Wukong was bored. Sure, being an enlightened being was neat and all, but for the past few centuries, he had been playing nice with the other gods at the Jade Emperor's Palace.
He was itching for something to happen, had been for over two hundred years, which to an immortal was actually not that long. But enlightenment did not change one's base nature. Wukong was a being that craved drama, theatrics, and occasional bloodshed and the operas the Jade Emperor hosted were not cutting it for him. However, unlike his former self he could control himself, not fall into his base urges at the expense of others.
The Jade Emperor had been gracious enough to allow him to visit his palace now that he had been enlightened, even after their past history. It would not do to spit on that kindness.
Should he go back to his mountain? Polish up his techniques? No, part of his enlightenment had guaranteed that his skills be they mental, spiritual, or physical would never degrade. He did not however, take this blessing for granted, and practiced diligently every few decades or so as dedication was a virtue.
Mmm.. it has been a while since I was called to the mortal realm for my duties, perhaps it is time I pay them a visit. Even if nothing there requires my attention, it should break the monotony. After all, there is always something going on down there. Thought Wukong.
He walked down one of the many halls of the palace, he could arrive at his destination instantly, but it felt good to stretch his legs, and it wasn't like it mattered in this place. No matter how much or how little you walked, in the palace of the Jade emperor, you arrived where you need to be, when you need to be.
After spending some time walking, feeling his Qi start to circulate better as he moved his legs after sitting for a 50 yearlong opera, the Monkey King turned and walked through a door and into a pleasantly decorated room. It was a guest room he had been staying on over the past few centuries during his visit to the Jade Emperor. Now it seems his visit was coming to an end, but it would be impolite to leave without at least leaving a note. It wasn't like he could just walk up and interrupt the emperor during whatever he was doing, the man had responsibilities, ones that were important and should not be interrupted, something Wukong could now relate to. So instead of a verbal farewell, Wukong took out a set of calligraphy tools, his younger self never would have guessed that he would one day learn this art, but it just showed how arrogant an impatient he was back then.
Dropping a few droplets of water collected from the morning dew of the forest on Flower Fruit Mountain onto the inkstone, he slowly started to gently grind an inkstick against the coarse surface. Once the ink had reached a desirable color and consistency, Wukong pulled out a fragrant piece of paper and placed it on the table before pondering what to say.
It didn't take long.
[To the Supreme Celestial Lord,
May you read this letter during a time of good fortune, I, Sun Wukong, regret to inform you that I will be leaving your gracious presence as I have personal affairs and responsibilities I must tend to.
I thank you sincerely for your generosity in allowing me to take up temporary residence in your palace and for being a gracious host.
May you tend to this present moment with care, so that when we meet again, we may share the fruits of our practice.
Sincerely,
Sun Wukong, Monkey King]
looking at the careful calligraphy, he couldn't help but feel like it was missing something, then, with a small smile at the end of his signature he added:
"Great Sage, Heaven's Equal" alongside a stylized eight petaled lotus.
Looking down at his work, Wukong felt satisfied. he cleaned up his tools and packed up the few belongings he had brought with him on this visit.
With a thought, Wukong found himself back on his mountain. Prior to his enlightening he had only been able to teleport himself short distances, however after enlightenment he had come to realize, in the moments where time stands still. Everything is one, and space was merely a measure relative to one's perspective.
Placing the items he would not need for this journey. He was going to try and blend in with the normal humans, his royal garments were unnecessary, so he carefully put them away.