King Yellow Wind's ascension to immortality brought a celestial rain that nourished the mountains, rivers, and all their inhabitants. The local spirits cultivated their essence, fish and birds grew more intelligent, and even the seeds King Yellow Wind had planted began to sprout.
The rain revitalized the land, fostering the dragon vein's rebirth as earth energy churned beneath the surface. The lake became a source of life, its waters brimming with burgeoning spiritual energy.
It was only a matter of time before spiritual grasses and trees flourished. Mystical creatures would naturally migrate to the area, their presence further enriching the land, ultimately transforming it into a blessed sanctuary.
Thus, the saying:
"A mountain's fame lies not in its height, but in its immortal inhabitants. A lake's vitality comes not from its depth, but from the presence of a dragon."
Feeling the harmony of these principles, King Yellow Wind murmured:
"The way of heaven, the way of all beings, the way of nature—where is the Dao found? The Dao lies underfoot."
"Hehe, well said, Yellow Brother!"
A familiar, mischievous laugh echoed.
King Yellow Wind looked up to see a cloud descend, bearing none other than the Handsome Monkey King, Sun Wukong of Flower Fruit Mountain.
His mischievous face beamed under a shiny bald head. He wore a red tunic, a yellow sash, and black boots on his feet.
King Yellow Wind laughed.
"Monkey Brother, it's been a while. How have you been?"
Sun Wukong responded cheerfully:
"Not bad, not bad!"
Yet, the slight sorrow in his eyes betrayed lingering grief, likely from his expulsion from Square Inch Mountain and separation from their teacher, Patriarch Bodhi.
"Since you've come all this way, let me treat you properly. Let's drink and feast together!"
"Hah! Sounds good, Yellow Brother!"
Without hesitation, Sun Wukong joined in.
King Yellow Wind summoned his Left Chancellor to prepare spiritual fruits and wines, his Right General to hunt game, and the golden carp dragon to fetch delicacies from the lake.
The officers, leading all manner of demons, joyfully set up tables, bowls, and utensils. The fox maidens of Hundred Fox Mountain cooked up a sumptuous banquet, while others sang and danced, filling the mountain with cheer.
"Yellow Brother, these demons aren't like ordinary ones. They know restraint, propriety, and manners. Remarkable!"
Sun Wukong marveled, clicking his tongue in admiration.
King Yellow Wind smiled with pride.
"Demons are part of creation, no different from other sentient beings. The difference lies in their lack of education and guidance."
Sun Wukong nodded in agreement. His time at Square Inch Mountain had shown him the distinction between untamed demons steeped in malice and those refined by cultivation.
"Yellow Brother is truly exceptional."
As he watched and learned, Sun Wukong couldn't help but admire his companion. He thought to himself:
"When I return to Flower Fruit Mountain, I must educate my kin and perhaps foster a few immortal demons among them."
For three days, the two celebrated, drinking, chatting, and laughing in carefree camaraderie.
On the fourth day, the Right General, a rat demon, brought news:
"Great King, there is a Taoist outside calling himself True Immortal Ruyi, requesting an audience."
"Oh? True Immortal Ruyi?"
The name puzzled King Yellow Wind, though it sparked a memory. Wasn't he mentioned in the Journey to the West as the Bull Demon King's younger brother?
Sun Wukong stood and stretched.
"Yellow Brother, since you have a guest to handle, I'll take my leave and return to Flower Fruit Mountain."
King Yellow Wind urged him to stay a little longer.
"Monkey Brother, let me deal with this quickly, and we can continue drinking."
Sun Wukong waved him off.
"I've had my fun, but seeing all this excitement has made me miss my own kin. Don't worry—once I'm free, I'll ride a somersault cloud and come back in an instant. What's a little drinking between brothers?"
Seeing him so resolute, King Yellow Wind gifted him a set of tiger-striped attire—hat, skirt, and boots—exclaiming:
"This will make you look tigerishly fierce and full of vigor!"
Donning the garb, Sun Wukong chuckled, performed a somersault, and vanished into the clouds.
The assembled demons were awestruck.
The rat general, black fox, and others muttered among themselves:
"Such an unassuming monkey, but what incredible abilities!"
Outside the camp, the arriving Taoist caught sight of Sun Wukong's departure and grew curious. Soon, the camp gates opened, and a demon officer escorted him inside.
As he walked through the camp, the Taoist was astonished by what he saw.
To one side, an elderly black fox led demons in morning recitations of the Thousand Character Classic and Dao De Jing.
Elsewhere, over a hundred demons drilled in formation, dressed in matching uniforms, their ranks orderly and disciplined.
"An extraordinary demon king! To understand education, training, and military strategy—he must have a remarkable background. I wonder who his teacher is?"
The Taoist filed his observations away, intending to report them to his elder brother.
Entering the main hall, he saw the demon king seated at the head of the table—a white-furred rat demon with radiant eyes, emanating an aura of divinity in his Daoist robes.
The king's presence was serene and composed, entirely free of demonic malice—a figure who had clearly attained the Dao.
King Yellow Wind spoke.
"Who comes before me?"
The Taoist bowed deeply and replied:
"Great King, I am from Red Sun Mountain's Ji Soil Manor in Xiniu Hezhou. My elder brother, the Bull Demon King, sent me here. I am called True Immortal Ruyi and have come to pay my respects."
Red Sun Mountain? Ji Soil Manor?
King Yellow Wind raised an eyebrow. These names seemed unfamiliar, but then he remembered—this was over five centuries before the events of Journey to the West. The timeline made sense.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]