Now, Alu asked Tang Sanzang to put his pledge in writing.
A young novice brought brush and ink.
Holding the brush, Tang Sanzang looked around. Before him stood the golden statue of Buddha in the great hall, its eyes gazing sternly down at him; behind him stood the monks, with many young novices who had only just entered the Buddhist Order watching him.
How could Tang Sanzang bring himself to write words that broke his promise?
Wukong also knew he could not write them, so he said forcefully:
"And if my master refuses to write it, what will you do?"
Alu said, "This poor monk can do nothing. My cultivation is shallow, nowhere near that of Elder Sun, Elder Zhu, or Elder Sha, and I cannot stop you. Moreover, I bear the burden of Zhiyuan Monastery and have newly accepted disciples to teach, so I cannot throw my life away either. If Elder Tang refuses to write it, then please continue your Journey to the West! Simply hide today's broken promise in your heart as you travel to Spirit Mountain to worship Buddha and seek the scriptures, bringing salvation to all living beings!"
Hearing this, Tang Sanzang felt anguish in his heart.
If he did that, he would be better off writing the pledge. If he wrote it down, he would leave the matter on paper and feel a little better; if he did not, he would carve it into his heart and recall it constantly. Would that not make his suffering a hundred times worse?
Tang Sanzang turned his gaze toward Wukong.
Seeing that force would not work, Wukong had no choice but to soften his tone and say to Alu:
"My worthy nephew! Surely you knew that day that it was Old Sun who led your master to