I. Core Plot Outline (Mystery Arc)
1. A string of bizarre incidents: Along the pilgrimage route, the four masters and disciples find their most important magical treasures and possessions afflicted by strange, non-destructive but highly disruptive and confusing problems.
· Sun Wukong: The Golden-Banded Staff feels too light and wrong in his hands. Its tip is chipped, and the inside seems hollow. It is much less effective in battle, and lesser demons laugh at him.
· Zhu Bajie: In the middle of the night, his Nine-Toothed Rake starts playing catchy songs on its own, such as “Mixue Ice Cream” and “Little Apple.” Bajie is sleep-deprived and dazed, and even finds himself humming along.
· Sha Monk: One of the skulls on his necklace mysteriously disappears. He doesn't notice at first, appearing unusually quiet and distracted.
· Tang Sanzang: His Brocade Kasaya occasionally flashes LED marquee-style effects from a different era, with messages like “Tang Sanzang Is the Best-Looking” and “Keep Going on the Pilgrimage,” leaving him utterly humiliated. The water in his purple-gold alms bowl turns into sugary soda.
2. The AI detective shows his skills: Chen Yi, who transmigrated into Tang Sanzang, uses an AI System to scan and analyze the clues. He discovers traces far beyond the technology of the era, including synthetic fibers, microscopic circuit debris, and sound-wave codes, all pointing to a “thief” with “advanced technology” or special abilities.
3. A shocking clue points to Tathagata: After the clues are initially pieced together, the System conducts an in-depth energy trace and produces a terrifying result: a 99% fingerprint match with the Buddha Tathagata, leaving Tang Sanzang (Chen Yi) utterly shocked and confused.
4. A conflict between Systems comes to light: Just as Tang Sanzang is questioning his sanity, he discovers that the investigation is being interfered with, and even the clues are being tampered with
