As the first rays of sunlight illuminated the temple, Belle pushed open the door to Simon Stone’s room, carrying a tray of food. She found the Monkey King already dressed and seated upright on his couch, awaiting the day.
"Up so early? You really don’t know how to rest, do you?" Belle teased, casually setting the fruit and clear water down on the low table.
"I couldn’t sleep," Simon Stone replied offhandedly. Glancing at the fruit, he asked, "Is this what everyone eats for breakfast here?"
"Of course not. Today’s breakfast is steamed buns and dumplings." Belle poured some clear water from the small jar into a cup and slid the fruit tray toward Simon Stone. "You’re the Monkey King, after all. Your food is naturally different from ours."
"From now on, I’ll eat the same as you all. No need to trouble yourself." With that, Simon Stone began eating, and between bites, he asked, "So, what’s the plan for today?"
Belle rested her chin in her hand, watching Simon Stone. "Once you’ve finished, we’ll pay our morning respects to Master Sage Subhuti, then head to the rear mountain to meditate."
After a moment’s thought, she added, "Master Sage Subhuti instructed this last night. He said your spirit is too fierce—if you begin cultivating directly, you might fall into demonic ways. So, unlike the other disciples, you must meditate in quiet reflection."
"Meditate…" Simon Stone turned an apple in his hand, pondering, "Then when will I start learning the Seventy-Two Transformations and the Cloud Somersault? Am I going to have to wait seven years too? Oh well, I’ve never tried this cultivation business before. I’ll just do as the old man says."
After wolfing down his meal, Simon Stone and Belle stepped out the door together.
On the way, Belle led Simon Stone and introduced their surroundings: "The place you’re staying is called Swallow Lane. The kitchen there takes care of all the meals for the temple. If you follow the corridor upward, you’ll reach Unicorn Corner, where spiritual herbs are cultivated and alchemical ingredients are stored. If you double back, you’ll find Soaring Cloud Pavilion—Elder Sky’s residence."