Earth Monkey

The Earth Monkey is an ancient, intelligent monster feared less for raw strength than for subterranean stealth and sudden killing attacks. After Chen Changsheng cripples it in the Garden of Zhou, its relationship with him evolves from hatred to submission and battlefield assistance. (Chapters 333–501, 797–798, and 1044–1132)

Biography

From ambusher to guide

The Earth Monkey joins the monster assault on Zhou's mausoleum and tries to ambush Chen Changsheng, but a temple sword severs one hind leg and cripples the other. It survives by clinging to larger monsters, initially weeping with rage and grief, then loses its murderous intent and prostrates itself when Chen brings the Garden's monsters valuable herbs. Years later Chusu uses deliberately planted spiritual sense to control it and establish dominion over a northern grassland. The Earth Monkey nevertheless leads most monsters away from a deadly assault and returns to Chen, directing the herd and assisting his passage. It finally kneels at his feet as the monsters' representative rather than hunting him. (Chapters 333–501, 797–798, and 1044–1132)

Appearance and personality

It has a small, thin body, yellow-earth fur, an elongated neck, fierce teeth, and sharp claws. Cruel, bloodthirsty, crafty, and highly intelligent, it can also display fear, grief, greed, and submission; after losing its hind legs, it climbs and crawls with extraordinary speed using its forelimbs. (Chapters 333–340, 496–501, and 797–798)

Abilities and cultivation

The Earth Monkey travels with such effective concealment that it seems to move underground, crossing several li before opponents can locate it. Its claws and teeth can penetrate exceptionally hard targets, and its speed makes solitary encounters more feared than fights with stronger beasts. Its direct strength is comparatively limited, however: Chen counters its first ambush in one strike, and the lasting leg injuries force altered movement. Later it uses intelligence and reputation to command herds more than raw force. (Chapters 333–335, 496–501, 797–798, and 1121–1132)

Relationships

• Chen Changsheng: Chen cripples the attacking monster, later feeds and accepts it, and ultimately receives its aid and submission in the north. (Chapters 333–501 and 1121–1132)
• Chusu: Chusu leaves spiritual sense in the Earth Monkey and uses its influence over local monsters, but the creature later helps move the herd away and returns to Chen. (Chapters 1121–1124)

Items

• No personal item is established: The Earth Monkey fights with innate claws, teeth, speed, and concealment rather than equipment.