Starting from the Marsh of White Mist shrine, I saved a trapped monkey from a monster and found him as the Shen Monkey, who upgraded my gourd. After doubling back to loot a hidden chest for gold and yarn, I continued along the bamboo grove's waterfall path.
Setting out from the keeper shrine at the Marsh of White Mist within the bamboo grove, I hoped the journey ahead would prove both easier and more exciting.
Passing across some wooden bridges, I suddenly heard someone crying out desperately for survival. Spotting a monkey trapped above a Patrolling Snake, I knew I had to step in and help.
Activating my immobilize spell right as it was ready, I rushed in and started wailing on the beast while the monkey hung safely out of reach, waiting out the fight.
Once I finished off the monster, the monkey leaped down with a big smile, casually remarking that snake coils were nothing before inviting me to follow him inside as his guest.
Curious to see what he had to offer, I listened as he explained his backstory. Though he had lived here for a long time, he still hadn't learned to defend himself.
He mentioned meeting many of the hidden ones, and by rank of birth, everyone called him "forefather," though he considered himself just an old monkey banished to the mortal world who brought treasure troves down to the realm.
This turned out to be the Shen Monkey, an NPC who upgrades gourds. I checked his inventory immediately, using a Luojia Fragrant Vine I had collected earlier to upgrade my gourd.
I also looked into upgrading my coconut wine, but I lacked the required Awakening Wine Worm material. Instead, I experimented with the brew options, adding a Gall Gem soak to my gourd to moderately increase poison resistance for a short duration after drinking.
Skipping his celestial lotus seeds, I prepared to leave, while the monkey muttered that there was no going back to the court now and only drink could drown his sorrows.
Spotting something I had passed earlier while following the monkey, I doubled back to ensure I didn't miss any valuables.
Opening up a large chest tucked away behind me yielded two tiny pieces of gold and two pieces of yarn, a solid reward for checking my corners.
Exploring a side path briefly, I confirmed it looped back to the same route, meaning I hadn't missed anything.
Pressing forward, I paused to admire a stunning waterfall in the bamboo grove, keeping in mind that despite the open scenery, the game keeps me bound to specific paths rather than true open-world freedom.
All the pictures are take by me, from my gameplay. I took help from the internet for some words/names/locations used in this post.