Chapter 1369: Becoming Disciple to Puti: Earth Joins the Chat Group (2/5, Requesting Subscription)

"Chess pieces rot as one watches, axes ring through the woods, slow steps along the cloud-edged valley mouth. … Where we meet, either immortal or Daoist, seated in stillness, expounding the Huangting."

Not long after, the two entered a famed mountain and indeed heard a chant filled with Daoic resonance.

Liuer did not know if this man was an avatar of great spiritual power and dared not use his own powers to discern; he merely urged Sun Wukong to go and ask.

Afterwards, without surprise, the two monkeys received the location of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars Cave.

"He didn't hide from me!"

"Could it be that I truly have the fortune to become Master Puti's disciple?"

Liuer and the monkey brought them before the Slanting Moon and Three Stars Cave, still unable to believe their own fortune.

"Liuer, snap out of it—the immortal attendant is coming!"

At the sound, Liuer finally returned to himself, looked up, and indeed saw the cave entrance of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars Cave open, from which emerged a Zhong Lingyuxiu child.

The child's demeanor was haughty: "Just now, the Master said someone outside wished to become his disciple—could it be you two?"

"Yes, yes!" Liuer hurried forward, bowing respectfully: "We humbly beg the immortal attendant to introduce us—we shall never forget your great kindness."

"Hmph." The immortal attendant sniffed. "Follow me!"

Liuer turned to the substitute monkey, urging him: "Your Majesty, hurry!"

Only then did the substitute monkey follow closely, entering the cave dwelling.

As soon as they entered the cave dwelling, heaven and earth transformed.

Outside, it was still dense forest in the deep mountains; here, it was an immortal's domain.

Auspicious clouds and radiant hues enveloped the scene; pavilions and terraces faintly visible, immortal cranes glided, and divine flowers bloomed with strange light.

Even a mortal unversed in cultivation could sense this place was extraordinary.

After walking a while, they arrived before a Daoist altar.

Upon the high platform sat a Daoist of transcendent bearing, his gaze fixed on Liuer and the substitute monkey.

"So it is you two who have come to become disciples?"

"Indeed." Liuer stepped forward. "Master, in your mercy, we have braved great dangers to reach you—please, have compassion and accept us."

Master Puti nodded, silently sighing within: "I was only meant to teach one disciple, yet now I must teach two. Who knows how much trouble this will bring later. That stone monkey too—why is he so unruly, so uncomprehending of Dao, so utterly unconcerned?"

His gaze settled on the stone monkey.

"Why are you silent, monkey? Don't you fear I'll drive you out of this cave?"

"If Master would not accept us, you wouldn't have let us enter the cave." The substitute monkey was remarkably astute—he had already seen the key point.

Letting them into the cave meant he had already prepared a backup plan: even if the stone monkey failed, Liuer would take his place.

For such a grand affair as the Journey to the West, having a backup plan was far more reliable than placing everything on a single individual.

"Hah… you're a clever monkey! Very well—from today on, you two shall reside in the Slanting Moon and Three Stars Cave."

"We pay homage to Master."

Both hurriedly bowed.

Afterwards, the substitute monkey was still given the name Sun Wukong.

As for Liuer, he received no such honor.

After all, he was merely the substitute.

Liuer himself understood this clearly and harbored no delusions.

Spiritual powers were merely incidental to him.

He had not forgotten his own scheme: seize the fruits of the Journey to the West, become a Buddha, attain Ancestry.

To grow strong oneself was far superior to relying on others.