Man in the heavens, wins by lying down to prove the truth

Chapter 327 The Monkey Worships the Mountain, the Supreme God is Born

Half a day later, in Xiniu Hezhou, high in the clouds.

"This Lady Yuanjun is quite generous to you."

Zhou Cheng raised his hand and played with the black jade bracelet that Doumu Yuanjun had given to Taiwei Hua. Based on the Great Dao of Stars, he absorbed the three thousand Great Daos and evolved the endless star array.

Without a doubt, this is a supreme treasure of primordial chaos, or rather, a supreme treasure of the beginning of time, containing all the principles of this world.

Activating this precious bracelet can encompass all things and can also evolve into a supreme array called the Zhou Tian Star Array.

Zhou Cheng wasn't sure if this formation was related to the Zhou Tian Xing Dou Grand Formation in the primordial mythology, but it was definitely an extremely powerful formation.

At least not on the Great Dao, this formation cannot be broken.

Only treasures of this caliber could be called personal treasures by ancient beings of the Doumu Yuanjun level.

"Teacher, you have truly been incredibly kind to me." Taiwei Hua accepted the bracelet and nodded earnestly.

Zhou Cheng smiled and said, "Since your teacher has allowed you to recruit disciples, then open your sect. Our lineage is called the Taiyi Daocheng."

"Taiyi? I thought you were going to call it the Initial Dao Inheritance."

"A name is a sect name, and a sect is a sect; there's no need to confuse them."

Zhou Cheng would not stop Taiwei Hua from recruiting disciples; it was entirely up to Taiwei Hua's own decision.

As for Yu Yun, she was only interested in Xiang Ji and Yu Ji, the two fugitives, and had no intention of opening her doors to the wider community.

"In that case, let's take a trip to the Southern Continent. It's a time of chaos, and there are many talented people there. We can take them under our wing."

Since Taiwei Hua said so, Zhou Cheng naturally wouldn't refuse: "Okay."

As soon as he finished speaking, the clouds and mist transformed, and in an instant they crossed the vast ocean and arrived above the Southern Continent.

After many twists and turns, decades have passed in the blink of an eye.

Many strange tales have emerged over the years, such as those about Han Fei, a renowned scholar and sage of his time.

He was framed and died in prison. Afterwards, a jailer saw light appear in the cell and lotus flowers bloom on the ground. Various strange phenomena appeared one after another, guiding a vague soul away.

For a time, everyone hailed Han Fei as a great sage who had ascended to heaven, and revered him as a sage of Legalism.

Similar scenes have occurred countless times over the years.

Almost every few months, rumors would circulate in some place that a sage had ascended to heaven after his death, and that the heavens were bathed in romantic light.

These rumors persisted for nearly forty years before finally ceasing.

It is said that the last immortal who achieved the Corpse-Dissolving Immortal status was King Chen, who famously proclaimed, "Are kings and nobles born with special privileges?"

It is said that after King Chen proclaimed himself king, his temperament changed drastically. He treated his subordinates harshly, killed generals indiscriminately, and after his defeat, he was even killed by his coachman.

On the very day King Chen died, some people saw the sky change, and a rosy glow descended, taking away King Chen's soul.

……

Above the clouds, Zhou Cheng, Taiwei Hua, and Yu Yun sat upright on the cloud.

Behind the three stood a group of children, all of whom looked to be no more than ten years old, but each of them had an extraordinary past.

Of course, the past life is the past life, and this life is this life.

"The Han Dynasty has just been established, and a golden age is on the horizon. It is time for us to return."

As Zhou Cheng finished speaking, he looked at Taiwei Hua and Yu Yun standing to the side.

Yu Yun naturally had no objections, and Taiwei Hua also looked at the group of children behind him.

Apart from the two disciples Yu Yun accepted, the rest were all her disciples, belonging to the Yi generation.

The generational names of the Taiyi School have always been simple, based on the five innate Tai: Yi, Chu, Shi, Su, and Ji.

Taiwei Hua nodded slightly and said, "Very well, it is my fault for making the monkey wait for decades."

Zhou Cheng and the others did not return to the mountain, and the mountain gate remained closed. Therefore, the monkey has been wandering around Xiniu Hezhou for more than 20 years.

Fortunately, the monkey started its journey several decades earlier than originally planned; otherwise, having wasted twenty years, it might have died before even attaining enlightenment.

"In that case, let's return to the mountain."

As soon as Zhou Cheng finished speaking, the sky changed and the universe rotated, directly appearing on the Western Continent of Hezhou.

Immediately, a secluded paradise appeared.

It was as if a mountain range had appeared out of thin air, causing countless people around to exclaim that it was a miracle, and the news spread like wildfire.

Before long, the news will spread throughout Xiniu Hezhou, attracting monkeys to come and pay homage to the mountain.

"The gates of Taiyi Mountain should be opened, and all beings may come to hear the Dao."

As soon as Zhou Cheng finished speaking, a small path appeared, winding its way out from outside the mountains and leading directly into the mountain gate.

Anyone who seeks the Way can enter the mountain gate to listen to the lectures.

If someone can enter the Dao, they can formally become a disciple of the Taiyi Sect.

……

Two years have passed in the blink of an eye, with the changing seasons and the passing of winter and summer.

In the past two years, in addition to the group of children that were taken in from Jambudvipa, many local people have climbed the mountain to seek the Tao.

However, he ultimately failed to discover the secret to immortality; he merely listened to the scriptures and left without leaving any behind. After listening for a few months, he secretly descended the mountain and departed.

In this situation, Zhou Cheng, Taiwei Hua, and Yu Yun all turned a blind eye.

Fortunately, the children taken in from Jambudvipa all had memories of their past lives. Having experienced life and death, their natures had changed to some extent, and their desire to learn the Dao was quite firm.

It was the first day of the month, and it was Zhou Cheng's turn to give a sermon. The disciples took their seats in two rows, waiting for Zhou Cheng to begin his teachings.

“I see a seeker of the Way coming up from the foot of the mountain. Let us all wait for him.”

"I will respectfully follow the instructions of the patriarch."

The wise men bowed their heads and quickly spoke.

Now, below the gate of Taiyi Mountain, the Monkey King climbed over mountains and ridges and saw that this mountain was extraordinary: tall bamboos and pines, evergreen for ten thousand years, surpassing even the blessed land; rare flowers and auspicious herbs, never withering in all four seasons, rivaling even Penglai.

“Such a beautiful place must be a blessed land of immortals. If there is no reason for this rumor, I will go into the mountains to find out.”

The Monkey King was overjoyed and hurriedly followed the path into the mountain.

After traveling no more than six or seven miles, the Monkey King heard a Taoist song echoing from within the mountains: "A fairy's home, filled with heavenly fragrance, a zither, a sword, a cup of tea. Her feathered robes are always tinged with the color of mist and clouds, untouched by the peach and plum blossoms of the mortal world..."

"Old Immortal, is that the Old Immortal singing?"

The Monkey King listened carefully and was overjoyed, and immediately shouted loudly.

A moment later, a bird landed on a branch in front of the Monkey King.

"Where did you come from, you monkey? Why are you calling me an old immortal? I'm not an old immortal."

The bird was speaking human language, clear and melodious, truly extraordinary.

"Bird Fairy, I am honored to meet you. May I ask where you learned this celestial music?" Upon seeing that it was a bird speaking human language, the Monkey King dared not be negligent and repeatedly bowed and asked politely.

The bird chuckled and called out, “Monkey, monkey, go along the mountain path. There is a great grotto-heaven. Go and pay your respects. All living beings who come and go can hear the Dao. I listened there for several months and was instantly freed from ignorance. I also refined the transverse bone in my throat and was able to speak human language.”

"Thank you for your guidance, Bird Fairy. Thank you for your guidance, Bird Fairy."

The Monkey King quickly thanked him. Seeing that the monkey was so polite, the bird said, "You are also a polite person. I will take you with me. Don't call me fairy, just call me Li'er."

"Thank you for your help, Sister Li'er. I will always remember your kindness."

After bowing repeatedly, the Monkey King hurriedly followed the bird, leaping and bounding along the path, and sure enough, he saw a mountain gate.

That mountain gate was extraordinary, accompanied by cypress and bamboo, truly a fine place. One could see a thousand old cypresses, their green leaves glistening in the rain; and ten thousand bamboo stalks, their verdant hues shrouded in mist.

Just as the monkey reached the mountain gate and hesitated about how to call out, the gate opened wide, and a celestial child walked out. He was truly handsome and extraordinary, unlike any ordinary mortal.

The Monkey King was startled and quickly jumped onto a tree next to the mountain gate to peek at the person, not daring to make a sound.

The boy looked around and saw the monkey, but pretended not to see him and said, "The Patriarch said that someone was looking for the Dao, so I came out to take a look. There is no one bothering us here. How strange!"

Upon hearing this, the Monkey King was overjoyed and jumped down from the tree. He quickly bowed and said, "Immortal boy, immortal boy, I am the disciple who came to seek the Dao as mentioned by the Patriarch. Greetings, greetings."

The celestial boy smiled and said, "So it's you. My ancestor just ascended the altar to preach, and said that someone had come seeking the Dao and asked us to wait. I just didn't expect it to be a monkey."

That being said, decades ago, Tong'er learned from his master, senior uncle, and patriarch that a monkey was coming to seek the Dao.

The Monkey King laughed and said, "Fairy boy, your eyes are discerning; it is indeed me."

"If that's the case, then come with me."

Immediately, the monkey hurriedly followed the fairy boy, not forgetting to tidy his clothes and learn human manners along the way.

A moment later, the monkey followed the fairy boy into the Great Dharma Hall.

"By order of the Patriarch, the monkey seeking the Way has been brought here."

Upon seeing this, the monkey immediately prostrated itself on the ground and bowed deeply, saying, "Immortal Ancestor, I am sincerely seeking the Dao and have come to become your disciple! Please accept me, Immortal Ancestor!"

Zhou Cheng nodded and smiled, saying, "No rush, no rush. You can tell me your hometown and name clearly before you bow again."

Upon hearing this, the monkey bowed again and said, "Master, I am a native of the Water Curtain Cave on Flower Fruit Mountain in Aolai Country of Dongsheng Shenzhou!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Cheng smiled and said, "Sheng Shenzhou is located in the east, and Niuhezhou is located in the west, separated by two vast oceans and one continent. You have no magical power, so how did you manage to get here?"

The monkey sincerely said, "Master, you are wise. I have been rowing a raft, going with the wind, and sailing across the ocean. First I went to the Southern Continent, but I couldn't find the immortals. Then I went west and arrived at the Continent of Niuhe. After that, I wandered around for several decades."

"Several years ago, I heard an elder say that a great mountain appeared overnight a thousand miles away, which was a sign of immortality. So I came here with difficulty and finally entered the mountain."

"I humbly beseech the Ancestral Master to have pity on my heart that yearns for the Dao and to accept me as your disciple. Please accept me as your disciple."

As he spoke, the monkey kept bowing.

His sincerity was evident in every thought, gesture, and movement, and even the other disciples present could see it.

“Even monkeys can hear the Dao, but all those who have come and gone in the mountains to listen to the teachings over the years, despite being the leaders of all living beings, do not recognize the teachings of the patriarch.” A handsome Taoist priest couldn’t help but sigh.

"Yes, yes, yes."

"Such a heart devoted to the Way is truly extraordinary."

"Silence! Anyone who makes a disturbance before the Patriarch will be flogged one hundred times!"

Seeing the commotion in the courtyard, the eldest disciple, with a solemn expression and a Legalist demeanor, shouted for silence.

Immediately, the mountain gate fell silent, and all the disciples fell silent.

The eldest disciple was the master's first disciple. In his previous life, he was a sage of the Legalist school, and he was extremely serious.

“So that’s how it is. My Dharma Eye has seen your past and knows that what you have said is true.”

After Zhou Chengyan finished speaking, he pondered for a moment and then said, "You were born of heaven and earth and have no name. I will give you a name, Sun Wukong. What do you think?"

Zhou Cheng grew up reading stories about Sun Wukong in his previous life, so naturally he wouldn't change Sun Wukong's name casually.

"Thank you, Master, for bestowing this name upon me. Thank you, Master, for bestowing this name upon me. I have a name now."

The monkey was overjoyed, jumping and leaping about, extremely happy.

"In that case, Wukong, please take a seat."

As he spoke, Zhou Cheng pointed and saw that a prayer mat had suddenly appeared at the end of the train.

Upon seeing this, Wukong naturally knew that it was his seat and quickly sat down.

"Today, you have gained a junior brother, who is naturally gifted and born extraordinary. However, he has a mental block. Today, I will teach you a method to calm your mind. I hope you will listen attentively."

As Zhou Cheng spoke, Wukong, upon hearing that he had been called upon, immediately became alert and dared not be negligent in the slightest, listening to Zhou Cheng explain a method for calming the mind.

……

After Wukong entered the mountain, the seasons changed, and a year passed in the blink of an eye.

Throughout the year, Wukong listened to his patriarch and two uncles preach and discuss the Dao every day. In addition, he also practiced calligraphy, burned incense, swept the floor, tended the garden, planted flowers and pruned trees, gathered firewood, carried water and slurry, and did all sorts of other things.

Despite such gentle caressing, the good monkey showed no dissatisfaction whatsoever.

On this day, in the Linzhongting Pavilion, Taiwei Hua and Yu Yun were playing chess, while Zhou Cheng sat to the side, giving them pointers.

"I think Wukong is a person with a firm mind and a clear understanding of the Dao. He doesn't seem like the kind of person who would be so arrogant as to not know what the world is."

After Yu Yun made her move, her double pupils shone brightly as she looked at the water-carrying monkey across the mountains, and she spoke with feeling.

Taiwei Hua, standing beside him, laughed and said, "Haven't you heard that when one possesses a sharp weapon, the desire to kill arises naturally?"

"Furthermore, my husband once said that monkeys are the embodiment of the spirit of human resistance. If they possess great magical power, how could they willingly submit to others?"

Yu Yun shook her head: "Resistance is resistance, and arrogance is arrogance. Pushing for change is not the same as not knowing your own limitations. Haven't you heard the wise advice from decades ago: 'Build high walls, store up grain, and delay declaring yourself king'?"

Taiwei Hua seemed to be deep in thought, and said, "Why don't we teach him the essence of military strategy? Could that help him achieve great things?"

Yu Yun narrowed her eyes and looked at Taiwei Hua: "I think you've become arrogant too. It's not the monkey who doesn't know what the world is like, it's you."

"How could I not know what heaven and earth are? With my husband here, even if we cause chaos, it will be fine." As Taiwei Hua spoke, he placed a piece on the chessboard, and the game was decided.

"Huh? Did you steal the child?" Yu Yun sensed something was wrong.

"In your transformation into a mortal, you are far less insightful and wise than I am. You will have to pass the test of self-cultivation sooner or later."

After Taiwei Hua finished speaking, Yu Yun began to ponder and said, "That's fine. If we can take advantage of the situation to seek a Primordial Dao Fruit, that would be even better."

“Yun’er’s cultivation of mind is not urgent, and Hua’er should not cause trouble. It’s not too late to talk about it after a thousand years.”

As Zhou Cheng finished speaking, Yu Yun and Taiwei Hua were taken aback.

Yu Yun said softly, "But does my husband intend to transcend these thousands of years?"

Zhou Cheng nodded: "He has been born, manifested as Mara, and resides in the hearts of all beings, ready to fight me to the death."

Previously, Zhou Cheng had been outspoken about the main god, but now he would use Him as a substitute so that he wouldn't be perceived.

Yu Yun and Taiwei Hua exchanged a glance, their expressions not very pleasant.

(End of this chapter)