This article will be your guide, leading you step-by-step through this questline, exploring the hidden secrets, and maximizing the benefits that Shen Monkey offers.
Meeting, Rescuing Shen Monkey, and Initial Upgrades (Chapter 1)
In Chapter 1, at the Bamboo Grove (Black Wind Mountain), you will meet Shen Monkey. To get there, go from the Marsh of the White Mist Shrine, follow the path after defeating Yaoguai Chief, Guangmou. You will see Shen Monkey being harassed by a Snake Patroller. Defeat the snake to rescue the monkey.
Shen Monkey will invite you into the cave, where you can:
- Upgrade Gourds: Use Luojia Fragrant Vine (near the Shrine) to upgrade the Old Gourd to a Medicine Gourd (increasing the number of uses).
- Upgrade Drinks: (Requires Awaken Wine Worms, can be found later). Increases the amount of health restored.
- Brew: Add secondary effects to drinks (for example: Gall Gem increases poison resistance).
- Store: Buy items (initially has Celestial Lotus Seeds). The store will update later.
Tip: Prioritize upgrading the Gourd to increase survivability.
Shen Monkey Moves to Zodiac Village (Chapter 3)
In Chapter 3, you will have the opportunity to meet Shen Monkey again, but this time at a fixed and more convenient location: Zodiac Village. To have Shen Monkey move here, you need to complete a small quest chain:
- Meet and Defeat Chen Loong: At the North Shore of the Bitter Lake, you will confront Chen Loong.
- Get Medicine from Xu Dog: Go to the Cellar below the Crouching Tiger Temple, find Xu Dog, and get the medicine.
- Give Medicine to Chen Loong: Return to Chen Loong and give him the medicine. You will receive the Ruyi Scroll, unlocking Zodiac Village.
- Shen Monkey in Zodiac Village
Benefit: From now on, Shen Monkey is settled in Zodiac Village. You can easily drop by and make upgrades or purchases
Summary table of items that can be purchased from Shen Monkey
| Chapter | Item | Type | Will |
| 1 | Celestial Lotus Seeds | Soak | 2400 |
| 3 | Jade Lotus Gourd | Gourd | 7200 |
| 3 | Awaken Wine Worm | Upgrade | 1500 |
| 3 | Luojia Fragrant Vine | Upgrade | 2000 |
| 3 | Thunderbolt Horn | Soak | 3600 |
| 4 | Pinebrew | Drink | 6000 |
| 4 | Awaken Wine Worm | Upgrade | 2500 |
| 4 | Luojia Fragrant Vine | Upgrade | 3000 |