Chapter 212: Sun Wukong

Alex looked at the handsome monkey in front of him and smiled.

"Well, you could say that," he replied.

Hearing Alex's response, Sun Wukong was overjoyed. He hadn't expected to truly find an immortal. Bowing deeply once again, he said:

"Please, immortal, teach me your magic!"

Looking at this remarkable monkey—destined to become the future Great Sage Equal to Heaven and later the Victorious Fighting Buddha—Alex remained silent for a moment, contemplating a change to Sun Wukong's fate.

He couldn't bear to see the character he had admired be humiliated by the gods and Buddhas. Nor could he stand to watch the Great Sage Equal to Heaven turn into a conformist, restrained Buddha.

Certainly, altering Sun Wukong's destiny would undoubtedly entangle Alex in an immense web of karmic consequences.

But so what?

With his current strength, Alex had already surpassed the level of saints and was only slightly weaker than the Heavenly Dao of this world.

Even beings like the Heavenly Dao or OAA couldn't truly destroy him.

Even if he were to die, he would eventually resurrect in the chaotic sea after countless eons.

So, why fear opposing all the gods and Buddhas in the heavens?

He was determined to change Sun Wukong's fate.

Seeing Alex remain silent for a while, Sun Wukong grew a bit anxious. Suddenly, Alex smiled mysteriously and asked: "What kind of magic do you wish to learn?"

Sun Wukong's eyes lit up. He hadn't expected this immortal to truly agree to teach him celestial abilities. Jumping closer to Alex, he clasped his hands in a human-like manner and said: "Master, as long as you're willing to teach me, anything with even a hint of Dao will do!"

Alex shook his head.

"No, you don't need to call yourself my disciple. I'm not your teacher.

Your true master lies ahead, in the Cave of Three Stars. We're merely fellow seekers of the Dao discussing its principles.

So, how about I teach you the arts of divination, summoning spirits, and warding off evil?"

Sun Wukong thought for a moment before asking, "Immortal, will this grant me immortality?"

"It cannot, it cannot," Alex replied.

Hearing this, Sun Wukong shook his head vigorously. "Divination and summoning spirits are useless if I can't achieve immortality. I won't learn it!"

"Then shall I teach you the art of chanting scriptures, worshiping gods, and invoking the divine?" Alex suggested.

"Will that grant me immortality?" Wukong asked again.

Alex's smile deepened. "It's like trying to grasp the moon's reflection in the water."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong rejected the idea once more.

"Immortal, you're speaking in riddles. I'm a straightforward monkey. What do you mean by 'grasping the moon's reflection in the water'?"

Alex laughed.

"The moon hangs in the sky, but its reflection appears in the water. Though you can see it, you can't touch it—it's ultimately an illusion."

"So you're saying chanting scriptures and worshiping gods is pointless? Then I won't learn it!" Wukong declared.

"Fine. Shall I teach you to meditate, practice asceticism, and maintain discipline?" Alex asked.

"Will that grant me immortality?" Sun Wukong persisted, his goal unwavering.

Alex's smile grew even wider.

"It's like admiring flowers in a mirror—beautiful but unreachable."

"Then I won't learn it! Meditation and asceticism are no match for mastering weapons and combat skills. Immortal, suggest something else!" Sun Wukong said, his determination clear.

This was the question asked by the Bodhi Patriarch to Sun Wukong.

In the original story, the Bodhi Patriarch would pretend to be angry at this point, tapping Sun Wukong on the head three times.

But Alex wouldn't do that.

His bright blue eyes, glowing with chaos and divine brilliance, shimmered as he continued:

"Then I shall teach you the art of defying the heavens, overturning the universe itself. But be warned—this technique is forbidden by the heavens and will make you an enemy of the celestial order. When that time comes, you will face an army of 100,000 celestial soldiers sent to destroy you.

Do you dare to learn it?"

Sun Wukong didn't answer immediately. Instead, he asked:

"Immortal, will this grant me immortality?"

Alex laughed heartily and replied:

"Not only immortality. If you master this technique fully, you will gain the power of a saint! At that point, you'll be able to reverse causality, upend heaven and earth, break the cycle of life and death, and be free from the constraints of all rules.

Do you dare to learn it?"

How could the future Great Sage Equal to Heaven, who dared to wreak havoc in the Heavenly Court, hesitate? Bowing deeply, Sun Wukong declared: "Please, Immortal, teach me!"

Alex laughed and extended a finger, placing it gently on Sun Wukong's forehead. A vast stream of incomprehensible knowledge and immense power flowed into Sun Wukong's mind, embedding itself in his spiritual sea and sealing itself there.

This seal was designed to grow stronger as Sun Wukong's power increased, unlocking more of its potential over time.

What Alex bestowed upon Sun Wukong was none other than one of his own abilities: The Power of Chaos.

Unlike his other abilities, this one had a singular effect—absolute energy manipulation.

It allowed the absorption of energy, amplification of energy, and a reduction of energy consumption through rule-breaking mechanics. In the ancient times of the Primordial Era, this would have been the ultimate path of strength—becoming a saint through raw power!

A path of absolute dominance through strength was a perfect match for the Great Sage Equal to Heaven.

Once Sun Wukong absorbed the fragment of knowledge released from the seal, he immediately understood that what Alex had granted him was an extraordinary, heaven-defying technique.

When he opened his eyes, ready to express his gratitude, he found that the immortal had vanished.

Sun Wukong searched the area, asking about Alex's whereabouts, but no one could provide any answers. Left with no choice, he moved forward, continuing on his journey.

Several days passed as Sun Wukong traveled. Eventually, he arrived at a great mountain, where he heard the sound of a woodcutter singing in the distance:

"Playing chess till the board decays, chopping wood with steady strokes, wandering leisurely near the valley edge.

Selling firewood, buying wine, laughing freely and living content.

On the steep paths of autumn, beneath the moonlight, I rest on pine roots till dawn.

Recognizing the old woods, climbing cliffs, cutting dead vines with my axe.

Gathering a load of wood, I sing while heading to the market, trading it for three measures of rice.

There's no scheming or competition, just simple, peaceful living.

In moments of encounter, one might be a sage or an immortal, quietly meditating and discussing the Yellow Court scripture."

Hearing this, Sun Wukong quickened his pace toward the woodcutter.

Even though Sun Wukong had only scratched the surface of the Power of Chaos, the energy coursing through him granted him strength far beyond that of any ordinary being.

Using his formidable physical capabilities, he leaped forward like the Hulk, reaching the woodcutter in the blink of an eye.

Looking at him, Sun Wukong eagerly asked: "Old immortal!"

The woodcutter, taken aback, shook his head and replied: "I'm just a simple woodcutter—how could I possibly be an immortal?

But you, descending from the sky just now, are far more fitting of the title 'immortal.'"

The woodcutter's face remained calm, looking every bit like an ordinary woodcutter, but inside, he was utterly astonished.

According to the Patriarch's calculations, Sun Wukong should have taken at least half a month to arrive at the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars. Yet here he was, already at the mountain.

And not only that—how had he already gained a measure of magical power and cultivated a body as strong as a demon with centuries of practice? Could it be that he had encountered some great fortune along the way?

Sun Wukong, of course, had no idea what was running through the woodcutter's mind. Even though he had spent decades honing himself in the mortal world, he still possessed a pure and innocent heart, devoid of any cunning or guile.

With a hearty laugh, he declared,

"Hahaha! I met another immortal on my journey. He granted me a technique, which is why I've reached my current level of strength.

But although that immortal's technique is powerful, it doesn't teach me the arts of attack or transformation. That's why I'm still searching for another immortal to learn from."

"Oh, I see, I see," the woodcutter replied, no longer dwelling on the matter. The unusual changes in Sun Wukong's body could be left for the Patriarch to consider. "If you wish to find the immortal you seek, just keep following this mountain path. At the summit of Mount Lingtai, you'll find the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars. The immortal resides within."

When Sun Wukong finally reached the summit, he indeed saw the legendary cave. A young celestial servant emerged to meet him, exchanged a few words, and led him inside to meet the Bodhi Patriarch.

This, however, was no ordinary setting—it was the real Primordial World.

Unlike the humble, worn-down Daoist temple depicted in TV dramas, the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars was a true celestial paradise.

As Sun Wukong entered, he was greeted by clouds of immortal mist, cranes soaring elegantly through the skies, and numerous grand buildings radiating dazzling divine light. The entire scene was extraordinary, a place where mortals could only dream of setting foot.

Guided by the celestial servant, Sun Wukong arrived at the grand central hall. Sitting at the main seat of the hall was an elder with a youthful face, white hair, and an aura that exuded transcendence. His eyes were closed, as if he were in meditation.

Sun Wukong wanted to speak but was promptly stopped by the celestial servant. "Do not speak out of turn. Wait for the Patriarch to finish his meditation."

Although Sun Wukong didn't understand what "meditation" meant, it sounded impressive. Thus, he obediently waited until the Patriarch opened his eyes.

Thanks to the Power of Chaos that Alex had bestowed upon him, Sun Wukong now carried himself with the mannerisms of a true cultivator. He remained composed and didn't cause any trouble within the hall, avoiding the possibility of being thrown out by the Patriarch.

When the Bodhi Patriarch opened his eyes, he observed Sun Wukong closely. Coupling what he saw with the information his disciple had sent him earlier, the Patriarch confirmed that Sun Wukong had indeed gained some extraordinary fortune.

But something about this situation puzzled him.

With his current cultivation level, the Patriarch could observe the threads of fate. In his predictions, Sun Wukong was not supposed to encounter any sort of fortune before arriving at the cave.

And yet, here he was, clearly imbued with a power that the Patriarch himself could not fully comprehend.

To his disciple's eyes, Sun Wukong merely seemed stronger—perhaps capable of defeating a demon with centuries of cultivation. But in the Patriarch's eyes, Sun Wukong was constantly interacting with his surroundings, absorbing energy from the environment to strengthen himself.

If left unchecked, this natural absorption of energy meant that even without formal cultivation, Sun Wukong's physical strength would continue to grow over time. The only limit to his power would be the limits of the environment he inhabited.

This phenomenon reminded the Patriarch of a great being long since gone—Pangu, the Chaos Demon God.

Pangu's early state was strikingly similar to Sun Wukong's current condition. Lacking any other means, Pangu relied solely on his unmatched physical strength.

If Sun Wukong were to exist within the primordial chaos before the heavens and earth were divided, and if he managed to survive there for endless eons, he might indeed have the potential to reach Pangu's level of greatness.

Upon realizing this, the Bodhi Patriarch was secretly astonished. How had this fated disciple of his obtained such an extraordinary and heaven-defying opportunity?

At the same time, he felt a deep concern. In the original course of destiny, Sun Wukong would have already caused a tremendous upheaval even without such fortune.

Now that he had gained this extraordinary opportunity, what kind of chaos would he bring?

The Patriarch wasn't worried about the so-called myriad Buddhas, nor about the gods and demons of the Heavenly Court. His only concern was for his disciple.

In the original timeline, Sun Wukong's mischief had resulted in his imprisonment under Five Elements Mountain, but the crime wasn't punishable by death.

If the chaos this time was even greater, the Patriarch feared that he might not be able to protect Wukong from the consequences.

Despite the thoughts racing in his mind, the Bodhi Patriarch's vast years of cultivation kept his expression calm and unreadable.

He asked Wukong, "What is your name? Where do you come from, and how did you arrive here?"

Sun Wukong respectfully replied, ending with: "Master, I was born from a stone that split open on Mount Huaguo, so I have no name or surname."

The Bodhi Patriarch feigned realization: "Ah, so you are a child of heaven and earth. Judging by your appearance and mannerisms, you resemble a monkey. You shall take the surname 'Sun' and the Daoist name 'Wukong.' Does that please you?"

Being given a name and formally accepted as a disciple, Sun Wukong was overwhelmed with excitement and completely lost the composure he had shown earlier.

He began jumping and shouting in the grand hall: "Master has taken me in! Master has taken me in!"

---

While Sun Wukong remained at the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars, cultivating under the Bodhi Patriarch, Alex continued to explore the vast Primordial World.

One of Alex's favorite pastimes was visiting entertainment districts and listening to songs. In areas rich with spiritual energy, even mortals were nourished by its essence, resulting in exceptional beauty among the population.

Among these mortals, the women chosen as flower queens were especially stunning, each resembling the most famous internet celebrities from Alex's previous life.

During his travels, Alex discovered a peculiar sect called the "Sect of Harmonious Joy."

This sect cultivated by absorbing the vital essence of mortals. However, unable to openly seize energy under the watchful eyes of the righteous sects, they operated discreetly through brothels, where they subtly extracted the essence they needed.

Over years of development, these brothels spread across towns and cities, attracting nobles and the elite.

Alex, intrigued by the discovery of cultivators playing music within one such brothel, quickly grew fond of the atmosphere. He spent much of his time frequenting these establishments, enjoying the performances and engaging in subtle mind games with the sect's women.

Of course, even while entertaining himself, Alex didn't neglect his training. He split his focus, training his skills while simultaneously consuming and absorbing the magical essence of the Harry Potter universe.

During this period, Alex's energy reserves grew rapidly, and the proficiency of his skills advanced at an astonishing pace. He was now on the verge of reaching level eight.

In his cultivation, Alex sensed that the three skills he had condensed and refined could still be further fused and elevated until they eventually merged into a single ultimate ability.

When that day arrived, his power and cultivation would transcend all limits, and his strength would become fully integrated.

Alex also had a premonition: the moment his skills fully merged would mark the peak of his Minecraft Steve template and trigger a special reward from the system.

The cultivation world he was currently in used spirit stones as currency. For Alex, generating spirit stones was effortless—his dimensional universe could produce hundreds of billions of them in mere seconds.

With an inexhaustible supply of wealth, Alex frequently reserved entire brothels, monopolizing the flower queens and leading courtesans for himself.

While the brothel owners were overjoyed, and the Sect of Harmonious Joy benefited greatly, not everyone was pleased.

Some customers, particularly wealthy cultivators, began to feel disgruntled.

"This is just monopolizing public resources!" they complained.

"Does being rich make you so entitled?"

One day, beneath the brothel Alex frequented, a group of several dozen middle-aged and young men gathered.

All of them were well-dressed, radiating an aura of cultivation, their clothing bearing the marks of high-ranking sects.

The leader of the group, a young man with a commanding presence, stepped forward and addressed the others: "Brothers, today we are here to teach Alex a lesson and put an end to his arrogance!"