Sun Wukong once again placed Tang Monk back on the road leading westward, accompanied by Bajie and Sha Wujing. Before long, they came upon an impressive building that, due to its towering height and lavish decoration, resembled a genuine palace.
After bidding farewell to the sovereign of the Purple Kingdom, Tripitaka continued his westward journey riding on his horse. Having left behind countless mountains and crossed numerous rivers and streams, autumn came to an end, winter gradually lost its severity, and once again the bright charm of spring returned.
Sun Wukong helped the trembling king to his feet. “Has the demon returned since abducting your Golden Wisdom Queen?”
Despite the severity of his illness, the king appeared in court again the next morning.
Tripitaka and his disciples continued their journey, free as soaring birds. Time passed quickly, and summer’s scorching heat soon enveloped them once more.
Tripitaka and his three disciples once again set out on the road, relieved to finally leave the ‘Little Western Paradise’ behind.
Sun Wukong soared into the sky, refusing to descend until the demon and his minions sealed the gates of their fortress. Then, he landed on the western slope of the mountain and sank into despair.