NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 13 - Becoming Subodhi’s Disciple
Chapter 13 Becoming Subodhi’s Disciple—Learning the Dao at Spirit Platform and Square Inch Mountain!
In the forest, the woodcutter and the Handsome Monkey King conversed.
“Monkey Bro, I’m here!”
From afar, Yellow Wind King called out as he approached. He bowed respectfully to the woodcutter, saying, “Old Immortal, this junior greets you!”
His gaze was pure, untouched by dust. However, what he saw was different from ordinary beings.
[Race: Divine · Mountain God].
[Realm: Returning to the Void · Great Luo Immortal].
[Traits: Innate Earthly Veins (Five-Colored), Mountain-Bearing Body (Gold), Heaven’s Might Transformation (Gold)…].
The Mountain God of Square Inch Mountain?
Hiss, a Great Luo Immortal!
A true hidden powerhouse!
No wonder he claimed to be Subodhi’s neighbor—because he truly was!
Actually, just by looking at the silk belt around his waist and his new bamboo hat, along with his fair, unweathered face, it was obvious he was playing a role.
What kind of poor woodcutter, struggling to make ends meet and care for an aging mother, could afford a silk belt and remain untouched by sun and wind?
Only Monkey Bro could be fooled by this.
The woodcutter avoided receiving the bow and said, “I dare not accept such a title. How could a humble woodcutter be called an ‘immortal’?”
Yellow Wind King insisted, “You are worthy! I come from Yellow Wind Ridge in the Southern Continent. By chance, I came across a map and seek a true immortal.”
Knowing the woodcutter might be wary, he stated his origins and the reason for his visit. The woodcutter glanced at the wooden map in Yellow Wind King’s hand, pondered for a moment, then smiled.
“I am no immortal, but there is one in the mountain.”
“Follow that small path south for about seven or eight miles, and you will find his home.”
The Handsome Monkey King eagerly tried to pull him along as a guide, but the woodcutter declined, using the excuse of needing to provide for his elderly mother. Thus, Yellow Wind King and the Handsome Monkey King bid farewell and followed his direction, finding a road and heading south.
“Strange indeed!”
The woodcutter watched them leave. His appearance shifted—a robust man clad in black armor, wielding a battle-axe. Stroking his beard, he muttered—
“That Mo Family puzzle box is nearly impossible for the unintelligent to solve—yet a little demon cracked it? Even the Grandmaster probably didn’t expect this.”
“I can’t even divine his origins. Heh, interesting! Two monstrous prodigies appearing at once—someone’s going to have a headache!”
_____
The Handsome Monkey King and Yellow Wind King moved swiftly. Soon, they arrived at a cave dwelling, where clouds and mist shimmered with divine light. Outside the cave, exotic flowers bloomed, pines and cypresses formed lush forests, cranes wandered gracefully, and phoenix-like birds soared through the sky—truly a paradise of the immortals. Both demons marveled at the sight.
Approaching the entrance, they found the stone gates tightly shut—no signs of activity. Looking around, they noticed an inscription on a cliffside stone tablet, three zhang tall and eight chi wide.
It read.
[Spirit Platform and Square Inch Mountain, Slanted Moon and Three-Star Cave.].
The Handsome Monkey King beamed with joy. “The people here are honest—this mountain and cave really do exist!”
He stared at the stone for a while, but he didn’t dare knock. Instead, he nudged Yellow Wind King forward.
Yellow Wind King pondered—Subodhi is a master of divine foresight. He surely knows the Handsome Monkey King is here. Keeping the door closed is a test, isn’t it?
With his clear mind, he smiled and said, “Monkey Bro, the Old Immortal has shut his door, likely resting. True devotion to the Dao isn’t about rushing—it takes patience.”
“Let’s wait for him to open the door on his own. We must not disturb him.”
The Handsome Monkey King agreed.
“You’re right, brother!”
So, he refrained from knocking. Instead, he jumped onto a pine tree and picked pine nuts to eat. The Handsome Monkey King’s thinking wasn’t as meticulous as Yellow Wind King’s, but he had instinctual foresight, naturally avoiding harm and seeking fortune.
Otherwise, how could he have traveled from the Eastern Continent all the way here? Even crossing the East and West Seas wasn’t something just anyone could do. Indeed, he was blessed by destiny.
______
Inside the cave, Subodhi observed the scene, stroking his white beard.
“Clever and quick-witted, with an enlightened heart—he may enter my sect.”
After waiting for a short while, he ascended his platform to give a sermon. Then, he ordered a disciple.
“There are two seekers outside—go welcome them and bring them in.”
“Yes, Master!”
The disciple was surprised. Many had come here seeking immortality and the Dao, yet the Grandmaster rarely took notice of them personally. Today was truly unusual.
The disciple stepped outside and saw the Handsome Monkey King and Yellow Wind King.
Though curious, he did not show disdain—for they were already acknowledged by the Grandmaster.
After confirming their identities, he led them into the cave. A few steps in, he noticed Yellow Wind King carrying a spear and bow and instructed him to leave them on a stone platform, so as not to disturb the tranquility of the cave.
Following customs, Yellow Wind King complied. Then, from his satchel, he took out the Soul Capturing Bell and gifted it to the disciple. The disciple was taken aback, but found the trinket amusing. Since they were soon to be fellow disciples, he accepted it without hesitation.
[Race: Demon · White Tiger (100%)].
[Realm: Refining Spirit · Taiyi Celestial].
[Traits: Metal-Aligned Demon Physique (Gold), Heaven’s Might Transformation (Gold), Cloud Riding and Fog Stepping (Gold)… Playful and Lazy (Blue)…].
Seeing this information, Yellow Wind King had intentionally given him the bell—after all, a playful one would surely love trinkets.
No toy! Use a bell!
After receiving the gift, the disciple became more talkative. He introduced himself—Bai Huizi, a longtime servant of the Grandmaster.
Outside, the true appearance of the cave abode was hidden. Inside, however, it was a hidden paradise, filled with palatial halls, jade pavilions, and crystalline structures—grand and magnificent.
At last, they arrived at the Celestial Platform, where Subodhi was delivering his sermon. Seated high upon the platform, his white robes flowed like clouds, his aged yet youthful face radiated wisdom, and his presence was that of a true Daoist master.
His information was completely concealed—a list of “???”
Below him, thirty disciples stood, each with different expressions.
The Handsome Monkey King immediately prostrated himself, bowing countless times. The Yellow Wind King didn’t dare stare too much. He followed suit, bowing and kneeling—there would be plenty of time to observe later.
Subodhi stopped them and inquired about their origins. One was from the Eastern Continent, a Stone-Born Monkey, who crossed the vast seas to reach here—leaving the disciples in shock.
The other was from the Southern Continent, a Moon-Swallowing Demon, who solved an ancient puzzle and carried a token—which left the disciples both curious and puzzled.
Subodhi questioned them sternly. Both demons answered truthfully. Yellow Wind King presented his token, and thus, they were accepted as disciples.
The Grandmaster bestowed a surname upon the Handsome Monkey King—Sun.
His Daoist name: Sun Wukong.
Though Yellow Wind King already had a name, Subodhi still gave him a Daoist title: Huang Wuzhen. Both demons paid their respects in gratitude.
Subodhi then ordered his disciples to take them outside and teach them the rules of etiquette, conduct, and household duties. Once outside, they bowed to their senior brothers and were assigned their sleeping quarters.
Starting the next day, they learned proper speech, studied scriptures, practiced writing, and burned incense daily. During their free time, they swept the halls, tended the gardens, gathered firewood, and carried water.
In simple terms—they did chores. Yellow Wind King knew they were still in the probationary period. He dared not slack off—he trained diligently, striving to become the number one worker of Square Inch Mountain!