the interplay between Buddhism and Confucianism, as well as the reactions of various characters to religious themes. The opening of "後西游記" draws readers into the tale through a humorous exploration of religious dynamics faced by Tang Seng and his disciples as they seek food in a village that distrusts monks. Despite the monk's attempts to collect alms, the villagers display disdain towards them, viewing their presence as bad luck. The protagonist, Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), showcases his cunning as he attempts to secure food for the group, eventually resorting to trickery to acquire a meal. Through wit, misunderstandings, and cultural commentary, the narrative sets the stage for the larger conflicts that lie ahead between differing philosophies and faiths, encapsulating themes of devotion, misunderstanding, and the quest for spiritual fulfillment. (This is an automatically generated summary.)