The Legend of the Monkey King

Part 2 - The Trials of the New King

The newly crowned monkey king was happy for a while; he had led his people to a new life, and had brought glory to himself. But, on one sunny day, he saw one of the elder monkeys die and was in shock. He started to think about his own mortality and what would happen if he died. He then set on a quest to become immortal.

There was a legend about a Kung Fu master in a far off land who knew the secrets of immortality. The Monkey King was not deterred by the long and dangerous journey and started on his quest for immortality.

Many months passed before he reached the mountain top where this master lived. The monkey did not know the ways of normal man and acted as a monkey would. He touched objects in the master's house, climbed up on his ceiling, and ate food that was lying around. The master was meditating, and did not say a word. The monkey King apprehensively walked up to the master and imitated him.

"Who are you?" the master asked.
"I am the King of Monkeys!" he replied.
"What is your name?"
"I don't have a name."
"Then I shall call you Sun Wu Kung."

The Monkey King was elated; he now had a name. But, the master cut his celebration short by handing him a broom. Wu Kung was confused and asked the master what it was for. The master merely stood up and told him it was part of his training.

After months of cleaning, the master told Wu Kung to stop.

"It is now time for your training." the master said deliberately.
"Oh, thank you master!"
"What do you want to learn, 72 transformation style or 36 transformation style?"
"I want to learn 72 master!"
"That is a difficult task young monkey, are you willing to be committed?"
"Yes master!"
"Very well."

Wu Kung took to the training like fish to water. The master taught him almost all that he knew and was proud of the monkey's accomplishments. Wu Kung was sad to leave, but he had to go back to his people. However, before Wu Kung left, the master had one more thing to teach the Monkey King.

"I have one more thing to teach you, young monkey."
"What is it master?"
"I will teach you how to leap half way around the world in one leap."
"Thank you master!"

With that training completed, the Monkey King left to see his people.