Rat in Yellow Wind Ridge, rising from plundering entries

Chapter 12 Plundering the Handsome Monkey King’s Golden Trait—Lingming (Gold)!

In the mountain forest, mist spread everywhere. Yellow Wind King stepped forward, sparring with the Handsome Monkey King while secretly unleashing his demon power. Gathering his energy, he created a thick fog, gradually shrouding the surroundings.

At the same time, he shook his Soul Capturing Bell, which had the effects of hypnosis and sedation. Amid the shifting mist, the drunken Monkey King felt dizzy. Soon, his punches weakened, and he collapsed to the ground. The moment he fell, he immediately fell asleep. Yellow Wind King dragged him out of the circle.

[You have defeated the demon, the Innate Sage Monkey. Randomly plundering the Handsome Monkey King’s trait: Lingming (Gold). Do you wish to integrate it?].

[Lingming (Gold): Your mind is naturally enlightened. You learn effortlessly, master skills to perfection, see through the celestial numbers, and have a body attuned to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven, earth, the sun, and the moon.].

“Hiss… it’s a golden trait!”

Yellow Wind King was overjoyed.

After reading the description, he wondered, Lingming? Shouldn’t it be Innate Lingming?

“Is it because I obtained it postnatally, so it was downgraded by a rank?”

“Forget it, I shouldn’t be greedy.”

Consoling himself, he decided, “Integrate!”

[You have integrated the trait: Lingming (Gold).].

Whoosh!

A gentle breeze brushed past. Yellow Wind King’s physique underwent another transformation. His meridians were now fully unblocked, his spiritual apertures all opened, and he began absorbing spiritual energy at every moment.

Previously, he had the potential for cultivation. But now, he had a Dao Body, a natural genius for cultivation—his aptitude had been greatly enhanced. And that wasn’t all.

When Yellow Wind King opened his eyes, the world before him—mountains, rivers, trees, grass—everything appeared different. More vivid, overflowing with spiritual essence. His mind became exceptionally clear, as if all dust had been swept away. Like a polished mirror, it reflected all things, illuminating the vast landscapes.

Every piece of knowledge he had ever learned from his past life, everything from primary school to university, to experiences in society—all information he had ever encountered became crystal clear in his mind.

From this life, all the cave manuscripts, artifact-forging notes, and even that chest of scriptures from the three teachings—all perfectly remembered.

A vast treasure trove of knowledge formed within him, granting him insights into transformations, celestial phenomena, and earthly advantages. Moreover, the knowledge he previously struggled to understand suddenly became comprehensible.

It was a profound yet very real sensation. Because knowledge works that way—When you understand, you understand. If you don’t, no matter how much you rack your brain, you won’t get it.

This was the difference between a genius and an ordinary person. The Lingming (Gold) trait did not change his cultivation level or bloodline. Instead, it was a transformation of the mind at the deepest level.

And the wisdom it granted him even triggered trait upgrades—[You have gained insight. ‘Artifact Forging Apprentice (White)’ has upgraded to ‘Artifact Forger (Blue)’!].

[Artifact Forger (Blue): Your success rate in crafting magical artifacts increases by 30%, and you have a 1% chance of creating a spiritual artifact.].

[You have gained insight. ‘Formation Novice (White)’ has upgraded to ‘Formation Master (Blue)’!].

[Formation Master (Blue): You have a deeper understanding of restrictions and formations. You can now learn and set up intermediate formations and prohibitions.].

Clearly—Yellow Wind King’s enhanced memory and learning ability accelerated his knowledge-based traits, creating a positive feedback loop.

“In Journey to the West, Monkey Bro’s greatest strength is learning. He often recites famous lines, and the Lingming talent is the reason why.”

This was the foundation of wisdom. Whether in cultivation or any other pursuit, those with innate wisdom learned twice as fast. Masters preferred to teach such students.

Sun Wukong’s wisdom was most evident when Patriarch Subodhi knocked his head three times—who else would have understood that hidden message?

With the token and my intelligence combined, I should be able to enter the Three Star Cave and learn true Daoist skills now, right?

Yellow Wind King pondered.

In the night breeze, he meditated beneath the moonlight, refining his body and nurturing his spirit. The spiritual energy within ten miles surged toward him at a hundred times the usual intensity.

His demon core was refined, and his entire body glowed under the moon’s radiance. The phantom of a giant Moon-Swallowing Rat shrouded his form. A spectral figure, over a hundred feet tall, exuded the aura of an ancient fierce beast, deterring lesser demons from approaching.

Meanwhile, the Handsome Monkey King stirred in his sleep, half-opening his drunken eyes before rolling over. His wisdom and instincts were keen, always avoiding misfortune and seeking fortune. How could he not be on guard?

He had merely played along to see what the mouse was after.

Sensing that Yellow Wind King harbored no intent to kill or harm him, he relaxed and fell into deep sleep. As for the sight of absorbing the sun and moon’s spiritual energy, the Monkey King had seen it many times back on Flower Fruit Mountain.

Every full moon, countless demons performed similar practices. But alas, none of it granted immortality, making it useless to him. The Handsome Monkey King sought the Great Dao of Eternal Life, not the minor arts of common demons.

Before dawn, Yellow Wind King finished his cultivation.

“In just one night, my efficiency was dozens of times higher than before. No wonder Monkey Bro swept the floor for seven years and became immortal in three!”

“A genius? More like a supreme learning god!”

The Yellow Wind King was deeply shaken and filled with admiration.

“If you do not cultivate, then seeing me is like a frog in a well gazing at the moon.”

“If you do cultivate, then seeing me is like an ant looking up at the vast sky.”

“No! I shall not be discouraged!”

“Give me time, and within my reach—even gods and Buddhas shall bow before me!”

Yellow Wind King suppressed his emotions and reignited his determination. He packed his belongings and shook the Monkey King awake.

“Monkey Bro, time to go!”

“Eh? What time is it?”

The Handsome Monkey King groggily yawned, stumbled to the riverbank to wash his face, and then set off toward Mount Fangcun with Yellow Wind King.

After five or six days, a breathtaking mountain range finally emerged before them. The peaks stood majestic, serene yet imposing.

“We’re here! We’re here!”

Holding the wooden map, Yellow Wind King gazed at the towering mountains and inhaled deeply. A refreshing fragrance of rare flowers and spiritual herbs filled the air. In an instant, all his travel fatigue vanished.

The Handsome Monkey King, overjoyed, exclaimed—”What a magnificent mountain! Deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, towering bamboo, ancient pines—forever verdant, eternally lush!”

Just as they were about to advance, from within the forest, a voice recited.

“Watching chess as the wood decays, chopping trees with rhythmic knocks…”

“This must be an immortal or a Daoist, quietly meditating and reciting scriptures!”

The Handsome Monkey King’s eyes lit up.

“Brother, it’s a celestial being!”

Excited, he rushed into the woods.

The Yellow Wind King thought to himself.

Isn’t this the lumberjack NPC who gives Monkey Bro directions? I must follow closely—can’t let my efforts go to waste!

He hurried in pursuit.

“Monkey Bro, wait for me!”

Inside the forest, The Handsome Monkey King was already conversing with a woodcutter dressed in plain robes, wearing a simple sash. Seeing Yellow Wind King, the woodcutter looked surprised.

With one hand tucked into his sleeve, he began calculating with his fingers—while explaining the meaning of his song, the history of the mountain, and the origins of its master…