Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 1-2 | Page 170

A “Hi-tech” Journey to the West
Diocesan Girls' Junior School, Jap, Hoi Ching Annette - 10
O
nce upon a time, there was a devoted monk called Xuanzang. He received a decree from the
Chinese Emperor in the Tang Dynasty (~AD600) to travel across the south-western mountains to
India to find the Buddhist Scriptures. The journey was dangerous, as there were various demons
hoping to swallow the flesh of Xuanzang to become immortal. The Goddess of Mercy gave him three
magical companions: the Monkey King, the Greedy Pig and Friar Sand. The “trio” were powerful fighters
and they were ordered to protect Xuanzang during the journey. The group all knew the journey would be
challenging, but they never realized how unusual it had become…
The group started from Changan. The first five hours were surprisingly peaceful and all they could
hear was the raging wind. They felt hungry and Monkey King immediately sped off to look for food.
Meanwhile, the White Bone Demon, who had been following them, spotted the golden opportunity.
Knowing the weakness of Greedy Pig, the White Bone Demon disguised herself as a gorgeous woman to
attract Greedy Pig. As Greedy Pig ran towards her, he accidentally stepped into a puddle of water and
miraculously, Greedy Pig, Xuanzang and Friar Sand all got sucked into the pool. Monkey King, sweating
from a grueling, yet helpless search for food, came back at this moment and saw Friar Sand being pulled into
the pool. As Monkey King ran to see what had happened, he too was drawn by the strong gravitational
force into the mysterious pool.
The group all whirled through a dark, creepy tunnel and landed into another world. They were
astonished to see themselves in a bustling street with skyscrapers and moving vehicles. They did not realize
that they had travelled into the future – Hong Kong in 2007! They were now in the Science Park and Steve
Jobs was there, preparing for a launch event for his new invention -- the iPhone.
Annette was a primary 5 student in Hong Kong, attending the talk with her friend Cynthia. They
arrived very early to meet their idol Mr Jobs, and there was no one else in the auditorium. Annette
whispered to Cynthia, “Their dresses are hilarious and they look like characters from “Journey to the West’.
Do you think they are actors? Are they lost?”
Just as Xuanzang stepped onto the stage and grabbed the iPhone, the iPhone started making noises
and showing a movie. Xuanzang’s face turned pale and he nearly fainted watching such a slim metal
“talking”. Monkey King screamed to the iPhone, “Which demon are you? Surrender or I will use my
golden band cudgel to make you vanish!” To his disappointment, the magic didn't work. Even Friar Sand,
who was usually very composed, did not know what to do except remaining frozen like a statue. When
Monkey King saw Mr Jobs, a Caucasian with different skin and eye colors, he trembled with fear. “Are you
the God from Heaven? Forgive me please,” said Monkey King. Scared of being taken back to the “Five-
Pillar Mountain” again where he had once been imprisoned before, Monkey King kept bowing his head to
Mr Jobs.
Annette had a hunch that they were not actors but authentic characters from “Journey to the
West”. Annette came forward with Cynthia and asked, “Are you looking for the Buddhist Scriptures in
India?” Amid the chaos, they were struck by the question and nodded simultaneously. Cynthia told them,"
You know... you can actually find this scripture in our school library and it is ..." Annette stopped her
immediately and whispered in her ears, “What you say could change history and our school copy is not the
real one anyway.”
At this moment, Mr Jobs stepped in and said, "If there is a will, there is a way. My invention here,
the iPhone version 2G, will help you navigate to the West. It shows you a map with your location, nearby
terrines and the shortest path to India. Most importantly, it has a function to alert you of monsters nearby
and it will lead you to a safe path!" Monkey King took the phone graciously. Greedy Pig, with his usual
greedy character, was about to ask for another iPhone but Xuanzang immediately stopped him. Annette
explained thoroughly to them how to use the phone. Just as Annette finished the last sentence, they
suddenly vanished in a puff of smoke.
The group whirled through the dark tunnel again and landed back on the water puddle they
originally got sucked into. The iPhone alerted them of White Bone Demon and they were well-prepared
to fight with her. Knowing that her trick was exposed, White Bone Demon ran off. With this phone, they
evaded all the monsters and the task of finding the Scriptures became a piece of cake. Xuanzhang and the
trio were so thrilled that they held a feast and snapped a picture of the group using the iPhone. They put the
iPhone into a treasure box and left a thank-you letter to Mr Jobs for lending this amazing iPhone!