This is so dishonest!

Epilogue to Chapter 534: Wukong and His Unorthodox Sect

Journey to the West Universe.

East of the Divine Continent, Flower and Fruit Mountain.

After enduring countless cycles of wind and sun and the baptism of spiritual energy, the Nine-Aperture Immortal Stone finally achieved its goal.

"Click——"

A crisp sound rang out from the celestial stone, startling the heavens and earth.

A golden light shot into the sky, piercing the clouds and startling countless celestial birds and auspicious beasts in the moral universe, causing them to scatter and flee.

As the golden light faded, a stone monkey covered in golden fur, its eyes sparkling with pure and curious light, leaped out.

The monkey's eyes flashed with two golden beams, soaring into the heavens and shooting straight towards the Dipper.

"That monkey is making quite a commotion!"

Inside the Lingxiao Palace, the Jade Emperor and all the gods were at a loss for words, neither laughing nor crying.

The Jade Emperor of this universe is none other than the Supreme God of Heaven, who returned from the human universe.

"Brilliant! Insightful!"

"Chen is here!"

The Jade Emperor solemnly ordered: "Investigate the source of the golden light. Could it be that some calamity has befallen the mortal realm again?"

"According to the order!"

Gao Ming and Gao Jue were ordered to leave the South Heavenly Gate.

Looking south and north, from west to east, until the golden light had almost disappeared, the two brothers finally turned their attention to the East China Sea.

The two generals returned shortly and reported: "Your Majesty, I have been ordered to observe the source of the golden light. It is located in the border of the small country of Aolai in the East Sea of ​​the Eastern Continent of Divine Victory. There is a Flower and Fruit Mountain on the mountain. On the mountain is a fairy stone, which produced an egg. The egg was exposed to the wind and transformed into a stone monkey. The monkey was worshipping in the four directions, and its eyes emitted golden light that shot into the heavens. Now the golden light is about to subside."

The Jade Emperor nodded slightly and said, "So he is a deity born of heaven and earth. There is no need to concern yourself with him."

After the Jade Emperor finished speaking, he ordered the court session to end.

The gods bowed and retreated, and that is not mentioned further.

After the stone monkey was born in the mortal realm, he became the Monkey King with the support of all the monkeys on Flower Fruit Mountain!
In Flower Fruit Mountain, the Monkey King happily spent hundreds of years.

It wasn't until the death of the old monkey in the troop that the stone monkey had the idea of ​​seeking immortality and enlightenment.

"Your Majesty, to seek immortality and enlightenment, we must go out to sea!"

So, two gibbon monkeys and a red-bottomed macaque built a raft for the stone monkey.

The stone monkey rode a raft and drifted towards the East China Sea.

Drifting and drifting.

He accidentally veered off course.

His raft drifted through countless bizarre and wondrous starry seas.

The stone monkey encountered a mechanical dragon with wings and also met a galactic enchantress who built her world with her songs.

With his innate agility and intelligence, as well as his seemingly inexhaustible energy, he repeatedly escaped danger.

Finally, just before the raft was about to fall apart.

He saw in the distance a divine mountain floating deep in the sea of ​​stars, shrouded in celestial energy and exuding a profound Daoist aura.

On that sacred mountain, ancient trees reach for the sky, cranes cry in unison, and auspicious energies rise into the heavens, clearly indicating the presence of a true immortal's abode.

Overjoyed, the stone monkey used the last of his strength to row the raft to the foot of the sacred mountain.

He abandoned the raft and climbed up the mountain on his hands and feet. Just as he was losing his bearings, he suddenly heard someone singing loudly from deep in the forest.

The singing was powerful and vigorous, filled with a mysterious Taoist charm, but the lyrics were somewhat difficult to explain.

"I'll draw a dragon in my left hand and a rainbow in my right..."

The stone monkey followed the singing and found a woodcutter with the body of a deer, wings of a bird, and a tail of a snake, but with an unusually honest face. He was humming a tune while using an axe that crackled with lightning to chop down trees as hard as iron.

Seeing his extraordinary bearing, the stone monkey knew he had encountered a deity, so he quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply.

"Venerable Immortal, this disciple comes from the Eastern Continent of Divine Victory, seeking the Dao with all my heart. May I ask where this place is? And what is your esteemed name, Immortal Master?"

The woodcutter was not surprised to see him.

He simply stopped swinging his axe, scratched his head, and gave a simple smile.

“My name is Fuzhu. I’m a woodcutter in these mountains. I’m not some kind of immortal.”

He pointed deep into the mountains and said, "If you want to seek immortality, you have to go that way."

“Deep in the mountains, there is a cave called ‘Crescent Moon Three Stars Cave’.”

"Inside the cave lives a Patriarch Subhuti, who possesses great supernatural powers and boundless magical abilities. He has many disciples, each of whom is an extraordinary figure."

Upon hearing this, the stone monkey was overjoyed and repeatedly bowed to Fuzhu in gratitude.

Before leaving, he couldn't help but ask curiously, "Immortal Master, the song you just sang was truly beautiful. This disciple has never heard such... unique celestial music before."

Fu Zhu's face flushed slightly, and he said somewhat embarrassedly:

"Hey, I learned that from a bunch of phoenixes. They call it 'popular hits,' which are the sounds of the great Dao. Singing them more can improve your health and increase your understanding."

The stone monkey was completely confused, but he still found the immortals in the mountains quite interesting.

He bid farewell to his senior brother Fuzhu, an outer disciple of the Chan Sect, and following the directions, he traveled through mountains and rivers until he finally arrived at the legendary Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars.

Outside the cave, celestial energy rose and auspicious light shimmered. On a huge rock at the entrance, ten large characters were carved in a flowing, elegant style: “Lingtai Fangcun Mountain, Xieyue Sanxing Cave”.

Just as the stone monkey was about to knock on the door, the cave door creaked open by itself.

An elderly man dressed in a Taoist robe, with an air of otherworldly wisdom, was looking at him with a smile.

"You, born a stone monkey, have traveled across the sea of ​​stars to come here; you do have some sincerity."

The old man was none other than Subhuti, the Patriarch. With a quick calculation, he already knew the origin of the monkey.

Upon seeing this, the stone monkey knew that he had encountered a true immortal, and immediately bowed down in worship.

"Disciple pays respects to the Ancestral Master! I beg the Ancestral Master to accept me as a disciple and impart to me the secret of immortality!"

Subhuti looked at him, stroked his long beard, and a strange smile flashed in his eyes.

"Very well, since we are destined to meet, I will accept you."

"From this day forward, you will be my tenth generation disciple, with the Dharma name Sun Wukong."

And so, the stone monkey Sun Wukong formally became a disciple of Patriarch Subhuti.

Initially, the patriarch did not teach him any magical arts or supernatural powers, but simply had him study cultural subjects with his fellow disciples.

Every day, they recite Taoist scriptures, learn etiquette, practice calligraphy, and occasionally attend "music appreciation classes" and "introductory dance classes" taught by their senior brother.

Wukong was naturally intelligent and learned everything quickly, so he soon mastered most of the basic knowledge.

In his spare time, he would hang out with his fellow students.

Subhuti had many disciples, who were divided into twelve generations according to their order of entry into the sect.

They are: "Vast Wisdom, True Nature, and Perfect Enlightenment".

Wukong is the eldest disciple of the "Wu" generation.

Before him, the nine generations of disciples who entered the sect were, if not all of them were reincarnations of the infamous Chaos Demon King, then they were pretty much the same.

These demon king senior brothers and sisters showed extraordinary care for Wukong, the new junior brother.

If there are delicious magical fruits, the first thing I think of is saving them for him.

If a new magical artifact comes out, lend it to him to play with first.

If there were any questions about cultivation that I didn't understand, he would teach me everything he knew and patiently guide me.

Of course, when they were being mischievous and causing trouble everywhere, they often took Wukong with them.

For example, the eldest disciple Meng Huai would drag Wukong into the patriarch's alchemy room, ostensibly to "learn alchemy knowledge," but in reality to steal the newly made Nine-Turn Golden Elixir.

The second senior brother would take Wukong to the neighboring temple of the God of War, Zhurong, and unleash a torrential downpour, claiming it would "help fellow Daoist Zhurong cool down his temper and benefit his physical and mental health."

The third senior sister would even teach Wukong how to overwhelm others with his aura when arguing, and how to say the harshest words while making the most cowardly expression.

These unorthodox demon kings spent seven whole years, using every trick in the book, trying to completely steer Sun Wukong, a promising young man with impeccable character, onto an unorthodox path.

They always tried to subtly influence Sun Wukong's worldview, outlook on life, and values ​​in every aspect of his life.

However, something even more amazing happened.

Sun Wukong actually managed to "remain untainted by the mud and remain true to his nature even when encountering a demon king!"
No matter how much his senior classmates led him astray, he always maintained a pure and innocent heart.

In this chaotic environment, Wukong's resolve to follow the Dao grew stronger. He was upright and righteous, and his devotion to the Dao was as firm as a rock and unshakable.

Furthermore, with his sincerity and kindness, he established very deep friendships with many senior students and became the "darling" of the entire Sanxingdong.

Subhuti, the Patriarch, witnessed all of this.

Looking at the good monkey who still maintained his true nature in the devil's den, he felt both surprised and delighted, and also extremely gratified.

"What a fine monkey!"

"It seems I've truly struck gold this time!"

So, on a sunny afternoon, while the Patriarch was giving a sermon, he struck Wukong three times with a ruler for misbehaving, then walked away with his hands behind his back.

That night, in the dead of night, all was quiet.

Sun Wukong quietly arrived outside the patriarch's quiet room.

They saw that the patriarch was curled up and asleep facing inwards.

Wukong dared not disturb them and immediately knelt before the bed.

The patriarch awoke shortly afterward, stretched out his legs, and chanted to himself:

"Difficult! Difficult! Difficult! The most mysterious way, don't wait for the golden core. If you don't pass the magic formula, you will be sleepy and dry with empty talk!"

The patriarch looked at Wukong outside the door and a pleased smile appeared on his face, showing that he was a promising student.

"come in."

"You little monkey, you do have some understanding."

That night, the patriarch began to secretly transmit the supreme Dao to Wukong.

~~~~
This day.

The patriarch preached on the high platform, speaking of the various hardships and obstacles on the path of cultivation, and his expression became serious.

"The Great Way is difficult to achieve, and the path to immortality is fraught with peril."

"Those of you who have cultivated immortal bodies will not only live forever, but will also have to endure the 'Three Calamities'."

“These three calamities are no small matter; if one is not careful, all the hard work will be in vain.”

Upon hearing this, all the disciples stiffened, even the usually playful eldest disciple Meng Huai put away his smile.

Sun Wukong's heart tightened, and he quickly stepped forward, bowed, and asked, "May I ask, Master, what are the 'Three Calamities'?"

The patriarch slowly said, "This is a calamity sent by heaven. Five hundred years later, a thunderbolt will strike you, another five hundred years later, a fire will burn you, and another five hundred years later, a wind will blow you away."

"This wind is no ordinary wind, but the 'Bi Wind,' which blows into the six internal organs from the fontanelle, passes through the dantian, and penetrates the nine orifices, causing the bones and flesh to disintegrate and the body to disintegrate. No matter how high your cultivation level is, you will find it difficult to escape this calamity."

Wukong was terrified upon hearing this and immediately kowtowed, saying, "I beg my master to have mercy and teach me the way to avoid the three calamities. I would be eternally grateful!"

The patriarch nodded and said, "This method is not difficult either."

He glanced at his disciples and continued, “Here I have one set of Heavenly Dipper Numbers, which have thirty-six transformations; and one set of Earthly Fiend Numbers, which have seventy-two transformations. These one hundred and eight methods are all innate Great Dao supernatural powers. Once you have mastered them, you can avoid the three calamities and live as long as heaven and earth.”

He looked at Wukong and asked with a smile, "Which one do you want to learn?"

Upon hearing this, Wukong was about to reply when he suddenly sensed that the atmosphere around him had become somewhat strange.

"Cough cough cough~~"

Meng Huai, the eldest disciple sitting next to him, suddenly started coughing violently. The cough was so loud that it seemed like he was going to cough up his lungs. While coughing, he kept glancing at Wukong out of the corner of his eye.

"Ouch, why does my chest suddenly feel so tight!"

The second senior brother clutched his chest, his face contorted in pain.

His fingers, however, were rhythmically tapping on his chest, producing exactly one hundred and eight numbers.

"Why is my head so itchy!"

While scratching her head, the third senior sister seemingly casually drew the characters "Tian Gang Di Sha" in the air with her hair.

The other senior students also showed off their unique talents.

Some blinked frantically, trying to transmit information using Morse code; others secretly transmitted their voices, which sounded like a demonic chant in Wukong's mind; some even drew the words "Select all to ensure safety" on the ground with their feet...

The entire sermon hall instantly transformed into a massive cheating site.

Subhuti looked at his group of lively disciples. Although he still had a gentle smile on his face, the veins on his forehead were throbbing uncontrollably.

"It seems everyone is feeling unwell today, having caught a cold."

He slowly stood up and dusted off his Taoist robe.

"In that case, I think we should discuss the method of avoiding the three calamities another day."

"Everyone, go back and get some rest."

After saying this, the patriarch turned around and actually made a move to leave.

"Hey~~, Master! Master, don't go!"

Seeing that their patriarch was really about to leave, the demon king's disciples, who had just been weak and frail, as if they were about to die at any moment, instantly became fully revived.

They swarmed forward, some grabbing the patriarch's legs, others pulling at his sleeves, refusing to let him leave.

Then, they all turned their heads and desperately tried to wink at Wukong.

Wukong scratched his head, looked at the "kind" patriarch, and then at the group of "enthusiastic" senior brothers and sisters, and a somewhat embarrassed expression appeared on his face.

He stepped forward, faced the patriarch, and asked in a low voice:

"Um... Master, I... I want to choose them all..."

Upon hearing this, the entire preaching hall fell into a deathly silence.

The Patriarch turned around, looked at Wukong's somewhat apprehensive face, and asked with great interest:

"One hundred and eight methods?"

"Um……"

Wukong's voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz. He lowered his head, realizing he had been far too greedy.

However, to his surprise, the patriarch burst into laughter.

"Alright! One hundred and eight methods it is! I will teach you them all!"

"Really?"

Wukong suddenly raised his head, his golden eyes gleaming with uncontainable joy, like two dazzling stars.

"of course it's true!"

The patriarch smiled and nodded.

Then, he glanced at his disciples who were still clinging to his legs, looking completely dazed.

The demon kings immediately realized what was happening, chuckled, released their grip, nimbly got up from the ground, dusted themselves off, and bowed to their ancestor.

“Master, you’re busy, you’re busy. We suddenly remembered that the outhouse on the back hill hasn’t been cleaned yet. We have to go now.”

"Yes, yes, let's go help our senior brother clean up."

After saying that, the group put their arms around each other's shoulders and laughed.

They all disappeared in a flash.

After all these wicked creatures had left, a look of relief appeared on the Patriarch's face.

He took Wukong to his quiet room and began to teach him the true innate Taoist arts.

During the transmission of the Dharma, the Patriarch solemnly and earnestly gave Wukong his instructions.

"Wukong, you must remember this!"

"Before you have mastered all 108 Heavenly and Earthly Fiend Techniques and thoroughly understood them, please, please do not have any exchanges or sparring with your senior brothers and sisters!"

Although Wukong did not understand why his master gave such instructions, he always believed in his master's words without question.

He immediately nodded solemnly.

"Disciple, please obey your master's orders!"

"Well, children can be taught!"

The patriarch secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He looked at Wukong's pure eyes and became more and more satisfied.

In the years that followed, Wukong truly entered a state of complete seclusion.

He spent his days in his cave, diligently practicing the 108 transformations, and never met with any other disciples again.

This left the demon kings outside the cave feeling quite disappointed.

"Alas, we care so much for our junior brother, yet Master guards us so closely, treating us like thieves. What utter distrust this is!"

Senior Brother Meng Huai sat on a blue stone, sighing repeatedly.

"This is truly disheartening for us senior brothers!"

The other disciples laughed when they heard this.

Third Senior Sister patted his shoulder and laughed, "Senior Brother, you don't need to act anymore."

"Master doesn't allow Wukong to communicate with us because he's afraid we'll secretly pass on the 'authentic' Thirty-Six Heavenly Techniques and Seventy-Two Earthly Techniques to our junior brother."

The so-called Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiends Methods are 108 innate great supernatural powers compiled and finalized by the top gods such as the Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, and Fuxi at the 1367th symposium on "How to Make Cultivation in the New Era More Interesting" in the Great Luo Heaven.

This set of supernatural powers is divided into a "main book" and a "secondary book".

The "authentic version" that the demon kings were talking about was naturally the "authentic manual" of supernatural powers.

What Subhuti Patriarch taught Wukong was the "secondary manual" of supernatural powers.

The reason for this is that the supernatural powers recorded in the "official register" are all... too unorthodox.

Subhuti sincerely hoped that Wukong could maintain his pure Dao heart and not follow the old path of those who were merely entertainers and saints in the previous era.

A new era calls for new ways to play.

He wanted to set things right, to cultivate a true disciple who, with a sincere heart, could stir up the winds and clouds of heaven and earth, change the style of the era, and shatter all unorthodox disciples!
Upon hearing this, Meng Huai shook his head.

"Master is completely acting on his own initiative!"

"Instead of trying to guide Wukong onto the 'right path,' he attempts to single-handedly overturn the art style of the entire era. How could that possibly work?"

"That's right. If Wukong learns this 'castrated' version of supernatural powers and graduates, he'll definitely suffer a great loss outside."

"We, the people of the demonic path, value loyalty above all else. We cannot stand by and watch our junior brother go astray!"

The disciples all nodded, their faces showing a firm expression that said, "We must save Wukong."

Next, these demon kings tried every possible method to pass on the "official" supernatural powers to Wukong.

For example, they would collectively practice the Thirty-Six Heavenly Techniques outside Wukong's cave, deliberately triggering strange phenomena of the Great Dao, attempting to "infect" Wukong, who was in seclusion, in this way.

For example, they even considered using the method of inner demons to lure Wukong into their carefully constructed inner demon illusion, and then secretly imparting their supreme Dao within the illusion.

However, without exception, all of these methods ultimately failed.

Sun Wukong's resolve to follow the Dao was unwavering, and he was not swayed by external influences.

He devoted himself to practicing the proper supernatural powers manual that Patriarch Subhuti had passed down to him.

Finally, seeing that Wukong was determined to go down this dark path, the demon kings were all filled with remorse and regret.

"Wukong, Wukong! With such unwavering faith in the Patriarch and such indulgence in these heretical paths, how will you ever attain enlightenment in the future!"

When Subhuti saw this, he was pleased and stroked his beard with a smile.

"Hmph, you wretched creatures, don't even think about polluting this unpolished gem!"

He seemed to have already seen the magnificent scene of Sun Wukong, with a sincere heart, wielding an iron cudgel, shattering the heavens and overturning the three realms!
Another day.

The patriarch and his disciples were enjoying the evening scenery under the pine trees in front of the Three Star Cave, having a wonderful time.

The senior disciples smiled and said to the patriarch, "Patriarch, as the saying goes, fight if you can win, hide if you can't win, and run if you can't hide."

"Now that you've taught your junior brother the wonderful method to avoid the Three Calamities, why not also teach him the method to escape?"

Upon hearing this, the patriarch glared at the group of demon kings with annoyance.

Then, he looked at Sun Wukong, who had just emerged from seclusion and whose aura had improved considerably, with a kind smile.

"Wukong, how is your practice of the Ascension Technique that I taught you?"

Sun Wukong replied solemnly, "Reporting to Master, I have made some progress, and I will now try to fly."

After saying this, Wukong used his supernatural powers, and auspicious clouds rose from his feet. He took off on the clouds, did several somersaults in the air, and soon returned to his original position.

The Patriarch carefully observed Wukong's actions, nodded, and said:
"When I saw you go, you did several somersaults before you finally jumped onto the clouds. Very well, I will teach you another 'Somersault Cloud' based on your current form."

"This cloud can travel through the long river of time and space, and can travel back and forth across the entire universe."

"With a single thought, one can travel to 108,000 realms, which is extremely convenient."

"Good, good, good! Thank you, Master! Thank you, Master!" Wukong was overjoyed upon hearing this and kowtowed repeatedly.

He then learned this supreme escape technique—the Somersault Cloud—under the guidance of his patriarch.

When his fellow disciples saw him, they all gathered around and patted Wukong on the shoulder.

"Congratulations, Wukong! Congratulations, Wukong! What a stroke of luck! What an incredible stroke of luck!"

"If you learn this method, you can work as a courier, deliver documents, or submit reports. No matter which universe you go to, you will definitely be able to find a good job!"

"That's right, that's right! We no longer have to worry about you being unemployed or unable to find a job!"

Wukong was deeply moved by the heartfelt blessings from his fellow disciples.

"Thank you for your concern, senior brothers and sisters! You all have such a long-term vision!"

~~~~
Spring returns and summer arrives; before we know it, several years have passed.

On this day, the disciples gathered under the ancient pine tree in front of the cave and talked for a long time, exchanging their experiences in cultivation.

Seizing this rare opportunity, the senior disciples surrounded Sun Wukong and asked with smiles:
"Wukong, have you learned all 108 ways to avoid the three calamities that your master taught you?"

Wukong laughed and said, "To tell you the truth, brothers, it's because my master taught me so well, and it's also because I've been working hard day and night, never daring to slack off in the slightest. I now know all those transformations by heart and can use them with ease."

Upon hearing this, the senior students' eyes lit up, and they immediately started teasing:
"Talk is cheap! Since this is such a beautiful day, why don't you try to demonstrate it and let us see what you've got to see?"

Wukong asked, "My fellow disciples, please give me a task. What do you want me to transform into?"

Senior Brother Meng Huai rolled his eyes, pointed to the ancient pine tree beside him, and said, "Anything else would be too much for you, so just turn into a pine tree."

Wukong made a hand gesture, chanted a spell, and transformed himself into a pine tree exactly like the one next to him.

Truly: Lush and verdant through the four seasons, soaring straight up to the clouds, displaying its graceful beauty. Not a trace of the monstrous monkey, but only branches that have withstood frost and snow.

Upon seeing this, everyone couldn't help but applaud and burst into laughter, praising it highly:

"Good monkey! Good monkey! You've really imitated it!"

"Come on, it's not interesting if you can only increase your power. We also have a few unorthodox... cough cough, a few of our most treasured supernatural abilities. Let's take them out and have a competition and exchange with you!"

The demon kings were preparing to take advantage of this "academic exchange" opportunity to forcibly demonstrate the "official" divine powers of the Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiend Techniques to Wukong.

Unexpectedly, their commotion disturbed Subhuti, who was meditating in his quiet room.

The patriarch hurriedly grabbed his cane and came out of the cave, shouting from afar:

"Who is making such a racket here?"

Upon hearing the patriarch's call, the demon kings were startled and hastily straightened their clothes, suppressed their smiles, stood up straight, and pretended that nothing had happened before stepping forward to pay their respects.

Wukong quickly dispelled his transformation, revealing his true form. He mingled among his fellow disciples, head bowed, and whispered:

“Reporting to our esteemed master, we are here to expound the Dao, and there are no outsiders making a fuss here.”

Upon hearing this, the patriarch flew into a rage and slammed his cane heavily on the ground.

"You still dare to argue! Shouting and jumping around like that, you have no semblance of cultivation at all!"

He glared and scolded, "Those who cultivate themselves must be most wary of being restless and agitated! Opening one's mouth scatters one's spirit, and moving one's tongue breeds trouble! How can you behave like a commoner in the marketplace, shouting and laughing loudly?"

The demon kings exchanged glances, each seeing a hint of helplessness in the other's eyes, and quickly stepped forward, kneeling down in unison.

"Please forgive us, Master! We know we were wrong!"

"Get up, all of you!"

The Patriarch ignored the begging demon kings and fixed his sharp gaze on Sun Wukong, who had his head bowed the lowest in the group.

Wukong felt his master's gaze, his heart trembled, and he quickly knelt down and kowtowed.

"This disciple deserves to die for disturbing Master's peaceful cultivation. I only hope Master will forgive me!"

The patriarch looked at him, and the anger on his face gradually subsided, replaced by a complex and profound emotion.

He sighed deeply and said, "Fine, I won't offend you, but... go."

Upon hearing this, Wukong was struck dumb, his eyes instantly filling with tears. He looked up and asked, "Master...where does Master want me to go?"

The patriarch turned around, his back to him, and his voice became somewhat cold.

"Go back to where you came from."

Upon hearing this, Wukong felt a pang of pain in his heart, but also suddenly realized his mistake, and kowtowed, saying:

“Disciple understands. I come from the Water Curtain Cave of Flower and Fruit Mountain in Aolai Country, Dongsheng Shenzhou.”

The Patriarch said, "Go back quickly and save your life. If you stay here any longer, it may cause trouble. It is absolutely not advisable!"

Upon hearing this, Wukong was filled with grief, but he also knew that his master's mind was made up and there was no way to change it.

He kowtowed three times heavily, choking back tears, and said, "I beseech my revered master, for I have been fortunate enough to receive your teachings on the Great Dao. I have not yet had the chance to repay your kindness in passing on the Dao, and I dare not leave now."

The patriarch simply shook his head, his voice devoid of any emotion.

"What's the point of repaying a debt of gratitude? Our master-disciple relationship has come to an end."

"From now on, if you cause trouble, you are not allowed to say that you are my disciple."

"If you utter even half a word, I will know, and I will banish your soul to the deepest hell, so that you will never be able to rise again!"

Subhuti's gaze turned icy cold.

After saying that, he didn't look at Wukong again, turned around and left, leaving behind only a resolute and ruthless back view.

As Wukong watched his master's departing figure, a river of sorrow welled up in his heart. He was about to bow once more to bid his master a final farewell.

"Little junior brother!"

Behind them, the voice of the eldest disciple, Meng Huai, suddenly rang out.

Wukong turned around.

All the senior students gathered around.

The usual laughter was gone from their faces; instead, there was genuine concern and reluctance to part.

The eldest brother patted him on the shoulder and said, "Don't worry, Master is all bark and no bite!"

The second senior brother stepped forward, took out a token that shimmered with a strange light from his pocket, and stuffed it into Wukong's hand.

“That’s right. If you ever get into trouble outside that you can’t handle, you’re not allowed to say that you were taught by Patriarch Subhuti.”

"Just say that you come from the 'Wind Spirit Moon Shadow Sect'!"

The third senior sister added, "Yes! Just tell them that all of us disciples of the sect are your strong support!"

"Anyone who dares to bully you is going against the entire 'Wind Spirit Moon Shadow Sect'!"

"Pfft~~"

Subhuti, who was performing his heartless act as he walked step by step into the cave, stumbled upon hearing these words.

He really wanted to turn around and use his cane to beat these unfilial brats to a pulp.

However, when he seemed to inadvertently feel the grateful and reluctant gaze that Wukong cast from behind him, his heart softened again.

In the end, he could only pretend he hadn't heard anything, quickened his pace, and his figure quickly disappeared into the cave.

As Sun Wukong watched his patriarch's disappearing figure, and then looked at the token in his hand engraved with the words "Fengling Yueying Sect," and at the sincere eyes of his fellow disciples around him, the sadness in his heart was gradually replaced by a warm current.

He solemnly bowed three times in the direction where the patriarch had departed.

"Master, Wukong is off!"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

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(End of this chapter)