More epic than the myth

Penned by author Miao Zixi, the book traces the story of Che Fengchao, who, as a lower-level military official in his 20s, accompanied a diplomatic corps on a mission to an ancient state at the juncture of present-day Central and South Asia in 751, during the reign of Tang Dynasty Emperor Xuanzong, who ruled the dynasty at its zenith. However, after completing the task, Che suddenly fell terribly ill and could not return with the corps, staying abroad while he recovered.

During his stay, the chaotic An-Shi Rebellion (755-763) led to the decline of the Tang. When he recovered, Che could not find a proper chance to return to China. He became a Buddhist monk, later known as Wukong, wandering in present-day South and Central Asia. He finally made his way back to Chang'an in 790, after four decades, only to discover that his whole family was deceased.

"Over four decades, from his departure until his return, Wukong transformed from a young military official to an old monk. The Tang Dynasty had also declined. His story accurately reflected the era's tremendous changes," says Miao.

Miao worked as a book editor for years and chose to become a fulltime writer focusing on history in 2017. One of her publications was highlighted at the 18th Wenjin Book Awards in 2023, an event considered one of China's most prestigious in the publishing industry.