Chapter Thirty-Four: The Primal Spirit Monkey

The Fish Maiden, seeing Yang Nan entrust her with great authority, could not help but sigh inwardly. As the Confucian sages said: food and desire are inherent in human nature. Whether mortal or demon, all beings are subject to passions and desires, and matters between men and women are inescapable. Yet the young master, surrounded by beauties, never gives them a thought, nor does he, like ordinary men, covet all the women under heaven. His heart is set on the Way of Heaven, untouched by worldly distractions—truly an extraordinary man.

Yang Nan himself had not pondered so deeply. In his previous life, he had been wounded by love, and so in this life, he felt little inclination toward romance. Besides, the pursuit of immortality is a long and arduous path; how could he allow himself to be led astray by beauty and forget his true purpose?

Of course, when he achieves some measure of success, he intends to honor his grandfather’s wishes and continue the family line, for his body comes from the Yang family, and he must not let the lineage end with him. Yet, those around him are mostly demon women—how could they bear human children to continue the Yang line? If a monster were born, wouldn’t it terrify mortals?

When these women achieve the rank of Demon Saint, casting off their demon forms to become true humans, they will already be peerless masters—by then, would they still think of bearing children?

The Confucian sage said: of the three unfilial acts, to leave no heir is the gravest. Perhaps… someday he should marry a mortal woman, simply to bear children? Yang Nan recalled his grandfather’s earnest instructions to ensure the family’s continuation, and such thoughts welled up in him. His grandfather’s kindness weighed heavily on him; how could he face the old man if he gave nothing in return?

But he quickly dismissed the notion. With so little time for cultivation, how could he spare any for marriage and children?

At only sixteen, why worry so much? When time allows in the future, he could simply marry a woman and fulfill his duty to the Yang family.

After dinner, Yang Nan prepared to study the soul-controlling secret art and the Soul Condensation and Spirit Transformation technique he had recently obtained. Both were sinister and domineering magical arts of the Demon Sect. Knowing Ai Muyun harbored ill intentions, Yang Nan dared not be careless. Without careful scrutiny, he would not attempt to practice them.

The soul-controlling secret art was essentially a method of drawing arrays, but this formation was insidious and malicious. The Soul Condensation and Spirit Transformation technique was pure demonic cultivation, able to capture and refine souls, forcing them to devour one another and thus grow stronger. Neither art belonged to the righteous path, but for someone as weak as Yang Nan, they could provide temporary assistance, much like the Supreme Demon Physique technique.

In truth, Ai Muyun and Li Yun, like each other, did not intend to kill Yang Nan. Their traps were set to make him owe a debt, or to drive him from the ranks of inner disciples and crush his hopes for immortality.

Killing is not always done with a blade; to make someone obedient, brute force is not always necessary.

The path of cultivation is fraught with hardship, and hidden dangers abound. Yang Nan was well aware of this. After a careful study of the two arts, he realized that as long as he did not practice them directly but instead used the Undying Yin Wheel to transform the energy, these demonic techniques would not harm him.

With this realization, Yang Nan finally breathed a long sigh of relief. If not for the Undying Yin Wheel, he would have been left staring helplessly at these strange and dangerous manuals. Without the aid of the Yang Wheel, the progress of the Yin Wheel was agonizingly slow. Since entering the mountain, he had not seen Bu Xu again. That domineering and peerless master of Kunlun had left a deep impression on him.

After jointly cultivating the Undying Yin-Yang Wheel, Yang Nan and Bu Xu’s relationship had subtly changed from mere allies to something more akin to master and disciple, or elder sister and younger brother. Although Bu Xu was proud and aloof, she could not bring herself to be stern with someone who shared her cultivation. Most often, she only pretended indifference.

Now, having acquired some materials, Yang Nan thought, “Why not give them to the Fairy Sister?” By forging a connection with Bu Xu, his predicament could change. He was only ostracized because he had no ties to her. If Bu Xu was willing to accept him, the Li family would have to think twice before making a move.

In both the immortal and mortal realms, those without backing or influence are fated to be oppressed. This truth remains unchanged through the ages.

With Bu Xu as his supporter, he could truly walk unhindered in Kunlun Mountain.

But a master of Bu Xu’s stature was not easily won over.

As Yang Nan pondered, he suddenly heard faint sobbing outside. Now his powers had greatly increased, and he could hear it clearly. Frowning, he instructed Lian Die and another attendant to investigate. The Jade Purity Rear Hall was always under the Fish Maiden’s management, and she was known for her gentle nature. How could anyone be weeping in the distance?

Soon, the Fish Maiden returned, accompanied by Lian Die and several graceful, delicate young women. Each stranger was as beautiful as a flower. When these women entered Yang Nan’s room, their radiance seemed brighter than the lamps, their fragrant gowns and fluttering skirts filling the air with a dazzling array of beauty. Yang Nan was momentarily stunned.

All the women knelt and said in unison, “Your servant greets the Young Master!” Their voices, some soft, some sweet, blended into a melody of incomparable loveliness.

The Fish Maiden, seeing Yang Nan’s surprise, quickly realized he did not recognize these newcomers and stepped forward to explain, “These are the beauties sent by the three commanders. When they heard of your anger in the chamber, they became fearful and wept in the distance, not knowing your powers would allow you to hear them. Forgive us for disturbing you.”

Now that she understood Yang Nan’s heart, the Fish Maiden felt no jealousy. Her only fear was that Yang Nan might grow tired of her and cast her aside. It was common for those in power to take multiple wives and concubines. As long as her own position was secure, she would not object even if Yang Nan took eight or ten more. Besides, Yang Nan had shown no other inclinations, caring only for his cultivation.

“Rise,” Yang Nan said, glancing at the women, whose tear-filled eyes and trembling forms made them seem pitifully fragile. Without need for introductions, Yang Nan identified the woman in plain dress as Pear Maiden—her skin pale as snow, even fairer than her white gown. Crabapple Maiden was stunningly beautiful, her lips like petals and her eyes brimming with allure. Song Fairy, clad in green, had an elegant face, and her soft voice was like the gentle pluck of harp strings. Bamboo Fairy, tall and graceful, was as enchanting as the Fish Maiden had described. Swallow Maiden was gentle and skilled in dance, her every movement imbued with charm. Dove Maiden was delicate, like the girl next door, arousing instant affection. Oriole Maiden wore a daring outfit, her snowy neck exposed, and her soft breaths seemed like whispers to a lover, making one’s soul tremble. These seven unrivaled beauties, each with her own style, combined with the Fish Maiden’s dignity, White Gown’s playfulness, and Butterfly Gown’s ethereal grace, made Yang Nan’s room feel like a kingdom of women, a gathering of all the world’s beauties.

“Enough…” Yang Nan thought, gazing at this assembly of rare beauties. He could not harden his heart to reprimand them. He had once thought demon soldiers clumsy and hard to manage, but now he realized they were far preferable to these delicate, helpless maidens.

“Rest easy,” Yang Nan said. “Cultivate here in the rear hall. I will deal with the four commanders myself. My earlier anger was not directed at you, but because…” He broke off, waving his hand helplessly for the Fish Maiden to escort them out. He wanted to fault the four commanders, but how could he explain such things to them?

It was like a guest from Asia visiting another continent, where a man might offer his wife as a host’s privilege—such customs were their tradition; would you scold them for it?

In the early days of foundation, kindness is best. Yang Nan thought it unwise to truly reprimand the four idle commanders.

“By the way, Fish Maiden, the three commanders have sent gifts, but why is there no word from Commander Monkey?” Yang Nan asked, stopping the Fish Maiden as she was leaving.

The Fish Maiden smiled, signaling to Crabapple Maiden among the seven. Blushing, Crabapple Maiden retrieved a spirit beast from her sash, about the size of a fist.

This little creature had a humanlike face and was covered in white fur, with large, watery eyes regarding the group without a hint of fear. In fact, it hopped nimbly about Crabapple Maiden’s delicate wrist, lively and unafraid.

Yang Nan saw clearly—it was a tiny monkey, an ultra-miniature variety. Its eyes were enormous, its limbs stubby, its head making up half its body. The fist-sized body was preternaturally agile. Seeing Yang Nan, the little monkey cooed affectionately, waving its tiny paw as if begging for food.

Yang Nan knew spirit beasts were very different from demons. Demons could take on human form within centuries, but might never achieve true bodies even after thousands of years. Spirit beasts, however, gained intelligence early but found it nearly impossible to take human form. Yet, if they did, they would surely have reached the level of Demon Saint.

Demons, upon first gaining human form, could use demon arts, but spirit beasts relied on instinct and unique gifts. Once they became Demon Saints, their magical powers were vast. There were advantages to both, but spirit beasts were mostly ancient breeds, quite distinct from later demons.

This tiny monkey was clearly a spirit beast, though of what kind, Yang Nan could not tell. Finding the little monkey endearing, he reached out his hand. The monkey gazed at him with its big, watery eyes, hesitated, and clung tightly to Crabapple Maiden’s wrist, unwilling to part.

Crabapple Maiden, cheeks aflame, gently offered the monkey to Yang Nan. Her unparalleled beauty, tinged with shyness, made her even more captivating. Despite himself, Yang Nan’s heart stirred, but he quickly composed himself and took the little monkey. The monkey, now in Yang Nan’s grasp, grinned, snuggled against his palm, and licked his hand with its pink tongue. Looking up, its eyes were filled with laughter.

Yang Nan marveled, “Strange, does this little monkey recognize me?”

The Fish Maiden smiled, “This is an ancient breed, a Primal Spirit Monkey, born with a talent for finding spirit treasures. No spirit stone, iron, or herb escapes its notice—it can be a great help to its master. However, it eats only spiritual items; it would rather starve than touch ordinary fruit. No one knows when this little spirit monkey appeared in Monkey King Valley. After countless attempts, it was finally tamed to understand humans. Now, you are its master—how could it not recognize you?”

Upon further inquiry, Yang Nan learned that Commander Monkey had put great effort into this gift. Not only had he sent hundreds of pounds of fine, thousand-year Monkey Wine, but he had also painstakingly taught the monkey to recognize Yang Nan’s face. With this spirit monkey’s help, fulfilling offerings would be as easy as leading a group of followers—far better than any beautiful woman could manage.

Commander Monkey had truly used all his cunning. Monkeys are renowned for their intelligence, and this one was no exception.

Yang Nan praised, “Commander Monkey has done well! This is an excellent gift—nothing could be better than this!”

At these words, the women all looked disheartened. Seeing this, Yang Nan felt a headache coming on. He coughed lightly and said, “You are all fine as well. In the future, follow the Fish Maiden, cultivate diligently, and attend to her instructions.”

The women, seeing the master accept them, were overjoyed. As presents, if they were turned away, what face would they have left?

The Fish Maiden, understanding, led the women away. The little monkey, deeply attached to Crabapple Maiden, began to weep softly when she left, clinging to Yang Nan’s palm. Seeing such emotion from the little creature, Yang Nan was touched. He lifted the monkey and said, “If you miss her, you may visit her, but be sure to return, or she will be in trouble as well.”

Hearing this, the little monkey leapt about in Yang Nan’s palm, kissing and nuzzling him, clearly delighted. Seeing its exuberance, Yang Nan’s heart warmed.