The figure landed on the ground.
The golden-red light had yet to fade completely.
The first thing to emerge was a suit of red scale armor.
Its fine scales covered him from shoulders to chest and belly, overlapping in layers, their edges gleaming gold.
He had a fish's head and a human body.
His eyes bulged, and two red fins beside his cheeks opened and closed slightly.
The corners of his mouth stretched wide, almost reaching behind his ears.
It was none other than Great King Linggan.
Then he faced them, pressed his palms together, and bowed with considerable respect.
"This humble monk is Linggan. Greetings, everyone. Wukong, we meet again."
Bajie, Little White Dragon, and Sha Wujing stepped forward together, shielding Xuanzang.
Wukong stared at that fish face.
The Golden Cudgel was already in his palm.
"You weren't destroyed by me?"
Great King Linggan looked at him and chuckled softly. "Wukong, don't underestimate me."
He slowly spread his hands.
"None of you died. Why would I?"
"Why don't you try again?"
Golden light flashed in Wukong's eyes. "You think I wouldn't dare?"
Great King Linggan smiled at Wukong.
"And what if you do? It would all be futile."
"How could an outsider destroy a heart demon?"
Then he pointed at Guanyin Bodhisattva.
"Why don't you ask whether even she has a way to destroy me?"
Golden light flashed again in Wukong's eyes.
He looked at Guanyin.
Guanyin stood where she was, the Purple Bamboo Basket hanging from her wrist. She neither moved nor denied it.
Wukong's grip on the Golden Cudgel slowly tightened.
The tip of the cudgel pressed against the ground.
At the sight, the corner of Bajie's mouth twitched, and he called out with a laugh.
"Hey, you monster! That's some big talk, and you even