Just after the Great Mao Lord cast his spell.
Gray mist churned over the arena.
But the white jade platform rippled gently, and a wave of light spread silently across it.
Around the arena, phantom stars slowly revolved.
The light mingled with the starlight, forming an enormous, remarkably clear projection above the arena.
It showed the scene on Flower-Fruit Mountain, down to the finest detail, and carried its sounds as well.
Inside Water Curtain Cave, Sun Wukong sat in the center while the monkeys knelt before him.
Outside Water Curtain Cave, the Great Mao Lord stood with his hands behind his back, watching quietly.
The Great Mao Lord said softly, "Great Sage, this immortality you forced into being..."
"Was it a blessing, or a curse?"
Inside Water Curtain Cave.
Wukong did not answer Marshal Ma, nor did he acknowledge the Great Mao Lord outside.
He simply sat on the stone throne, quietly watching the skeletal monkeys below the steps.
Seeing Wukong lower his head without speaking, Marshal Ma assumed he had refused to submit to discipline and escaped back home.
Not daring to ask more, he hurriedly wiped away his tears and put on a smile.
"What good fortune! What good fortune! Now that you've come back, Grandfather Great Sage, why bother being a monk?"
"Just stay home and enjoy yourself with us. Wouldn't that be grand!"
With that, he turned and shouted at the little monkeys below the steps.
"What are you standing around for? Go fetch the remaining coconut wine and welcome Grandfather home!"
Several little monkeys answered and scrambled to run deeper into the cave.
"I won't drink."
Wukong spoke, stopping the little monkeys.
All of them halted at once, shrinking timidly where they stood.
Marshal Ma froze as well.
"Let me ask you."
Wukong shifted