Heaven-Defying Rebel Sage

Wukong eventually located the reincarnation of Golden Cicada, Tang Sanzang, and thereafter embarked on the journey to the West for the scriptures.

Tang Sanzang also yearned for the Mahayana Sutras. He was well-versed in the Buddhist scriptures, almost able to cite them with ease. However, for some reason, Wukong, looking at him, always felt uneasy, a mysterious flame burning within. Whenever this flame threatened to explode, his headband would painfully tighten, immediately extinguishing the fire.

"Amitabha Buddha, it turns out the headband Bodhisattva Guanyin gifted me has such wonderful uses. Truly a fine item!" thought Wukong to himself.

After overcoming many challenges, they finally neared the Western Heaven, having traveled for a full eight years.

That day, a woman blocked their path.

This woman was clad in purple, her appearance graceful and gentle, making her seem approachable. Were it not for the sword she carried, one might take her for a delicate lady from some household. There she stood on a narrow path that only allowed single-file passage, her eyes on Wukong, flickering with indescribable brilliance, a mix of heartache and excitement. She was Zixia.

Zixia said, "Stone Monkey!"

Wukong, seeing Zixia block the way, only felt her face looked familiar but couldn’t recall who she was, thus he frowned and asked, "Madam, could you please make way for us?"

Zixia’s heart sank. She stared deeply at him and said, "Stone Monkey, don’t you remember me? I am Zixia!"

Wukong’s frown deepened until it knitted tightly together, and he asked, "Madam, are you mistaken? My name is Wukong, not Stone Monkey."

Zixia could only smile bitterly and muttered, "Wukong, Wukong... ’Understands emptiness, becomes a Buddha on the spot’?"