95: The ape enters the temple to serve incense, and the crowd witnesses this wondrous sight and discovers the true meaning of life.
Qingfeng Temple, where the Golden Core was newly formed, reopened to pilgrims after three days of closed-door meditation.
The Mountain Gate opened again, and pilgrims who had been waiting for a long time and heard the news swarmed in. Compared to before, the number of people had more than doubled, including many strange faces from far away with varying expressions. Some knelt and bowed piously, some looked around curiously, and some had flickering gazes, as if they were searching for or observing something.
Li Muchen had long expected this and appeared as usual. Every morning, he performed his morning lessons under the ancient cypress tree. During the day, he either studied the "Supreme Clarity Purple Mansion Returning to Origin True Scripture" in his quiet room, or tried to nourish the "azure heavens" Immortal Sword with his Golden Core's Origin energy. Occasionally, he would step out to interpret divinations and answer questions for pilgrims who were truly troubled. His attitude was peaceful and indifferent, showing no arrogance despite achieving the Golden Core, nor any impatience toward the sudden increase in attention.
However, the most eye-catching thing in the temple these past few days was not the Temple Head himself, but a "new member."
It was a monkey.
An extraordinary ape about half a person's height, slightly larger than a common mountain monkey, with pale golden fur all over and a streak of silver-white extending from the top of its head to the tip of its tail along its spine. Its eyes were exceptionally agile and bright, shining with a wisdom that far surpassed that of a beast. Although it retained the agility of an ape in its movements, there was no trace of a beast's restlessness or wildness. Instead, its steps were steady, and its every gesture carried an... indescribable sense of "order."
This golden-furred ape was, naturally, the Demon Ape from the back mountain that Li Muchen had enlightened and named "Wukong."
Since their parting at the underground cave that day, Wukong had kept Li Muchen's guidance and the "Three Seals of Mind Stabilization" and "Earth Fire Refining Gold Returning to Origin Diagram" in mind. Returning to the depths of Poison Dragon Ravine, he used the earth fire and the remaining spiritual charm of the vermilion fruit tree to Cultivate diligently, refining the ferocious Qi within his body and comprehending his Bloodline Origin. He was already gifted with a deep Spiritual Root, and after being enlightened by Li Muchen's heart seal, his spiritual aperture was opened, and his progress in Cultivation was extremely rapid.
In just a few short days, although he had not yet refined his throat bone to speak human language, his intelligence in his Sea of Consciousness had greatly increased, and his understanding of what Li Muchen had said and taught that day grew deeper. He even vaguely touched upon a crude Divine Ability in his Bloodline regarding "Size As One Wishes." After some attempts and pain, he successfully shrunk his original mountain-like massive body to its current size, similar to a common monkey. Although it lacked the overwhelming strength of its original form, it was more agile and convenient, and more suitable for moving around human dwellings.
More importantly, as the ferocious Qi daily dissipated and his spiritual terrace gradually cleared, his gratitude and affection for Li Muchen transformed into a strong desire to follow him and act as a Protector. He felt that since he had received enlightenment and a name, he should follow by his "teacher's" side, listen to his teachings, and protect the Daoist arena to fulfill his Karma and seek a righteous fruit.
Thus, on a morning when the morning dew had not yet dried, this golden-furred, agile-eyed ape with a shrunken body appeared outside the Mountain Gate of Qingfeng Temple.
He did not force his way in or shriek; he simply sat quietly on a stone stool to one side of the Mountain Gate, looking at the open temple gate with clear eyes, watching the figures passing within, and waiting patiently.
The first to discover him was Zhao Desheng. The old man was startled at first, thinking it was a wild monkey from somewhere, and was about to drive him away. However, he saw that the monkey was not only unafraid of people but instead stood up and, in a very decent manner, folded his front paws toward the temple gate just like a human and bowed slightly!
This completely bewildered Zhao Desheng. In all his years, he had seen dogs that understood human nature and parrots that could mimic speech, but a monkey so "polite" that it could bow was truly a first.
It just so happened that Li Muchen walked out of the courtyard after finishing his morning lessons and saw this scene at the gate. With a slight smile, he said calmly, "Let him in. This ape has a destiny with me and is named 'Wukong.' He may Cultivate in the temple in the future. You need not disturb him, nor should you neglect him."
Since the Temple Head had spoken, Zhao Desheng naturally complied and quickly made way. Hearing this, a look of obvious joy flashed in the eyes of the golden-furred ape "Wukong." He bowed respectfully to Li Muchen once more before stepping into the temple with light steps, appearing careful as if afraid his heavy footsteps would disturb the tranquility of this place.
From that day on, "Wukong" officially made his "home" in Qingfeng Temple.
He was extremely spiritual and strictly followed the "rules."
Every day when Li Muchen did his morning lessons under the ancient cypress tree, he would quietly come to a nearby spot, find a clean bluestone, and learn from Li Muchen's example. He would sit with his hind legs crossed and his front paws on his knees. Although he did not understand the deep meaning of the scriptures, he would also close his eyes and concentrate, seemingly feeling the dao rhyme and peaceful atmosphere within the chanting.
When the morning lessons ended and Li Muchen returned to his quiet room or did other things, Wukong did not run around causing trouble. Sometimes he would squat on the branches of the ancient cypress tree, quietly looking down at the courtyard with a vigilant gaze, as if performing his duties as a "Protector." Other times, he would take the initiative to help with whatever "chores" he could.
For example, he would learn from Zhao Desheng, picking up a large broom with his not-so-dexterous front paws and sweeping the fallen leaves in the courtyard in a crooked but exceptionally serious manner. The scene was somewhat comical, but no one laughed; instead, they felt that this monkey was so sensible it was heart-wrenching.
Or for example, when there were too many pilgrims and Zhao Xiaowen, Li Shiyu, and the others were too busy, Wukong would take the initiative to jump to the side of the incense table. When a pilgrim handed over incense and candles, he would catch them with his front paws and then clumsily but accurately insert them into the incense burner. He would even mimic Li Muchen's usual movements of pointing out directions for pilgrims, using his claws to point toward the main hall and making low "he-he" sounds in his throat, as if saying, "Go there to worship."
Even stranger was his attitude toward the pilgrims. Facing ordinary believers who knelt piously and had no distracting thoughts, he would appear very gentle, even occasionally reaching out his claws to lightly pat the person's arm, as if giving comfort or encouragement.
But if he encountered those with shifty eyes, frivolous behavior, or those clearly there just for the spectacle or with ulterior motives, he would immediately bristle his fur, bare his teeth, and let out a low warning sound, his eyes sharp as knives, scaring them so much they didn't dare act out. After a few times, even Zhao Desheng discovered that this monkey's "ability to read people" was stronger than many humans!
Wukong's appearance quickly became a unique sight in Qingfeng Temple, sparking great curiosity and discussion among the pilgrims.
"Look! That golden monkey is sweeping the floor again!"
"Heavens, it even hands out incense! Truly divine!"
"Have you noticed? This monkey seems to be able to read people's hearts! That guy looking all around just now was scared away by it."
"The Temple Head is truly an Immortal figure; even the monkey he keeps is so spiritual!"
"This is no ordinary monkey; I see it clearly as a Spirit Beast! It's the Temple-Protecting Divine Ape!"
Everyone was talking and amazed. But perhaps because Li Muchen's previous feat of "manifesting and Undergoing Tribulation" was too shocking, although everyone found it rare to see such an exceptionally spiritual ape by the Temple Head's side, they also felt it was "only natural"—isn't it normal for an Immortal-like figure to have a sentient Auspicious Beast by his side?
No one would have thought that this seemingly spiritual and lovable golden monkey was the terrifying giant demon that had charged out from the back mountain a few days ago, mountain-like in size with a sky-shaking roar, and had almost torn down the temple! The contrast between the two was simply too great.
Li Muchen did not interfere much with Wukong's arrival and performance, only occasionally casting an approving glance. He could feel that Wukong's behavior in the temple was not a deliberate attempt to please or perform, but a natural "near-Dao" state that emerged after his spirituality grew and his ferocity subsided. Under the influence of the Power Of Will from the incense and the tranquil atmosphere of the temple, it was also beneficial to his Cultivation.
This afternoon, the sun was just right.
Li Muchen had a rare moment of leisure, sitting by the stone table in the courtyard, slowly sipping wild tea brewed with mountain spring water. Wukong was squatting on the stone steps not far away, with several wild fruits given by Zhao Desheng placed before him. But he did not eat them immediately; instead, he learned from Li Muchen's example, picking up a fruit with his claws, bringing it to his nose to sniff, and then nibbling it in small bites, his posture actually having a bit of "refinement."
A young mother with a child finished offering incense and was about to leave, but the child stared at Wukong with wide eyes, refusing to go. The young mother was a bit embarrassed.
Wukong seemed to notice the child's gaze. He tilted his head and thought for a moment, then picked out the largest and reddest fruit from his pile, wiped it with his claws, and carefully handed it toward the child.
The child was surprised and happy, looking at his mother and then at Wukong. Seeing the Temple Head nodding with a smile, the young mother then let the child take it, repeatedly saying her thanks.
Wukong let out two low "he-he" cries and waved his paws, as if saying, "You're welcome."
This scene was seen by many pilgrims, who felt even more affection for this spiritual ape in their hearts.
Li Muchen put down his teacup and looked at Wukong, whose fur was golden and whose eyes were clear and peaceful in the sunlight, feeling a slight stir in his heart. He beckoned.
Wukong immediately put down the fruit, jumped over nimbly, and squatted at Li Muchen's feet, looking up at him with respectful and expectant eyes.
Li Muchen sent a message via Divine Thought, asking directly in his Spiritual Sense, "How is your comprehension of the 'Three Seals of Mind Stabilization' and the 'Returning to Origin Diagram' coming along?"
Wukong's spirits lifted, and he quickly responded with his Divine Thought. Although his Divine Thought was crude and far from as refined as Li Muchen's, the meaning expressed was clear and unmistakable: he had some realization of the Three Seals, his ferocious Qi was daily dissipating, and he could already sit in meditation for a moment at night; he was still exploring the "Returning to Origin Diagram," but his sense of his own Bloodline Power had become clearer, and shrinking his body was the result of an initial attempt.
Li Muchen nodded slightly: "Good. The Dao lies within daily life. During your time in the temple, your interactions with people and your chores are all part of heart Cultivation. Maintain this heart and persevere, and you will naturally make progress."
Wukong nodded vigorously, his eyes full of gratitude and determination.
Just then, a slightly noisy commotion came from outside the temple gate. It seemed that a new, large group of pilgrims had arrived, and among them were some discussions in accents different from the local one.
Li Muchen's expression remained unchanged, only saying faintly to Wukong, "Guests have arrived; go and see."
Hearing this, a flash of spiritual light appeared in Wukong's eyes. He immediately turned around and, with a few light leaps, arrived near the Mountain Gate. He squatted on the top of the wall, looking down at the arriving guests with a calm gaze, fulfilling his self-appointed duties of "Protector" and "observation."
In the courtyard, the tea fragrance curled.
Li Muchen picked up his teacup and gently blew away the steam.
Amidst the turmoil of the Mortal World, with the incense offering at its peak and the spiritual ape acting as a Protector, the Dao Heart remains steadfast.
The days at Qingfeng Temple seemed to be slowly unfolding in a brand new and more vivid manner.
And he, this young Temple Head, sat quietly at the intersection of this noise and tranquility, like a pillar holding back the sea, or a deep pool of an ancient well.
Observing, realizing, and moving forward.