Though Monkey was versatile and boasted supernatural powers, the Great Sage Sun was tricked into ascending to heaven by the Great White Planet. The Jade Emperor conferred upon him the title of Protector of the Horses. Upon realizing his lowly duty was merely to tend horses, Monkey grew furious and returned to his Mountain of Flowers and Fruit. There, he erected a banner declaring himself "the Great Sage Equalling Heaven."
The Jade Emperor swiftly dispatched two heavenly generals, Li Jing and Ne Zha, with troops to capture Monkey. At the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit, they sent the Mighty Magic Spirit to challenge him. The Great Sage Sun demanded the Spirit convey a message: if granted the title "Great Sage Equalling Heaven," he would refrain from attacking the Heavenly Palace.
The headstrong Mighty Magic Spirit was soundly defeated. Ne Zha then transformed into a warrior with three heads and six arms, each wielding a different weapon. Monkey mirrored this form, brandishing three golden cudgels. A fierce battle ensued before the water-curtained cave. Cudgels clashed with spears; swords and broadswords flashed. Troops from both sides cheered and waved flags, while the sky darkened with stirred-up sand and stone.
Seeing victory elusive, Monkey plucked a hair and created a decoy. His true form leaped behind Ne Zha and struck him from behind with his cudgel, forcing Ne Zha to retreat. Witnessing the defeat of his generals, Heavenly King Li Jing signaled a retreat. Consequently, the Jade Emperor was compelled to confer the title "the Great Sage Equalling Heaven" upon Monkey.