Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao

The little monkey was filled with righteous indignation, striving to prove the authenticity of his identity, yet he did not notice the fleeting joy in Chen Xiang and his companion's eyes.

It was just like reaching a dead end only to find a hidden village beyond the willows and blooms. Just when Chen Xiang was about to give up hope, the heavens unexpectedly delivered a monkey spirit from Huaguo Mountain right before his eyes.

Chen Xiang always felt that there was some divine will at play, but he kept his face expressionless. Instead, he furrowed his brow and asked, "How could a monkey from Huaguo Mountain be here?"

"Exactly, it couldn't be a lie, could it?" Cui Heming, who was standing next to him, chimed in. The two of them worked together to pry the bottom line out of the little monkey.

Having grown up in Huaguo Mountain since he was a youngster, the little monkey was naive and didn't understand these roundabout ways. Cui Heming's provocation immediately flustered him. The identity of Huaguo Mountain was something he took great pride in his whole life; how could he let others doubt it.

So, he spilled everything out like pouring beans from a bamboo tube, "What I'm saying is true. I am a real descendent of the Great Sage, just a monkey born of his lineage. It's just because Mr. Lu was teaching us, and I couldn't stand the constraints, so I sneaked out."

While he said this, Sun Shier had some self-doubt. He knew his behavior was highly improper, and if he returned to Huaguo Mountain, he would definitely not escape a scolding.

"I heard that Huaguo Mountain is overseas; how could you, a mere monkey, have drifted over the sea?" Cui Heming's face was full of disbelief.

Sun Shier, like an angered rooster, leaped up and said, "That's because you are ignorant. Didn't my Great King also drift over the seas to find a noble teacher and attain the body of an Immortal? Besides, there are quite a few Dragon Sons who come to Huaguo Mountain to listen to Mr. Lu's teachings. I'm in good terms with one of the Dragon Sons, and it was with his help that I came here."

At this point, the little monkey was somewhat smug, thinking to himself that there were many monkeys who wanted to sneak out, but only he had made it as far as the legendary human world.

"Mr. Lu?" Cui Heming grew interested, curious about what kind of person this was. He sounded like a human, yet why was he teaching at Huaguo Mountain?

One should know that unless someone is extremely close, a dojo is generally not easily lent out, let alone allowing one's own descendants to listen in.

The little monkey, however, became excited and continued to explain: "Mr. Lu is an incredible person, you know. He is my king's fellow disciple and brother, deeply fond of each other. When my king faced adversity, it was he who protected us again and again. Later, he even opened a session to teach, attracting countless beings to come and cultivate. Even the descendants of the Dragon Palace flocked to him like ducks to water."

Cui Heming, now with a touch of yearning, said, "To think that there is such a person in the world, I would truly like to meet him in person."

The little monkey, with his nostrils pointed high in pride, said, "Of course, Mr. Lu's strength is one of the tops in both heaven and earth. Back then, to protect Huaguo Mountain, he went head-to-head with True Monarch Qingyuan Miaodao and did not fall short. Over the years, his cultivation has grown even more profound; it's hard to tell just how powerful he has become. And Mr. Lu is best at teaching disciples, each of whom is brave and makes rapid progress."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xiang's expression shifted subtly, feeling that this Mr. Lu was the ideal teacher he had in mind. Thus, he sighed wistfully, "I really wish to meet this teacher."

Cui Heming patted his shoulder and said, "What's so hard about that? My Cui family may lack many things, but we do have ships capable of crossing Wang Yang. Just ask this little monkey about the direction to Huaguo Mountain, and you'll see why we should worry about meeting Mr. Lu."

Chen Xiang nodded at his words, about to inquire, but found the little monkey's eyes also bright with excitement, "You want to go to Huaguo Mountain? Why didn't you say so earlier? I can take you there."

Cui Heming looked at Sun Shier with suspicion, wondering why this mischievous little monkey suddenly became so enthusiastic. Even Chen Xiang cast a doubtful glance, as Sun Shier did not seem like someone willing to obediently return home.

The little monkey felt somewhat embarrassed under their gazes, and then said, "I sneaked out and have no face to return now, do I? Who knew Ao Xi would throw me off so far away? And I don't know about the living ways of the human race. Life has been very hard. I wanted to return but had no way to do so."

Chen Xiang and his companion then understood that the little monkey was transported here by spell by a Dragon Son, who had to return early to the Dragon Palace for urgent matters and forgot that this little monkey could not swim. Alone in the vast ocean, he dared not cross over by himself; hence, he could only spend his days idling in the human world. Finally, starving, he used a Deceptive Technique to steal some things.

Today, he just happened to see the Cui family's caravan and felt the spiritual energy hidden in the gift boxes, prompting him to snatch them. Now, hearing that Chen Xiang wanted to go to Huaguo Mountain, he was over the moon, as he could finally return home. The human world was not fun at all for him.

With the little monkey as a guide, joy finally appeared on Chen Xiang's face. He felt as if a huge stone had been lifted from his heart, and his body felt an indescribable lightness.

The next day, Chen Xiang prepared to start the journey to Huaguo Mountain with the little monkey and Cui Heming at his side.

Cui Heming, with a gloomy face, said, "I was planning to visit Huaguo Mountain with you, but my family strongly disapproved. They want me to stay at home, marry, and continue the family lineage. I've grown up. I can't be as willful as before."

Chen Xiang gently patted Cui Heming's shoulder, sensing his friend's disappointment. Clearly eager to seek the way of Immortals but bogged down by worldly affairs, he couldn't break free and, therefore, had no hope for pursuing the Immortal Dao.