Time passed slowly like wandering clouds—maple leaves turning pale dew, evening clouds holding the last drops of rain, cold crows perching on bare branches.
By the way, the Water Ape Great Sage had now received a surname and a Dharma name.
He settled quietly in his chamber, and in the days that followed, he went about the mansion practicing sweeping, tidying, responding appropriately, advancing and retreating with circumspection.
He often chatted with senior brothers like Sun Wukong, discussing scriptures and debating the Dao, practicing calligraphy and burning incense.
Every day, he swept the floors and tended the garden—cultivating flowers, pruning trees, collecting firewood, lighting fires, fetching water, and carrying drinks.
Several years slipped by quietly this way.
During that time, no immortal had taught the Water Ape Great Sage directly.
Yet he felt no impatience and kept himself busy with chores around the mansion.
In those years, many people from outside the mansion entered the mountains, seeking Immortals and inquiring about the Dao.
For a time, the mansion became lively again, reminiscent of old days.
However, the new disciples who came through the gate had poor temperaments—impatience was the norm.