Chapter 89: Journeying to the Grand Banquet of the World, Beholding the Magnificence of Mortal Splendor!-Leveling Up My Cultivation on Stray Mountain(The Cat Dreaming in the Deep Sea)

Dusk had fallen.

The snow in the sky grew heavier.

Lu Fei, who usually delighted in watching and admiring snowfall, found himself utterly distracted now. After giving instructions to a few subordinates nearby, he turned and entered the stone cave.

Seeing their leader retreat inside, Crow Monster continued to tease Wandashan One, provoking low growls from the beast and laughing heartily himself.

Redskin, far more observant than Crow Monster, noticed the solemnity in their leader’s expression. He immediately spoke up, “Stop fooling around, everyone. I suspect the boss has important matters to discuss. Let’s get inside quickly…”

Though Crow Monster was nominally the second in command, when the boss wasn’t present, it was usually Redskin, the third, who took charge.

Upon hearing Redskin, the other monsters promptly ceased their play and hurried into the cave.

Once inside, they saw their leader sitting before the campfire, his face grave, and immediately straightened up.

Little Bai the treasure-seeking mouse sensed something amiss. He leapt from Huang Gui’s arms and scampered to Lu Fei’s feet, begging for a hug.

Wandashan One, though not as intelligent as the others, was highly sensitive to the atmosphere. Instead of mimicking Little Bai, he padded softly over to Lu Fei, quietly curling up at his feet rather than seeking attention.

Sensing that their leader had serious matters to discuss, the trio—Crow Monster, Redskin, and Huang Gui—who usually joked freely with him, now even hesitated to sit down. Three stone stools stood ready, previously occupied by the former heads of the monsters.

Watching Lu Fei’s focused gaze on the fire, Crow Monster and Huang Gui dared not speak. Redskin took the initiative, “Boss…”

“Sit down…”

Lu Fei looked up, his tone normal, “Why are you standing around?”

Hearing his usual voice and seeing his familiar expression, the trio relaxed noticeably.

Crow Monster grinned and sat first, though no one knew what he was laughing about. Redskin followed, and then Huang Gui quickly took his seat as well.

Unlike Crow Monster and Redskin, Huang Gui, who joined the group later, was much more respectful toward Lu Fei.

Looking at these three who had accompanied him all the way, especially Crow Monster and Redskin, Lu Fei stroked Little Bai in his arms and spoke directly, “I plan to leave for a while…”

The words dropped.

The trio was stunned.

Crow Monster, quick-tongued, brightened and immediately asked, “Boss, where are you going? What place? Is it fun? When do we set off? I need to prepare…”

Lu Fei smiled and shook his head, “I’ll be leaving soon, but this time you don’t need to prepare. It’ll just be me going.”

“As for whether it’s fun, I doubt it will be…”

Crow Monster’s face fell in shock, “Boss, just you, not taking us monsters?”

Lu Fei nodded, “The place I’m going is far, not somewhere I can return from in a year or two. The road is dangerous, so it’s best I go alone…”

Hearing this, Crow Monster grew anxious, “If it’s dangerous, all the more reason to take me, Redskin, and Huang Gui. United as brothers, we can overcome anything! Isn’t that what you taught us?”

Lu Fei shook his head, “No, you’re too weak…”

Hit with such blunt honesty, Crow Monster wilted, muttering, “We aren’t weak. Few monsters from my year survived as long as I have. Even those older aren’t as strong as me. The real issue is you cultivate too fast, Boss, that’s why…”

He wasn’t wrong.

But Lu Fei simply shook his head again.

Seeing their leader’s resolve, Redskin spoke up, “When do you plan to leave, Boss?”

Lu Fei looked at Redskin—of the three, he trusted him most. “I’ll leave soon. I wanted to let you all know first. Then I’ll go to the main mountain to see the General and inform him…”

General Bai must be notified—he was the most crucial part of Lu Fei’s departure.

Seeing the conversation reach this point, Redskin had nothing more to say. Much like what Lu Fei had told Crow Monster, it applied equally to himself and Huang Gui—they were too weak to help.

He could only ask, “Will the General agree?”

Lu Fei’s expression was calm, “I think he will…”

The leader’s voice was unwavering.

Redskin fell silent, his gaze dimming, “Then, I wish you…”

“Stop!” Lu Fei interrupted, laughing, “This is a good thing, no need for talk of life and death partings. Besides, I’m not leaving yet—I have to get the General’s approval first.”

“We didn’t finish our drinks tonight…”

With a wave of his hand, Lu Fei produced two sizable monster corpses and several jars of wine. “Eat and drink first. I’ll go see the General, but tonight, let’s drink till we drop…”

With that, Lu Fei left without another word, heading outside.

Farewells are always tinged with sadness.

Lu Fei had anticipated his companions’ reactions.

But now, clearly aware he was in the Journey to the West world, how could he not seize his brief knowledge of this world, and not strive for a better fate, a path to immortality, a chance to see the human realm?

He could not resign himself to staying forever in a remote corner of the Great Wilderness Mountain, content with slow growth in obscurity.

He wouldn’t be satisfied.

Besides, it wasn’t as though he wouldn’t return.

Once he succeeded in apprenticing, learned immortal techniques, and came back to resume his monster life, the benefits far outweighed remaining stagnant in his mountain corner.

Not to mention the vast difference between true immortal cultivation techniques and the basic monster breathing methods.

Even if he simply went out and returned, he’d have the status of an immortal’s disciple—when encountering those great monster kings, regardless of background, they’d think twice before harming him.

At least, he’d never again face the near-fatal danger of being crushed by a monster king, as had almost happened on the battlefield.

Thus, he was determined to venture into the human realm.

No one could stop him.

He strode quickly outside, stepping on black mist as he flew down the mountain.

Inside the stone cave, the mood was heavy.

Redskin rose to tidy up the monster corpses, Huang Gui hurried to help.

Crow Monster suddenly said, “Redskin, you should have persuaded the boss.”

Redskin shook his head, “Of course I wanted to persuade him, but when has he ever changed his mind? You and I both know that. How could we?”

“Besides, with the boss’s intelligence, anything we think of, he’s already thought of.”

“Let’s not dwell on it—come help skin these, I’m still hungry…”

“He’ll be back later. If you want to say something, ask him then…”

With Redskin’s words, the previously somber atmosphere eased.

Crow Monster understood—his boss’s nature was indeed so. He’d been too caught up in his own feelings.

He got up to help process the monster corpses. “I wonder where he’s going this time, all mysterious, not taking us along…”

Redskin replied, “What we need to know, he’ll tell us. Ask when he gets back…”

“True…”

Outside, night had fallen completely.

Lu Fei walked on black mist through the snow-laden forest, heading for the main mountain.

All around was silent.

Yet Lu Fei’s heart was restless.

His visit to the General was not merely to inform him of his plans, but also to seek advice—directions out of the mountains, which way to human villages and towns, geography.

Of course, a map would be ideal.

*****

But Lu Fei knew a map was out of the question—just locating deep mountain areas was hard enough on Earth, let alone in a world like Journey to the West.

His greatest hope was simply to learn the way out.

As for whether General Bai would agree to his journey into the human world, he was somewhat confident, but not certain.

He’d have to see the General in person.

When Lu Fei arrived at the main mountain peak, outside the General’s cave, two little monsters on duty immediately greeted him.

As the prominent leader of the Langlang Mountain monster tribe, favored by the General, Lu Fei was well-known to them. They welcomed him warmly, “What brings you here so late, White Leader?”

“I need to see the General…”

Before he finished, a voice came from inside, “Come in…”

Lu Fei strode into the cave and saw General Bai, clad in silver armor, sitting at a stone table drinking. Nearby, the rabbit demoness formerly known as General Hei danced in thin gauze before the table.

“Greetings, General…”

Lu Fei stepped forward and bowed.

“Sit…” General Bai gestured to a stone stool, “Have a drink…”

A half-monster maiden promptly poured Lu Fei a cup.

But, unlike his usual unceremonious attitude with General Bai, Lu Fei did not step forward this time, nor dare take the cup. He replied honestly, “Reporting, General, I dare not…”

“Oh…”

Seeing Lu Fei’s demeanor, General Bai, who considered himself familiar with this younger clansman, immediately sensed something was up—something serious.

“Looks like you have something to say…”

General Bai sipped his wine, “Go on, I’m curious what could scare our White Leader so much…”

Hearing the teasing tone, Lu Fei grew even more cautious, “General, I… I’m a bit afraid…”

“Oh…”

General Bai laughed, “Alright, if you won’t say, just drink the wine and go back.”

Lu Fei grinned sheepishly, “General, I want… I want to venture into the human world…”

General Bai’s hand froze with his wine cup. Thinking he’d misheard, he asked, “Repeat that—what do you want?”

“Reporting, General, I wish to visit the human world.”

General Bai finally understood and found it amusing, looking up at Lu Fei, “Do you know what you’re saying?”

“I do…” Lu Fei nodded earnestly. “Today, while drinking with Hu Cong, Da Jiao, and Da Chui, we talked about the human world. I felt a longing—I’ve been in these mountains since birth and want to go out and see the world.”

General Bai now realized Lu Fei was serious, not delirious. “The human world… Do you know how far the nearest human settlement is?”

“I don’t…”

General Bai set down his cup, growing solemn. “Let me tell you: even traveling day and night, it’ll take three months. Along the way, you’ll cross many monster territories—some belong to the Wind and Cloud Ridge monsters we just fought, and others to different monster kings. If you’re discovered, you’ll end up as the feast. Do you understand?”

Lu Fei replied, “Thank you for telling me, General. Now I know, but I still want to go.”

General Bai studied him closely, then said, “You’re not telling me the whole truth, are you?”

“Speak up. If you can’t persuade me, you won’t be allowed to leave.”

Lu Fei was startled but not surprised—the excuse of ‘seeing the world’ was flimsy, given the dangers. It might fool ordinary monsters, but not General Bai.

“Heh, General, your insight is sharp…”

Lu Fei admitted honestly, “While drinking with Hu Cong and the others, we spoke not only of the human world, but of immortals. That’s why I wish to venture out, to see if I can find an immortal mountain or palace, apprentice myself, and learn immortal arts…”

General Bai saw Lu Fei was now speaking truthfully and his face grew serious.

If Lu Fei had only sought to broaden his horizons, General Bai could have dismissed it. But now, hearing he intended to seek immortal masters and learn their ways—that moved him deeply.

Life as a minor monster leader was much more comfortable than for ordinary monsters.

But for Lu Fei to risk danger and hardship in search of immortal teachings—this wasn’t madness; it was awakening of true wisdom, dissatisfaction with the status quo, ambition, and lofty aspirations.

And Lu Fei showed no signs of being crazy.

So, it was the latter.

*****

General Bai regarded Lu Fei for a long while, then said coldly, “Do you understand that even if you find an immortal, the likelihood of being killed, skinned, eaten, or enslaved is far greater than being accepted as a disciple?”

Lu Fei fell silent.

He knew General Bai meant well—and spoke the truth.

The real Three Realms were far crueler than his memories of Journey to the West.

Yet, Lu Fei’s resolve was firm. After a pause, he said, “I still wish to go…”

Now it was General Bai’s turn to fall silent. After several drinks, he sighed, “Alright. When I first met you, I knew you were full of schemes.”

“Go, as long as you don’t regret it…”

“General, the road to the human world…”

“Head north…”

“That’s it…”

General Bai, now disinterested, waved Lu Fei away.

Lu Fei understood—he’d been granted permission. He bowed and withdrew quickly.

Leaving the General’s cave and the mountaintop, Lu Fei felt exhilarated.

Though he knew this might disappoint General Bai, he would not regret it.

After returning to his own cave entrance, seeing the firelight and laughter inside, Lu Fei paused, then turned to visit the deer monster leader Da Jiao.

Soon after, he visited the tiger monster leader Da Chui, then finally the fox monster leader Hu Cong.

Upon leaving Hu Cong’s cave, having visited his three closest monster leader friends, Lu Fei returned home.

Night was deep.

Though the running around was tiring, it was necessary for arrangements concerning Crow Monster, Redskin, and Huang Gui.

Standing at his cave entrance, hearing the joy inside, Lu Fei smiled.

Some things can only be judged by the person involved.

For Lu Fei, as long as, upon his return, Crow Monster, Redskin, and Huang Gui—his companions since their days as little monsters—were still safe, it was all worth it.

With that thought, Lu Fei stepped inside.

All preparations were complete.

Now, only farewells remained before Lu Fei could embark on his journey to seek immortality.

“Boss…”

*****

“Boss…”

Upon seeing Lu Fei return, Crow Monster, Redskin, and Huang Gui immediately stood and called out.

“Sit, all of you…”

Lu Fei smiled—his spirits soared, feeling invigorated.

Seated at the head, he said, “Quick, pour me a bowl of wine. I’ve been running all night and I’m parched…”

His tone was unprecedentedly cheerful.

Huang Gui was stunned, then hurriedly poured wine.

Crow Monster’s eyes shone—he hadn’t heard his boss speak like this in ages. He got excited, “Boss, we must drink well tonight…”

Redskin, gnawing on meat, deduced from this that the boss’s conversation with the General had likely been resolved.

“Here, Boss…”

“Boss, cheers—second brother toasts you…”

“Cheers, Boss…”

“Here, Boss, another toast…”

“Boss, you haven’t finished your drink—no fishing allowed! You taught me that…”

“Boss, drink…”

“……”

Time passed slowly.

When dawn broke and the cave was lit by faint morning light,

Inside, Crow Monster lay sprawled on the ground, not quite asleep but unable to control his body, moaning, “Help me up, I can still drink…”

Huang Gui was similar, lying drunk on the ground, struggling to stay awake, his eyes wide open watching Lu Fei and Redskin at the fire.

Lu Fei, holding Little Bai, clinked bowls with Redskin, who was still clear-headed. After a final drink, Redskin spoke seriously, “I’ve received the General’s permission. At sunrise, I’ll leave.”

Redskin grew anxious, “Boss, so soon?”

Lu Fei replied, “The sooner the better. It’s inevitable.”

Accepting the result, Redskin asked, “Boss, where are you going? As your little brothers, we should know.”

Lu Fei answered, “To walk the human world, seek immortality…”

Redskin was stunned by this answer, clearly beyond his comprehension. He wanted to ask more, but Lu Fei interrupted, “Redskin, listen. Once I leave, I won’t return for years. You’ll be assigned to another leader.”

“But the General won’t assign you to Bear Leader, who holds grudges against us—it’ll be someone else.”

“No matter who you serve, obey orders…”

“But if you run into trouble, don’t be afraid. You can go to the three leaders you met today—I’ve spoken to them, they’ll help.”

“But remember the order—seek Tiger Leader Da Chui first. If not, then Deer Leader. Last is Fox Leader…”

“Remember?”

Redskin nodded, “Yes, I remember.”

“Good…”

Lu Fei nodded, “I trust you’ll manage well. From the moment I leave, you’re in charge…”

He turned to Crow Monster and Huang Gui, now sitting up, “Did you hear?”

“Yes, Boss…”

“I will, Boss…”

Both replied, sobering up as their boss prepared to depart.

Lu Fei nodded, “You should move here…”

“And Little Bai and Wandashan…”

Lu Fei stroked Little Bai, who was burrowing into his arms, and Wandashan One, who seemed dispirited, sensing Lu Fei’s imminent departure. He told Redskin, Crow Monster, and Huang Gui, “Wandashan is still young—let it grow a bit more, then feed it spirit medicine to transform it…”

“As for Little Bai, you know his abilities…”

At this, Little Bai emitted unprecedented, plaintive cries, as if weeping.

Lu Fei knew Little Bai wanted to follow him.

But leaving Langlang Mountain, Redskin and the others needed Little Bai’s abilities more.

He continued, “You must keep this secret and hide him well…”

He produced four spirit medicines, handing them to Redskin.

Redskin protested, “Boss, you need these more. I still have some from last time, plus we have Little Bai.”

Lu Fei thought for a moment, took back two, “These two are for Wandashan—one for transformation, one for cultivation. Keep them.”

Redskin accepted.

Beside them, Wandashan seemed to understand, and whimpered sadly.

Lu Fei patted his head, “It’s only a temporary separation. Be good, listen, cultivate well, and wait for my return.”

“Awuu…”

Wandashan whimpered louder, smearing tears and snot on Lu Fei.

“All’s been said. Time to go…”

Lu Fei stood and headed for the cave entrance, followed closely by Redskin, Crow Monster, Huang Gui, and Wandashan.

“Wowu wowu…”

Little Bai, nestled in Lu Fei’s arms, kept crying.

At the entrance, Lu Fei took a deep breath, gently placed Little Bai—who struggled to stay—with Redskin, and gave his final instruction, “They’re all yours now…”

“Yes, Boss!”

“I’m leaving—no one sees me off…”

Black mist gathered beneath his feet.

“Boss!”

“Awuu…”

Crow Monster and Huang Gui, eyes red, called out.

Wandashan tried to approach, but Redskin held him back.

“I’m leaving—wait for my return…”

Lu Fei, his nose tinged with sorrow, turned and left.

“Boss!”

“Boss…”

“Wowu wowu…”

As they watched their leader depart, the brothers cried out, breaking down, while Little Bai struggled violently in Redskin’s arms, and Wandashan twisted beside him.

At that moment,

Redskin managed to restrain Wandashan, but couldn’t hold Little Bai, who leapt free, squeaking loudly as he raced after his father.

“Third brother…”

Crow Monster and Huang Gui cried out as Little Bai escaped.

Redskin sighed, “Let him go—we cannot keep him…”

*****

In the snowy forest,

Lu Fei, not far gone, was flying steadily when he heard a familiar voice behind him.

He turned to see Little Bai, desperate, racing over the thick snow, looking just like a child searching for his father.

The sorrow that had faded surged back, and a warm tear sprang to his eyes.

He stopped, opened his arms, and caught Little Bai as he leapt into them, smiling with deep relief, “Very well, you shall accompany your old dad on this journey to the human world…”

— Dreaming Cat in the Deep Sea