chapter2

The Monkey King Receives His Name
Upon receiving his name, the Monkey King was overjoyed and full of excitement. He bowed to the Patriarch, expressing his gratitude. The Patriarch then instructed the disciples to lead Wukong outside the inner gate and teach him the etiquette of sweeping, serving, advancing, and retreating. The disciples complied and escorted him out.
Once outside, Wukong bowed to his senior brothers again and arranged his sleeping quarters under the eaves. From the next day onward, he began learning language, manners, scriptures, and meditation with his senior brothers. He practiced writing, burned incense, and adhered to this routine daily. During his free time, he swept the floors, tended the garden, nurtured flowers, pruned trees, gathered firewood, fetched water, and prepared other necessities. Time passed quickly, and before he knew it, six or seven years had elapsed in the cave.
One day, the Patriarch ascended the dais to give a lecture on the Great Dao. The lecture was nothing short of extraordinary:
Heavenly flowers cascaded, golden lotuses sprouted from the ground.
The teachings of the three vehicles were profound, encompassing the entire truth of all laws.
With a flick of the dust whisk, pearls of wisdom flowed,
echoing like thunder, shaking the heavens.
He spoke of the Dao elaborated on Zen,
harmonizing the truths of all three teachings as if they were inherently one.
Enlightening the mind to sincerity with a single word,
he revealed the mysteries of the unborn nature.
Wukong, enraptured by the teachings, couldn’t contain his joy. He scratched his ears, grinned widely, and began dancing with his hands and feet. The Patriarch noticed and called out, “Wukong! Why are you acting so wildly in the middle of the lecture?”
Wukong replied, “Master, I am sincerely listening to your teachings. When your profound words touched my heart, I couldn’t help but dance with joy. Please forgive me!”
The Patriarch said, “Since you understand the beauty of my words, let me ask you: how long have you been in this cave?”
Wukong replied, “Master, I was naive and did not keep track of time. However, I recall going to gather firewood behind the mountain when there was no fire in the stove. I found a peach tree there and have eaten my fill of its fruits seven times.”
The Patriarch said, “That mountain is called Rotten Peach Mountain. Since you’ve eaten there seven times, you must have been here for seven years. What do you wish to learn from me now?”
Wukong eagerly replied, “Master, I am willing to follow any of your teachings, as long as I can acquire some of the Dao.”
The Patriarch said, “There are 360 auxiliary paths under the character ‘Dao,’ each leading to a true result. Which one do you wish to learn?”
Wukong responded, “I will follow your guidance wholeheartedly.”
The Patriarch said, “How about I teach you the path of ‘Arts’?”
Wukong asked, “What is the path of ‘Arts’?”
The Patriarch explained, “This path involves summoning spirits, divination, geomancy, and understanding how to avoid misfortune.”
Wukong asked, “Can these practices grant immortality?”
The Patriarch replied, “No, they cannot.”
Wukong firmly said, “Then I won’t learn them!”
The Patriarch said, “How about the path of ‘Schools’?”
Wukong inquired, “What does the path of ‘Schools’ entail?”
The Patriarch answered, “This path includes the teachings of Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism, Yin-Yang philosophy, and others. It involves studying scriptures, chanting, and venerating the divine.”
Wukong asked again, “Can this path grant immortality?”
The Patriarch replied, “It can, but it is like a pillar within a wall—it will eventually decay and fail to provide lasting support.”
Wukong retorted, “If it’s not enduring, I won’t learn it either!”
The Patriarch then offered, “How about the path of ‘Stillness’?”
Wukong asked, “What results does ‘Stillness’ bring?”
The Patriarch explained, “This involves fasting, meditation, asceticism, and abstinence. It emphasizes tranquility and retreat.”
Wukong asked, “Can this lead to immortality?”
The Patriarch replied, “It is like an unfired brick—it will crumble under heavy rain.”
Wukong laughed, “Master, your metaphors are clever, but I won’t learn this either!”
The Patriarch continued, “Then what about the path of ‘Action’?”
Wukong inquired, “What does the path of ‘Action’ involve?”
The Patriarch described, “It entails alchemical practices such as refining elixirs, using medicinal herbs, and pursuing physical cultivation.”
Wukong asked, “Will this grant immortality?”
The Patriarch replied, “This path is like catching the moon’s reflection in water. Though it appears reachable, it is ultimately an illusion.”
Wukong said resolutely, “I won’t learn it either!”

The Secret Teaching of the Immortal Path

Hearing Wukong’s repeated refusals to learn, the Patriarch let out a sharp exclamation, leapt off the dais, and grabbed his disciplinary ruler. Pointing at Wukong, he scolded, “You impudent monkey! Refusing this and refusing that—what do you plan to learn, then?” He stepped forward, struck Wukong three times on the head, then clasped his hands behind his back, walked into the inner chamber, and shut the central door, leaving everyone behind.

The disciples, frightened by the patriarch’s actions, whispered amongst themselves in fear and resentment. “This foolish monkey is truly insufferable! The master was willing to teach him, yet he dared to argue back. Now that he has upset the Master, it’s uncertain when he will return. They scolded Wukong, calling him unruly and shameful, and looked down on him.

However, Wukong was unfazed, wearing only a sheepish smile. Secretly, he had already deciphered the hidden message behind the patriarch’s actions. The three strikes on his head symbolized the timing—at the third watch of the night, he should prepare his heart. The patriarch’s gesture of clasping his hands behind his back and closing the central door signified a directive to enter through the back door for a private teaching.

That day, Wukong joined the others in feigned cheerfulness, waiting anxiously in front of the Three Stars Cave for the evening to arrive. At dusk, they all went to bed, pretending to sleep, but Wukong regulated his breathing, calming his mind. Since the mountain had no bells or signals to mark time, he relied on the rhythm of his own breath.

Around midnight, Wukong rose quietly, dressed, and slipped out through the front door without waking anyone. He looked up to see:

The moon bright, the dew cold,
No dust in the vast heavens.
Birds nestled in silent trees,
Streams gurgling through unseen springs.

Fireflies scattered fleeting light,
Wild geese carved lines through the clouds.
It was the third watch—time to seek the true path.

Following the familiar path, Wukong arrived outside the back door, which was slightly ajar. Delighted, he thought, “Master must indeed have planned to teach me. That’s why the door is open.” He stepped inside and tiptoed to the patriarch’s bed. Seeing the Patriarch sleeping curled up, Wukong kneeled by the bedside, careful not to disturb him.

Soon, the Patriarch stirred, stretched out his legs, and murmured to himself:

“Difficult! Difficult! Difficult!
We should not take the Dao lightly; it is profound.
Without meeting a true master to reveal the secrets,
“One’s words are empty, leaving the tongue dry and weary.”

Hearing this, Wukong called out, “Master! Your disciple has been kneeling here for a long time.”

Recognizing the voice, the Patriarch sat up, threw on his robe, and sat cross-legged. “You rascal! Why aren’t you sleeping in the front like the others? Why are you sleeping in the back at this hour?

Wukong replied respectfully, “Master, you promised yesterday during the lecture that I should come through the back door at the third watch to receive your teaching. That’s why I dared to approach your bed.”

The Patriarch, now overjoyed, thought to himself, “This monkey is truly extraordinary, a natural prodigy! Otherwise, how could he solve the hidden riddle in my actions so quickly?

Wukong continued, “Master, there are no other ears present here tonight. Please show me enormous mercy and teach me the art of immortality. I will never forget your kindness!”

The patriarch smiled. I will impart this teaching to you because it is your destiny. Come closer and listen carefully.”

Wukong knelt attentively, washing his ears with focus as the patriarch began:

“The ultimate secret blends the obvious and hidden,
It is treasured for preserving life—it speaks of no other.

Spirit, essence, and energy—guard them well,
Seal them tight, and let no leakage betray them.

No leakage means health inside.
What I teach will help you thrive.

Memorize the key words for endless benefit,
Remove desires to find true peace.

In peace, you’ll shine bright,
It’s as though you’re admiring the moon on the alchemy platform.

The moon holds a jade rabbit, the sun a golden crow,
A serpent and tortoise intertwine in harmony.

This unity strengthens life and spirit.
Let a golden lotus blossom in the midst of fire.

Reversing the five elements with skill,
You’ll ascend as Buddha or immortal once perfected.”

Understanding the profound teaching, Wukong committed every word to memory. He kneeled, kowtowed, and expressed his deep gratitude to the Patriarch. After exiting through the back door, he saw the eastern sky faintly brightening while golden light illuminated the west.

Following the same path, Wukong quietly returned to the front of the cave, pushed the door open, and settled back into his original sleeping spot. Pretending to wake, he shook his bedding and exclaimed, “Daylight! Daylight! Get up!” The other disciples, still fast asleep, had no idea that Wukong had already received the patriarch’s secret teachings.

Three years passed in a blink. The master once again ascended his ceremonial seat to lecture the gathered disciples. His teachings included analogies and metaphors, alongside discussions on the external forms of practice. Suddenly, he asked, “Where is Wukong?”

Sun Wukong stepped forward, kneeling respectfully. “Master, I am here.”

The Master asked, “What have you been practicing lately?”

Wukong replied, “Master, your guidance has greatly benefited me. My understanding of the essence of the Way has deepened, and my foundation has grown steady.”

The Master nodded and said, “If you’ve grasped the essence and strengthened your roots, it is time you guard against the ‘Three Calamities.’”

Hearing this, Wukong furrowed his brows in confusion. “Master, I’ve always heard that those who achieve outstanding virtue and walk in harmony with the heavens will enjoy eternal life. How could there be such a thing as the ‘Three Calamities’?”

The Master explained, “This is no ordinary path. Refining your essence and seizing the mysteries of heaven and earth invites the wrath of celestial forces. When your alchemy is complete, neither gods nor spirits will tolerate you. Even though your alchemy grants you longevity, a thunderous calamity will strike after 500 years, aiming to end your life. Clear-headedness and anticipation are essential to survival. If you avoid it, your life may extend indefinitely.

The fire calamity is expected to occur in another 500 years. An ‘internal fire’ arises from within the body. It will burn upward from the soles of your feet, reducing your organs to ash and your limbs to dust, nullifying centuries of cultivation.

The final calamity, known as the wind calamity, takes place 500 years later. This is not a natural wind but a destructive wind’ that enters through the crown of your head, ravaging your organs and scattering your body. To survive these disasters, you must prepare thoroughly.”

Wukong shuddered at the explanation and kneeled in reverence. “Master, please have mercy! Teach me how to avoid these calamities, and I shall forever remain grateful.”

The Master replied, “It is not a matter of difficulty, but your unique form complicates things. I cannot teach you the traditional methods.”

Wukong protested, “Master, I may differ from others, but I still have a head, limbs, and organs like everyone else. Why am I so different?”

The master chuckled. “You’re missing cheeks! But since you have that pouch under your jaw, I suppose we can make an exception.”

After a moment’s pause, the Master asked, “Would you rather learn the ‘36 Heavenly Transformations’ or the ‘72 Earthly Transformations’?”

Wukong eagerly replied, “Master, I wish to learn the 72 earthly transformations!”

The master nodded and whispered the secret techniques into Wukong’s ear. The clever monkey quickly grasped the methods and diligently practiced until he mastered them all.

One day, while playing with his disciples at the cave entrance, the Master asked, “Wukong, how is your progress?”

Wukong responded with gratitude, “Thanks to your immense kindness, Master, I’ve mastered the art of cloud walking.”

The master said, “Show me.”

Wukong leapt into the air, traveling five or six feet above the ground and hovering for a short distance before returning. “Master, is this not cloud walking?”

The master laughed. “This is mere hopping. True cloud walking spans thousands of miles in an instant.”

Intrigued, Wukong asked, “How can I achieve that?”

The master responded, “With practice, nothing is impossible. I’ll teach you the Somersault Cloud.’ One somersault will take you 108,000 miles.”

After learning the technique, Wukong grew more adept, much to the amusement and amazement of his fellow disciples.

One day, the disciples gathered under a pine tree, and someone asked Wukong to demonstrate his transformations. With a smirk, Wukong turned into a tall, stately pine tree, so lifelike that everyone applauded.

The commotion drew the master’s attention. He reprimanded the disciples for making a racket. “Such frivolity befits not those on the path of cultivation. Wukong, show restraint! Sharing your abilities recklessly will only invite trouble.”

The Master reluctantly said, “Your time here is over.” Return to where you came from.”

Heartbroken, Wukong pleaded, “Master, where shall I go?”

The master replied, “Back to your homeland.”

Realizing his fate, Wukong wept but bowed in acceptance. “I shall never forget your teachings, Master.”

The master sighed. “Just stay out of trouble and avoid bringing misfortune to me.”

Sun Wukong realized he had no choice but to bid farewell. Bowing deeply, he took leave of his master and fellow disciples. The Patriarch warned him sternly, “When you leave here, trouble will surely follow. No matter what havoc you wreak or fights you pick, you must never claim to be my disciple. If you so much as breathe my name, I will know. I’ll strip you of your skin, grind your bones to dust, and banish your spirit to the darkest depths of the underworld for eternity.”

Sun Wukong, trembling, replied, “I dare not utter your name, Master. I’ll simply say my skills are self-taught.”

Thanking his master, Sun Wukong summoned his cloud somersault technique and swiftly returned to the Eastern Sea. In less than an hour, he spotted his beloved Flower-Fruit Mountain and Water Curtain Cave. Filled with joy, he muttered to himself:

“I left as a mortal burdened by flesh; now I return light as the breeze. 
Few in this world strive to ascend, but with determination, the mysteries unfold. 
Once, crossing the sea was a struggle; now, coming and going is effortless. 
My master’s words continue to echo in my mind, and before I know it, I’ve returned to the Eastern Sea.”

Descending from the cloud, he arrived at the mountain and made his way home. Suddenly, he heard the calls of cranes and the cries of monkeys—a mix of joy and sorrow. The sound struck a deep chord in him. He shouted, “Children! Your king has returned!”

From the cliffs and undergrowth, countless monkeys emerged, young and old, surrounding him and crying, “Great King! You’ve finally come back! We’ve waited for you endlessly, as parched as fields waiting for rain! While you were away, a demon calling himself the Demon King of Chaos invaded, seizing our Water Curtain Cave. He captured many of our kin, forcing us to guard the ruins day and night without rest. If you had delayed even a few more years, we would have lost everything!”

Hearing this, Wukong grew furious. “Who dares to behave so outrageously? Tell me everything, and I’ll avenge you!”

The monkeys prostrated themselves. “Great King, this Demon King resides in the north.” He travels on clouds and storms, moving as fast as lightning. We don’t know how far away his lair is.”

“Stay here and don’t worry,” Wukong commanded. “Enjoy yourselves, and I’ll take care of this.”

With a mighty leap, he somersaulted northward until he reached a towering mountain. Its perilous beauty was striking.

“Jagged peaks rise like brushes piercing the sky. 
Deep ravines echo with mysterious whispers. 
Blossoms compete for splendor; pines and bamboo for grace. 
Dragons on the left lie subdued; tigers on the right are docile and calm. 
Iron oxen plow unseen fields, while gold coins sprout like seeds. 
Strange birds call in the shadows; crimson phoenixes bask in the dawn. 
This place, with its glittering stones and serene streams, is both wild and awe-inspiring. 
Among the world’s countless famous mountains,
 few can rival this enduring scene, 
Where the cycles of bloom and decay hold no sway,
 and time itself seems frozen in place.”

As Wukong admired the landscape, he heard voices echoing nearby. Following the sounds, he descended the mountain and soon arrived at the entrance of the Water Essence Cave. Outside, a few lesser demons were dancing and playing.

Upon seeing Wukong, they scattered in fear.

“Stop!” Wukong shouted. “Tell your master this: I am the rightful ruler of Flower Fruit Mountain and the Water Curtain Cave! Your so-called Demon King has repeatedly tormented my people. I’ve arrived to resolve the dispute and determine the true ruler.”

The little demon, flustered, ran into the cave and reported, “Master! Trouble has come!”

The Demon King asked, “What trouble?”

“A monkey is outside claiming to be the ruler of Flower-Fruit Mountain and Water Curtain Cave. He says you’ve repeatedly harassed his people and has come to settle the score,” the little demon replied.

The Demon King chuckled, “I’ve heard those monkey imps talk about their king who left to practice immortality. It seems he’s finally returned. Tell me, how does he look? Does he carry any weapons?”

The little demon answered, “He’s unarmed, bare-headed, wearing a red robe tied with a yellow sash, and black boots on his feet. He doesn’t look like a monk, a priest, or even an immortal—just a bare-fisted, shouting monkey.”

The Demon King laughed and said, “Fetch my armor and weapons!”

The little demon hurried to bring his gear. The Demon King donned his battle armor, took his blade, and stepped out with his followers. He roared, “Who claims to be the master of Water Curtain Cave?”

Sun Wukong opened his sharp eyes and sized him up. The Demon King was an imposing sight.

The sun illuminated a black-gold helmet, while a black robe fluttered in the breeze. 
Steel armor cinched tight,
 flower-patterned boots adding flair. 
The figure, standing nine feet tall and ten feet wide at the waist, wields a blade as sharp as a lightning strike. 
The Demon King of Chaos is a truly terrifying figure.

Sun Wukong shouted back, “You scoundrel! Can’t you see me standing here?”

The Demon King laughed, “You’re barely four feet tall, not even thirty years old, and you’re unarmed. How dare you act so boldly? What’s your business with me?”

Sun Wukong retorted, “You blind fool! You underestimate me because I’m small? Growing bigger isn’t challenging for me! You think I’m unarmed? My fingers can hook the moon from the heavens! Stop boasting and take this punch!”

With that, Sun Wukong leapt forward and swung a fist at the Demon King’s face. The Demon King blocked it with his arm and said, “You’re so short, and I’m so tall. Using my blade against you would be overkill and a joke. Let’s fight barehanded instead!”

Sun Wukong smirked, “Now you’re talking, big guy! Come at me!”

The Demon King dropped his blade and lunged at Wukong. The two clashed fiercely, trading punches and kicks. Wukong’s shorter frame gave him an advantage in close combat, and he struck the Demon King’s ribs and groin repeatedly.

Frustrated, the Demon King grabbed his massive blade and swung at Wukong, who dodged effortlessly. Seeing the Demon King’s relentless attacks, Wukong plucked a strand of his fur, chewed it, and spat it into the air, shouting, “Transform!”

In an instant, the hairs transformed into hundreds of miniature monkeys, surrounding the Demon King. They scratched, bit, and kicked relentlessly. Some pulled his legs, others yanked his arms, a few poked his eyes, and one even crawled up his back to tweak his ears.

Overwhelmed, the Demon King couldn’t defend himself. Wukong seized the opportunity to snatch the Demon King’s blade, dispersing the small monkeys. With a single stroke, Wukong split the Demon King’s head in two.

Triumphant, Wukong led the monkeys into the cave, wiping out the remaining demons. He retrieved the stolen treasures and freed the captured monkeys. The freed monkeys, tearfully explaining their plight, said, “Great King, when you left to cultivate immortality, this demon enslaved us and took everything, even our stone pots and bowls.”

“Take back everything that belongs to us!” Wukong commanded. He then set the cave ablaze, burning it to ashes, and led the monkeys back to their home.

On their return, the monkeys cheered, but some were worried. “Great King, the path here was like riding on the wind. How will we find our way back?”

Wukong reassured them, “Don’t worry. I now command the same magic. Close your eyes, and don’t be afraid!”

He recited a spell, conjured a fierce wind, and transported them back to Flower-Fruit Mountain. “Open your eyes!” he called, and the monkeys found themselves home, filled with joy.

They celebrated with fruits, wine, and cheers, praising Wukong for his newfound power. Wukong shared his journey: “When I left, I wandered through the Eastern Sea to the Southern Continent, learning to act human. After years of aimless drifting, I crossed the Western Sea to find a legendary master who taught me the secrets of immortality.”

The monkeys marveled and asked, “What is your name now, Great King?”

“I now bear the surname Sun and the name Wukong,” he replied.

The monkeys cheered, “Then we are all part of the Sun family! Long live our king!”

The joyous celebration continued, with the monkeys drinking, feasting, and reveling in their victory.