(Dream of the Red Chamber + Journey to the West Mythology) I Once Met That Great Sage

A monk arrived at the residence of Lin Ruhai, the Inspector of Salt, after traveling from the Tang Dynasty in the east to seek Buddhist scriptures in the west. He was dignified and deeply learned in Buddhist teachings. His only great disciple, however, was neither fully human nor fully monkey. He carried an iron staff, and his eyes and brows brimmed with rebellious pride.

Sun Wukong was used to ordinary people fearing him like a tiger. He was used to his master's constant complaints: "My eldest disciple looks inhuman and is impossible to tame. My second disciple is ugly..."

"Oh, Mother, I've seen this big brother before."

In the inner hall of the Lin residence, the timid, frail little girl showed not the slightest fear of him. Instead, she smiled with innocent delight.

That one smile softened the Great Sage's heart.

He gave her a peach-pit seed, protecting her so she would live forever, never fall ill, and never suffer calamity. He left behind a single strand of his hair, which became a messenger she thought of every day and wrote to often.

Many years later, Sun Wukong, now the Victorious Fighting Buddha, left Mount Lingshan and entered the mortal world to visit the girl he had never stopped thinking about.

Falling cherry blossoms surrounded them. She buried flowers beneath the tree while he leaned against its trunk, eating peaches and occasionally kicking down a few petals. She would pinch his ear and scold him coquettishly. It was a picture of peaceful years.

Theme: Stand on your own, grow strong, and never stop striving