The Bet

Journey to the West 12 The Bet

Buddha smiled at Wukong. “ How did you get so powerful?” “ A sage taught me secret formulas, ” said Wukong. “ I practiced them for many years. I am now equal to the Jade Emperor. ” “ The Jade Emperor has been practicing the same formulas for many lifetimes, ” said Buddha. “ How can you think you’re equal to him? Go back to your mountain now and behave yourself. ”

“ No, ” said Wukong. “ I’m not leaving until I get to rule Heaven. ” Buddha thought for a minute. “ Sun Wukong, what powers do you have?” “ I can change into other animals, ” said Wukong. “ I can soar through the sky on clouds. I can do anything I want! ”

“ Then let’s make a bet, ” said Buddha. “ If you win, you can rule Heaven. The Jade Emperor will come to live with me in the Western Paradise. But if you lose, you will be punished severely. ” “ What do I have to do?” asked Wukong. “ It’s simple, ” said Buddha. He held out his hand. “ You just have to jump off my hand. ”

Wukong laughed. “ That’s easy! I can jump across entire oceans! ” Buddha smiled. “ Well then, let’s see you do it. ” Wukong stepped up onto Buddha’s palm. “ You’re a fool, ” he said to Buddha. “ I’m going to jump farther than you could ever imagine. When I return, I’ll be the ruler of Heaven! ”

Wukong leaped and soared through the air. After a long time, he saw five enormous pillars. He landed in front of them. “ This must be the end of the world, ” he said to himself. “ I’ll go back now and tell Buddha to take the Jade Emperor away. Heaven is mine! ” Wukong was just about to jump back when he thought of something.