The stone monkey lived carefree among the other monkeys of the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit. He was bolder, cleverer, and stronger than any of his brethren.

One scorching day, the troupe followed a stream to its source—a thundering waterfall that cascaded from a cliff face.

"Whoever dares to leap through this waterfall and discover what lies beyond shall be our king!" declared an old monkey.

The stone monkey stepped forward without hesitation. "I accept!"

With a mighty leap, he plunged through the curtain of water. Beyond the falls, he discovered a magnificent cave of smoothest stone, furnished with stone tables, stone stools, and a stone throne. Above the entrance was carved in ancient script: "The Cave of the Curtain of Water."

When he emerged and led the others inside, the monkeys prostrated themselves before him.

From that day forward, he was called the Handsome Monkey King. For three hundred years, he ruled in peace and joy—until the shadow of mortality fell upon his spirit.

"I must find the Way of Immortality," he declared, and set sail alone across the vast ocean, seeking a master who could teach him the secrets of eternal life.