Chapter 317 - 278: Heavenly Venerable of the Thunder Department Battles Monkey King
The story tells of the Universally Transformative Heavenly Venerable of Thunder, Responsive to the Nine Heavens Wen Zhong receiving a hint from True Martial, challenging Wukong by name.
Wukong was compelled to accept the challenge, as failure to do so would undoubtedly cast doubt on his sincerity to the Tathagata. Furthermore, battling a disciple of the Sect of Interception could entirely clear him of any suspicions! This was a clever strategy, for he had just taken refuge with the Tathagata and it was rare for him to be trusted so soon. Now that he was challenged by a disciple of the Sect of Interception, victory would naturally secure the Tathagata’s trust.
Wukong said with a smile, "This is but a title bestowed by the Buddha Ancestor out of favor for this poor monk. How could I be so formidable? However, if Tian Zun of Hearing wishes to exchange pointers with this poor monk, I shall certainly oblige."
Wen Zhong replied, "Good, very good! Since the Victorious Fighting Buddha accepts, let us have a bout and see who is the superior one."
Wukong rose to his full height, a picture of majestic serenity, truly the embodiment of a formidable Victorious Fighting Buddha. How could that be seen? Later generations have remembered it with a poem:
The poem goes:
In the Flat Peach Garden once I kept the feast, At Yama’s Palace, I alone took the stand.
The Dragon Palace’s throne was mine to claim in a moment, In the Jade Realm soaring high, I proclaimed my reign.
Delighted in the fine wine from the Yao Pond, Swallowed the Doulu Golden Pill with even greater joy.
Born with a nature free to roam at will, I sat neither on the fairy mountain nor in meditation still.
Nu Wa’s colorful stones ingeniously wrought, In one transformation, into this world brought.