Chapter 18: The New Ruler
The next day, Ao Luan reported the situation of the Southern Continent to Sun Wukong.
The first ruler of Han, in addition to showing favor to Huaguo Mountain, also had Ao Luan share some of Huaguo Mountain's management experiences.
"That first ruler said, our implemented management system has left the Human Clan in awe."
Ao Luan praised the first ruler of Han to Sun Wukong: "He truly is a visionary among humans."
The fact that the first ruler of Han sought advice before Huaguo Mountain's results were even out was evidence enough of his remarkable foresight.
Sun Wukong thought to himself, the supreme being of the Human Clan was indeed no ordinary person.
He did not visit the Southern Continent, yet the first ruler of Han, far from being discontented, treated Ao Luan with such enthusiasm. However, the more this was the case, the harder it was for Sun Wukong to fathom the first ruler's thoughts.
"We cannot become too close with the Southern Continent."
Sun Wukong said.
Whether it was the Han Dynasty or the subsequent Eastern Han, right up to the era of the pilgrimage during Great Tang, the human powers of the Southern Continent were immensely strong, capable of influencing the Three Realms. It was best for Huaguo Mountain to keep some distance from it.
Ao Luan then inquired about the changes in Huaguo Mountain: "Brother, how many demons have left these days?"
"Not many." Sun Wukong said, "A little over a hundred."
"A little over a hundred!"
Ao Luan gasped.
These were formidable demons who had left, and the departure of over a hundred at once was a significant loss.
"Brother, if I may speak frankly, these demons left not just for the sake of freedom."
Ao Luan said, "It's really because our rewards are too meager."
Sun Wukong raised his eyebrow at her, then laughed and said, "The fact that you understand this shows you have progressed."
In the trials at Huaguo Mountain, a good reward system was crucial, capable of involving even the least enthusiastic demons in the work.
Unfortunately, the rewards Huaguo Mountain provided could satisfy the minor demons, but not the powerful ones. With their broad divine skills, they could take whatever they wanted from the humans—how could they possibly stay obediently in Huaguo Mountain.
For a long time to come, there would be incidents of demons leaving Huaguo Mountain.
"If they love to leave, let them leave."
Sun Wukong laughed, "Who knows, maybe in a hundred years, they'll be begging to come back."
Ao Luan was astonished, "Brother, do you have another plan in your mind?"
"You will know soon enough."
Sun Wukong replied with a smile as he saw a monkey spirit rush hurriedly into Shuilian Cave.
"Great King, the King of the Kingdom of Aolai is critically ill!"
"Critically ill?"
Sun Wukong looked surprised, then stood up.
The King had been infused with his immortal energy and was immune to all diseases—how could he be critically ill.
Could it be that his lifespan had run out?
"I need to go see for myself."
After informing Ao Luan, Sun Wukong rode the Somersault Cloud to the Kingdom of Aolai.
At the Royal Palace of Aolai, Sun Wukong had barely touched down when he heard crying from the sleeping quarters.
"I fear I'm too late…"
With that thought flashing through his mind, Sun Wukong entered the sleeping chamber and saw, indeed, the old King had passed away.
"Father, Father!"
The young Prince was crying hysterically, lying over the bed.
Other princes and royal grandchildren who had just arrived seemed to have not had a chance to see the King for one last time, and they cried out loud as well.
Sun Wukong scanned the room and noticed two shadowy figures leading a soul down to the underworld.
"Could the two of you wait a moment?"
Sun Wukong spoke out.
Black and White Impermanence were startled and turned back to look at Sun Wukong. This demon could see them; he was no ordinary being.
"What is it you want?"
They asked.
Sun Wukong pointed to the soul, "Could you delay taking him away for a short while?"
Black and White Impermanence glanced at the disoriented soul: "This person's life has ended; he cannot be revived."
"No need for revival."
With a flick of his finger, Sun Wukong sent a beam of Immortal Light onto the soul.
In an instant, the old King regained his senses, and his soul materialized within the Immortal Light, visible to others.
"Father!"
The Prince of the Kingdom of Aolai was startled.
"Many thanks, immortal."
Realizing the situation, the old King first paid his respects to Sun Wukong and then began to bid farewell to his princes and grandsons.
After about five minutes, the Immortal Light surrounding the old King faded.
The princes and grandsons burst into tears once more.
As Black and White Impermanence led the old King underground, he looked back at Sun Wukong and entrusted a few words to him.
Sun Wukong nodded in acknowledgment.
"Immortal."
The Prince of the Kingdom of Aolai stopped crying and bowed in gratitude to Sun Wukong: "Thank you for allowing my father's spirit to manifest."
Sun Wukong used his skill to help the prince up: "No need for excessive formalities."
The prince dried his tears and had someone bring a document.
"Before he passed, my father entrusted me to deliver this to the immortal."
Sun Wukong opened the document and was surprised.
It was a trade permit, allowing the Demons of the Huaguo Mountain to freely trade in the Kingdom of Aolai.
The old King of the Kingdom of Aolai had made such a sudden decision.
"Your Highness, this cannot be done."
Sun Wukong handed the document back to the prince: "Your father was too hasty."
"Immortal, my father once said that our Kingdom of Aolai is a small country, and with your vast Divine Skills, you could protect us."
The prince said: "If problems arise, we can always cancel it later."
The prince originally did not want to hand over the document to Sun Wukong, but after Sun Wukong stepped in and retained his father's soul, the prince understood why his father had such trust in him.
This was none other than the Wise Monkey, with a heart that understands human pain.
"Please accept this, immortal."
The prince offered the document to Sun Wukong once more.
Hesitant for a long time, Sun Wukong finally accepted it.
This was something that would need to be done sooner or later anyway. Sun Wukong wanted to transform the Huaguo Mountain, inevitably requiring trade with the outside world to acquire more resources and develop technologies, and the Kingdom of Aolai was the best place for trade.
Sun Wukong had intended to wait a decade or two, until the Demons had become reasonable, before suggesting this, but he did not expect the old King to take the initiative.
The old King really trusted him.
Sun Wukong placed the document on his person, feeling a tinge of melancholy.
The deceased has passed on, and Sun Wukong quickly composed himself: "I will send someone to oversee the Kingdom of Aolai, to ensure no Devil harms you."
"Thank you, immortal."
The prince seemed somewhat pleased.
Sun Wukong saw the clear look in his eyes and felt a surge of compassion.
"Before your father's departure, he asked me to take care of you, and I can impart to you some techniques for maintaining vitality."
Sun Wukong did not take disciples, but imparting some minor Daoist Skills required no particular qualifications.
Of course, the prince was overjoyed.
Subsequently, the new King of the Kingdom of Aolai ascended the throne, and over several nights, Sun Wukong held long talks with the new King, not only teaching him Daoist Skills but also offering advice on governance.
The new King treated Sun Wukong with immense respect. Although Sun Wukong did not agree to take him as a disciple, the new King placed his portrait in the study, treating it as if it were the Emperor's Master.
Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Sun Wukong could only make time to speak with him annually, even continuing this habit with successive kings.
From then on, each King of the Kingdom of Aolai enjoyed longevity, was wise and benevolent to his people, and suffered no illnesses.
Of course, all that is a story for another time.