When Simon Stone finally stood atop Enlightenment Peak, his face was caked with dust, his body battered and bruised... riddled with wounds.
Compared to ten years ago, he had grown much taller, standing at about one meter sixty. By human standards, that would be short, but for a monkey, he was a giant.
He spoke no unnecessary words. The mountain was steep, the stone steps long. Simon Stone bowed three times and kowtowed nine, ascending step by step.
At last, he reached the summit and saw the Daoist temple built within the cave.
"Simon Stone of Blossom Mountain, East Victory Divine Continent, seeks an audience with Master Sage Subhuti! I wish to become your disciple and learn the arts of immortality!" he shouted, knocking his head firmly on the ground three times.
After a long while, Simon Stone quietly raised his head.
Birds chirped and insects sang all around, but there was no response. The tall, crimson gate remained tightly shut.
"Simon Stone of Blossom Mountain, East Victory Divine Continent, seeks an audience with Master Sage Subhuti! I wish to become your disciple and learn the arts of immortality!" he shouted again, kowtowing hard so that the blood from his forehead stained the rough stone like a plum blossom in snow.
Still, there was no response.
"Could it be that they didn't hear me?" Simon Stone wondered, a hint of worry creeping in.