Journey to the West 022: The False Monkey King

The Appearance of a Doppelgänger

As Tripitaka and his disciples continued their journey westward, they encountered a strange and troubling situation. While traveling through a remote region, Wukong suddenly sensed something was amiss. To his astonishment, he discovered that a doppelgänger—a second Monkey King—had appeared, identical to him in every way. This False Monkey King not only looked like Wukong but also possessed the same powers and abilities, causing confusion among the disciples and Tripitaka.

The appearance of the doppelgänger created a dilemma for the group, as neither Tripitaka nor the other disciples could distinguish between the real Wukong and the imposter. The False Monkey King insisted that he was the true Wukong, leading to a tense standoff between the two.

The Dispute Among the Disciples

The presence of the doppelgänger sowed discord among the disciples. Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing, confused and unsure of whom to trust, found themselves questioning both Wukongs. The situation grew increasingly tense as the two Wukongs accused each other of being the imposter, each trying to prove their authenticity.

Tripitaka, deeply troubled by the situation, sought a way to resolve the dispute. However, even he could not determine which Wukong was the real one. The group was at an impasse, unable to continue their journey until the true Wukong was identified.

Seeking Help from the Heavens

Realizing that the situation could not be resolved among themselves, Tripitaka decided to seek help from the heavens. He and his disciples traveled to the Celestial Palace, where they appealed to the Jade Emperor and other celestial beings to help identify the true Wukong.

In the Celestial Palace, the Jade Emperor summoned the Four Heavenly Kings and other deities to examine the two Wukongs. However, even the gods were unable to distinguish between them, as the doppelgänger perfectly mimicked the real Wukong’s appearance and abilities.

The Involvement of the Bodhisattva Guanyin

Seeing that the situation was growing more complicated, the Jade Emperor advised Tripitaka to seek the help of the Bodhisattva Guanyin, who was known for her wisdom and insight. The group traveled to Guanyin’s sanctuary, where they presented their case.

Guanyin, using her divine sight, quickly realized that the False Monkey King was a powerful demon who had taken on Wukong’s form to cause mischief and disrupt the pilgrimage. This demon, known as the Six-Eared Macaque, was a cunning and malevolent spirit with the ability to perfectly mimic others.

Guanyin then summoned the Buddha himself to resolve the issue. The Buddha, with his omniscient wisdom, immediately identified the real Wukong and exposed the Six-Eared Macaque’s deception. The false Monkey King, realizing that he had been discovered, attempted to flee, but the Buddha swiftly captured and subdued him.

The Defeat of the Six-Eared Macaque

With the Six-Eared Macaque’s true identity revealed, Wukong confronted the demon. A fierce battle ensued, but with the support of the Buddha and Guanyin, Wukong was able to defeat the Six-Eared Macaque and end the threat he posed. The demon was captured and taken to the celestial realms to face divine judgment for his actions.

With the false Monkey King defeated, the group’s trust in Wukong was restored. The experience served as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the ever-present danger of deception on their journey.

Continuing the Journey

After the ordeal with the Six-Eared Macaque, Tripitaka and his disciples resumed their journey with renewed determination. The encounter had tested their unity and trust, but it also strengthened their resolve to continue their mission. They knew that their journey would bring many more challenges, but they were prepared to face them together.

This chapter emphasizes themes of identity, deception, and the power of divine intervention. These values are central to Journey to the West and are explored in modern adaptations like Black Myth: Wukong, where characters face complex challenges that test their resolve and character.