What is the Westward Quest?
The Westward Quest is Tripitaka’s journey to attain the Way—a Buddhist doctrinal war, a struggle over the true Dharma, and a wager between Tripitaka, Buddha, and Monkey. Though it carries the echoes of the disaster six hundred years ago, it is, in essence, only a localized conflict.
But now, two new players have entered the board: Master Sage Subhuti and Lord Lao. With them, the nature of the conflict has changed completely.
Within a few short hours, the events at Crescent Star Cave had already quietly spread to every corner of the Three Realms.
The Four Dragon Kings summoned their scattered followers from all corners.
The Ten Judges of the Underworld sealed the Hall of Yama as tightly as an iron barrel, strictly inspecting every soul entering or leaving the Netherworld.
The Heavenly Court, as the nominal highest administrative center, sealed South Heaven Gate tightly. Even mid- and low-level Buddhist cultivators scattered across the land began converging toward Spirit Mountain.
Yet all of this happened quietly. Everyone was tense, but no one wanted to be the first to be drawn into the center of the storm—not even the Buddhists.
Monkey is not the true terror—the real fear is Lord Lao, and the Non-Action Path that can bind all Heavenly Dao cultivators like shackles.
In just a short time, the shadow of the figure who controlled the Three Realms for ten thousand years seems to once again envelop the world, pressing everything down so that it is hard to breathe.
Yet, while all eyes are wide open, watching every move, Monkey at the eye of the storm remains utterly confused.
On the way back, Lord Lao’s cryptic words kept repeating in Monkey’s mind—until only the word “cost” remained.
Cost...what does it mean?
He murmured to himself, countless images flashing through his mind.
For eight hundred years, it seemed he was always paying the price—willingly, or forced to sacrifice much for what he wanted. In the end, he was left alone.
Yet, even so, could he truly refuse?
Thinking this, Monkey couldn’t help but smile bitterly.
The road before him had never allowed for turning back.
The most terrifying thing in life is not “choice,” but “having no choice.” Knowing it’s wrong, yet having to grit your teeth and keep going—step after step, until your legs are numb, and still not daring to stop. Because to stop is to be destroyed.
In such circumstances, even Lord Lao did not make things clear—perhaps because the cost is truly heavy. So heavy that, even now, Monkey might not agree.
Hey.' Monkey rubbed his face. 'They're my followers.'
People are neither noble nor base, and the same goes for demons.' Tripitaka sighed. 'No one should die for someone else's dream.'
Monkey looked at Tripitaka, pursed his lips. "What are you trying to say?"
In Thunderhill County, several of your followers died, Great Sage. I believe keeping them only increases casualties.'
Monkey laughed coldly. "Is there any point to this? Since I left Blossom Mountain, my life has hung by a thread. No one in this world escapes death if they want to live."
Tripitaka lowered his eyes and said nothing.
The two sat in silence for a long time. Finally, Monkey spoke softly: "I know you want us gone. To be honest, we've only intervened because you asked. Thunderhill County, Mercy Abbey—each time, it was because of us. But you won't say it, since you were the one who brought me out of seclusion. Once spoken, some things can't be unsaid. I get it. Still, today, I need you to answer me honestly. Directly."
Monkey glanced at Tripitaka.
Tripitaka replied calmly, "Please, Great Sage."
I won't gamble anymore. I want a real answer. How far have we truly come on the Westward Quest? How much hope do you have?' Monkey looked Tripitaka in the eye, speaking slowly: 'Give me a clear answer, so I know how to proceed.'
Oh?' Monkey snorted. 'I thought you were going to say he changed his mind and wants us to stay. Now that would be news. When has he ever not told us to leave?'
This time is different,' interrupted King Bullhorn, but he fell silent, glancing back at Tripitaka.
The demon generals behind him stared at Monkey—their eyes different from how they looked in Thunderhill County.
Maybe... they've lost faith in the Westward Quest too.
Monkey glanced at Marshal Silver, then clapped his hands. "Alright, I'll talk to him. It's time we lay things out."
With that, he strode toward Tripitaka.
Seeing Monkey approach, Tripitaka blinked twice, put his palms together, and sat motionless.
Monkey walked up and sat down, bowing slightly.
I heard you told them to leave?
Tripitaka tossed a twig into the fire. "I only told them to live their own lives."
Hey.' Monkey rubbed his face. 'They're my followers.'
People are neither noble nor base, and the same goes for demons.' Tripitaka sighed. 'No one should die for someone else's dream.'
Monkey looked at Tripitaka, pursed his lips. "What are you trying to say?"
In Thunderhill County, several of your followers died, Great Sage. I believe keeping them only increases casualties.'
Monkey laughed coldly. "Is there any point to this? Since I left Blossom Mountain, my life has hung by a thread. No one in this world escapes death if they want to live."
Tripitaka lowered his eyes and said nothing.
The two sat in silence for a long time. Finally, Monkey spoke softly: "I know you want us gone. To be honest, we've only intervened because you asked. Thunderhill County, Mercy Abbey—each time, it was because of us. But you won't say it, since you were the one who brought me out of seclusion. Once spoken, some things can't be unsaid. I get it. Still, today, I need you to answer me honestly. Directly."
Monkey glanced at Tripitaka.
Tripitaka replied calmly, "Please, Great Sage."
I won't gamble anymore. I want a real answer. How far have we truly come on the Westward Quest? How much hope do you have?' Monkey looked Tripitaka in the eye, speaking slowly: 'Give me a clear answer, so I know how to proceed.'