I had for years ruled over my people with grace and been happy with my life. As the days days passed I felt my life to meaningless. It was as if everyday was the exact same and I was wasting time until death would arrive. I continued to think about Yama the king of death and the day I would grow weak and old. I am a strong and intelligent ruler and I never show weakness to my people, but I could no longer hold it in. I told my people the despair I was feeling of knowing I would not live forever and they wept.
From the crowds of the monkey’s who had gathered one stood up and told me a life changing revelation. He said only three are exempt from Yama the Buddha’s, Immortals, and the sages. He then told me where they could be found among the “common earth in ancient caves among enchanted hills”. I felt revitalized as my life had finally meant something and this was my destiny. I would not let anything interfere with my journey in getting Immortality and those who dared stand in my way would feel my wrath.
My raft was prepared as I set upon my journey to become immortal and become the Great Monkey Sage, Equal of Heaven. As I was on my journey, I noticed a great wind pushing me to the north-western bank which was the frontier of the southern world. I knew from he beginning the journey on the water would be nearly impossible all alone. This wind that guided me towards the end of my journey was something remarkable, there I knew it was my fate to complete this mission. After a tremulous journey, I finally found the Patriarch who would teach me about how I could gain immortality.
From the beginning I noticed how the patriarch and his pupils looked down upon me and where I came from. I tried my best to hold my rage and anger, and peacefully asked to be taught. I explained to the patriarch my path and journey, and that caught his attention. When he decided he was going to teach me, he explained to me the different things I can learn such as philosophy and art. I despised all the rubbish that was coming out of his mouth. I came all the way here to learn one thing IMMORTALITY.
After studying many years with the patriarch and his pupils, one day after an argument with the patriarch he gave me a sign. At first I was angry with the patriarch embarrassing me in front of the other pupils and him sending me away to my chambers. After settling down I realized the secret sign he showed me and I immediately went to him at night. He explained to me this is a sacred sign that not many can interpret. He then decided it was time he taught me secrets and the ways of immortality. He taught me many secrets but none was better than the 72 transformations of the earthly conclusion and cloud trapeze. As time went on I had never felt more alive and powerful in my life than what I was experiencing. I felt so great and wanted to express to the pupils the great powers I had learned so I transformed into a pine tree. This greatly angered the patriarch and he saw me as irresponsible and he sent me away. He told me to never speak of him nor that he taught me. My journey was complete in that I learned new secrets and I had gained immortality. It was my destiny and fate that I would be in this position, I was truly the greatest.
Five Element Mountain 