The journey of Sun Wukong and his disciples was slightly delayed, because they were stopped by another monkey on the way, and this monkey was Yuan Hong.
Back in his younger years, Yuan Hong was taken by Saint Zhunti into the Western Sect, and later when the West started anew, he conveniently joined Lingshan, now holding a pretty decent position as a former Western Sect disciple.
It's quite interesting that he was tasked to trouble Xuanzang and his disciples this time, as he was instructed by Maitreya.
However, Yuan Hong, no longer the reckless youth he once was, turned around and reported everything to Old Li right after leaving Maitreya.
Maitreya: ...
So decisive on the betrayal, huh?
Yuan Hong, however, didn't feel much about it. Don't you know who's the boss now?
Besides, that Great Strength Buddha is really fierce. You, Maitreya, have neither power nor strength. Why would I hang out with you? Because you smile happily?
