Dawa and Tenzing – The First Followers of the Monkey King
When Sonam Tobgay was reborn as a monkey in the brutal cultivation world, he had no allies, no cheats, and no weapons—only his intelligence and his will to survive. Among the first to recognize his unique nature were two young monkeys: Dawa, the strongest warrior of the group, and Tenzing, the clever trickster.
These two would become his first true followers, each playing a vital role in his rise.
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Chapter 1: The Encounter
The Monkey Tribe's Struggle
Before Sonam arrived, the monkey tribe was small and constantly under threat. Larger beasts roamed the jungle, and human cultivators hunted them for sport or resources. The tribe had no leader—only a loose group of monkeys surviving as best they could.
Among them, Dawa was the strongest. He was young, but his golden fur marked him as a powerful beast in the making. He relied on instinct, brute force, and raw courage, often leading small groups on hunting trips.
Tenzing, on the other hand, was different. He was smaller than the others, with a dark tail and sharp eyes that were always watching. While Dawa fought, Tenzing observed, learned, and survived through wit rather than strength.
They both knew that their tribe was weak and that, sooner or later, they would fall to stronger predators.
Then, Sonam arrived.
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Chapter 2: The Challenge
Sonam's intelligence and strange way of thinking quickly made him stand out.
He started making rudimentary weapons, sharpening stones and using them for hunting.
He analyzed the patterns of stronger beasts, learning when to attack and when to retreat.
He began organizing the other monkeys, teaching them new hunting methods.
This unsettled Dawa, who had always relied on physical strength.
To him, leadership belonged to the strongest.
So, one day, he challenged Sonam to a duel.
"If you think you're fit to lead, fight me! Only the strong should rule!"
Sonam, understanding that leadership among beasts had to be earned through dominance, accepted.
The battle was fierce.
Dawa was stronger, faster, and more experienced in combat. But Sonam was smarter.
He dodged rather than blocked, conserving his energy.
He used terrain to his advantage, forcing Dawa into bad positions.
He baited Dawa into overextending, then struck back with precision.
In the end, Dawa lay on the ground, panting.
Defeated.
For a moment, the tribe fell silent.
Then, to everyone's surprise—Dawa laughed.
"You're strong in a way I've never seen before." He grinned, his respect earned. "I'll follow you. Let's see how far we can go."
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Chapter 3: The Trickster Joins the Game
While Dawa followed Sonam because of strength, Tenzing followed for a different reason.
He had been watching the fight closely. He saw how Sonam didn't win through brute force, but through planning.
That, to him, was true power.
That night, Tenzing approached Sonam.
"Strength is good," he said, tail flicking. "But intelligence? That's what will keep us alive."
"You're not afraid of me taking power?" Sonam asked.
Tenzing grinned. "No. I'd rather stand beside the one who wins than be crushed beneath him."
And so, the cunning trickster became Sonam's first scout and strategist.
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Chapter 4: The First Hunt
To test his new companions, Sonam led Dawa and Tenzing on their first real mission together.
Target: A Qi-Condensation Spirit Boar.
Before Sonam, the monkeys never dared to challenge such a strong beast.
Dawa was eager. "We'll just charge it!"
Tenzing shook his head. "That's how you get killed."
Sonam listened to both and formulated a plan.
Tenzing scouted the boar's movements.
Dawa lured it into a trap.
Sonam led the final ambush.
When the time came, everything went perfectly.
The boar charged—only to be caught in vines that Tenzing had placed.
Dawa struck hard, using his raw power to weaken it.
And Sonam, using his sharpened spear, delivered the finishing blow.
For the first time, they had taken down a beast much stronger than themselves.
Dawa roared in victory. "We did it!"
Tenzing smirked. "Not bad, for a brute."
And Sonam?
He looked at his two new allies and knew this was only the beginning.
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Chapter 5: Loyalty Forged in Battle
As Sonam continued his rise, Dawa and Tenzing stood by him through every battle.
Dawa became his fiercest warrior, leading attacks and protecting the tribe with his raw might.
Tenzing became his eyes and ears, always watching for threats before they arrived.
Over time, their bond became unbreakable.
They were not just warriors.
Not just followers.
They were brothers.
And together, they would change the jungle forever.
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Why They Matter
Dawa and Tenzing are more than just side characters. They represent two fundamental aspects of Sonam's journey:
Dawa symbolizes raw power and loyalty. His journey shows that strength is important, but must be guided by wisdom.
Tenzing symbolizes intelligence and adaptation. His journey proves that even those who lack raw strength can survive and thrive through strategy.
Without them, Sonam might not have survived the early days of his journey.
And as the Monkey King's legend grows, so too will the legend of his first two brothers.
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