In the early morning, before the mist had cleared, the crowing of roosters heralded the dawn.

Villagers deep in the mountains rose from their beds and took their hoes into the fields.

Day after day, generation after generation, they lived this life—but today, change had come.

Several horse-drawn carriages arrived at the entrance of the village, and down stepped a Daoist as well as the local village doctor, also known as the Village Chief.

"Is the headman there? Headman!"

The Village Chief called out several times, and the headman, accompanied by several villagers, came over.

"Sir."

The headman clasped his hands together and bowed to the Village Chief, then turned to the Daoist, "Who may this Daoist be?"

"He has come from the Royal Capital."

The Village Chief said, "Do you remember what I told you last month?"

The headman nodded. Last month, the Village Chief had come to him with the news that the climate here was suitable for the villagers to start growing medicinal herbs.

Those herbs were for Alchemy, and the Kingdom of Aolai, in search of new industries during a time of reforms, made the production of Elixirs a key focus.

"How have you considered it?"

The Village Chief inquired.

The headman replied, "I've discussed it with everyone, and they all agree. We just don't know if we can grow them well."

"These herbs are not difficult to cultivate."

The Daoist said, "His Majesty sent me here precisely to instruct you."

With a flicker of Buddha Dust, he waved his hand, and several bags of white granules flew out from the carriage.

"What is this?"

The headman looked towards the granules.

"Fertilizers from Huaguo Mountain."

The Daoist explained, "This type of fertilizer can make up for deficiencies in the soil. I will bring it over periodically, and once the herbs have grown, there will be people coming to purchase them."

The headman was delighted but also slightly worried.

"Don't worry."

Seeing his concerns, the Village Chief spoke up, "The Daoist has cultivated in Huaguo Mountain, and His Majesty has appointed him to oversee the agriculture of this county. He won't deceive you."

The headman was then reassured.

"A new school has been set up in the township."

The Village Chief brought up another matter, "Any of you with children at home can send them to study for free."

Just then, two Immortals happened to fly overhead and stopped in the clouds after hearing this remark.

"For free?"

One of them, the Star of Happiness, showed surprise, "Is this true?"

"Let's go down and see for ourselves."

The Star of Prosperity flew towards the township.

Disguised as mortals, they visited the school in the township.

The school had just been established and seemed intent on imparting basic Daoist knowledge to filter for those with a talent for the Daoist Skill in order to cultivate them.

Children without talent could also learn to read and, in the future, acquire other skills.

The free schooling was certainly true.

"What a smart move."

The Star of Happiness couldn't help but sigh, "Using the wealth of the nation to alleviate poverty and provide schooling for children. Although it can't be said to be completely fair, it's already quite remarkable."

"And this is just the beginning."

The Star of Prosperity nodded and smiled, "The reforms of the Kingdom of Aolai are vast; they can't be perfect immediately, but will eventually improve over time."

"That's true."

Heartened, the Star of Happiness thought of the children's good fortune to have opportunities their parents never did.

"The Immortal Longevity spoke highly of the Monkey King, touting his great talent, which I initially doubted. But after observing for a few months, I feel quite ashamed of my earlier skepticism,"

The Star of Happiness expressed feelingly.

They were Immortals who had descended to the mortal world this year, introduced by none other than the Southern Immortal Longevity himself.

The Star of Happiness, charged with overseeing all the fortunes of the world, found the practices seen in the Kingdom of Aolai to be diverse blessings previously unknown to him.

"Perhaps the Monkey King was right; we have indeed been too lax."

The Star of Prosperity stated.

The Star of Happiness nodded in agreement.

The two left the school and rode the clouds back to Huaguo Mountain.

In Yunxiao City, four old monkeys were busy preparing for a farewell banquet.

"The Monkey King is leaving?"

Upon hearing the reason, Stars of Happiness and Prosperity were taken aback, "When did this happen?"

"Just a short while ago,"

The old monkeys were somewhat delighted, "Gold Star Taibai descended with the decree of the Jade Emperor and conferred the title of the Virtuous and True Great Saint upon our Great King, granting him residence in the Virtue Palace of the Observatory."

"The Observatory?"

"The Virtue Palace?"

The Stars of Happiness and Prosperity exchanged glances; how had they not heard of a Virtue Palace at the Observatory?

The Virtuous Great Saint was also quite unusual; what kind of Immortal Position was this?

On questioning, even the old monkeys were not clear.

"It seems to be an advisory position for the Immortals..."

"One of leisure," the Great King had remarked.

They answered.

Upon hearing this, the two stars understood that the Virtuous Great Saint was merely a nominal title.

"The Jade Emperor is truly wasting talent."

The Stars of Happiness and Prosperity couldn't help thinking that giving a nominal position to someone as talented as Sun Wukong was a true waste.

However, Sun Wukong himself did not seem to think so, as he appeared quite nonchalant at the farewell banquet.

Many a Demon King cried in his farewell, only to be scolded by him.

"I'm only gone for a dozen or so years, what's there to cry about?"

Sun Wukong was both amused and exasperated. A dozen years on earth was but a dozen days in heaven, and after spending just a dozen days above, he would be back, so naturally, he felt no inclination for sentimental emotions.

"While I am away, you all must work hard to develop Huaguo Mountain. If there is no progress when I return, don't blame me for getting angry,"

Sun Wukong said.

The demons all nodded in agreement.

Sun Wukong then called upon Immortal Zhenyuan, Immortal Master Erlang, and the Golden Winged Great Peng, these three strongest warriors, to take good care of Huaguo Mountain.

"With us here, you can rest easy."

Immortal Master Erlang agreed readily.

The Golden Winged Great Peng had already made a promise and needed no further words.

Only Immortal Zhenyuan showed a hesitant expression as if he had something to say.

"If Immortal has something to say, please speak."

Sun Wukong said.

"Then I will speak frankly."

Immortal Zhenyuan spoke, "In the past twenty years, discussing the Dao with my younger brother has been fruitful; with your departure, I also look to take time for seclusion."

Sun Wukong frowned slightly.

"In that case..."

He nodded, "Then I will entrust Flower Valley to Elder Jin Chan for guardianship."

"What?"

Immortal Zhenyuan was taken aback, "Flower Valley?"

"Flower Valley is a crucial location of Huaguo Mountain and requires specialized guardianship."

Sun Wukong said, "My original intention was for you..."

"Let me do it."

Immortal Zhenyuan interjected, "I won't go into seclusion!"

Sun Wukong smiled, then turned to Ao Luan, "Other matters, big and small, I entrust to you."

Ao Luan nodded.

Then, Sun Wukong handed a wooden sword to Ao Luan.

Ao Luan was momentarily startled.

"What is this?"

This wooden sword was different from the ones he had seen before; it seemed to have a golden glow flowing through it.

"Seeing as you've replaced your sword with a wooden one, I've specially crafted this for you."

Sun Wukong said, "Though it is not a Divine Weapon, it should be as good as your former treasure sword."

Ao Luan's face lit up with surprise, and she treasured the gift.

"Thank you, Elder Brother!"

She hugged the wooden sword to her chest, her face alight with joy.

"Most likely it has a feather added..."

Immortal Zhenyuan thought to himself, knowing Sun Wukong all too well.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.