Within the Lion Camel Kingdom (and Lion Camel Ridge) alliance of Journey to the West, the Green Lion Spirit’s position as leader among the trio — Green Lion, White Elephant, and Roc Demon — was not merely due to lineage or combat prowess.
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.
During Sun Wukong’s havoc in the Heavenly Palace, why did the Jade Emperor summon the Buddha (Tathagata) instead of the Three Pure Ones?