The Bodhisattva chanted a few mantras, and the demon's pain disappeared. However, upon inspection, his neck and limbs were tightly bound by golden hoops, causing excruciating pain. He tried to remove the hoops, but they wouldn't budge, as they seemed to have grown into his flesh, making any movement increasingly painful.
Sun Wukong laughed and said, "Look, the Bodhisattva fears you won't grow up, so she gave you a neck collar and bracelets." Hearing this, the demon grew even more agitated and picked up a spear to stab wildly at Sun Wukong. Sun Wukong quickly hid behind the Bodhisattva, shouting, "Quick, chant the mantra! Quick, chant the mantra!" The Bodhisattva picked up a willow twig, dipped it in sweet dew, sprinkled it on the demon, and shouted, "Combine!" Instantly, the demon dropped his spear, pressed his hands together in prayer, and could no longer separate them, creating what is later known as the "Guanyin Twist."
Now unable to move his hands or pick up any weapons, the demon realized the profound power of the Bodhisattva and had no choice but to bow deeply in respect. The Bodhisattva chanted a true word and emptied all the seawater from her purification bottle, leaving not a drop. She then said to Sun Wukong, "Wukong, this demon has been subdued, but his ambition is not yet quelled. I will have him bow at every step until he reaches Mount Luojia. You should now hurry to the cave to rescue your master." Sun Wukong turned and bowed, "Bodhisattva, as a guest from afar, I should accompany you a bit." The Bodhisattva replied, "No need to escort me, do not delay saving your master’s life." Sun Wukong happily bid farewell. The demon reformed, paying homage to Guanyin fifty-three times, which will not be further elaborated here.
Meanwhile, Sha Wujing, growing impatient in the woods, placed the luggage on the horse, holding the demon-subduing staff in one hand and the reins in the other, looking southward. He saw Sun Wukong approaching joyfully. Sha Wujing greeted him, "Big brother, you went to invite the Bodhisattva, why has it taken so long? I was so worried!" Sun Wukong replied, "You’re still dreaming. I’ve already invited the Bodhisattva to subdue the demon." He then detailed the Bodhisattva’s powers, and Sha Wujing was delighted, "Let’s go rescue our master quickly!" They leaped over a stream, charged into the cave, vanquished all the demons, and rescued the trapped Zhu Bajie. Zhu Bajie gratefully said to Sun Wukong, "Big brother, where is that demon? I need to teach him a lesson to vent my anger!" Sun Wukong replied, "First, let’s find our master." The three disciples went to the backyard and saw their master, Tang Sanzang, naked and tied up, weeping. Sha Wujing quickly untied him, and Sun Wukong helped Tang Sanzang get dressed. The three knelt down and said, "Master, you have suffered." Tang Sanzang gratefully said, "My good disciples, you have worked hard. How did you subdue the demon?" Sun Wukong again detailed how they had summoned the Bodhisattva and subdued the demon. Tang Sanzang, after listening, promptly knelt down facing south to give thanks. Sun Wukong said, "No need to thank us; actually, we helped the Bodhisattva by capturing a demon." They asked Sha Wujing to gather the treasures in the cave, prepared a vegetarian feast to treat their master. All these were thanks to Sun Wukong, whose cleverness was crucial on their journey to obtain the scriptures.
The disciples left the cave, mounted their horses, and continued their journey westward. After traveling for over a month, they suddenly heard a deafening sound of water, which frightened Tang Sanzang, who exclaimed, "Disciples, what is that sound of water?" Sun Wukong laughed, "Master, you really are too suspicious. How can a monk be like this? The four of us are traveling together, and only you hear the water. Have you forgotten the 'Sutra of Excessive Concern'?" Tang Sanzang replied, "The 'Sutra of Excessive Concern' was taught by the Zen Master Wu Chao of Futu Mountain, consisting of fifty-four lines and 270 characters. I memorized it by heart and have always recited it. Which line do you think I’ve forgotten?" Sun Wukong said, "Master, you’ve forgotten 'no eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, mind.' We monks should not see forms, hear sounds, smell scents, taste flavors, feel temperatures, or harbor delusions. Only then can we eliminate the thieves of the six senses. You’re on a quest for the scriptures, always thinking about it, afraid that demons won’t give up their bodies, desiring food, enjoying sweet scents, startled by sounds, fixating on sights. How can the thieves of the six senses not swarm to you, and how can you reach the Western Heaven to see Buddha?" Tang Sanzang listened, fell into deep thought, and then said:"My disciples, since I was young and left the holy ruler, I have traveled day and night, enduring great hardships. I walked through mountain mists in straw sandals, braved the clouds over mountain ridges in a bamboo hat. At night, the cries of monkeys made me sad; under the bright moon, the calls of birds also saddened me. When will I complete the three steps and one bow to obtain the wonderful Dharma of the Tathagata?" Sun Wukong listened, couldn't help but clap and laugh, "It seems, master, your homesickness is intense! Completing those three steps and one bow shouldn’t be difficult!"
As the saying goes, "Success comes naturally when the effort is right." Zhu Bajie turned and said, "Big brother, if the demonic barriers are as fierce as this, even a thousand years would not be enough to succeed!" Sha Wujing replied, "Second brother, like me, you are not articulate, don't make big brother angry. We just need to keep pushing forward, and one day we will succeed." As the disciples were talking, they continued moving forward without stopping, their horse hooves flying swiftly. Suddenly, a surging mass of dark water appeared ahead, making it impossible for the horse to proceed. The four stopped at the bank and observed the water: layers of thick waves rolling, muddy waves churning, no people visible nearby, and trees hard to distinguish in the distance. The rolling ink-like water and the torrential dust made the foam rise like accumulated charcoal, and the spray scattered like flipped coal. Neither cattle nor sheep wished to drink the water because it was too dark, and crows and magpies struggled to fly due to the blurred visibility. Only the reeds on the shore knew the season, and the flowers on the riverbank bloomed competitively, displaying vibrant colors.
Tang Sanzang and his disciples arrived at a river black as oil. Tang Sanzang, alarmed by the darkness of the water, couldn't help asking, "Disciples, why is this water so dark?" Zhu Bajie joked, "Maybe someone dumped their dye vat here." Sha Wujing also joked, "No, maybe someone was washing their inkstone." Sun Wukong brought the conversation back to the point, "Stop guessing, let's think about how to get Master across."
Zhu Bajie confidently said, "If you let old Zhu go, it would be easy; either fly or swim, and I'll be there in a blink of an eye." Sha Wujing was not to be outdone, "I'm the same, one jump and I'm there." Sun Wukong, concerned, said, "It's easy for us, but the key is how does Master get across?" Tang Sanzang asked, "How wide is this river?" Zhu Bajie estimated, "About ten li wide." Tang Sanzang then proposed, "Discuss among yourselves, who will carry me across?" Sun Wukong looked at Zhu Bajie, "Bajie can carry him." But Bajie waved his hand, "No, I don't have enough strength to carry people, can't fly, and can't swim well either."
While they were discussing strategies by the river, suddenly they saw someone rowing a small boat upstream. Tang Sanzang, seeing the boat, happily said, "Disciples, quickly ask him to take us across." Sha Wujing shouted, "Boatman, come and ferry us across!" The person on the boat replied, "I'm not a ferryman, how can I ferry people?" Sha Wujing said, "Heaven and earth, convenience is best. Although you are not a ferryman, and we do not disturb often, we are from the Eastern Land on a pilgrimage for scriptures, please help us." Hearing this, the man rowed the boat closer to the shore, but after looking at their group, he said, "Master, my boat is small, and you are many, how can I get you across?"
Tang Sanzang looked at the small boat, which indeed could only fit two people. Sha Wujing suggested, "Then let's go across in two trips." Zhu Bajie hastily said, "Wujing, you and big brother watch the luggage and the horse here, I'll take Master across first, then come back for you." Sun Wukong nodded in agreement.
Zhu Bajie helped Tang Sanzang onto the boat, and as the boatman pushed off, the boat shot forward. Just as they reached the middle of the river, suddenly a fierce wind whipped up huge waves, as if the sky and earth were covered. This wind was truly fierce, as if it wanted to overturn the entire world. It turned out that the boatman was a monster from the Black Water River. Tang Sanzang and Zhu Bajie were swept into the water, disappearing without a trace.
On the shore, Sun Wukong and Sha Wujing were terribly worried. Sha Wujing said, "Let's look downstream." Sun Wukong shook his head, "It's not a capsizing. I knew there was something off about that boatman from the start, it must have been his doing, dragging Master into the water." Sha Wujing said, "Then I'll go down and look." Sun Wukong, concerned, said, "This water looks abnormal, be careful." Sha Wujing confidently said, "No matter what, this water can't compare to my Flowing Sands River, no problem!"
Sha Wujing took off his clothes, got ready, took up his demon-subduing staff, and dived into the river. Underwater, he heard people talking and stealthily approached, seeing a pavilion with a sign saying "Hengyang Gorge Black Water River God Mansion." Inside, the monster was boasting, "This monk has cultivated for ten lifetimes, just one piece of his flesh and I can live forever. Today, my wish is finally fulfilled." He also ordered his subordinates, "Quick, bring out the iron cage, steam these two monks, I want to invite my second uncle to share."
Sha Wujing, hearing this, became furious, raised his staff, and smashed the door, shouting, "Quickly release my master and elder brother!" The demons inside were frightened and scattered, rushing to report to the old monster, "Big trouble!" The old monster, hearing this, quickly dressed for battle, took up his weapon, and came out fiercely, a truly ferocious figure. His face was full of ferocity, holding a weapon, ready to fight.
Sha Wujing angrily shouted at the monster, "You ignorant fool! How dare you disguise yourself as a boatman and kidnap my master? Return him to us immediately, or you'll regret it!" Surprisingly, the monster just laughed and said, "This monk really doesn't know what's coming to him! Your master has already been captured by me, and I'm preparing to steam him for my guests! If you dare, come up here and try your luck. If you can last three rounds against me, I'll release your master; if not, you'll join him as my dinner, and forget about going to the Western Heaven to obtain the scriptures!" Sha Wujing, furious, picked up his staff and attacked the monster, who was not weak either, wielding a steel whip to fight back.
The two engaged in a fierce battle underwater, a truly perilous scene: Sha Wujing's demon-subduing staff and the monster's segmented whip constantly clashed. One was an old monster from the Black Water River, the other a former celestial being from outside the Lingxiao Palace. The monster fought to consume Tang Sanzang's flesh, while Sha Wujing fought to protect his master's life. Their intense underwater battle caused even the fish and shrimp to shake their heads and hide, and the crabs and turtles dared not make a sound. The demons inside the water mansion began to beat drums, and the monsters at the door joined in the noise. Sha Wujing alone displayed remarkable fighting strength in the water, but despite the back and forth, neither side could gain the upper hand.
After thirty rounds, the battle was still undecided. Sha Wujing thought, "This monster is truly a match for me, and it seems difficult to win by myself. Perhaps I should lure him to the surface and let my elder brother help." Thus, Sha Wujing pretended to be defeated and slowly retreated. Seeing this, the monster did not pursue but instead said, "Go on, I have guests to attend to now."
Sha Wujing leaped out of the water and upon seeing Sun Wukong, said, "Brother, this monster is too rude." Sun Wukong asked, "What kind of demon did you encounter after being down there so long? Did you find Master?" Sha Wujing replied, "They're at a place called 'Hengyang Gorge Black Water River God Mansion.' I overheard them planning to steam Master and Bajie to celebrate with the monster's uncle. In anger, I smashed their door, and I ended up fighting the monster for quite a while, thirty rounds without a winner. I wanted to lure him out for your help, but that cunning fellow didn't chase me out; he just went back to prepare for his guests, so I came up."
Sun Wukong asked, "What does that monster look like?" Sha Wujing described, "He looks like a giant turtle or perhaps a dragon."
While they were discussing, suddenly they saw an old man kneeling in the distance shouting, "Great Sage, the Black Water River God bows to you." Sun Wukong, wary, asked, "You aren't that troublesome demon, are you?" The old man, with tears streaming down, said, "Great Sage, I am not a demon; I am the true river god. That demon came here from the Western Ocean last May, took over my position, and hurt many aquatic beings. I went to complain, but the Western Sea Dragon King, his uncle, not only didn't help me but also told me to yield my place to him. I wanted to complain to the Jade Emperor but couldn't see him. Hearing that you had arrived, I came specifically to ask for your help in seeking revenge." Sun Wukong said, "In that case, all four Dragon Kings are responsible. He has now captured my master and brother to steam them for his uncle's celebration; I was just about to settle the score with him. Stay here and help Sha Wujing watch over things; I'm going to the sea to catch that Dragon King and make him deal with this monster." The river god quickly expressed his gratitude.
Sun Wukong rode the clouds straight to the Western Ocean, parting the waves along the way. Suddenly, he collided with a black fish spirit holding a shiny gold invitation box, rushing up from underwater like an arrow. Before Sun Wukong could react, he was bumped full-on. He immediately pulled out his golden cudgel and with one swing, smashed the black fish spirit's brain, sending it floating dead on the water surface. Curiously, Sun Wukong opened the invitation box and found an invitation inside, reading: "Foolish nephew Tuojie bows a hundred times to Uncle Ao Lao: Thank you for your favor. I have captured two rare Eastern Land monks, prepared to celebrate your birthday. Please come and enjoy." Sun Wukong laughed and said, "This guy really delivered the invitation into my hands ahead of time."
Sun Wukong continued on his way and soon a sea yaksha spotted him and hurried back to the palace to inform the Dragon King, "The Great Sage Equal to Heaven is here!" Dragon King Ao Shun immediately led his aquatic subjects out of the palace to greet Sun Wukong and politely invited him into the palace for tea. However, Sun Wukong said, "I haven't even had your tea yet, but you've already tasted my wine!" Confused, the Dragon King asked, "Great Sage, since you have converted to Buddhism and don't drink alcohol, when did you invite me to have wine?" Sun Wukong replied, "Although you didn't go to drink, you've already gotten yourself involved in the crime of drinking." Upon hearing this, the Dragon King was terrified, and Sun Wukong showed him the invitation. After seeing it, the Dragon King quickly knelt down and begged for mercy.
The Dragon King explained, "Great Sage, please forgive me, that was my sister's ninth son. His father was punished by the Heavenly Court for messing up the weather. After my sister passed away, he had nowhere to go, so I let him cultivate in the Black Water River. I didn't expect him to do such a terrible thing. I will immediately send someone to capture him." Sun Wukong asked, "How many sons does your sister have in total? Where are they all?" The Dragon King answered, "My sister had nine sons. Except for the one who turned into a dragon, the other eight are all well-behaved, each cultivating or holding positions in different places." Sun Wukong then asked, "How many brothers-in-law does your sister have?" The Dragon King said, "She was married only once, to the Jing River Dragon King, who has already passed away."
Sun Wukong said, "I originally planned to take this invitation to the Heavenly Court to accuse you, but hearing what you've said, I won't pursue it further. Quickly capture that dragon and rescue my master." The Dragon King immediately commanded his son, Prince Mo Ang, to lead troops to capture the dragon. Sun Wukong accompanied Mo Ang to the Black Water River. Upon reaching the riverbank, Sun Wukong told Mo Ang, "You capture that monster properly, I'll go ashore to check." Mo Ang assured him that he would certainly capture the dragon and rescue Tang Sanzang.
When Sun Wukong went ashore, Sha Wujing and the river god greeted him. Sha Wujing asked, "Elder brother, you went there through the sky, why did you come back through the water?" Sun Wukong recounted everything that had happened along the way, and Sha Wujing was very pleased. They waited together on the riverbank for the master to be rescued.
As the dragon stepped out, he saw a neatly arranged troop of sea soldiers, their presence formidable! Flags fluttered, halberds glistened, swords shone, and various weapons like spears, bows, large knives, and short sticks were displayed impressively. There were also whales, clams, crabs, and shrimp among the aquatic creatures, all positioned in formation, intimidating enough to deter any rash actions. Upon seeing this display, the dragon walked up to the camp's entrance and shouted loudly, "Big cousin, I'm waiting here for you, come quickly." A patrolling conch hurriedly ran into the tent to report to Prince Mo Ang, "Your Highness, the dragon is calling outside."
Prince Mo Ang adjusted his golden helmet and precious belt, picked up his weapon, and strode out of the camp, asking, "What do you want me for?" The dragon replied, "I sent an invitation to Uncle this morning; perhaps Uncle was busy and sent you instead. Since you're here, why bring so many troops and not directly enter my water mansion, but instead camp here?" The prince asked, "What did you invite Uncle for?" The dragon said, "I captured an Eastern Land monk, heard that eating him can prolong life, and wanted Uncle to try."
Prince Mo Ang angrily said, "You really are foolish! Do you know who that monk is?" The dragon replied, "He is from the Tang dynasty, a monk journeying to the Western Heaven to obtain scriptures." The prince said, "You only know he is Tang Sanzang, but do you know how powerful his disciples are?" The dragon said, "He has a disciple named Zhu Bajie, whom I also captured, planning to steam and eat them together. There's another called Sha Monk, a dark-faced man, who came yesterday to demand his master, and I had my troops defeat him; he doesn't seem so impressive."
The prince said, "You really don't know the height of the sky or the depth of the earth! He has another senior disciple, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, Sun Wukong, who caused havoc in Heaven 500 years ago and is now Tang Sanzang's protector. You've actually provoked him! He's already got your invitation and stormed into the Crystal Palace, almost causing my father and me to face a lawsuit. Quickly send Tang Sanzang and Bajie to the riverbank to return them to Sun Wukong, I will plead for you, or else you won't be able to save your life!" Hearing this, the dragon was furious and said, "We are relatives, how can you help outsiders instead of me? You want me to release Tang Sanzang, is it that easy in this world? You're afraid of him, but am I supposed to be afraid too? If he dares to come, let him fight me for three rounds; if he wins, I'll release the master, if I win, I'll steam him too."
Prince Mo Ang shook his head and said, "You truly are lawless! Never mind Sun Wukong, do you dare to confront me?" The dragon, not to be outdone, retorted, "If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get!" With that, both sides prepared for battle, which was far more intense than the previous skirmish with Sha Wujing. Flags shimmered in the light, weapons sparkled, and soldiers from both sides rubbed their hands in anticipation of the fight. Prince Mo Ang engaged the dragon in fierce combat and ultimately, using his cleverness, caught the dragon off guard and subdued him. The prince ordered his soldiers to bind the dragon and bring him ashore to hand over to Sun Wukong, saying, "Great Sage, this demon has been captured by us, please decide how to deal with him."
When Sun Wukong met with Sha Wujing, he sternly said, "You really don't follow the rules. Your uncle told you to cultivate here properly until you achieved something notable. How could you not only take over the water god's home but also rely on your power to bully others and deceive my master and brother? I was going to strike you with my staff, but my Ruyi Jingu Bang is no light matter; one careless move could end your life." Then Sun Wukong asked, "Where is my master now?"
The monster quickly kowtowed begging for mercy, "Great Sage, I truly didn't know of your great renown, and I even offended my cousin earlier, truly acting recklessly. Now that I've seen the Great Sage, I'm immensely grateful you didn’t kill me. Your master is still tied up inside the water mansion. If the Great Sage could unlock my chains and spare me, I would immediately go into the water and bring him out." Prince Mo Ang interjected, "Great Sage, this guy is very cunning; if you release him, he might continue his evil deeds." Sha Wujing said, "I know where master is; I'll go get him."
Sha Wujing and Sun Wukong dived into the water and headed straight for the water mansion. Upon arrival, they found the main gate wide open, with no guards left. They entered the interior and saw Tang Sanzang and Zhu Bajie naked and bound. Sha Wujing quickly untied the master's ropes, and the river god freed Zhu Bajie. They each carried one on their backs, swam to the surface, and made it to the riverbank.
Upon seeing the monster chained, Zhu Bajie hastily picked up his weapon, ready to teach the demon a lesson, hitting and cursing, "You villain, not eating me now, are you?" Sun Wukong quickly held him back, "Brother, spare his life, for the sake of Ao Shun and his son." Prince Mo Ang stepped forward to bow, "Great Sage, I cannot stay here long. Now that your master has been rescued, I must take this guy back to see my father king. Although you have spared his life, my father will not let him off easily and will surely punish him; please excuse this, Great Sage." Sun Wukong said, "Since that's the case, take him away, and thank your father for me, and also express my gratitude." Prince Mo Ang dove into the water with the monster, leading the sea soldiers straight to the Western Ocean.
The Black Water River God thanked Sun Wukong, "Thanks to the Great Sage, our water mansion has regained peace."
Tang Sanzang expressed his concerns, "Disciples, we are still on the eastern bank; how shall we cross the river?" The river god replied, "Master, don’t worry. Mount the horse, and I will lead the way to help you cross the river." The master mounted the White Dragon Horse, Zhu Bajie held the reins, Sha Wujing carried the luggage, and Sun Wukong supported them. The river god cast a spell, blocking the water upstream and receding it downstream, revealing a wide path. The disciples successfully crossed the river, thanked the river god, and continued their journey to the West. This is indeed: "The monk is rescued to journey to the Western Regions, through a river calm and waveless." How they continue their quest for the scriptures, listen to the next part of the story.
