1. Background of the book:
- Journey to the West is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature, written in the 16th century by 吴承恩 (Wu Cheng'en).
-The novel is a mix of myth, folklore, and religious elements, and it has profoundly impacted Chinese culture and literature.
2. Main plot:
-The story follows the journey of the monk 玄奘法师 (Master Xuanzang) (aka. 唐三藏 Tang Sanzang) from the Tang Dynasty who is tasked with traveling to India to retrieve sacred Buddhist scriptures.
-Note: 玄奘法师 is often referred to as 唐僧 (Tang Seng = the monk from the Tang Empire) by some.
-Four disciples accompany 玄奘法师 (Master Xuanzang):
-孙悟空 (Sun Wukong = The Monkey King): A powerful and mischievous monkey with incredible strength, agility, and the ability to transform into various beings. He was initially a rebel but was subdued by Buddha and later assigned to protect Xuanzang.
-猪八戒 (Zhu Bajie = Pigsy): A pig-like creature with a gluttonous and lazy nature, who serves as a comic relief but is also a loyal companion.
-沙悟净 (Sha Wujing = Sandy): A calm and loyal figure, depicted as a sand ogre.
-白龙马 (BaiLoong Ma = White-Dragon Horse): Originally a dragon prince (Loong = Chinese dragon) he was transformed into a white horse as a punishment and serves as Xuanzang’s steed.
八十一难 (81 Tribulations):
It was said that Master Xuanzang’s team had to go through 81 challenges during their journey before they could successfully reach the Buddha.
These tribulations are tests of their resolve, faith, and character, designed to purify them and help them achieve spiritual enlightenment.
Most of the tribulations feature encounters with demons, monsters, and other supernatural beings, some of them will reappear in the game and have somewhat become stronger!
3. Connection between the novel and the game:
The Main Character of the game “The Destined One” is likely Wukong himself, or one of his monkey minions.
It seems that the story in the game takes place after the events of Journey to the West. Based on the available contents (without giving any spoilers), it can be inferred that a great upheaval occurred in the world, leading to the resurrection of many yaoguai/demons, some of whom have even become stronger.
Like in Dark Souls, the flames are dying! or like in Elden Ring, the Ring has been shattered, transforming the Lands Between into a chaotic place.
4. More about Wukong
Born from a stone: Yes, Wukong was formerly a magical stone. His skin is often described as "hard as a stone". (so Wukong is supposedly an asexual monkey? xD)
The Havoc in Heaven: In his early days, Wukong proclaimed himself a title “齐天大圣 (Qi Tian Da Sheng = The Great Sage, Heaven's Equal)” and rebelled against the Heavenly order.
He single-handedly battled with the 100,000 Heavenly Soldiers and defeated many famous celestial generals, including “四大天王 the 4 Heavenly Kings” (who also appeared in the game trailer). He also had an epic battle with 二郎神-杨戬 (Erlang God Yang Jian - the God of War with three eyes) and eventually lost.
Weapons: Wukong’s weapon is called 如意金箍棒 (Ru Yi Jin Gu Bang = the Golden Staff）
Trick - 72 Transformations: Wukong can shapeshift into more than 72 different creatures (72 is for exaggeration). I think in the game you can also shapeshift into other animals to solve puzzles?
