| Category: | Chinese Myths and Legends |
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One day, Sun Wukong decided he needed a weapon worthy of his great power. He had heard of a magical staff hidden deep in the ocean, guarded by the Dragon King of the Eastern Sea. The staff, called the Ruyi Jingu Bang, was said to be as heavy as a mountain and could change size at its wielder's command.
Determined to claim it for himself, Sun Wukong dove into the sea and swam to the Dragon King's palace. "Greetings, Dragon King!" Sun Wukong said, bowing with mock respect. "I have come to ask for a gift—a weapon that suits my strength and stature."
The Dragon King, surprised by Sun Wukong's boldness, snorted. "A gift? What makes you think I would give a mere monkey a weapon from my treasury?"
Sun Wukong grinned. "Because if you don't, I'll turn your palace upside down and make a mess of everything!"
The Dragon King, seeing the mischief in Sun Wukong's eyes, realized that the Monkey King was not one to be trifled with. Reluctantly, he led Sun Wukong to the treasure room and showed him a variety of magical weapons—swords, spears, and axes, all gleaming with power.
But Sun Wukong shook his head at each one. "None of these suit me," he said dismissively. Then his eyes fell on a massive iron staff leaning in the corner. "What about that one?"
The Dragon King's eyes widened. "That staff is the Ruyi Jingu Bang, a treasure of the sea. It's far too heavy for anyone to lift, let alone wield!"
Sun Wukong strutted over and, with a single hand, lifted the enormous staff as if it weighed nothing at all. He spun it around, shrinking it down to the size of a needle and then expanding it until it filled the entire room.
"Perfect!" Sun Wukong declared, twirling the staff with ease. "I'll take this one."
"But—but that's a sacred weapon!" the Dragon King stammered.
"Not anymore!" Sun Wukong laughed. He leapt out of the palace and back to the surface, the Ruyi Jingu Bang in his hand. "This staff belongs to the Monkey King now!"
From that day on, Sun Wukong used the Ruyi Jingu Bang to defeat monsters, challenge the heavens, and protect those in need. The Dragon King, left shaking in his underwater palace, never dared to confront the Monkey King again.