Gungun failed to attain the Dao; the Scripture-Seeking Pilgrim was no mortal (two chapters in one)

Heavenly Court, the Heavenly River's left camp.

Sun Wukong had served as a deputy general for several hundred days. That day, he leaned on the Golden-Banded Staff and gazed at the moon, lost in thought.

He kept feeling as though he had forgotten something. But what was it?

"Ah..." Unable to remember, Sun Wukong could not help sighing.

"An imperial edict from the Black Bear Buddha Lord of the Western Paradise, exalted in virtue and goodness, peerless in the Yin-Yang of the Nine Hells!" Suddenly, a mighty shout came from afar. Sun Wukong jolted at the sound and hurriedly looked up, only to see Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta approaching on a cloud, a Buddhist edict in his hand.

Sun Wukong leaped up, turned into a streak of divine light, and shot over to Mahasthamaprapta. Pressing his palms together, he bowed slightly and answered, "This humble monkey receives the edict."

Mahasthamaprapta opened the edict and read, "Heaven has ordained that our Buddhist School shall flourish. The Scripture-Seeking Pilgrim has now departed from Chang'an and embarked on the road to the Western Heaven to seek the true scriptures. With the Heavenly Emperor's permission, Sun Wukong, deputy general of the Heavenly River's left camp, is hereby commanded to descend to the mortal realm and protect the Scripture-Seeking Pilgrim on his westward journey. Upon completing this service, he shall be granted the honored rank of Buddha!"

Hearing the edict's contents, Sun Wukong broke into a grin. He hurriedly raised both hands and said respectfully, "This humble monkey accepts the decree. My thanks to the Buddha Lord."

Mahasthamaprapta rolled up the edict and handed it to Sun Wukong. "Wukong, this is a fine assignment. You must not disappoint the Buddha Lord."

"This humble monkey understands. Thank you for your guidance, Bodhisattva." Sun Wukong accepted the edict and