And then, inexplicably, he trundles off the scene and heads back to the house- not to get help for his friend, but to alert the long-suffering Gargan so he can sort things out.
In Journey to the West, he was mostly helpless in the face of danger, thus Guanyin supplies him with three protectors, Zhubaji the pig, Shuwajing the sand demon and the world famous Sun Wukong the monkey.
The methodical way in which the convent's work was carried on in the midst of the pestilence showed a coolness in the face of danger and a practical sense, almost ironical it was so matter of fact, which were deeply impressive.