Volume 1: Unsayable – Chapter 12: Master Subhuti

With the joy of spotting a cinematic error, the Stone Monkey stepped forward and bowed, saying, “Elder immortal, your humble disciple pays his respects.”
The woodcutter, unhurried, dropped his axe, slowly climbed down from the dead tree, and replied, “I mistook you—how dare I claim the title of ‘immortal’?”
“If you’re not an immortal, how can you speak in an immortal’s manner?” The Stone Monkey recited his lines mechanically, thinking, “Don’t change your act at the last moment; otherwise, I won’t know how to act.”
The woodcutter chuckled and asked, “What immortal words?” The Stone Monkey replied, “Just hearing your song shows it’s extraordinary—only an immortal could have such insight.”
The woodcutter smiled and said, “To be honest, I learned these lyrics and music from an immortal. I have no special merits; I can only learn to sing a few lines.”
“The since it was taught by an immortal, surely you know where that immortal lives. Could you tell me? I’d like to pay them a visit, and you’d gain great blessings as well.”
The woodcutter smiled subtly and said cheerfully, “That mountain is called Lingtai Fangcun Mountain. Inside the mountain is the Xieyue Sanxing Cave. The renowned master living there is Subhuti. If you follow the stream upstream and walk south for about seven or eight li, you’ll reach his home.”
The Stone Monkey was overjoyed—it matched what was described in the books. He said, “Brother, come with me. If I gain any benefits, I’ll never forget your guidance.”
The woodcutter quickly refused, waving his hands. “You really don’t understand flexibility. If I go with you, won’t it disrupt my work? I need to chop wood. Go ahead by yourself.”
But the Stone Monkey was convinced the woodcutter was an immortal in disguise and decided to tease him. “Chopping wood isn’t as good as being an immortal. Come with me! From now on, we’ll be brothers—what a fortune!”
The woodcutter gave a bitter smile and kept refusing. “Everyone has their own aspirations. I can’t force it.”
The Stone Monkey suppressed his laughter and bowed. “If that’s the case, I’ll go alone then.”
It was noon. The Stone Monkey bid farewell to the woodcutter and followed the stream toward the sun. Though surrounded by towering mountains, this was a valley bottom. After walking for a while, he found himself at the foot of the mountains, marveling at the sight. At the summit, he indeed saw a cave dwelling. On a large platform stood thousand-year-old pines and ten-thousand-year-old cypresses, with strong branches like dragons soaring in the sky. A stone bridge crossed a deep ravine, surrounded by colorful flowers. The forest was bustling, but hidden within were a mystical ape and a white deer.
The Stone Monkey crossed the bridge. On the cliff stood a stone stele, three zhang tall and eight chi wide, with ten large characters inscribed: “Lingtai Fangcun Mountain, Xieyue Sanxing Cave.”

Seeing that the cave door was tightly closed, the Stone Monkey stepped forward and knocked. Soon, the door opened, and a celestial boy came out, shouting, “Who is making such noise here?” The Stone Monkey replied, “Young immortal, I have come to seek the way of immortality and dare not disturb you.” The celestial boy smiled and said, “My master said someone seeking the way had arrived—must be you?” The Stone Monkey answered, “Indeed, it’s me.” His heart was filled with excitement; after searching for over a year and enduring many hardships, he had finally arrived here. Thinking that he was about to master divine powers, his heart pounded wildly.

Managing to calm himself down, the Stone Monkey entered the cave. The celestial boy fetched a set of robes from the entrance hall, which fit him perfectly as if tailored just for him. Dressed neatly, he passed through layers of magnificent halls and palaces, entering one pearl-like palace after another, until he reached the Jade Terrace.

Looking up, the Stone Monkey was shocked—the person sitting there seemed familiar to him!

On the high platform sat a man with a tall crown, flowing beard, bright eyes like stars, silver hair, and a youthful face. He wore a light yellow Taoist robe and golden-threaded boots, with a snow-white dust brush leaning against his left arm. His expression was calm yet carried an indescribable dignity.

The Stone Monkey immediately recognized that this was his mentor—Master Subhuti. He stepped forward two steps and bowed deeply, saying, “Great Master, I come with utmost reverence to pay my respects!”

This line was also from “Journey to the West,” and the Stone Monkey used it without any embarrassment.

The master said, “I know where you come from and where you are going.” With his eyes slightly closed, the Stone Monkey on the ground could clearly feel that the master was staring at him—intensely, as if seeing right through his heart.

The Stone Monkey thought to himself, “I doubt you can see my true form!”

The master continued, “Seeking immortality is nothing but striving for a place in the ranks of immortals. Do you have a name?”

Delighted that his plan had worked, the Stone Monkey quickly replied, “I have no name, no surname—just nothing.”

“You are a monkey born of heaven and earth. Let your surname be Sun,” the master said. “In our sect, there are twelve words representing great wisdom, the ocean of true nature, and perfect enlightenment. You will be the tenth in this line. What do you think of the Dharma name ‘Wukong’?”

The Stone Monkey jumped for joy. “Great! Wukong! From now on, I’ll be called Sun Wukong. Thank you, Great Master, for bestowing this name!”

The master smiled slightly and said, “Wukong, Wukong—ultimately, enlightenment leads to emptiness. You will understand its deeper meaning eventually.”

The Stone Monkey thought, “He just wants me to join those Buddhist teachings about neither form nor emptiness. Dream on!”

The master added, “Ruyi, take Wukong downstairs and teach him some manners.”

A young monk stepped out from the left side; he seemed to be about thirteen or fourteen years old. After bowing to the Patriarch, he led the Stone Monkey downstairs.
Wukong thought to himself, “The character ‘Ru’ is ranked sixth, yet I’m in tenth place. Could it be that I too should address him as Patriarch?” Ruyi led the Stone Monkey to a corridor. Seemingly aware of Wukong’s thoughts, she turned around with a smile and said, “Just call me Senior Sister Ruyi. In this sect, aside from the Patriarch, everyone addresses each other as brothers and sisters.”
Wukong agreed repeatedly. Ruyi told him to stay in a training room, which was equipped with everything needed for daily use. She also instructed him on tasks such as fetching water, sweeping the courtyard, picking fruits, and cooking, all of which Wukong accepted.
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Time passed swiftly. Two months went by in the Three-Star Cave, during which Wukong spent his days chopping wood, fetching water, and cleaning the courtyard, acting like a mere servant. Not only did he fail to even glimpse a hint of the immortal path, but he didn’t even learn the slightest bit about it.
As time went on, Wukong grew increasingly frustrated. He knew it was the Patriarch testing his patience. Recalling “Journey to the West,” he remembered that he had endured seven years there before obtaining a set of mantras, and even then, it was uncertain whether those mantras were genuine.
Seven years! Thinking of the cloud-covered mountains and immortal lands in the world of “Journey to the West,” Wukong longed for them. How could he endure such a long time? But why would the Patriarch spend seven years testing him? With his extraordinary abilities, he would surely be a top figure in either Buddhism or Taoism. It was suspicious that he would waste so much time on Wukong.
Wukong recalled the details of learning skills in “Journey to the West”: After working as a servant for six or seven years, he finally solved the mystery. At midnight, he went to the Patriarch’s room and received the mantras of the immortal art. Three years later, he was taught the seventy-two transformations and given the Cloud Somersault. Strangely enough, the book clearly stated:
The Patriarch said, “Since that’s the case, come here, and I’ll impart the mantras to you.” Then he whispered something in his ear—unknown magical techniques. The Monkey King, being quick to understand once he grasped something, learned the mantras and practiced on his own, mastering all seventy-two transformations.
Clearly, mastering this invincible skill took Wukong only a short time. The key lay in the mantras passed down by the Patriarch, indicating that with Wukong’s natural talent and physical condition, he didn’t need to practice the transformations at all—just by knowing the mantras, he could achieve mastery.

After understanding this point, Wukong resumed his analysis. To master the seventy-two transformations, mere recitation of mantras was not enough; otherwise, the Patriarch would not have passed on the Mantra of Eternal Life to Wukong three years earlier. From this, it could be inferred that this Mantra of Eternal Life was very likely the foundation for changing one’s physique and entering the realm of immortals! Moreover, at least three years of practice were required to qualify for learning the seventy-two transformations and the Cloud Somersault technique.

If that was the case, the previous seven years must have been wasted. Judging from Patriarch Subhuti’s attitude toward Wukong, it was certain he would take him as a disciple and teach him skills. So, what exactly had he been waiting for during those seven years?

Wukong carefully reviewed Journey to the West. The Monkey King had been jumping for joy and dancing during one of the Patriarch’s lectures on the great truth, which led the Patriarch to notice him and give him special attention. Could it be that during those seven years, the Patriarch had been waiting for Wukong to achieve enlightenment? It seemed to be the only explanation. If one lacked the necessary wisdom, the Mantra of Eternal Life might as well have been useless.

After understanding this, most of the gloom in Wukong’s heart dissipated. It seemed it was time to find an opportunity to prove himself.