At this , the monkey grew silent . He had been quiet and patient at least two months ago , that was indeed true . Perhaps the arrival of summer had caused him to be restless again . “ Perhaps you can explain your behaviour ?” Xuanzang prompted , and took a sip out of his own teacup . “ Master , I – ” Wukong started , thinking of excuses that could get him out of trouble but coming up with none . “ I was feeling pent up ,” He admitted . “ I wanted to do something , anything . It ’ s so tiring to sit around and meditate . Not that it ’ s a bad thing ,” He added quickly at the sight of the frown on his master ’ s face . “ But I ’ m eager for adventure . Think of the sights that one can admire in the mortal realm below ! It would be exciting to embark on a journey to discover what is different from our time in the mortal world .” He ended his speech in an enthusiastic tone , hoping to win his master over . Instead of the reaction Wukong hoped to see , Xuanzang sat in silence , eyes closed . The monkey was impatient , eager to know what his Master would think . But he held his tongue , lest Xuanzang decided to disagree with him . “ What do you propose ?” The man finally asked , breaking the long silence that had stretched between the two of them . “ Well ,” He began , licking his lips nervously and picking out his words carefully , a habit he knew his former self would not have considered at all . “ I wish to spend a few days in the mortal realm . I hope to observe the difference in behaviour and know how much the world has changed .” Wukong waited anxiously for the reply , hoping that he had not overstepped boundaries and accidentally said something offensive , for his Master was a sensitive man when it came to human affairs . “ On one condition . You mustn ’ t do anything reckless that would in any way harm the mortals .” “ The mortals I have assaulted were in fact monsters taking the form of humans , Master !” Wukong protested , his tone with a small note of whining , as if to plead his innocence . “ I cannot ignore evil beings walking the earth amongst humans , waiting for chances to strike and devour their flesh – as they had tried in many forms in the past with you , Master .” Xuanzang stiffened at such mention of the unpleasant experiences in the past . “ What if the evil beings you speak of are good in nature ?” “ There will never be any one of them who have good or just reasons for whatever they do , Master ,” He declared . “ What about you ?” At that , Wukong stopped , unable to form an argument . Xuanzang took the monkey ’ s silence for agreement , and continued , “ I see you have no reply to offer then . Now – ” “ I promise not to attack any evil being that has not yet harmed others in their mortal form ,” He gritted his teeth . As long as Wukong agree with the terms set out by his Master , Xuanzang usually comply with what he wanted . The man heaved a sigh . “ You may go then .” Instantly , the monkey cheered , and was preparing to say words of gratitude before the monk cut across him . “ Wait . You must wear your band , so I can exercise control over your impulsive behaviour .” As the monkey showed signs of interrupting , Xuanzang cut through . “ Or else you ’ re forbidden to . It is final .” “ Alright ,” Wukong sulked . “ I promise .” “ That ’ s settled . But remember to keep yourself out of trouble .” For the first time in their conversation , the monk showed traces of a tiny smile stretching his lips . “ And hopefully this shall cure your restlessness .” “ Thank you , Master !” The disciple beamed , and he rushed out of the room , excited to tell Bajie the news and to jeer at his ignorance at the same time . Xuanzang sighed as he watched the monkey dance through the halls of the palace , whooping loudly , then shut the doors quietly . “ You think this is the best choice , then ?” Turning towards the back of the room , he asked . “ Don ’ t worry .” A deep voice replied from within the shadows casted by the pieces of furniture . “ This is for the best . If Wukong stays , he will probably destroy everything and cause trouble . When he finally realises the severity of the conflict in the mortal realm , he will eventually lose the interest of visiting altogether .” “ I hope so ,” Xuanzang murmured , looking down at the golden band that had once fitted around the monkey ’ s head , the golden band which had caused severe pain for his disciple . “ And what if he decides to head down once more ?” A chuckle . “ Why , you need not worry . As long as you continue to show him the ugliness of the mortal realm , he will soon stop seeking adventure and remain here quietly .” The next day dawned , bright and clear , with no traces of cloud in the sky , and it was on such a day that Wukong decided to embark on his journey .