Sun Wukong did not bring any followers, and came alone to the underworld.
He first paid his respects to Houtu in the guise of Meng Po near the Bridge of Helplessness, and solemnly said, "Madam Meng, your humble Sun Wukong has brought respect."
Meng Po coughed a few times before saying, "You now hold a position among the Four Imperial Guardians of the Heavenly Court, which isn't inferior to mine. There's no need for such grand gestures."
Sun Wukong chuckled and said, "Madam, what are you saying? In the Heavenly Court we may be equals, but here in the underworld, I must remain earnest and respectful."
The Four Imperial Guardians of the Heavenly Court include the Zi Wei Great Emperor of the North Pole, the Southern Extreme Immortal Emperor Changsheng, the Emperor of the Northern Heavenly Palace, and the Holder of Divine Right Following Houtu.
From the perspective of their positions within the Heavenly Dao, they were indeed equals.
