Tathagata? Guanyin? The Pilgrim you chose is too weak. Let me take over!
So while Tang Sanzang was still waiting to set off in Chang'an City, Elder Jinchi had already gotten a head start.
At the foot of Five Finger Mountain: “Wukong, become my disciple and I'll set you free. I'll help you attain Buddhahood. How about it?”
Outside Gao Village: “Bajie, come with me. The road to the Western Heaven has plenty of food and drink, and I'll help you regain the dignity of Marshal Tianpeng!”
By the Flowing Sand River: “Wujing, I understand your pain. Come west with me and find release!”
From then on, the journey west took a very different turn.
