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At the Heavenly River(Heaven-Reaching River), the ancient turtle entrusted Tang Monk to ask Tathagata when it could “shed its shell and attain human form,” but Tang Monk ultimately failed/forgot to inquire.
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When Sun Wukong failed to defeat the Green Bull Demon, he sought aid from Tathagata Buddha. Though aware of the demon’s origins, Tathagata withheld this knowledge, fearing Wukong’s indiscretion. He dispatched Arhats instead of intervening personally — even when they too proved ineffective.
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Gradually, Wukong began to question his fate:“This is all Tathagata’s fault! He sits comfortably in his paradise, hoarding scriptures! If he truly cared about spreading truth, he should have delivered them himself to the East. Instead, he sent us through endless trials. Now my master lies dead! I’ll confront Buddha—demand the scriptures or freedom…
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Having escaped the perils of thorns and entangled tree spirits, the pilgrims continued westward. Soon winter came to an end, and spring returned, spreading its presence everywhere. The master and his disciples preferred the languid fragrance of flowers and the soft comfort of meadows.
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In a recent battle, the Buffalo Demon had used his magic band to strip all the gods of their weapons once again.