Chapter 23: Ordinary Days, Tremendous Changes in Rhyme Marks!

"They indeed came from the direction of the Zen Temple and even killed the third in command of the little Black Wind Mountain. If it weren't for the multiple-headed turtle, they would have been killed long ago."

"Also, the multiple-headed turtle went out of its way to make a detour through the Thousand Fruit Forest for some reason. It's said that it even got into a feud with the Eagle King."

After receiving the report, which matched Yin Hu's own speculations, he felt much more at ease.

Recalling the plight of the monkey tribe and the pitiful appearance of Sun Wukong, Yin Hu could not help but laugh. "Let that monkey test the waters and gauge the depth of the Eagle King. We'll just stand by and watch the fire from the other side of the river, and wait for him to find the treasure."

Treasure?

The Rat Demon's eyes spun instantly, and seeing that Yin Hu was in a good mood, he cautiously inquired, "Could it be that the great king has received some news?"

Yin Hu, caught in the excitement, shared his thoughts along with Sun Wukong's speculation, making the entire demon seem wise.

The Rat Demon was an old hand at flattery, clapping and slapping tiger butts with such skill that it left Yin Hu roaring with laughter and spilling all his secrets.

Laughing, he said, "I've always suspected the real reason why the Dragon Serpent wanted to dominate the high ridge. After discussing with the Golden Monkey, everything became clear."

Flattering, the Rat Demon said, "The great king is powerful! It's just that this subordinate doesn't quite understand, could you elaborate?"

"Hahahahaha!"

Yin Hu laughed wisely and said, "Isn't that obvious! The treasure is clearly in the Thousand Fruit Forest. The Dragon Serpent and I were busy for nothing before. Now that I think about it, I'm still a bit displeased."

Displeased my foot.

Your upturned lips have already betrayed you!

Realizing what was said, the Rat Demon showed an enlightened expression, filled with admiration, making Yin Hu quite pleased. "Today I'll give you a task. From now on, you must ensure that your rats and offspring keep a close watch on those monkeys. If you handle this well, the General will reward you handsomely!"

The Rat Demon solemnly promised and left to fulfill his duties, the picture of an obedient subordinate.

What Yin Hu did not know was that after leaving General Yin's residence, the Rat Demon took many turns and finally burrowed into a hole in the ridge, speeding towards Eagle Sorrow Stream.

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Sun Wukong came back to the monkey troop carrying the Wild Boar King, and as he approached, he saw the anxious white ape waiting.

Could something have happened again?

Every time Sun Wukong saw that distraught face of the white ape, he had the feeling that something was amiss.

However, the reality was not so.

As he approached, the white ape's expression began to change. "Great King! After you left, I took the brothers to clear out the spring. And then, guess what happened?"

Sun Wukong curled his lip and said, "Could it be that after all that work, you're not tired, and you didn't even sweat a drop?"

Huh?

The white ape was shocked, originally thinking he was the first to know, only to realize that Sun Wukong already was aware, and suddenly felt wronged, "Great King, you..."

If you knew, why didn't you say so earlier!

I waited in vain for such a long time just to give you a surprise!

This is too hard on me.

Ignoring the white ape's sense of grievance, Sun Wukong said with a light chuckle, "I've been back for so long. Haven't you noticed anything extra?"

With that prompt, the white ape finally noticed the fat pig lying behind Sun Wukong, and upon seeing it, was immediately overjoyed, "Good heavens! Great King, did you really take care of the wild boar herd? How did you manage it? Were there no objections from General's manor?"

No way! No way!

Is he really that impressive?

The white ape still couldn't believe it. Sun Wukong had come and gone, making it look way too simple.

More importantly, there wasn't even a hint of combat on him.

Could it be...

I heard some demons have special hobbies, liking to swear brotherhood, and the habit of living and sleeping together.

Hisss~

Thinking of something terrifying, the white ape suddenly got the chills, and his gaze towards Sun Wukong changed.

The Great King seems so tender and fragile...

With that thought, the white ape's eyes suddenly filled with pity.

Sun Wukong felt goosebumps all over and slapped the white ape, "Damn, what's with that look? Anyone who didn't know better would think something happened to me."

The white ape did not resent, still showing pity.

My foot!

Sun Wukong exploded on the spot, pulling it in front of him, and rambled on, recounting everything that had happened.

After finishing the story, the white ape seemed to half understand, and only after giving Sun Wukong's back a doubtful look did it finally believe, its eyes returning to their usual appearance.

Sun Wukong also breathed a sigh of relief, pointed to the wild boar behind him, and said in an indisputable tone, "Get rid of it, eat the Demon Core, and then go to the training field and swing a club ten thousand times!"

The first part sounded like a reward, but the latter had a hint of making things difficult, something Sun Wukong would absolutely not admit to.

However, the white ape did not overthink it, feeling that Sun Wukong valued it highly and was deliberately nurturing it.

It was so touched, "Don't worry, my king, I guarantee to complete the task!"

"Hmm!"

Sun Wukong nodded with authority, and then leaving the white ape behind, he walked towards the training field. Along the way, he noticed that aside from those busy with food, all the others were practicing stick techniques with great effort.

Upon closer recollection, Sun Wukong realized they had been training for nearly a day and had not yet seemed fatigued.

With the buff in place, their progress was visible; at least they were now uniformly skilled, and their handling had style and shape.

"The king is coming!"

"We've seen the king..."

"King, look, we have already learned..."

"I learned the fastest..."

"It was me!"

Seeing Sun Wukong approaching, the group of monkeys instantly became lively, flocking around him, making no end of noise.

The two female monkeys, however, were much calmer.

Mainly because Sun Wukong had been so strict the night before, making them train all night, they were scared and nervous, and they still hadn't quite gotten over it.

But they didn't come over, Sun Wukong went to them, saying, "Very good, you've worked hard. Next, I will demonstrate the stick techniques once again. Watch carefully, and if you don't understand something, you can ask questions. Of course, it would be better to understand on your own."

It wasn't about being secretive; it was that some things even Sun Wukong himself only half understood, afraid of teaching wrong and leading others astray.

I hope you can understand.

Glancing over the monkeys, Sun Wukong smoothed his ear and took out his iron staff, steadied his heart, and began to demonstrate the stick techniques in slow motion.

The first move was the Turning Wind Wheel, which the monkeys found most interesting. It also looked good when performed, so most of them understood this move.

The following moves were all basic actions, such as upward shaving, downward rolling, straight thrusting, and snipping. The monkeys were confused, but when Sun Wukong sped up his actions and struck a ten-meter pit with one swing, all the monkeys' eyes changed.

After that, they watched even more earnestly, and they became more expectant of the stick techniques.

After a set of stick techniques had been demonstrated, Sun Wukong felt clearheaded and refreshed. Seeing the monkeys looking up at him eagerly, he explained his understanding, "When striking with a staff, consider the length of the two sticks, measure the distance, calculate the timing of the moves, understand the changes between the Gate of Life and Death, grasp the retreat and advance of soft and fierce moves, control the power point, and manage the counterattack point. Only by mastering these can you be said to have learned the superior stick techniques, to take advantage in battle, and ingeniously defeat your opponent..."

These points were somewhat profound, and the monkeys, not fully understanding but impressed, strained their necks to listen but could not remember everything, becoming anxious and restless.

Sun Wukong noticed this and called over the white ape, who was eavesdropping on the right, and asked, "How much did you remember?"

The white ape recalled for a moment and said uncertainly, "I remember about half!"

Very good!

Sun Wukong smiled at once, repeated his explanation, and then asked, "And now?"

I bet you would say you remembered it all!

As expected, the white ape nodded, "I've remembered it all!"

Heh heh!

Sun Wukong showed a smile and solemnly said, "Starting today, you will lead them three times a day at morning, noon, and evening to recite this over and over. Drill it into them until they are proficient."

The white ape felt the weight of responsibility and nodded seriously, making a promise, "Don't worry, my king, I guarantee to complete the task!"

Sun Wukong smiled with satisfaction and then walked away with his hands behind him, leaving a deep and inscrutable image for the monkeys.

Once again sitting in meditation, Sun Wukong began to sense the changes in the spiritual rhyme within his body.

This cultivation session finally allowed him to see a huge change in the rune on his spiritual platform.

It turned out to be...