Chapter 17: The Deadly Plot of the Crimson-Crowned Crane Has Begun

If Sun Wukong hadn’t been showing off, Chu Xiaoyu would never have realized just how extraordinary his farmstead truly was.

It was, in fact, a naturally formidable formation, able to suppress any and all magical skills.

Sun Wukong’s seventy-two transformations were already legendary, yet within this farmstead, every one of his mystical abilities was rendered useless—he couldn’t perform a single spell. Even Iron Fan’s famous Banana Leaf Fan lost all its powers; the small decorative fan she displayed was as ordinary as could be, showing not the slightest hint of the supernatural. As for the chubby Bull Demon King, his skills were altogether pickled and set aside.

For disciples who had managed to graduate under the Bodhi Patriarch, each was considered exceptional among their peers. They were certainly no novices. Who could have imagined that, upon this farmstead, they would be reduced to mere amateurs, their proudest immortal skills stripped away?

Astonishment. Deep and utter astonishment.

Once the reason behind these events became clear, Sun Wukong and the others only wrestled with it for a moment before setting their worries aside. After all, with such a potent natural formation serving as a suppressive barrier on these grounds, even if the Great Buddha himself were to appear, no matter how powerful his immortal arts, he would find himself equally restrained, forced to bow his head like a humble servant.

This was an unexpected discovery of great consequence, and Chu Xiaoyu was secretly ecstatic. Even if the world were to collapse, as long as he never stepped beyond the bounds of his little farmstead, he could sleep soundly at night.

That evening, to welcome the Bull Demon King and Iron Fan, Chu Xiaoyu prepared a fragrant, steaming hot pot.

In this strange manor, Sun Wukong was already a frequent guest and had tasted countless dishes, but hot pot was a first for the monkey. With both spicy and mild broths, those craving gentle flavors could avoid the heat, while those wanting something bold could indulge in the spicy side. The fresh ingredients and novel method of eating whetted everyone’s appetite, and before long, Sun Wukong and his companions were eating with abandon.

“Sir, who would have thought eating could be so refined? Today, my eyes have truly been opened. And the taste of these ingredients—unmatched in all the world.”

Though the food was fiery and she was unaccustomed to heat, Iron Fan insisted on savoring the numbing, spicy sensation. She picked up a slice of meat, dipped it in the chili oil, and popped it into her mouth in one go. The fiery heat burned from tongue to throat to stomach, but the sensation was oddly delightful.

Such is the allure of fine cuisine!

Even if it meant overeating, it was worth it.

Throughout the meal, Chu Xiaoyu smiled softly, watching as Sun Wukong, the Bull Demon King, Iron Fan, and the others ate as if they’d been starved in a previous life. Chu Xiaoyu himself even served them personally, which so startled the Bull Demon King and Iron Fan that they nearly leapt to their feet.

Chu Xiaoyu waved his hand. “Please, sit back down. No need to be so formal. Look at Wukong—he’s a carefree monkey, taking everything as it comes.”

Sir!

The monkey is your disciple, of course he can be so casual, but we are not; we must show proper respect as guests.

The Bull Demon King and Iron Fan exchanged glances and, with some embarrassment, sat back down.

Sun Wukong immediately chimed in, “Hey, Bull Demon, Iron Fan, listen to your Immortal Master—don’t stand on ceremony. My Grandmaster isn’t like the Patriarch, always wearing a stern face and frightening us for no reason.”

“Heh, let me tell you, my Grandmaster doesn’t have any of those bad tempers. The moment I return to this manor, it’s like paradise for me.”

With that, Sun Wukong resumed eating, his monkey mouth soon covered in oil.

Hearing this, the Bull Demon King and Iron Fan couldn’t help but look at him with envy.

Oh, how they wished for such a kind and amiable immortal master!

But that was not their fate; perhaps they’d never be worthy of such favor.

Damn that crude wild monkey—what virtue or talent could he possibly possess to catch the Immortal’s eye?

Truly, comparisons only breed resentment.

With that unspoken thought, the feast before them lost much of its flavor.

After the meal, the Bull Demon King and Iron Fan wandered around the manor, unable to resist its allure, while Chu Xiaoyu took a moment aside to speak with Sun Wukong.

“Wukong, now that you’ve graduated, do you have any plans for what comes next?”

The question seemed to leave Sun Wukong at a loss. “Immortal Master, well… in truth, your disciple has no particular plans. Perhaps, if you’d allow it, I could stay here, run errands, do odd jobs for you?”

He made his request, his face full of hope.

But Chu Xiaoyu shook his head. “A true man should aspire beyond his own backyard. If you have no plans for the future, then let me help you make some.”

The script had already been set in motion; from the moment Sun Wukong set foot upon the farmstead, Chu Xiaoyu had resolved to guide this monkey toward salvation.

The devilish claws of fate were already beginning to stir.

The path belonged to Sun Wukong alone, and only he could walk it to its end. Yet along the way, Chu Xiaoyu could nudge him from his original course, helping him ascend to the pinnacle of his existence—in this case, not a human life, but a monkey’s.

“To stand atop the mountains is to see all others small beneath you.”

All living beings carry their share of impure desires and ambitions.

Hearing that his Grandmaster would plan his future, Sun Wukong didn’t hesitate but nodded with joy. “Yes, yes! Your disciple awaits your guidance.”

Chu Xiaoyu fell silent in thought, then spoke. “You have yet to find a place to settle. How about this: I’ve chosen a scenic and auspicious spot for you. It’s not far from where you were born—head east, and you’ll come to a place called Flower-Fruit Mountain. Beneath it is a waterfall; if you leap through it, you’ll discover a hidden world beyond, the Water Curtain Cave, a celestial paradise that you’re sure to love.”

“Ah! Flower-Fruit Mountain? Water Curtain Cave? Wonderful! Your disciple is delighted!”

Sun Wukong scratched his head in excitement. “Immortal Master, how did you know about that place? It’s truly amazing.”

Chu Xiaoyu chuckled. “Have you forgotten, little monkey? With but a calculation, there’s nothing in this world that can stump me.”

“Yes, yes! I nearly forgot your prophetic abilities!”

So dazzling and formidable was his master that Sun Wukong could only prostrate himself in admiration.

“Oh, I nearly forgot to mention: in Flower-Fruit Mountain, you’ll find many of your own kind. Once you claim Water Curtain Cave as your dwelling, those monkeys will proclaim you their king.”

“At that time, whether you accept them or not is up to your own heart.”

“Oh, my own kin? In that case… well, thank you for the guidance, Immortal Master. When the time comes, I’ll decide what to do.”

Little monkey, once you gather those followers, the prelude to your havoc in Heaven will begin in earnest.

And so, your first ordeal, your trial by fire, will commence.

A script more poisonous than the deadliest venom is about to burst from the depths of the inferno, its claws itching to wreak havoc upon the world—truly, something to look forward to…