Chapter 51: Mount Huaguo
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"You won't regret this." Nurarihyon said with a smile, having just arrived back at the East Youkai Faction's Headquarters in the Kanto region.
"That remains to be seen," Takauji replied plainly. Looking around for any sign of the Monkey King. "So, where is he?" A few curious Youkai were giving him odd glances here and there, but he didn't pay them any heed. Only interested in meeting the person who would teach him [Senjutsu] that neither Yasaka nor Nurarihyon could offer him themselves.
"He should be arriving any minute now–"
A deep rumbling was heard throughout the air, the clouds gathering together and darkening as the sound of thunder crashed down on the ears of those below.
"Speak of the devil, he's always been one for grand entrances." Nurarihyon heaved a sigh of relief, not knowing what he would've done if his call had been ignored.
Those beneath felt an indescribable pressure emburden them, everyone but Takauji feeling sweat start to run down their skin as a gargantuan figure made itself known.
"Is that Yu-Long?" Takauji asked Nurarihyon.
"Yes, it is."
Takauji watched with mild interest as a large Eastern Dragon started to make its way to the ground, armed with a snake-like body and a lime, scaly underbelly. The rest of its body was shrouded in what looked to be jade, and bronze curving shards around some of its joints.
I know he's called the Jade Dragon, but I didn't think that was meant literally.
"I suppose I ought to greet them." Takauji calmly started to approach the Dragon, Nurarihyon following behind him while the rest of the Youkai opted to stay behind. Too terrified to face the beast head-on.
"Ugh, the air in the human world really is unpleasant compared to my mountain. Wouldn't you agree?" A dwarf-like figure said, hopping off Yu-Long's body taking a puff from his pipe.
"Yeah, try to make this quick Wukong, I'd like to head back as soon as possible." The Eastern Dragon responded.
"Couldn't have said it better myself." He grumbled, turning to face the sight of Takauji approaching him with Nurarihyon in tow. "I don't sense any other Dragons here, so I'm guessing you're the one?"
That's Wukong? Not quite what I imagined looks wise, even so, his power is clearly beyond mine seeing as I can't even remotely sense it. Looks can be deceiving after all.
There's no doubt about it, he's at the stage beyond Ultimate-Class, the stage I'm only a few steps away from reaching. But with his help, I may be able to cross over.
Contrary to legend, Wukong appeared to only be about the same height as a kindergartener, covered in golden fur and wearing a monk's cassock. He had a wrinkled, creased face, wore prayer beads around his neck, and had a golden headband around his forehead.
"Yeah, I am." Takauji responded, noticing the semi-fearful stare Yu-Long was giving him, and the absolutely fearless one of Wukong. "It's an honor to meet you, Sun Wukong." He performed a half-bow.
"Spare me the flattery, these ears of mine can only endure so much." He haphazardly picked his ear with his pinky finger before turning towards Nurarihyon. "Are you sure you want to use your one favor on this? There won't be any take-backs."
"I am sure." He confirmed, Wukong shrugging as he accepted his decision.
"Alright then, if that's what you want." He turned back towards Takauji. "Your name is Pandora, correct?"
"Yes."
"Hmm, that name is too cool for someone as weak as you so I'll call you Panda from now on. You wanna learn [Senjutsu] right?"
Even if his appearance doesn't match the legends, his personality certainly does.
"I do."
"Why?" Takauji felt a sudden shift in tone.
"To get stronger, obviously."
"Well no shit, but with your abilities there are hundreds of avenue's you could pursue to get stronger. So why [Senjutsu]?"
Takauji chuckled.
"That's a meaningless question, if you're going to ask me that then you'll also have to question me about every other ability I've attained up till now. It's true, I have many options to pick from, but [Senjutsu] is the one that interested me. So that's what I'm going with."
Wukong took another puff from his pipe, his expression hidden behind the black visor he wore on his face.
"So simple-minded, but most Dragons have a one-track mindset so I'm not all that surprised." He scratched his temple. "You see, my opinion of you is rather uncertain. I loathe those who wish to do nothing but bring chaos unto the world, and I love those who strive for its well-being. However, you pursue neither of these paths. You just act, there's no intent behind them other than curiosity."
"You researched me?"
"A little, but at my level [Senjutsu] can do a lot more than just read auras." He said cryptically. "Anyhow, Nurarihyon has cashed in his favor to make me train you, so that's exactly what I'll do. Hop on, Panda."
Takauji did as he asked, standing on the back of Yu-Long without any worry of falling off.
"Pandora." Nurarihyon called out to him.
"Yes?"
"Don't forget the deal."
He scoffed.
"You don't need to remind me, just make sure you behave around Yasaka while I'm not here. Otherwise you might end up not having a faction for me to protect at all." Takauji said with a threatening smile, sending a chill down the Youkai's spine.
"Enough chattering," Wukong groaned. "We're leaving now."
Yu-Long took off to the skies as Wukong reached into his ear, pulling out what looked to be a small stick that grew into a large bo-staff in an instant.
"Is that Ruyi Jingu Bang?" Takauji asked. Looking at the legendary staff with intrigue. Originally being one of the supporting pillars within the palace of the Dragon King of the East Sea, Ao Guang.
"Yeah, it is." Wukong waved at the staff, causing a large portal to appear in front of them which Yu-Long entered without hesitation. "Welcome to Mount Huaguo, make sure don't touch anything without my say-so lest I turn you into a mouse for the rest of your life."
Takauji marveled at the scenery had been met with, lush greenery teeming with life, landscapes to die for, and a view like no other. Rich with every natural wonder one could dream off.
This was the Flowers and Fruit Mountain, the birthplace of the Monkey King Sun Wukong, and home to his descendants. Including Bikou before he decided to join Khaos Brigade under Vali's team.
"The [Chakra] here is on a completely different level than in the human world." Takauji noticed, feeling the immense difference in density when he tried to absorb it.
"Of course it is, this mountain was cultivated by none other than myself. It'll also make your training significantly easier so be grateful for that, thousands of Youkai have pleaded with me before to take them here. You're more fortunate than you think."
"That goes without saying." Takauji smiled as Wukong brought him to an extremely well maintained temple near the peak of the mountain.
"Nurarihyon said you were interested in [Sage Mode], which you may indeed be capable of learning. However there's still something you need to achieve before I can even begin teaching you that."
"And what would that be?"
"Before I tell you, do you even know what [Sage Mode] is?"
"Nope, they just made it sound impressive so I decided I wanted it."
Both Wukong and Yu-Long deadpanned, unable to believe the simple-mindedness of the man in front of them.
"Simply put, [Sage Mode] is a state of perfect balance between one's original power source and [Chakra]. For most Youkai that would be the blending of [Youki] and [Chakra], and for you that would be [Mana] and [Chakra]."
"That sounds awfully plain, but I'm assuming it's not nearly as easy as you're making it sound."
"Obviously not, when I say perfect balance, I mean that in the most literal sense imaginable. 50-50, if the ratio is even remotely off-center, then it won't work at all. To achieve [Sage Mode], is to achieve balance within oneself. Don't forget that."
Takauji nodded, taking his words to heart.
"Now like I said there's something you need to learn before I can teach you [Sage Mode], it's a technique known as [Touki]."
"[Touki]?"
"Yeah, it's an ability one unlocks when they learn how to use [Senjutsu] to control their own life-force, manifesting it in physical form and wrapping themselves in its energy, giving life to their aura. You can think of it as a lesser version of [Sage Mode] or an imitation if you will."
Wukong held out his staff, Takauji's eyes sparkling as he witnessed it being coated in a soft ethereal glow.
"Your eyes are good, exceptional even. So I'll take a more hands-on approach to teaching you [Touki]." He twirled his staff, pointing one of its ends at Takauji. "Spar me, watch how I apply my [Chakra], and figure out how to do it yourself."
Sparring the Monkey King himself? I'd be an idiot among idiots to refuse such an opportunity.
"But you can't use any of your abilities, only your body."
"Eh? Why?"
"Because I want you to focus 100% of your energy into observing the technique, I'm not interested in spending too long training you, so I want this to be over with as quick as possible. I won't hear any complaints either."
You've got to be kidding me.
"Can I at least use a weapon?" He had never trained in hand to hand combat, coming at Sun Wukong with his bare fists would be akin to a toddler trying to take on a bear.
"Sure."
Takauji heaved a sigh of relief, casting [Vacio] and pulling out his beloved Sayafushi from within. The blade itself seemed to catch Sun Wukong's attention.
"That's a rather strange sword you have, who made it?"
"Azazel."
"Ah, now that's not very surprising. His creations have a tendency to be on the weird side." Wukong hung his staff over the back of shoulders, stretching from side to side as a few grunts left his mouth. "Alrighty then, shall we?"
Takauji tightened his grip on Sayafushi, preparing himself for the spar.
"Ready when you are."
CLANG!
Before he knew it, Wukong had closed the distance between them. His staff clashed with Takauji's blade as the latter struggled under the brute strength of the Monkey King.
"Shishishi. Such frail arms." Wukong continued to barrage Takauji with a smile on his face, his [Touki] infused swings causing the Dragon's knees to buckle with every hit he endured. "Remember, you're supposed to be focusing on my technique and figuring out how to use it yourself. Don't get distracted."
The flow of his [Chakra] is smooth like a river, it doesn't shake or waver in the slightest no matter how aggressive his movements become. I'm still a novice, when I try to channel [Chakra] I have to force it into my body. I don't have the fineness to do it like he does.
The small-statured man hit Takauji with a leg sweep, knocking him onto his back while he was brooding over how to pull off [Touki].
"One piece of advice, [Senjutsu] isn't a technique you can master with a stressed mind. You need to be calm, relaxed, and serene. How can one expect to connect with life without being at peace with it? The chirping of birds is music to the ears of soothed hearts, and noise to one's of angst."
"Easier said than done when I'm being attacked by a lightning fast monkey." He hauled himself to his feet, dusting the dirt of his clothes.
"That's the beauty of [Touki]. It increases every last one of your physical attributes, offense, defense, and mobility. Then again, even if I wasn't using it I'd still be faster than you." He chuckled.
That's rich coming from someone who won't let me use my damn abilities.
"Also, another reason I'm having you learn [Touki] this way is so that you may keep your heart sound during actual battles. The Mana you're used to using feeds of raging emotions, while [Senjutsu] demands serenity. That is another aspect you have to balance in order to achieve [Sage Mode]. You must calm what doesn't wish to be calmed."
Takauji swallowed his frustration, using his brain to actually make sense of what he had just been told.
"Is that the perfect balance you were talking about?"
Wukong plastered on a satisfied smile.
"Precisely."
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"It took two wipes to know you needed three, but it took three wipes to know you only needed two."
- Shit Tzu, Art of Wipes.
10+ Advance Chapters: patreon.com/Accel14
Discord Link: KQAtTw9u7x
Word Count: 2139
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