Chapter 15: The Return of Wukong

“Hey, you monkey, why are you crying? What grievances do you have? Enough, enough. For the sake of your wit and talent, I’ll make an exception for you this once and teach you the seventy-two Earthly Fiend techniques for immortality.”

“Now, I shall recite the incantations. Listen carefully and remember them well.”

“There is a path to the heavens, a gate to the earth. Walk in the sun and moon without shadows, pass through metal and stone unhindered…”

Born of heaven and earth, Sun Monkey was naturally clever. As the Old Patriarch recited the incantations, Sun Monkey memorized every step—how to begin, how to learn, how to break the spells, how to pass them on, how to establish his path, and so on.

And so, the Old Patriarch generously taught Sun Monkey all seventy-two Earthly Fiend techniques without holding back.

From then on, all the disciples in the Slanting Moon Three-Star Cave beneath the Spirit Platform Mountain trained diligently, regardless of spring or autumn, winter or summer, braving hardship and heat, honing their skills and methods.

Nothing in the world is truly difficult; it only takes a determined heart. With enough effort, even an iron rod can be ground into a needle.

…

Three days at the farmstead.

During these three days, Bai Feng and Kunbu, staying at the farm, made use of their identity as streamers, with Chu Xiaoyu’s permission, and explored every nook and cranny, streaming their experiences.

There were plenty of strange happenings, though unfortunately, they failed to uncover the answers they sought.

After three days, Bai Feng and Kunbu departed.

They had no choice but to leave; staying any longer would surely arouse suspicion. Their purpose at the farmstead was obvious, and they were wary.

Until everything was clear, they could not risk alerting anyone.

So, they returned.

At the Xuan Sect Society in Yan Capital.

Bai Feng and Kunbu reported truthfully, recounting everything they had seen and heard during their three days at the farmstead.

They had gathered very little information.

Tang Ao was a bit disappointed. “Aside from what you’ve told me, did you discover anything else?”

Bai Feng hesitated, then said, “Uh… The farm owner, Chu Xiaoyu, right? Over these three days, I watched him closely. He’s a mysterious man, but I can’t quite pinpoint what makes him so mysterious.”

Kunbu nodded, agreeing. “Yes, I felt the same as Sister Bai. The farm owner seems young, but once you interact with him, you sense he’s not ordinary. His presence is powerful.”

“Powerful presence? What do you mean by that?” Tang Ao was puzzled.

Kunbu thought for a moment, then looked somewhat confused. “Well… it’s hard to explain. It’s a strange feeling—almost frightening.”

“Frightening? All right, you’ve worked hard on this trip to the Eastern Capital. You must be tired from the journey. Take a day off and rest well.”

“Thank you, Director.”

Their trip to the Eastern Capital had yielded scant information, a bit of a letdown.

…

At dusk, the farmstead was shrouded in thickening purple mist, blanketing the entire area.

Chu Xiaoyu was in the courtyard, washing fresh ingredients, expecting some guests for dinner.

But with the mist worsening, even if guests arrived, they’d likely encounter supernatural phenomena, wandering endlessly, unable to find their way in.

“Immortal Master, Immortal Master, I’m back!”

A sudden gust of wind broke the silence of the farmstead.

The monkey’s sudden arrival was abrupt, but Chu Xiaoyu wasn’t surprised.

Yet this time the monkey did not come alone; there were two people behind him.

What was going on?

Were there others who could pass through the Immortal Gate like the monkey?

Monsters, perhaps.

One was a chubby man with horns on his forehead, looking simple and a little nervous.

The other was a young woman, seemingly a girl, with strikingly beautiful features.

Strangers, rare guests, distinguished visitors.

“Immortal Master, I brought them here without your permission. You won’t be angry, will you?” Sun Wukong asked.

“Angry? Why? There’s no need. Whoever comes is a guest. Welcome to you all!” Chu Xiaoyu smiled and greeted them.

Sun Wukong quickly introduced them. “Come, come, Chubby, Iron Fan, this is the Immortal Master I always mention. What do you think? Isn’t this place holy? Hehe, I can guarantee everything here is unlike anything you’ve ever seen—treasures beyond compare.”

“Immortal Master, this chubby guy calls himself the Bull Demon King, from Thunder Mountain. She’s Princess Iron Fan, from Banana Cave in Green Cloud Mountain. They’re my good friends. We train together and play together.”

“Immortal… Immortal Master, hello! Just call me Ah Niu, everyone does. What is this place? And what are those strange things?”

So Sun Monkey hadn’t lied to them; there really was such a wondrous place.

“Immortal Master, hello! I’m Princess Iron Fan, or just Iron Fan, or Ah Fan. This place is truly amazing.”

Bull Demon King? Princess Iron Fan?

How did Sun Monkey manage to bring these two along? If Red Boy popped up next, it would be perfection.

That would be real monkey fate.

Anyone able to pass through the Immortal Gate must share such fate; otherwise, they couldn’t come through.

Chu Xiaoyu smiled gently. “Welcome to you both. Just call me Mister.”

Too many calls of “Immortal Master” and Chu Xiaoyu might really start believing he could achieve enlightenment; best to keep it simple.

“Immortal Master, actually I wanted to bring all my brothers. They all thought I was boasting—who would believe there’s someone as remarkable as you? They wouldn’t believe me, so I made a bet with them.”

“But none of them could get near the evil-tinged gate. Anyone who tried was immediately repelled. In the end, only Ah Niu and Iron Fan managed to come through.”

The monkey chattered on, heading into the hall, opening the fridge, and grabbing three sodas, popping the caps off skillfully.

He gave one to the chubby fellow and one to Iron Fan.

Neither had ever seen such a modern thing and both looked amazed.

The chubby fellow couldn’t help asking, “Sun Monk—oh, no, Senior Brother, what is this?”

It looked delicious.

Sun Wukong gulped down his soda and burped with satisfaction, then said to the two bumpkins, “This stuff… let me tell you, it’s the best thing I’ve ever drank. Nothing compares.”

“This is soda. It quenches your thirst and can be enjoyed as a treat,” Chu Xiaoyu explained with a smile.