Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 3 2018 | Page 310

New Journey to the West
St. Paul's College, Chan, Cheuk Long Julian - 14
Chapter 1 A Call from the Empress
T
hanks to young monk Xuanzang from China, monkey king Sun Wukong, pig demon Zhu Baji and
sand demon Shu Wajing, the Buddhist scriptures were brought back to China. Wukong invited
Baji to live with him in the Mountains of Flowers and Fruits. They loved it, but soon got bored.
“I’m starving!” moaned Baji one day.
Wukong made a face and replied, “You’ve eaten everything in the mountain and you’re still hungry?”
“I’m not hungry for food but for adventure!” Baji exclaimed.
Wukong sighed, “Why don’t you go around to look for some...”
“Baji! Wukong! Master Xuanzang needs you two!” came a familiar voice from behind.
They jumped, and saw Wajing waving at them.
“What happened? Is master kidnapped?” Wukong asked frantically.
Wajing shook his head and said, “No, he said the empress wants us to go on a secret mission.”
Baji heard nothing but the word ‘empress’. “An empress! Is she beautiful?”
“Forget about it, you fool!” Wukong said hotly, “Don’t ever think of being an emperor!”
Baji shrugged and they set off to the palace.
Chapter 2 Mission Possible!
Xuanzang had been waiting for the three to arrive at the palace. In front of him stood an old woman
wearing a golden suit, with a crown on her head.
“It’s an honour to meet you four,” she said kindly, “I am the empress of China. My name is Wu Zetian…
what’s with that frown?”
Indeed, Baji looked glum when he realized that the empress wasn’t a beautiful young girl. Wukong glared at
him.
“Alright, let’s get down to business,” she said, “Yesterday a messenger told me that the founder of
Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, is still alive.”
Xuanzang looked dumbstruck. “Still alive? But seriously, your majesty…” he began.
The empress continued, “He is locked up in a place called Sindhu. You must save him and take him back
here. I would like to meet him. Remember, this is an extremely important mission.”
“Yes, your majesty!” the team bowed.
“This is probably a mission impossible,” Wukong mumbled with excitement, “Or should I say, a mission
possible?”