Meaning of The Six Relics & The Great Sage's Broken Shell

[@goldsilvervscrisiscollapse4320]

Your explanation deserves way more views. Details like the 4 celestials watching over his broken shell, explaining the 7 sages and their relevance to wukong... The Lore is deeper than most realize

[@Williamsweeb]

Glad that you find it interesting. Thank you so much!

[@thug4lyfe]

Its nice you clarified the lore in a true wisdom way and not allow people to have upside down views between right and wrong. Namo Amitabha Buddha, Sadu Sadu

[@BIGYTF223]

It’s up to you to interpret, your view is entirely your own

[@StoneApe222]

Thanks for presenting this in such an accurate and appealing way, you have some of the best lore content in this community. Much Love

[@Williamsweeb]

Very appreciate it. Thank you for your kind words!

[@909mcronald]

This is the best explaintion ever Is rarely to see this kind of of explain in many video Well done

[@vincenzo4314]

I never would have seen how deep this game is without you, thank you.

[@Williamsweeb]

Thanks for continuous support! As always, you guys are the best!

[@thegodslayer8685]

Thank you for the explanation. And if I’m trying to understand how each Relic relates to the Chapter’s bosses: The Craving Eyes represent greed, like how the Black Bear Guai is greedy. The Fuming Ears represent emotions, mostly anger, like how the Yellow Wind Sage is infuriated with how things really went down. The Hubris Nose for arrogance and desire, like how Yellowbrow is filled with arrogance of obtaining Buddha-hood and is drawn to desire. The Envious Tongue represents one’s emotions towards something else, like Wukong’s apparent love for the Bone Lady Demon, Violet Spider for Bajie, Bajie for desire, and I’m guessing the Hundred-Eyed Daoist Master’s desire for superiority with an bug-themed army against the Celestial Court. The Grieved Body represents the ultimatum between desires, like with Wukong becoming the Great Sage Equal to Heaven or the Victorious Fighting Buddha, or with the Bull King trying to protect his family or get revenge against the Celestial Court, which ended things badly for both of them. And lastly, the Freed Mind the represents Wukong’s grand desire for freedom from the Celestial Court and the will of the Buddha. This also shows Erlang’s secret desire to be free from the Celestial Court’s machinations, but much like a metaphorical headband, cannot do it due to his code of honor. The wildest thing about that endgame of the entire story to me was that both Wukong and the Bone Lady Demon were in a relationship in a way. What do you guys think?

[@Williamsweeb]

I believe that's the correct answer, align with the game dev's plot and ideas. The relationship between the White Bone Lady and Wukong has also appeared in some spin-offs. It seems the game devs included these details as well. Although this doesn’t happen in the original novel, there are speculations about a romantic relationship between the White Bone Lady (originally a heavenly fairy) and Kuimulang (the Yellow Robe Yaoguai, also one of the 28 constellations). Maybe because her name literally means 'White Bone Married-lady", led to many assumptions about her romantic connections.

[@thegodslayer8685]

That does make sense if they used the spin-offs. Also, who does Kuimulang represents? (Like how Dawnstar represents the Rooster Constellation, and Kang-Jin Loong represents the Dragon Constellation, I presumed)

[@Williamsweeb]

@@thegodslayer8685 He is the Wolf one. The kanji is 奎木狼

[@Williamsweeb]

@@thegodslayer8685 He is the Wolf one. The kanji is 奎木狼

[@ETEBrimy]

Been looking for more in depth videos on this game . This game needs a in depth video on the different armor designs, and a breakdown and lore on them💯🔥

[@alexlau2312]

I'm subscribing.... this channel deserves it

[@Williamsweeb]

Welcome aboard!!!

[@krosack]

I came here for an in-depth analysis of a facet of the game I didn't understand. Now, I'm reflecting on my desire-based vices and yearning to be better.

[@xanfym]

really great explanation. thank you for this and subbed!

[@Williamsweeb]

@@xanfym Thank you and welcome aboard!

[@prankovalero]

From what I can understand, in Buddhism, there are a lot more desires than 6. In reality, there are countless desires impossible to eliminate. The desires interact with each other through the 6 Senses. Through an impure mind, the interactions create pleasant/unpleasant/neutral sensations, causing cravings/avoidance/neutral inclinations, and sufferings follow. The detrimental effects of those things can be compared to bandits invading one's being and causing suffering. In the novel, after killing the 6 bandits, Wukong and Sanzang had an argument, then Wukong left. It was only after some convincing by the Loong King that Wukong chose to go back to Sanzang. However, Sanzang and Guanyin put the golden headband on him that would cause him pain if Sanzang recites the Tightening Spell. Crudely killing those 6 bandits perhaps is not the answer, because he got the headband as a result, with himself still being kinda untamed. Maybe the right answer is to tame the mind. Back to the game, the Relics themselves I think are simply tools/senses to gather karma/wills for more power associated with these Senses, and the detrimental effect of those senses come from minds of the ones holding/using them. And about the Old Monkey. I cannot comment much on the Old Monkey because of his interpretations of Wukong's imperfections are different from the novel itself, but I'll have to see if it was simply Game Science's interpretations, or the Old Monkey purposely being deceitful. With that in mind, I can only comment on what the Old Monkey was being inconsistent about that I can remember. - Wukong's anger did not come from not being invited to the banquet, but from being given a lowly position. The Yellow Wind Sage in the game did not take the position of a King, and he actually fled the country after the Kingdom was turned into rats. And when Yellow Wind Sage got the Ear Relic, he sealed himself in a wall of wind, as if to block the noises that could be detrimental to his training. - Wukong's blasphemous prank against the Three Pure Ones' statues stems from the Kingdom they were staying in enslaving monks from the words of three Daoist Yaoguais following the Three Pure Ones' teachings. The monks endured and waited for the arrival of the Pilgrims to enact justice as foretold by heavens. Wukong and the Pilgrims did a prank on the Yaoguais as payback. - The Old Monkey claimed Wukong could not let go of his love, but in the prologue he said Wukong simply wanted to go home and be monke. From the journal entry, Wukong found his reason to let go of Buddhahood, which is the detrimental effect of immortality on the realms. - The Old Monkey claimed that Wukong aspired for Buddhahood and freedom both. What started the game was Wukong choosing freedom over Buddhahood. He aspired to be Buddha at first because it would give him and his friends freedom. And he abandoned it also because of freedom. He has always been consistent. - The Old Monkey claimed that mind of Wukong was gone, but Erlang was bearing his Mind. I have no comment on the Craving Eyes because Jinchi was similar to a Wukong that has just returned to his home mountain and seeking armaments.

[@Williamsweeb]

Thank you for clearify! For the deeper details, I agree. I decided to simplify them and adjust according to the Old Monkey's words, so viewers can more easily understand what he was referring to, and to avoid overcomplicating the video. I think encountering the six bandits is a hint that Wukong must eliminate these desires to be ready for Buddhahood, as it happened not long after he became Tang Sanzang’s disciple. Wukong was invited to be a celestial official twice. The first time, he was assigned to tend horses (弼馬溫 - Bì mǎ wēn). After finding out, he got angry and left for Mount Huaguo. The second time, Taibai Jinxing consulted the Jade Emperor to gave him the title 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven'-just a name to please him and The Queen Mother gave him the responsibility of guarding the peach garden. This time, Wukong got mad when he wasn't invited to the banquet, even though they called him a Sage, while all the other notable Deities and Higher Xiān (上仙) were invited. He made a scene at the banquet before it started then stole Lao Jun’s elixir pills. True, the Old Monkey’s words are quite cryptic, and it's hard to say his true identity. I also have some hypotheses, which I plan to discuss in my videos after Chapter 6. Please stop by and let me know your thoughts

[@BeastyBlerd]

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR!!

[@easonzhang1326]

this is very deep.... thank you

[@Williamsweeb]

Glad that you like it

[@ZerotoHero7777]

Wukong's enemies fall faster than my grades in high school.

[@WukongBattle]

Wukong’s got more tricks up his sleeve than David Copperfield

[@ucvo4014]

The first job assigned by heaven was the position of horse herding officer 🤣 Wukong left once

[@yanlong5842]

what a nice video！

[@Williamsweeb]

Thank you!!!

[@qianguo935]

Come from Bilibili to give a thumb up

[@Williamsweeb]

@@qianguo935 Really appreciate it!

[@DarkWanderer666]

Let's go!

[@michaelyoung3775]

Dude how are all of you so dense the old monkey is manipulating you, the destined one IS wu Kong the whole point was for him too die split himself apart and then resurrect himself so he would be free of the celestial head band when you beat the game you inherit his memory I.E. bring yourself back to life

[@909mcronald]

Have you not watch the other video This proof your far from understand anything of the lore We dont know anything about the old monkey there is no proof he manipulate you Second what kind of explainsion is this sound like 12 years old try to write a letter for it mom Destined is not wukong How tf you gonna resurrect yourself while your soul is keep by other That aint reincarnation or work like that All character bascially reference you as a seprated being Wukong was to find a new successor to carry his legacy Wukong is gone his mind is dissapear You are the new mind the one that worthy of his power

[@thanhvunhat6995]

True, my friend. Imagine a old monke boss

[@michaelyoung3775]

@@thanhvunhat6995 soooo much potential for dlc or another game

[@thanhvunhat6995]

​@@michaelyoung3775 In DLC I believe we can destroy Celestial Court and more epic fights And I wish that the other bosses are what we saw in the true ending animation such as the Golden Wing Great Peng ( the peng has two Yaoguai brothers who is Azure Lion and Yellowtooth Elephant), Madam White Bone, big snake ( don't know name), Yaoguai stealing Wukong and his companions weapons, Six Eared Mihou who disguises as Wukong, many headed bird Oh and I hope we can find the Tang Monk, his White Loong Horse and Wujing ( One of Wukong's companion like Bajie)

[@dowzjohn4011]

Bruv, you you rename yourself in Prof Sanzang.

[@leonkenedy2988]

We need the Black Myth Journey To The West game where we can see the 7 Sages and of course, Wukong Love Interest: Baigujing. Man, am I gonna loved Wukong and Baigujing love story. 😂😂

[@TheSSBBfan666]

huh, didnt see Mihou Wang during the boat ride, guess he is smaller than the other Sworn Brothers?

[@Williamsweeb]

He flew by at the exact 06:48 moment. A monkey with wings. I should have freezed that frame. lol

[@TheSSBBfan666]

@@Williamsweeb huh, thought that was Peng Mo Wang as he has wings and limbs, then again he (Peng) was probably the one who landed on the rock in front of the boat before fading.

[@Williamsweeb]

@@TheSSBBfan666 Right, the big shadow with giant wings.

[@emhgarlyyeung]

Damn this game is super deeeeeeeep!

[@chriswilliams3110]

So what exactly is wukong broken shell? Osnit his actually body or another clone?

[@Williamsweeb]

I believe that's his body. Shedding from the 6 senses. When he takes the senses from the Destined One during the fight, I believe he really comes back at that moment.

[@chriswilliams3110]

@Williamsweeb That's what I was wondering. Because I nthe bad ending, his his body disappears and the headband drops into the water. Implying, it really was his body. But what about him being inside that celestrial rock though?

[@lashonnakennybrew4847]

Sun wukong dying has to be part of his plan so the Destined one can rise and retrieve his relics to become the new wukong and give the old monkey King his second life without the golden headband or having to obey the Celestial Court and finally be free is a true story at least we know at the end of the true story that Sun Wukong got to keep his Immortal immortality and still has all his true Powers true abilities true skills and true broken hex and true potential i hope

[@Marikus_Eternal]

Wukong‘s mind is not gone. Erlang took it and when you retrieve it, the original Wukong is reborn within the Destined One in the end.

[@Williamsweeb]

That detail will be explained in chapter 6's video. This video solely focus on the meaning of 6 relics and the event that inspired it in the game.

[@Marikus_Eternal]

@@Williamsweeb Ahh alright, I’ll definitely watch it then

[@909mcronald]

Hey can you explain about the destined one(MC) who he is atleast I cant stand people keep saying he is wukong reicarnation There are have many proof he is not wukong reicarnation

[@rockyzora2398]

The Destined One is kinda Wukong reincarnation. He’s just the one who takes up the mantle “Wukong”. It’s basically Wukong is back but not the original Wukong.

[@Williamsweeb]

Right, I prefer thinking about it this way, which I believe the game dev thinking the same: The Destined One represents us - the players. Just a nameless descendant become worthy successor of the Great Sage, carry on his memory, free will and legacy for the The Dharma-Ending Age (A concept in Buddhism, that very much like in this game). I will make this clear in Chapter 6 video.

[@909mcronald]

@@rockyzora2398 you cleary say the same thing like everyone i saw You didnt cleary everything Beside wukong cant reincarnation without his soul REMEMBER THAT His soul got split into six and other just take it

[@909mcronald]

@@Williamsweeb thank you

[@Marikus_Eternal]

@@rockyzora2398It’s the original if you do the true ending

[@tazkol]

your coverage of the free mind feels like you never faced the secret boss. you seem to have completely misinterpreted what was directly stated in the full ending. wukong's mind was not lost as the old monkey claimed it was hidden away, and the destined one can recover it. the ending where that does not happen is the bad ending in the sense that the destined one allows the headband to be placed on his head and accepts being bound as a slave to the buddhas will again.

[@Williamsweeb]

Please watch my Chapter 6's video or the "Brothers of Meishan & Erlang Shen video". There are 2 parts of Wukong's memories. One is on the river of memories (Memories of lingering obsession and repentance represented by the Old Monkey as the Buddha side of Wukong) and the other from Erlang (Memories of rebellious side, you can hear Wukong's voice about the incidents which only show his rebellious side). Gain both sides of these memories will lead to true ending, where the Destined One can choose his path. This detail resonates with the fight within 2 sides of Wukong like in original novel.

[@tazkol]

@@Williamsweeb yes but the implication is wukong's goal is to be outside of buddha's palm, the way you word it in the video implies accepting the ring is the good ending when it's failing to accomplish what wukong was seeking to do. eralang was helping wukong because both the eastern and western heavens where wrong. the Daoist heaven was conniving and cruel but the bhuddhist heaven was hypocritical in it's own actions. wukong already achieved enlightenment in the journey to the west this was about moving beyond that. not simply exiting the wheel of reincarnation and karma, but exiting the control of the one beyond that.

[@Williamsweeb]

​@@tazkol No I've never mentioned about good or bad ending. I explained these in Chapter 6 video clearly. Meaning of the true ending is letting the Destined One (The player) choose the path and of course start the journey over again. If he chooses to the Buddhist path, he will eventually feel disappoint about the dark sides of higher realm again; or If he chooses the Unbound Great Sage path he still have the whole Celestial realm to face once more. Metaphor the unending journey to enlightenment/freedom. Being fixated on this is good and that is bad sounds really like Yellowbrow and the way he violated the "non-self" doctrine. The two endings differ based on whether the player is diligent enough to find all the hidden areas and uncover alternate sides of the story, whether they are eager enough to achieve enlightenment. The more diligent the player, the more knowledge they gain. Whether how the ending turn out the Destined One still has to journey on. It emphasizes that the journey (the process) is more important than enlightenment (the result). As The old Monkey stated in the game: 'He says he neither gambles nor loses. He is just waiting for the stories the Destined Ones will tell him upon their return. And he has never heard two identical stories.'

[@tazkol]

@@Williamsweeb still feels like the way the video came across makes it seem like 'wukong was a terrible person and the destined one getting enslaved is a good thing' it should be noted the old monkey is implied to be someone from the heavens maybe even the monk himself. there viewpoint is flawed and heavily swayed towards the narrative the eastern and western heavens came up with about wukong. wukong did a lot of bad things after being released and put on the journey and was often punished by the monk for doing the job he was asked to do. prior to his sealing though it needs to be pointed out almost the entirety of his actions where reactionary to someone wronging him, rather he's aware or not. the ruyi jingu bang wasn't stolen by wukong it was gifted to him should he be capable of lifting it, the dragon king thought he'd humiliate wukong and instead karma humbled them. the kings of hell sent there servant to kidnap wukongs soul, something all telling's of the story seem to simultaneously agree on, before even his actual lifetime was expended that's not even considering that he was still a practicing Taoist immortal. the jade emperor went out of his way to disrespect wukong because he was a monkey despite the bureaucracy of heaven generally demanding some honor to immortals powerful enough to be recognized. the first war on heaven was simply a reaction to that. even his rampage through heaven afterward could be considered a response to the distinct and pointed insult the non-invitation to the peach banquet. lastly the Buddha did in fact cheat wukong with there bet, as in both technicalities wukong had won. he did exit buddhas palm in the sense that he was noted to walk to the base and around the pillars he found, the palm of the hand does not cover the base of the fingers nor the back of them and spiritually wukong as a yao-guai infused with divine energy, a practicing immortal and one of the four primates who exist outside the categories of all living creatures was outside of the buddhas control and in that sense far outside his reach and his palm. you word everything as though wukong himself is the villain of the piece, but it's not his relics themselves that are evil its simply that they enhance the evil of those they where given too. over all video comes off with a distinct tone to it with a severely negative light on wukong.

[@Williamsweeb]

@@tazkol I dont think I understand your point clearly, Journey to the West has sparked debate for centuries precisely because of Wu Cheng’en's nuanced storytelling, which leaves much open to interpretation and depends greatly on perspective. The best way to not prolong this unnecessary conversation and make it become more pointless is I recommend you check out my Chapter 5, 6's lore video and the Chapter 4 video on Celestial Court’s scheme at Webbed Hollow. I mentioned all the incidents you said: when Wukong held the Bimawen (避馬瘟) position and the bet with Aoguang (Loong king of Easten Sea) if he can lift the Jingu Bang.

[@Apus-5700]

中国人认证，几乎完全正确，可惜视频发得晚了点，看的人太少了

[@Williamsweeb]

Thanks. Hope the DLCs will bring people's attention back to this wonderful game.