, and how proud his inherent nature is.
I told you before about using Wukong to represent and mobilize the demon race, to have them battle the Heavenly Court once more, thereby depleting all their accumulated resources.
That was just the surface level.
Giving Wukong a mission, making him the most distinct symbol in heaven and earth, and providing other beings a point of comparison when they consider rebelling against the Heavenly Court.
Such a powerful, arrogant being, yet still easily suppressed by the Heavenly Court – thus the unrealistic dream of rebellion need not be entertained further.
This is the deeper level.”
‘False Bodhi’ asked gravely: “Wukong… is destined to fail?”
“How could it be otherwise?”
The Dao Ancestor glanced at ‘False Bodhi,’ who immediately lowered his head.
The Dao Ancestor smiled: “This is destined to be merely a scheme, not some game of chess; after Long Geng left heaven and earth, I no longer have opponents worthy of playing against.
Bodhi, could it be you feel some reluctance regarding your disciple’s fate?”
As he spoke, the Dao Ancestor raised his left hand, moving to pat ‘False Bodhi’s’ right shoulder.
Li Changshou’s tension at this moment wasn’t feigned – his entire body was tense, cold sweat beading on his forehead, his posture stiff, even his breath becoming erratic, wavering between flight and begging for mercy.
But…
With a light tap, the Dao Ancestor’s hand gently landed on Li Changshou’s shoulder, using no force at all.
The Dao Ancestor smiled: “Don’t worry, I will place Wukong in an exalted position, letting him become a legend of the primordial world.
Those things Long Geng established in the Heavenly Court gave me quite a few insights.
From heaven and earth’s perspective, one need only cultivate a hero who rebels against heaven, and then transform that hero into a deity who protects heaven.
Everything becomes much simpler then.”
“The Dao Ancestor’s calculations are profound,” ‘False Bodhi’ bowed his head in response, voluntarily adding, “If the Dao Ancestor has any other tasks, this disciple is willing to serve.”
However, Li Changshou’s true Dao heart nearly burst out in curses.
This old schemer’s skill at manipulating people was truly too formidable.
“There isn’t much else to be done,” the Dao Ancestor said. “Bodhi, where were you planning to go before?”
“To seek a place of seclusion in the Three Thousand Worlds,” Li Changshou replied. “This disciple knows Wukong carries enormous karmic significance and dares not linger in the primordial world, lest it affect the Dao Ancestor’s grand plans.”
The Dao Ancestor smiled: “You simply don’t want to be involved anymore, wanting to hide wherever possible.”
Li Changshou deliberately showed a somewhat embarrassed expression.
“Very well, go then.
Opening a Daoist temple in the Three Thousand Worlds, teaching disciples – that too is a fine thing.
Do you need merit or treasures?”
“No need, no need,” Li Changshou bowed his head, “May this disciple hang your portrait where I settle, arranging for disciples to offer daily incense, to reflect this disciple’s heart?”
Hanging a portrait for worship wasn’t just actively showing ‘allegiance’ – it had a deeper meaning, indicating a willingness to accept the Dao Ancestor’s constant supervision.
A faint light flickered in the Dao Ancestor’s eyes as he said: “No need for that. I have retired behind the scenes – worship of heaven and earth will suffice.”
“This disciple obeys.”
“Go then.”
The Dao Ancestor spoke softly, and ‘False Bodhi’ bowed deeply, maintaining False Bodhi’s usual demeanor and movements as he stepped into the void from beside the Dao Ancestor, departing on a cloud into the distance.
He could feel the Dao Ancestor’s gaze on his back like thorns.
Li Changshou understood that the Dao Ancestor was now considering whether to eliminate False Bodhi or keep him around longer to see if he might still prove useful.
His hundreds of years of ‘performance’ demonstrating False Bodhi’s cautious nature and risk aversion were all for safely escaping this day.
The best destination for a puppet whose usefulness was exhausted was the furnace.
A hundred zhang, a thousand zhang…
Li Changshou’s true form almost held his breath, controlling ‘False Bodhi’s’ forward speed, daring neither to go too fast nor too slow.
The pressure made his fingers tremble constantly.
The Dao Ancestor was still watching, still staring at ‘False Bodhi’s’ retreating figure.
This was the pressure of absolute power, the pressure of having one’s life in another’s hands as if the Dao Ancestor was waiting – waiting for a thought of killing, waiting for an expression of regret.
Flying out a thousand li…
Finally!
Purple-black lightning suddenly bloomed in the void, striking straight down at ‘False Bodhi’!
Li Changshou’s thoughts turned hundreds of times in an instant. Based on his understanding of heavenly tribulation’s power, this purple-black lightning seemed to be a sealing rather than destructive divine punishment.
False Bodhi could die, but his back door into the Heavenly Dao opened through the Outer Realm Demon path couldn’t be exposed.
What to do?
A trace of severity crossed Li Changshou’s eyes. His true form sat quietly, forcefully maintaining mental calm while layering an appearance of panic over that calmness.
‘False Bodhi’ moved to resist the lightning – this was an instinctive response.
But just as he was about to act, he seemed to see the Dao Ancestor’s figure, and immediately chose to tightly close his eyes, only raising a barrier of immortal power, allowing the lightning to engulf him!
“This disciple harbors not the slightest discontent, nor any thought of rebellion against heaven, why-!”
Boom!
The void shook as the purple-black lightning flashed past. ‘False Bodhi’s’ figure stumbled back half a step, having suffered moderate injuries.
His Dao realm… had been sealed.
‘False Bodhi’ stood dazed in the void like a puppet, seemingly recalling everything that had happened before, finally giving a self-mocking smile.
He cupped his hands toward the Five Regions, glanced at the disciples safely stored in his sleeve, and turned to flee.
Li Changshou sat thoughtfully in the great hall of the Kun Peng Secret Realm, his lips twitching slightly.
This was the Dao Ancestor.
Farewell for now, Wukong.
The monkey’s foundation was set; the path ahead would be entirely under the Heavenly Dao’s supervision, with no chance for anyone to interfere.
Li Changshou calculated that the monkey still needed time to grow and establish sufficient prestige among the demon race.
The Dao Ancestor also needed time to complete those ‘plans’ just mentioned.
Li Changshou called this phase the [Beautiful Monkey King]. When the monkey truly led the demon race to attack the Heavenly Court, variables would more easily appear, and he could take action with the flow, maximizing the chances of success.
Feeling the Heavenly Dao’s watchful gaze quietly disperse, Li Changshou couldn’t help but feel poetic again.
Iron staff in hand, what need for Buddha’s name?
First find a place with beautiful mountains, clear waters, and abundant spiritual energy to hide one’s identity, live peacefully for a few years, then take advantage of the Five Regions’ excitement to implement his ‘home invasion’ plan, while staying ready to reveal everything at any moment.
Thus, thirty years later.
The name ‘Beautiful Monkey King’ spread even beyond the Five Regions, though this fame was related to the Dragon Clan.
That year, the monkey went to the East Sea Dragon Palace and made off with the Ruyi Jingu Bang…