The Daoist Equal to Heaven returned to the Great Pure Sky, and though he returned Laojun's magical treasure, Laojun continued to feign sleep, unrousable.
Wukong desired to comprehend the Karmic Tribulation Divine Fist as the foundation for the Primordial Great Way, believing this was his path to reaching the states of Quasi-Saint, Semi-Saint, and Saint. This was no easy feat.
The topic of karmic tribulations varied in opinions. He had to draw from the strengths of the Hundred Schools of Thought. Initially, he planned to ask for Great Emperor Zhenwu's assistance in slaying the Medicine Buddha, but upon further reflection, dismissed the idea as unwise. As a distinguished Great Emperor of Heavenly Court, Zhenwu's identity was too sensitive, so the invitation was not extended. He decided to hold on to this favor for a time of crisis when he could ask for Zhenwu's help in overcoming calamity.