WuKong: The Monkey King

Chapter 45 The Excitement of the Water Ape

Venting his feelings, Tongfeng also sighed and said, "Both of us brothers are penniless. If we had the spiritual pill that could heal wounds, why would we need to bother Wuzhiqi with this effort?"

Upon hearing the mention of "spiritual pill," Wukong was overjoyed. He remembered the three spiritual pills gifted to him by his master Subhuti, one of which he had not yet used. This was the perfect moment to use it.

He leaped up and shouted, "I have a spiritual pill, I have a spiritual pill! You didn't mention it, and I almost forgot! Quick, let's find Wuzhiqi!"

Tongfeng, delighted, said, "You have a spiritual pill, why didn't you say so earlier?"

Wukong, embarrassed, replied, "My time practicing the Dao has been short, and I forgot about this spiritual pill."

Tongfeng gave a bitter smile, "This is a life-saving thing, how can you forget? Those who practice the Dao must always be aware of the dangerous situations they may find themselves in, and must clearly know what treasures and medicinal pills they possess. With your current level of cultivation, forgetting such a thing really shouldn't happen."

After Tongfeng lectured him, Wukong felt greatly enlightened. He had thought the world was just a playground and hadn't realized that he might need to fight for his life at any moment. Tongfeng led the way, sensing Wuzhiqi's presence and dived deep into the sea to find him.

At this time, Wuzhiqi, having regained his original size of fifty zhang, sat quietly in the sea. The emerald-green water swirled around him, occasionally merging and then separating in a cycle. The essence of the water seeped into his body, healing the burns caused by the three-flavor true fire, although two holes on his shoulders still bore scars.

Wukong took out the golden pill and flashed it in front of Wuzhiqi, whose eyes immediately fixed on it, exclaiming, "This is the Nine Turn Golden Pill of the Supreme Old Lord. Where did you get this?"

Wukong was startled, surprised that Wuzhiqi knew the name of the Supreme Old Lord and even more that he recognized the pill. He wondered if Subhuti, his master, was actually the Supreme Old Lord in disguise. Why would he teach him martial arts?

Pondering this, Wukong did not answer but simply said, "It was a fortunate coincidence. Take this pill, and if it heals you, well and good; if not, there's nothing more I can do."

Wuzhiqi laughed heartily, "With this mature pill, my cultivation will be even more abundant than before!" He swallowed the pill and closed his eyes, his breathing undetectable.

Wukong and Tongfeng waited. On the fourth day, Wuzhiqi opened his eyes, shooting out beams of golden light that illuminated the seabed, scattering the fish and shrimp.

He stood up, laughing loudly, "Indeed a marvelous pill, extremely satisfying!"

Seeing Wuzhiqi so full of life, Wukong inquired, "Are your injuries completely healed?" Wuzhiqi moved his arms, "I couldn't be better!"

Wukong then detailed the battle with the malicious Loong, but before he could finish, Wuzhiqi, burning with unnamed rage, declared, "Such a reckless fool, I shall capture him to apologize to you, brother!" and disappeared into the water.

Wukong was stunned; movement in water is not like in air, only water-avoidance techniques are applicable. Yet Wuzhiqi's speed was unmatched. Tongfeng explained, "Wuzhiqi thrives in water, moving as if in air, with a teleportation skill unlearnable by others."

Astonished, Wukong realized the advantage of such skill, especially against the Loong that merely took advantage of circumstances without possessing such abilities.