The story begins with the bride marrying off her daughter, and the woman, at the age of one hundred,

The schemes of Patriarch Bodhi.

Chang Shou knew nothing about it.

At this moment, he stood in front of the cave entrance.

If he could hear the monkey's inner thoughts, and hear the words "Why should I take responsibility for myself?", he would definitely despise himself.

He slapped himself twice.

I curse myself for being so bored and having nothing better to do!

Even now, when he recalls that scene at Yaotai, he still feels a mix of emotions.

In his view, the patriarch was genuinely angry at the time.

It's like when parents ask their child what they want to eat, the child says anything, but then the parents suggest one thing and the child rejects it.

Even the most patient parents will get angry when faced with a difficult child.

Of course, it's true that the patriarch favored Wukong.

The three rulers on top serve as both a lesson and a reminder. After all, anger is anger, but love is love, and importance is importance.

I have a very close relationship with monkeys.

On the surface, Wukong has angered the Patriarch, so naturally I can't just stand by and watch; I have to plead for the monkey.

This makes perfect sense and can increase his standing in the monkey's eyes.

As a result, the patriarch did not play by the rules.

He outsmarted himself and ended up shooting himself in the foot; he went too far and had no choice but to leave.

Compared to these old monsters, I, at over a hundred years old, am still too young. Perhaps in the eyes of the patriarch, my schemes are simply beneath contempt.

When I'm in a good mood, I just watch a play to pass the time.

When I'm in a bad mood, I feel like a clown jumping around.

I looked up and stared at the cave entrance for a moment, then glanced at the inscription on the stele of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars Cave.

Chang Shou shook his head and sighed helplessly.

"So, one should be kind and honest. It's better to do nothing than to be too greedy. I'm not kind enough myself!"

Now that things have come to this, there's really no need to stay any longer.

He stopped and turned to leave.

I'm afraid that the longer I stay, the more reluctant I'll be to leave.

If you really go against your nature, then you'll lose more than you gain.

Having lived for so many years, Chang Shou has a wealth of experience, an open mind, and understands that contentment brings happiness, and that the less internal conflict one experiences, the better.

Instead of regretting, it's better to relax and strive to live a good life in the future.

---

Changshou stopped after taking only two steps.

I looked at the three fur balls that were sitting still at my feet.

Changshou poked the round-faced, chubby chicken with his cane, then gently kicked the two fox spirits with his foot, and slowly said:

People strive to rise higher, while water flows downhill.

If you do not wish to leave, then stay here; this old Taoist priest understands.

Wukong will come out to see me soon. At that time, you can follow him and stay by my side.

Alternatively, one could remain inside the Crescent Moon and Three Stars Cave.

"Coo coo~"

You old man, you actually got kicked out!

How embarrassing! How embarrassing!

[Bird Master has hardly ever lost a bird in his life]

The night owl turned its head and glared at Chang Shou, its face full of accusation.

Changshou couldn't understand bird language and still couldn't comprehend the night owl's call, but he could sense the fat chicken's disdain for him.

It's a way of saying that one is useless.

The insults seemed quite harsh.

The two raccoon spirits, however, showed no disdain for Changshou, meowing twice, half affectionately and half comfortingly.

Chang Shou smiled kindly at the two fox spirits.

A son does not despise his mother for being ugly, nor does he despise his family for being poor.

Ultimately, the children you raise yourself are the closest to you.

talking.

Chang Shou glanced at the round-faced, chubby chicken, his old face showing an even stronger disdain than the chicken itself.

"Whether you stay or leave, the choice is yours."

After saying that, Chang Shou turned and left.

Two fox spirits, each carrying a small bundle, followed closely behind him.

Occasionally, two fox spirits would turn around, glance at the round-faced, chubby chicken, and then continue on their way.

The round-faced, chubby chicken stood there dumbfounded.

He glanced at the Crescent Moon Three Stars Cave, then at the direction where the man and two foxes had left. He tilted his head and thought for a moment, as if making a decision, his big eyes and round face filled with determination.

Then, the night owl flapped its wings, gripped its small bundle with its two claws, and quickly chased after it, cooing as it flew.

Bird Master would never be disloyal.

Don't even think about abandoning me and running away.

Sensing the flapping of wings and the familiar calls from behind, the two raccoon spirits' cries became more cheerful, even a little hushed.

Chang Shou glanced at the fat chicken and said indifferently:

"At least you have a conscience."

Round-faced chubby chicken: "Cluck cluck~!"

I knew you old man had ulterior motives.

[They want to label Bird Master as "ungrateful," ruin his reputation, and make it impossible for him to survive in the bird world.]

Chang Shou ignored the Night Owl's rambling.

But when Fatty Chicken wasn't looking, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

Changshou stopped as soon as he turned the corner.

This was because he was stopped by a burly man.

Holding an axe, he feigned a fierce and menacing expression, and said menacingly:

"Hey old man, this mountain is mine, this road is mine, I am the king of this Fangcun Mountain. I see you don't have much to offer, so if you know what's good for you, come with me and I'll make you my bandit chief and have you clean my courtyard. Maybe one day I'll be in a good mood and let you go."

Chang Shou laughed upon hearing this and replied in response:

"Your Majesty, please forgive me, but I am old and frail and I am afraid I cannot do any work. However, these three poultry and livestock I raise can at least do some work."

"If Your Majesty doesn't mind, you may order them around; I, this old man, will reluctantly serve as a steward."

The three little ones: ...

You're so high and mighty, don't try to boss us around.

These words were spoken.

Da Han and Chang Shou exchanged a smile.

The big man was none other than the woodcutter Ke Da.

After the Dharma assembly ended, he stayed there, waiting for Changshou.

Chang Shou naturally guessed it and could see that this fellow Daoist was deliberately acting, changing the way he invited him in order to ease his mood.

"Thank you for your painstaking efforts, fellow Daoist."

However, given your upright character, this action must have been quite difficult for you.

Chang Shou bowed and thanked him.

Ke Da gave a good-natured smile, his voice hearty and cheerful.

"I often go down the mountain, and although I only travel to small towns outside the mountains, I have seen a lot of things over the years. These sayings are just things I have seen a lot of and have naturally learned."

I'm not very skilled at it, and I'm a bit clumsy.

I hope you won't laugh at me, fellow Daoist.

---

He took over Changshou's burden.

Ke Da led the way.

He chatted and laughed with Chang Shou.

The two immortals walked side by side, at a pace that was neither too fast nor too slow.

The three little ones followed closely as they descended the mountain.

After an incense stick has burned.

They stopped in front of a house.

Two or three thatched huts, bamboo shade covering the four directions.

Fish leap in shallow ponds; one thinks of poverty and admires the sages of old.

Looking at the house nestled amidst the mountains and waters, Changshou stroked his beard and smiled, unable to resist teasingly saying:

"Fellow Daoist, you are robust and appear carefree, but I never expected you to be so meticulous. Your residence is so simple yet elegant, a blend of humanistic and natural elements."

Ke Dalang laughed:

"Although I am not well-read, I know that one cannot judge a book by its cover and one cannot measure the sea with a bushel. Fellow Daoist, you once served as an officer in the Sutra Repository, read thousands of scriptures, and have a wealth of knowledge in your heart. How could you not understand this simple truth?"

Now you dare to mock me like this? Aren't you afraid I'll deliberately mistreat you?

Chang Shou smiled and said:

"Fellow Daoist, you may wish to give it a try."

If you treat me badly, I won't leave; you'll have to make it up to me!

As they were talking, the two immortals entered the room.

The three little ones continued to follow closely behind.

Two years ago.

Ke Da's mother has passed away.

She lived to be a hundred years old, and her children and grandchildren were filial. For ordinary people, her passing was considered a happy one.

Now, besides Ke Da, only his son and daughter-in-law's family remains in the household.

They were overjoyed at Changshou's arrival and were very enthusiastic.

Over the years, my father (grandfather) rarely invited guests, but now that a celestial being had visited, they hurriedly prepared a sumptuous feast.

After a hearty meal and drinks, both host and guests enjoyed themselves immensely.

That night, Changshou stayed in a guest room.

In the dead of night, he slowly woke up, got up and stood by the window, gazing at the bright moon in the sky, his old eyes deep and thoughtful.

[Judging by the time, the monkey should be arriving soon.]