With the Seventy-Two Transformations and Cloud Somersault at his command, Sun Wukong returned to the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit a changed monkey. The carefree king who had once ruled with simple joy was now a being of immense power.

He summoned all the demon kings and monster chiefs of the surrounding territories to swear allegiance. Those who refused learned the hard way that the Monkey King was no longer the amiable ruler of old.

Word of his growing army reached the Dragon King of the Eastern Sea. Seeking a weapon worthy of his newfound power, Sun Wukong journeyed to the Crystal Palace beneath the waves.

"Brother Dragon King," he announced with a bow that was more casual than courteous, "I find myself in need of a weapon."

The Dragon King, wary of offending this powerful visitor, showed him weapon after weapon. Nine-pronged spears. Crescent halberds. Swords that could cleave mountains.

"Too light," Sun Wukong said, tossing each aside like a twig.

"Perhaps," the Dragon Queen whispered, "show him the iron pillar."

In the deepest chamber of the palace rested a massive iron pillar, twenty feet long and wide as a barrel, used to anchor the very ocean floor. It was an ancient artifact, the Gold-Banded Cudgel, left behind by the legendary Emperor Yu when he tamed the Great Flood.

As Sun Wukong approached, the pillar began to glow golden. To the Dragon King's astonishment, it responded to the monkey's touch, shrinking and growing at his silent command.

"This will do nicely," Sun Wukong said, the cudgel now the perfect size for his hand.

The Monkey King had found his legendary weapon. Heaven would soon learn to fear it.