Chapter 13: Departure and Return
On the following day, Sun Wukong was practicing beneath a waterfall on the back mountain, comprehending the Tao.
"Wukong," Bodhi Patriarch called out, holding a horsetail whisk, as he appeared in the distance.
"Disciple pays respects to Master," Wukong's form flashed, and he quickly moved forward to bow in greeting.
"You have comprehended the Tao for a year; how well have you grasped the Daoist magic?" Bodhi Patriarch asked with a smile.
"Disciple started with Master's teachings and comprehended the way of the staff. I have now reached one level of realm," Wukong replied with a smile, "Additionally, I learned archery from a chopper of firewood and thus understood the principles of the Way of the Arrow. After reflecting for a year, I, too, have attained one level of realm in that aspect."
Bodhi Patriarch paused in waving his horsetail whisk, then stroked his beard, saying, "Good, very good. Then I can rest assured. You may leave the mountain now."
"Leave the mountain?" Wukong turned around subconsciously, but then quickly realized what was happening, and scratching his face, he said, "Master, your disciple just returned from the woodcutter's house yesterday."
"Where did you come from?" Bodhi Patriarch asked.
"Disciple came here from the Water Curtain Cave in Flower-Fruit Mountain in Aolai Country, Eastern Shengzhou," Wukong quickly replied, already understanding what was implied.
Was Master asking him to leave the mountain?
Before learning the Way of Slaughter last time, the all-knowing predecessor Hong Zhi inadvertently revealed that he would be asked to leave the mountain by the Patriarch due to showing off.