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

Time flies, and a year passes in the blink of an eye.

Outside Hangu Pass, beneath a lush, ancient pine tree.

Changshou leaned against the tree trunk to rest for a while.

After carefully unloading the longevity cake, the monkey skillfully untied the bundle hanging around its neck, took out the dry food, then untied the water bag from its waist, took out a wooden bowl, skillfully poured water, and skillfully tore the steamed bun into pieces and soaked them in the bowl.

Chang Shou watched the monkeys busily with a kind expression.

He is old and has poor teeth, so he needs to soak the steamed buns in water to soften them before eating, just like a baby eating complementary foods.

The monkey was impetuous and didn't do well at first. He kept saying how annoying it was, but he always put on a brave face and served the monkey more and more carefully each time.

After a year of training, the monkey became quite adept at this.

Of course, the monkey's growth into its current form is inseparable from Changshou's consistent support and encouragement.

He has difficulty moving around, but he can still speak.

"Good monkey, although you have lived for more than three hundred years, you have always lived in the deep mountains, isolated from the world. Unlike me, you do not know human affairs and are familiar with the legends of immortals."

To put it presumptuously, I've eaten more salt than you've eaten peaches.

I have lived to be over ninety years old, encountered many people and events, heard a lot of legends about immortals and gods, and even learned a lot of secrets from my granddaughter's husband, the Dragon King of Qinghe.

I've heard that those immortals and Buddhas value the character and virtue of those who seek the Dao most, and always have their disciples refine their character, especially those with a quick temper, sometimes for years at a time.

"I admit that I have taken advantage of you, but I am also helping you. Cultivating the Tao begins with cultivating the mind, observing others begins with observing oneself, cultivating the mind begins with learning, and cultivating the mind leads to action. While taking care of me, you are also cultivating your mind. When your mind is strong enough, it will be easier to gain the favor of immortals."

"Good monkey, I've heard that cultivating one's mind and character leads to the Great Dao. Over the past six months, your patience has grown considerably. Compared to when I first met you, your character has improved several times over. I reckon you've already developed a tiny bit of Daoist potential. If you ever become a disciple of an immortal, don't forget me! If you become rich and powerful, don't forget me!"

……

Chang Shou has given similar "encouragement" many times.

I often make some inspirational stories for the monkeys.

After all, the monkey had been carrying him the whole way, so he couldn't just do nothing.

As for PUA, it was purely accidental.

No, he didn't use PUA.

No, absolutely not!!!

It was simply encouragement from a friend.

He swore an oath on the horn on his grandson-in-law's head.

Changshou sincerely hoped that Monkey would meet the Bodhi Patriarch soon, become a disciple of Fangcun Mountain, and begin his cultivation. After all, they were brothers in the same boat; only when Monkey was well could he be well. Changshou earnestly hoped that they would both achieve their wishes.

---

"Hey, old man, time to eat."

The monkey's words drew Changshou's attention back.

He glanced at it and saw that the bread slices had already softened from being soaked.

When the monkey handed over the wooden bowl and spoon, Changshou naturally took them.

Seeing the monkey leaning against the side, taking out another piece of bread, eating and drinking water at the same time, its golden fur blowing in the hot wind gave it a very flamboyant look. Chang Shou smiled slightly, lowered his head, and began to eat slowly and deliberately.

A heat wave is coming.

The upright, vigorous old pine tree swayed slightly.

Changshou ate and pondered, his thoughts swaying along with the branches of the old pine tree.

Let's turn back time and freeze on a year ago.

The Chang family courtyard, under a century-old peach tree.

The monkey, having eaten and drunk its fill, was about to leave when Changshou called it back.

"Good monkey, wait a moment."

Seeing the monkey's puzzled look, Chang Shou explained:

"Good monkey, I, like you, yearn for the Great Dao and aspire to immortality. Unfortunately, I have always been entangled in worldly affairs and unable to extricate myself. I have always lived for others and have unknowingly reached this age, with graying temples, a full head of white hair, and an old and frail appearance."

I am now old and frail, unable to move freely, and can only wait to die in this small courtyard. Struggling helplessly in this confined space, filled with pain and sorrow, I watch my body age little by little, drawing ever closer to death; waiting for the underworld messengers to come and collect my soul, to meet the King of Hell.

Chang Shou's tone was weathered and weary.

There is the helplessness of facing imminent death, and the desolation of only being able to sit and wait for oneself to decay.

The Monkey King's memories were stirred; he thought of the old monkey who had died of old age in front of him in the Water Curtain Cave, and of his original intention to seek immortality.

They were all afraid of death.

Thinking this, the Monkey King looked at Changshou with a greater sense of agreement; he could tell that the old man was telling the truth.

They have some similarities.

Their eyes met.

Sensing the monkey's emotional change, Changshou knew the monkey had empathized, but it wasn't enough.

He changed the subject, his eyes shining as he looked intently at the golden monkey, his desolate tone now tinged with a suppressed yet excited joy.

"I had already resigned myself to my fate, but your appearance has rekindled my hope."

You are of extraordinary birth. In pursuit of immortality, you have traversed countless mountains and rivers, enduring numerous hardships and obstacles, yet your determination remains unwavering. Your steadfastness truly makes this old man both ashamed and admiring.

At the same time, it rekindled the old man's gradually extinguished desire for immortality.

The martyrs are young and strong.

At my age, what is there to hold onto or let go of? It's time to live for myself and give it my all.

"Good monkey, if you don't mind, I'm willing to travel with you, to seek immortality and change my fate."

Chang Shou was not lying.

For the past four years, he has been relying on the spiritual practice methods given to him by his granddaughter's husband to prolong his life. However, he is struggling on his own, and given his advanced age, he doesn't know when he will pass away. Although he has been diligently practicing, he has to admit one fact:

The hope of prolonging life is slim.

Without a tremendous stroke of luck, I might not even achieve success in my cultivation before I die.

The appearance of the monkeys gave him an opportunity.

Seeing the old man's pupils dilate and his eyes fixed on him, his old face, wrinkled like tree bark, filled with sincerity, the Monkey King felt a chill in his heart.

Seeing that the old man didn't seem to be faking it, the Monkey King suppressed his discomfort and smiled casually:

"Old man, aren't you afraid of dying on the road? And then having no one to see you off in your final moments?"

Chang Shou was silent for a moment, then smiled nonchalantly:

"Falling on the road to immortality is also a kind of luck. At least I did my best to fight for myself and made an effort for myself."

Even if I die out there, I will have no regrets; I will die a worthy death and can rest in peace.

That's nine parts true and one part false.

If possible, Changshou would like to stay in the courtyard forever, by his little granddaughter's side, waiting for his other two granddaughters to visit him every year.

But time waits for no one. If we confine ourselves to our own limitations and remain complacent, failing to seize this hard-won opportunity, we will only feel greater regret in the future.

Having raised her three granddaughters and watched them grow up and start their own families, she had fulfilled her responsibilities. Now that the opportunity was before her, she was determined to seize it.

Failed.

Even if he were to die far from home, he would have no regrets.

Successful.

That would be a huge profit.

Not only can it prolong one's lifespan and grant supernatural powers, but it can also allow one to return home in glory and better support one's three granddaughters.

Upon hearing Changshou's answer, the Monkey King's playful expression vanished, replaced by a serious one.

"Old man, if you die on the way, I'll just dig a hole and bury you."

The monkey agreed.

Chang Shou smiled broadly, the wrinkles on his old face crowding to the sides of his cheeks, as if the middle had been smoothed out considerably.

"It's just a stinking carcass. When the time comes, you can bury it, throw it away, or burn it, it's up to you."

The Monkey King chuckled.

Looking at Chang Shou, he seemed to agree more.

Having dealt with the monkey, Changshou looked at Hanba.

This bastard took care of him for four years. Chang Shou originally wanted to take him with him, but unfortunately, Han Ba ​​was unwilling to travel with him.

Changshou had no choice but to send him away, ordering him to return to Qinghe Dragon Palace to invite his granddaughter and grandson-in-law to come over in three days for a final get-together.

Then, he and the monkey left quickly that same day.

It wasn't that Changshou didn't want to say goodbye in person, but he was afraid he wouldn't be able to bear it, so he simply chose not to see her.

---

Beneath the ancient, vigorous pine tree.

Thinking about his honest and straightforward scheme, Chang Shou felt that even the bread slices in his bowl tasted sweeter.

On the other side.

The monkey, munching on its steamed bun, looked up at the withered old man who was engrossed in his meal, a silent smile tugging at the corner of its mouth, and couldn't help but scratch its ear.

He's not stupid.

It's clear the old man was scheming.

But he doesn't care.

Having wandered in Jambudvipa for so many years, I have met many people, seen many things, visited many so-called immortals, and also seen the real immortal sects.

But they either deceived the world and stole fame, or they swindled and cheated, or they shut him out. The words he heard most often were laughing at his wishful thinking, mocking his unrealistic fantasies, and ridiculing his overestimation of his abilities.

Very few people agree with him.

He had very few people who encouraged him.

The only person who recognized him, encouraged him, and traveled with him was the old man in front of him.

Therefore, I am willing to take care of him, listen to his teachings, and carry him all the way.

He turned to look into the distance.

Despite the long journey, despite not knowing where to seek immortality, and despite the lingering confusion in his heart, the Monkey King felt less lonely and more at ease.