In the forest, mist thickened, swirling in the moonlight.
King Yellow Wind sparred with the Monkey King, feigning a friendly bout while discreetly releasing demonic energy to conjure fog, gradually shrouding the area. At the same time, he shook the Soul-Attracting Bell, its hypnotic tones mingling with the haze.
Tipsy from wine and dazed by the bell's effects, the Monkey King soon stumbled and fell to the ground, unconscious.
King Yellow Wind, grinning with relief, dragged the Monkey King out of the circle.
You have defeated the demon, Innate Saintly Monkey, and randomly acquired the Monkey King's trait: Spiritual Clarity (Gold). Would you like to fuse it?
Spiritual Clarity (Gold): Your mind is illuminated with wisdom, learning quickly and mastering skills with ease. Your perception sharpens, comprehending celestial patterns and connecting the hundred meridians to gather spiritual energy from heaven, earth, the sun, and the moon.
"Gold!"
King Yellow Wind was ecstatic. This was his first golden trait since Heaven's Mandate.
But his joy was tempered by curiosity. "Wait, this isn't Innate Spiritual Clarity—it's just Spiritual Clarity?"
"Ah, I see. Because it's acquired postnatally, it's been downgraded by one tier. Well, no matter!"
Resolving not to be greedy, King Yellow Wind eagerly commanded: "Fuse!"
As the trait fused, a gentle breeze swept through the forest.
King Yellow Wind's body underwent further refinement. His meridians opened, his spiritual orifices awakened, and he naturally began absorbing spiritual energy, even without actively cultivating.
Previously, he had a physique suited for cultivation; now, he possessed a Dao Body, a talent honed to perfection.
When he opened his eyes, the world appeared different—more vibrant, alive with spiritual energy. His mind, like a mirror wiped clean of dust, reflected the world with unparalleled clarity.
Knowledge flowed into his consciousness like an unsealed treasury:
Memories of his previous life, from elementary school to university and beyond, reappeared vividly.
Everything he'd read in this life—ancient texts in his lair, notes on artifact forging, and even the three doctrinal scrolls from the Gray Eagle's hoard—came back to him in perfect detail.
Even concepts he hadn't fully grasped before suddenly made sense, as if a switch had been flipped.
This transformation went beyond intellect; it was an awakening of wisdom, bridging gaps in knowledge and understanding with ease.
The system responded immediately:
You have comprehended new insights. Your trait, Apprentice Forger (White), has upgraded to Artifact Forger (Blue).
Artifact Forger (Blue): Your success rate for forging magical artifacts increases by 30%, and you gain a 1% chance to forge spiritual artifacts.
You have comprehended new insights. Your trait, Formation Novice (White), has upgraded to Formation Master (Blue).
Formation Master (Blue): You have a deeper understanding of restrictions and formations, enabling you to learn and set up mid-level arrays and restrictions.
King Yellow Wind marveled at the synergy. His newfound learning ability complemented his traits, accelerating their growth and mutually enhancing one another.
"In Journey to the West, Monkey Brother was a prodigy at learning. His many famous quips and achievements owe much to Spiritual Clarity. This is true wisdom!"
He understood now why the Bodhi Patriarch had chosen to teach the Monkey King true skills: with such a foundation, teaching him was like planting seeds in fertile soil.
"Now, with both a token and this trait, I should have a shot at entering the Three Stars Cave to learn genuine techniques!"
As the night deepened, King Yellow Wind meditated under the moonlight, refining his body and spirit. Spiritual energy surged toward him from a ten-mile radius—his efficiency now a hundredfold greater than before.
His demon core gleamed as it absorbed the moonlight, while the phantom of the ancient Lunar Devourer Mouse enveloped his form, radiating the fearsome aura of a primordial beast. Lesser creatures cowered in submission, trembling too much to approach.
The Monkey King, feigning sleep, peeked through bleary eyes.
A cunning and perceptive being, he had been playing along to observe King Yellow Wind's intentions. Concluding that the mouse bore him no malice, he drifted into genuine slumber.
As for the scene of King Yellow Wind absorbing lunar and spiritual energy, it didn't impress him much. Such displays were common among demons on Flower Fruit Mountain during full moons. What the Monkey King sought wasn't mere demonic cultivation but the eternal Way of Immortality.
By dawn, King Yellow Wind completed his meditation, reflecting on his progress.
"This one night was as productive as months before. No wonder Monkey Brother swept floors for seven years and became immortal in three. He's a true genius—no, a true learning deity!"
He chuckled to himself, then steadied his resolve. "No matter how vast the gap, give me time, and even immortals and buddhas will bow to me within my range!"
With renewed determination, he packed his belongings and called out, "Monkey Brother, time to hit the road!"
Groggy from sleep, the Monkey King yawned and splashed water on his face before joining King Yellow Wind on their journey to Square Inch Mountain.
After five or six days, the pair arrived at a breathtaking landscape of towering peaks and flowing valleys. The air was rich with the scent of rare flowers and grasses, washing away their weariness.
"We've arrived!"
Studying his wooden map, King Yellow Wind took a deep breath, marveling at the serene beauty of the place.
The Monkey King, full of anticipation, exclaimed, "What a mountain! Verdant pines, cascading streams, and ever-blooming greenery. Truly a sanctuary of the immortals!"
As they approached, a voice drifted through the forest:
"Chopping wood, time fades; playing chess, the board erodes. In stillness, the Huangting Sutra is recited—neither mortal nor sage, but one who seeks the Way."
The Monkey King's eyes lit up. "Brother, a celestial being awaits!"
Without hesitation, he bounded toward the source of the voice.
King Yellow Wind chuckled to himself. "An NPC woodcutter guiding Monkey Brother? Looks like the story's unfolding as expected. I'd better stick close—wouldn't want to miss my chance!"
He followed the Monkey King into the woods, calling out, "Monkey Brother, wait for me!"
Deeper in the forest, they found a woodcutter dressed in simple cloth, a sash tied around his waist. The man looked up, startled to see the two of them, particularly King Yellow Wind.
One hand tucked into his sleeve, the woodcutter muttered something under his breath, as if calculating their fates. Then, with a knowing smile, he began reciting the origins of the mountain, the lineage of its master, and the Way taught within.
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