Buzz
Once a carefree antelope, Thach Hau now broods, pondering the inevitability of its eventual demise. From this realization springs the desire for eternal life. Determined, Thach Hau ventures out to seek enlightenment from a wise sage.
Drifting across oceans, wandering on land for over a decade, finally encountering Master Bodhi, whom he reveres as his teacher. Bestowed the name Ton Ngoc Khong, he learns 72 transformations and the Way of the Balance.
However, upon receiving his name from Master Bodhi, Ton Ngoc Khong's fate is inscribed in the Book of Life and Death. With the master's powers, he can foresee Ton Ngoc Khong's lifespan.
Master Bodhi is well aware of Ton Ngoc Khong's quest for immortality upon seeking him out. He doesn't ignore this fact; from the beginning, he subtly aids Ton Ngoc Khong in achieving his wish.
There, Ton Ngoc Khong learns the arts of controlling the Five Elements and contributes to achieving an indestructible body. Yet, the Heavenly Court disapproves of this form of immortality.
To attain eternal youth, there's another way: erasing one's fate from the Book of Life and Death held by the King of Hell. Learning of Ton Ngoc Khong's impending fate due to his arrogance in showcasing his magic, Master Bodhi immediately dismisses him, severing all ties and forbidding any mention of his name.
Indeed, not long after returning to Flower Fruit Mountain, one fateful night, Sun Wukong's spirit is bound and dragged to the Underworld by Black and White Impermanence. Yama, the King of Hell, informs him that his mortal life has ended. In a fit of rage, Sun Wukong wreaks havoc here and challenges Yama, the ruler of the Underworld. Sun Wukong demands to see the Book of Life and Death, then crosses out his name and writes it in reverse, thus rendering him immune to being summoned here. Henceforth, Sun Wukong is immortal in spirit.
It can be said that the death of the old monkey has helped Sun Wukong realize the impermanence of truth, resolving to seek enlightenment to break free from the cycle of rebirth. It is through these trials and tribulations that Sun Wukong ultimately attains enlightenment and becomes a Buddha.
