One day, the Handsome Monkey King reached the Western Ocean. Certain that immortals dwelled beyond the seas, he built a new raft and sailed westward, arriving at the West Aparagodaniya Continent (Xiniu Hezhou).
Monkey King Discovers the Immortal’s Abode
After landing, he wandered until he spotted a majestic mountain. The sound of woodcutting and a woodcutter’s song echoed through the hills. Hearing lyrics that hinted of celestial realms, the Monkey King bounded over and cried, “Elder Immortal!”
The woodcutter laughed, “I barely have enough clothes or food—how could I be an immortal?”
He pointed toward the horizon. “But in this Mountain of Mind and Heart (Spirit Tower Heart Mountain or Lingtai Fangcun Shan), there lies the Slanted Moon Three Stars Cave (Cave of Slanting Moon and Three Stars), home to the immortal Patriarch Subhuti (Subodhi). Follow this path south for seven or eight li, and you’ll find it.”
The Monkey King followed the direction and soon saw a cave, its gate shut. Behind him, a stone tablet stood engraved:
“Mountain of Mind and Heart, Slanted Moon Three Stars Cave.”
Delighted but hesitant to knock, he leapt onto a pine tree to pluck pine nuts.
Suddenly, the cave gate creaked open. An immortal youth emerged, smiling. “Are you here to seek the Dao?”
The Monkey King nodded eagerly.
“My master was about to lecture when he sent me to greet a disciple. Come.”
Straightening his robes, the Monkey King followed the youth inside.
Beyond the gate lay a labyrinth of tiered palaces, pavilions, and countless serene chambers—a realm beyond mortal imagination.
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