After his lie was exposed by Wukong, Zhu Bajie was forced to patrol the mountain once more. This time, he dared not dawdle any longer. Straightening his robes and gripping his iron rake, he set out at once.
Bajie led the way, with Monk Sha carrying the luggage behind. As evening fell, they sought shelter for the night, but resumed their journey when the roosters crowed. Finally Monk Tang, Bajie and Monk Sha arrived at the Kingdom of the Sacred Elephant.
Out of suspicion and paranoia, Monk Tang had rashly listened to Zhu Bajie’s words and banished the Monkey King. After the rift, he mounted his horse and continued westward as if nothing had happened. Bajie led the way, while Sha Wujing followed behind, carrying the luggage.
After the conference ended, the Great Immortal, Patriarch Zhenyuan, left the Tushita Palace.
The master and disciple traveled for some six or seven days in the wilderness. One day, when it was getting late, they saw a village in the distance. “Wukong,” said Tripitaka, “look! There’s a village over there. How about asking for lodging for the night before we travel again tomorrow?”
Over the past two months, we have explored the Chinese classic Journey to the West. Though a mythological narrative, it is rooted in historical events.