Blow after blow flew. The battle between General Tian Feng and the monster was ferocious. The two giants struggled to bring each other down. They were equally strong, and it was impossible to tell who would win. But it seemed General Tian Feng had more experience and greater combat skill. When the furry monster let its guard down for just a moment, he managed to sever the great beast’s tail with his iron fork.
The monster collapsed to the ground. It no longer looked as ferocious as before. The furry creature that had been tearing through the village hadn’t moved at all. General Tian Feng was pleased to have won the battle. But then... the giant monster suddenly transformed. It shrank to an ordinary size, becoming a small monkey. Its tail fell away from its body—a magical tail that glowed strangely.
General Tian Feng immediately readied himself. “Kill that creature.” Those were the Jade Emperor Tai’s orders. As a general of the heavenly court, he had to obey. Just as General Tian Feng was about to swing his fork and kill the creature, he stopped.
He looked at the little monkey. It seemed innocent and harmless. Doubt stirred in General Tian Feng’s heart.
He spoke to the unconscious monkey.
“I’ve been ordered to take your life.” As soon as he said the words, his resolve returned. He swung his fork at the monkey one last time.
Suddenly, someone stopped him.
“Stop, Tian Feng.” A goddess of extraordinary beauty descended from the dark sky. She glowed with light, her face serene and her voice gentle. She was Goddess Kwan Yin, the Goddess of Compassion, who heard the cries of the world. This time, she stood upon a great lotus blossom that carried her wherever she went, with a willow branch in her hand.
Seeing the goddess, Tian Feng immediately knelt.
“I pay my respects to Goddess Kwan Yin,” Tian Feng said reverently.
“Tian Feng... this monkey is the essence of heaven and earth. His abilities are extraordinary. One day, he will follow the teachings of Buddha. You must not kill him,” Goddess Kwan Yin instructed.
“Your Holiness, I’m only carrying out the Jade Emperor’s orders. I wouldn’t dare defy him,” Tian Feng replied.
The goddess pointed to the little monkey’s tail lying on the ground. “His power was in his magical tail. You’ve managed to sever it. He won’t be able to harm the people of earth again. Besides... one day, your fates will be intertwined.”
Tian Feng furrowed his brow in confusion. He looked back and forth between the little monkey and the goddess. “I don’t understand,” he said.
Smiling, Goddess Kwan Yin replied, “This is a secret of Heaven. Go back and report what I’ve told you.”
Though Tian Feng was uncertain, he ultimately obeyed. “Yes, Your Holiness.” He picked up the brown, furry tail, its color matching the little monkey’s thick fur. Without asking anything more, Tian Feng flew into the sky to return to Heaven, carrying the tail with him.
With her power, Goddess Kwan Yin lifted the little monkey into the sky and gave him a little healing. Slowly, the monkey opened his eyes. He was very weak, but felt completely at ease. A warm feeling welled up in his chest when he saw the goddess. The monkey slowly descended back to earth.
The monkey couldn’t speak, though he wanted to praise and thank the goddess with all his heart.
“You will have to face many hardships and trials before you can achieve success.”
Though the monkey couldn’t speak, he understood what the goddess had said. Delighted, he nodded again and again.
“Now go,” said Goddess Kwan Yin.