Sun Wukong pinched Sha Wujing with his left hand and Zhu Bajie with his right, bringing them back to their senses. They sat up high, looking serious and silent. The Taoists lit lamps and fires, illuminating the three of them like clay statues. Tiger Strength Immortal was puzzled, "No one is here, so how did the offerings get eaten?" Deer Strength Immortal was also confused, "It looks like humans did it—skins are peeled, seeds are spat out—but where are the people?" Goat Strength Immortal chimed in, "Brothers, don't doubt. Perhaps our sincere prayers moved the Heavenly Lord, and the Three Pure Ones descended to enjoy the offerings. Let's quickly pray for some holy water and elixirs to present to the king for immortality." Tiger Strength Immortal thought this made sense and instructed, "Disciples, play the music and recite the scriptures! Bring my ritual robes; I will perform the prayer ceremony." The young Taoists lined up, and as the chimes sounded, they began chanting the "Huang Ting Dao De Zhen Jing."
Tiger Strength Immortal donned his ritual robes, held a jade tablet, waved a duster, and bowed to the ground, praying to the Heavenly Lord, "With utmost reverence, I bow and submit. We promote the teachings, look up to the void, extinguish the monk's influence, and construct the sacred temple. We present offerings and hoist dragon banners. Please grant us elixirs and holy water to present to the court for longevity like the southern mountains." Hearing this, Zhu Bajie felt uneasy and whispered to Sun Wukong, "This is bad. We've eaten the offerings and stayed for their prayers. What now?" Sun Wukong pinched him and suddenly spoke, "Young Immortals, hold your prayers. We just came from the Peach Banquet and didn’t bring elixirs or holy water. We'll bring them next time." The Taoists were startled by the voice of a living deity, trembling as they stood, "Oh, a living deity has descended! We mustn't let him leave without asking for the secret to immortality!"
Deer Strength Immortal quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "With utmost sincerity, I present my devotion. I submit to the Three Pure Ones. Since coming to this realm, we've promoted the Dao and eliminated monks, pleasing the king who respects the Dao. Thankfully, the Heavenly Lord graces us with his presence. Please leave some holy water to grant us longevity." Sha Wujing pinched Sun Wukong and whispered, "Brother, they are praying again." Sun Wukong replied, "Let's give them something." Zhu Bajie frowned, "Where do we get it?" Sun Wukong said, "Watch me. If I have it, you all will too." The Taoists finished their rituals, and Sun Wukong said, "Young Immortals, no need to bow. If I don't leave you some holy water, it might end your lineage; if I do, it's too easy." The Taoists kneeled and kowtowed, "We humbly ask the Heavenly Lord to grant us some. We will spread the Dao and report to the king to honor the Daoist gate." Sun Wukong said, "In that case, bring the vessels."
The Taoists quickly thanked him. Tiger Strength Immortal brought a large vat, Deer Strength Immortal brought a sand basin, and Goat Strength Immortal removed flowers from a vase and placed it in the middle. Sun Wukong said, "Everyone step outside the hall and close the door, so the secret isn't revealed. I'll leave you some holy water." The Taoists all kneeled outside and closed the hall door. Sun Wukong immediately stood up, lifted his tiger-skin skirt, and filled the vase with urine. Zhu Bajie, seeing this, exclaimed, "Brother, in all these years as your brother, I've never seen you do this. I just ate, so I feel like joining in." He then lifted his clothes and filled the sand basin. Sha Wujing wasn't to be outdone and filled half the vat, then tidied his clothes and sat back down, saying, "The young immortals have received the holy water." The Taoists opened the door, bowed in thanks, and carried the vat out. They combined the contents of the vase and basin and instructed, "Disciples, bring a cup to taste." A young Taoist brought a tea cup to the elder, who took a sip and found the taste odd. Deer Strength Immortal asked, "Brother, how is it?" The elder pursed his lips, "Not very good, a bit strange."
Goat Strength Immortal also took a sip and said, "It tastes like pig urine." Sitting above, Sun Wukong, having seen through the situation, loudly declared, "Oh, you foolish Taoists! How could the Three Pure Ones descend to the mortal realm? Let me reveal the truth to you: we are monks from the Great Tang, on a pilgrimage to the West by imperial decree. With nothing to do last night, we came down for a stroll, ate your offerings, and sat around for fun. You worshipped me; how should I repay you? What you drank wasn't holy water; it was our urine!" Upon hearing this, the Taoists were furious. They blocked the door and began throwing pitchforks, brooms, tiles, and stones, attacking indiscriminately.
Sun Wukong tucked Sha Wujing under his left arm and Zhu Bajie under his right, and the three of them burst through the door, riding on clouds straight back to the abbot's quarters at Zhi Yuan Temple. To avoid disturbing their master, they quietly lay back down to sleep.
Early the next morning, the king held court, with civil and military officials gathered in the brightly lit and incense-filled hall. At this time, Tang Sanzang awoke and called out, "Disciples, come help me. We need to go and exchange the travel documents." Sun Wukong, Sha Wujing, and Zhu Bajie quickly got up, dressed, and stood by their master. Sun Wukong said, "Master, the king believes those Taoists and promotes Daoism while suppressing Buddhism. He might be unwilling to exchange the travel documents, so we must go together to protect you." Hearing this, Tang Sanzang was pleased and donned his brocade kasaya. Sun Wukong carried the travel documents, Sha Wujing held the alms bowl, and Zhu Bajie carried the monk's staff. They left their luggage and the White Dragon Horse in the care of the monks at Zhi Yuan Temple and headed straight to the Five Phoenix Tower.
At the Five Phoenix Tower, they paid respects to the gatekeeper and explained their purpose, stating that they were monks from the Great Tang on a pilgrimage to the West and requesting the exchange of travel documents. The gatekeeper went inside to report, "There are four monks outside claiming to be from the Great Tang, seeking to exchange travel documents. They are waiting in front of the Five Phoenix Tower." Upon hearing this, the king was displeased and questioned, "How dare these monks come here seeking death? Why haven't the patrol officers captured them?" At this point, the grand preceptor stepped forward and advised, "Your Majesty, the Great Tang is a major nation in the southern continent. These monks have traveled ten thousand miles to get here, facing many demons along the way. They must possess some abilities. Why not meet them, verify their documents, and let them go? It would be an act of kindness." The king found this reasonable and summoned Tang Sanzang and his disciples to the throne hall.
Tang Sanzang and his disciples lined up before the hall and presented their travel documents. Just as the king was about to examine them, a gatekeeper reported, "The three national preceptors have arrived." The king hurriedly put away the documents and descended from the throne to greet them. Tang Sanzang and his disciples turned to see the three Taoist immortals swaggering in, followed by two young Taoist attendants. The civil and military officials all lowered their heads, not daring to look directly. The three immortals ascended the throne hall without saluting the king. The king asked, "National Preceptors, I did not summon you. What brings you here today?" The elder Taoist replied, "We have something to report to Your Majesty. Who are these four monks?" The king responded, "They are sent by the Great Tang to fetch scriptures from the West, here to exchange travel documents." Hearing this, the three Taoists laughed heartily, "I told you they hadn't gone far; they're still here!"
The king, surprised, asked, "Why do you say so, National Preceptors? They just reported their names, and I was planning to entrust them to you. However, the grand preceptor's words made sense, and I thought it unwise to sever the good relations with the Tang by denying them. But since you raise this concern, have they offended you?" The Taoists chuckled, "Your Majesty may not know, but yesterday they killed two of our disciples outside the east gate, released five hundred imprisoned monks, and destroyed our vehicles. Last night, they broke into our temple, damaged the statues of the Three Pure Ones, and ate the offerings bestowed by you. We thought it was a divine visitation and prayed for holy water and elixirs to extend Your Majesty's life. Instead, they tricked us with urine. We each took a sip, realized the taste, and were about to capture them when they fled. To think they're still here today—truly, enemies meet on narrow paths!"
The king, enraged, was about to punish Tang Sanzang and his disciples. Sun Wukong clasped his hands and said, "Please, Your Majesty, calm your anger and allow us to explain." The king retorted, "You offended the national preceptors. How could they be wrong?" Sun Wukong replied, "He claims I killed two of his disciples outside the city yesterday. Who can testify to this? Even if we admit it, let two monks pay with their lives, and the other two continue the pilgrimage. He also accuses me of destroying vehicles and releasing prisoners without evidence. For that, another monk can take the blame. But accusing us of damaging the Three Pure Ones and causing chaos in the temple is a false charge." The king asked, "How is it a false charge?" Sun Wukong answered, "We are from the East, unfamiliar with the streets here. How could we know about their temple at night? If we urinated, they should have caught us then. Now they falsely accuse us. Many people use false names; how can they claim it was us? I hope Your Majesty will see the truth." The king, originally indecisive, hesitated upon hearing Sun Wukong's words.
As the king was hesitating, a gatekeeper reported, "Your Majesty, many village elders request an audience." The king asked, "What do they want?" and ordered them to be brought in. The village elders came before the hall, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, there has been no rain since spring, and we fear a drought in summer. We have come to ask the National Preceptors to pray for rain to save the people." The king replied, "Elders, please step back. The rain will come naturally." The elders thanked him and withdrew.
The king then turned to Tang Sanzang and his disciples, saying, "Do you know why I revere Daoism and suppress Buddhism? It's because, in the past, our monks have never succeeded in praying for rain. Fortunately, the heavens sent the National Preceptors to relieve the people's suffering. Since you've come from afar and offended the National Preceptors, you should be punished. However, I'll give you a chance: dare you compete with our National Preceptors in praying for rain? If you can bring a downpour to help the people, I'll spare your lives, exchange your travel documents, and allow you to continue to the West. If not, you'll be executed publicly." Sun Wukong laughed, "This little monk knows a bit about rainmaking." The king, hearing this, immediately ordered the altar to be prepared for the spectacle.
Soon, the officials gathered, and the king personally ascended the Five Phoenix Tower. Tang Sanzang and his disciples stood below, while the three Taoists accompanied the king above. Shortly, an official rode up to report, "The altar is ready; the National Preceptors are invited to ascend." Tiger Strength Immortal stood, bade farewell to the king, and descended. Sun Wukong stopped him, asking, "Sir, where are you going?" The immortal replied, "To ascend the altar and pray for rain." Sun Wukong said, "Sir, you are too confident, not leaving any face for us monks from afar. Well, a strong dragon does not oppress a local snake. You go first, but let's clarify something before the king." The immortal asked, "Clarify what?" Sun Wukong said, "If we all pray for rain, how will we know whose prayer brings the rain? It's better to make it clear."
The immortal dismissed it, saying, "No need to clarify; His Majesty will know." Sun Wukong insisted, "Though His Majesty will know, we have come from afar, and it should be made clear to avoid confusion." Reluctantly, the immortal agreed, "After ascending the altar, watch my command: one strike of the token brings wind; two strikes bring clouds; three strikes bring thunder; four strikes bring rain; five strikes clear the rain and clouds." Sun Wukong laughed, "Marvelous! This little monk has never seen such magic! Please, go ahead!"
Thus, the immortal strode forward, with Tang Sanzang and his disciples following to the altar gate. Looking up, they saw a high platform over three zhang tall. On either side were flags of the twenty-eight constellations, and atop the platform was a table with an incense burner emitting smoke. There were candlesticks on both sides, with flickering flames. Beside the burner leaned a golden plaque inscribed with the name of the Thunder God. Below were five large vats filled with clear water, with willow branches floating on the surface, supporting an iron plate inscribed with the talisman of the Thunder Division. On each side of the platform were five large stakes, each bearing the name of a thunder envoy from the five directions. Beside each stake stood two Taoists with iron hammers, ready to strike. Behind the platform were many Taoists writing documents. In the center was a paper furnace with effigies of divine messengers and land deities.
The immortal ascended the high platform and stood confidently. A young Taoist beside him handed over several yellow paper talismans and a treasured sword. The immortal took the sword, recited incantations, and burned a talisman on the candle. Below, several Taoists took an effigy and a document, setting them on fire. Then, with a "ping," the token was struck, and suddenly a wind arose. Zhu Bajie felt apprehensive, "Oh no! This Taoist is indeed formidable; the wind came right after the token was struck!" Sun Wukong reassured, "Brothers, don't worry. Protect the master; I'll handle this."
The great Sun Wukong plucked a hair, blew celestial breath upon it, and shouted "Transform!" creating a "fake Wukong" to stay with Tang Sanzang. His true form left his spirit and flew into the sky, calling out, "Who commands the wind?" Frightened, the Wind Mother quickly clutched her bag, and Xun Erlang tightened the cord, stepping forward to salute. Sun Wukong said, "I am escorting the Tang monk to fetch scriptures from the West, passing through Che Chi Kingdom, competing with the demon Taoists to pray for rain. Why don't you help me and instead aid that Taoist? I'll forgive you; quickly cease the wind. If there's any more wind that moves that Taoist's beard, each of you will receive twenty iron rods!" The Wind Mother hastily agreed, "We dare not!" and the wind immediately ceased. Zhu Bajie couldn't help but shout, "Hey, immortal! The token sounded, but there's not a breath of wind! Come down and let us have a try!"
The Taoist picked up the token again, burned a talisman, and struck it with a "poof," resulting in clouds and mist filling the sky. At this moment, Sun Wukong shouted from the heavens, "Who is spreading the clouds?" Startled, the Cloud Pushing Boy and Mist Spreading Lord quickly came out to pay their respects. Sun Wukong explained the situation again, and they withdrew the clouds and mist, revealing the sun once more. Zhu Bajie laughed, "This Taoist is just fooling the emperor and deceiving the people; he has no real skill! The token sounded twice, yet there are no clouds!"
The Taoist became a bit flustered. He drew his sword, loosened his hair, chanted incantations, burned another talisman, and struck the token again. At this moment, within the Southern Heavenly Gate, Marshal Deng arrived with the Thunder God and Lightning Mother, greeting Sun Wukong with a salute. Sun Wukong recounted the situation and asked, "Why are you so obedient? Whose orders are you following?" Marshal Deng replied, "This Taoist's Five Thunder Method is genuine, and his documents reached the Jade Emperor, who ordered us to assist." Sun Wukong said, "In that case, hold off for now while I handle this." Thus, the thunder and lightning ceased.
The Taoist grew even more anxious, quickly added incense, burned talismans, chanted spells, and struck the token again. This time, the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas gathered. Sun Wukong shouted at the forefront, "Ao Guang, where are you going?" The four Dragon Kings hurriedly approached and saluted. Sun Wukong explained the situation again and asked for their help. The Dragon Kings replied, "As you command! As you command!" Sun Wukong also thanked Ao Shun, "Thanks to your son for helping capture a demon and saving my master last time."
The Dragon King said, "That creature is still imprisoned in the sea, awaiting your decision." Sun Wukong said, "Deal with it as you wish, but help me first. The Taoist's fourth token has been struck; now it's my turn. However, I won't use talismans or strike tokens; you need to assist me." Marshal Deng said, "We dare not disobey the Great Sage! But there must be a signal; otherwise, the thunderstorm will be chaotic, making the Great Sage appear unorganized." Sun Wukong said, "I'll use my staff as the signal." The Thunder God was startled, "Oh, grandfather! We can't withstand that staff!" Sun Wukong said, "I won't strike you; I'll just point the staff upward to signal the wind." The Wind Mother and Xun Erlang quickly agreed, "We'll release the wind!"
"At the second signal, clouds should gather." The Cloud Pushing Boy and Mist Spreading Lord said, "Clouds will gather! Clouds will gather!" "At the third signal, thunder and lightning should strike." The Thunder God and Lightning Mother said, "At your service! At your service!" "At the fourth signal, rain should fall." The Dragon Kings said, "As you command! As you command!"
"At the fifth signal, the skies should clear, and no mistakes should be made." With everything arranged, Sun Wukong descended from the cloud, shook his hair, and returned it to his body. Those with ordinary eyes couldn't perceive any of this. Sun Wukong loudly called out, "Sir, you've struck the token four times, yet there's no wind or rain. It's my turn now." The Taoist, having no choice, descended from the platform and angrily went up to see the king. Sun Wukong thought, "I'll follow and see what he says."
The king asked, "I've been listening attentively. You've struck the token four times, yet there's no wind or rain. What's the matter?" The Taoist replied, "Today, the dragon deities are not at home." Sun Wukong loudly said, "Your Majesty, the dragon deities are indeed at home, but this National Preceptor's magic is ineffective, and he couldn't summon them. Let the monk try, and you'll see." The king said, "Go ascend the altar; I'm still waiting for rain." Sun Wukong received the order and immediately returned to the altar, pulling Tang Sanzang along, saying, "Master, please ascend the platform." Tang Sanzang said, "Disciple, I don't know how to pray for rain." Zhu Bajie laughed, "He's tricking you. If there's no rain, we'll be burned!" Sun Wukong said, "You don't need to pray for rain; just recite scriptures. I'll assist you." Tang Sanzang then ascended the platform, sat down, calmed his mind, and silently recited the Heart Sutra. As he sat, an official rode up to ask, "Monk, why aren't you striking tokens or burning talismans?" Sun Wukong loudly replied, "No need! No need! We use silent prayer." The official then went back to report.
When Sun Wukong heard his master finish reciting the scripture, he took out his golden staff from his ear, shook it in the wind, and it immediately extended to twelve feet long and as thick as a bowl. He pointed the staff to the sky, and the Wind Mother and Xun Erlang quickly acted, pulling the bag open and untying the cord, unleashing a fierce wind. This was no ordinary wind; it blew roof tiles and bricks across the city, filled the sky with sand and dust, and sent stones rolling. Truly: it broke willows and damaged flowers, toppled forests and trees. The walls of the royal palace cracked, and the Five Phoenix Tower swayed. The sun lost its luster, and yellow sand danced in the air. Military officers were alarmed in the martial hall, while civil officials cowered in the literary pavilion. The concubines' hair was disheveled, and golden crowns and black gauze hats flew through the sky. The entire city was in chaos; the king and his sons couldn't meet, the streets were deserted, and every household had its doors and windows tightly shut.
As the fierce wind raged on, Sun Wukong once again displayed his divine powers. He twirled his golden staff and pointed it skyward. Immediately, the Cloud Pushing Boy and Mist Spreading Lord sprang into action, covering the sky with thick clouds and plunging the entire city into darkness. The clouds rose from the sea, accompanied by rain coming from Kunlun, enveloping the heavens and earth in an instant, making the Phoenix Tower's gate barely visible. At this moment, the city was shrouded in dim mist and dense clouds. Sun Wukong twirled his golden staff again and pointed it skyward, prompting the Thunder God and Lightning Mother to act. The Thunder God rode his fiery beast down from the heavenly gates, while the Lightning Mother waved her golden serpent from the celestial palace. The thunderclaps were deafening, and the lightning danced like red silk, causing the entire city to tremble. Merchants were frightened by the sound, and the king and his ministers were filled with dread. The thunder roared like the earth splitting and mountains collapsing, scaring the city's inhabitants into burning incense and paper in every household. Sun Wukong shouted, "Old Deng! Keep an eye on those corrupt officials and unfilial sons, strike a few dead as a warning!" The thunder roared even louder.
Sun Wukong then pointed his iron staff upward, and the Dragon Kings immediately sprang into action, unleashing a torrential downpour. The rain poured down like the Milky Way descending, as swiftly as clouds flowing through a sea gate. Raindrops pattered on rooftops, and the sound of rain echoed outside windows. The heavenly river poured down, and white waves surged in the streets. The rain fell as if water was being scooped from a jar or poured from a basin. Isolated villages were nearly submerged, and wild banks threatened to level bridges. Truly, it seemed as if fields turned into oceans, and waves rolled across the land. The divine dragons took this opportunity to assist, lifting the Yangtze River and pouring it down. The rain fell from morning to noon, flooding the streets inside and outside Che Chi City. The king hurriedly issued an edict: "Enough rain! Enough rain! If it continues, it will ruin the crops!"
An official braved the rain to report from below the Five Phoenix Tower, "Holy Monk, the rain is sufficient." Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong pointed his golden staff upward, and in an instant, the thunder ceased, the wind stopped, the rain halted, and the clouds dispersed. The king was overjoyed, and the civil and military officials praised, "What a monk! Truly, there's always someone stronger! Although our National Preceptor's rain prayers are effective, it takes half a day for the skies to clear after a drizzle. How is it that this monk can command the sun to shine and the clouds to vanish instantly?"
The king prepared to return to the palace, ready to exchange the travel documents and send Tang Sanzang and his companions on their westward journey. Just as the royal seal was about to be used, the three Taoists stepped forward to intervene: "Your Majesty, this rain wasn't the monk's doing; it was the power of our Daoist sect." The king replied, "You just said the Dragon Kings weren't home, and couldn't make it rain. Yet, he went up and prayed silently, and it rained. Why are you claiming credit now?" Tiger Strength Immortal said, "I ascended the altar, issued the documents, burned the talismans, and struck the tokens; which Dragon King would dare not come? It's just that they were summoned elsewhere, and the wind, clouds, thunder, and rain divisions weren't present. When they heard my command and arrived, it coincided with this opportunity, so it rained. Fundamentally, it was still my summoning that brought the rain, so how can it be credited to him?"
The king was a bit confused and hesitated upon hearing this. Sun Wukong stepped forward, clasped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, these minor magical tricks aren't worth any merit, neither mine nor theirs. The Four Seas Dragon Kings are still in the sky; I haven't dismissed them, so they dare not leave. If the National Preceptor can summon the Dragon Kings to appear, then it will be his merit." The king was delighted, "I've been emperor for twenty-three years and have never seen a live dragon. Each of you show your abilities; whether monk or Taoist, whoever can summon them shall have merit; if not, they shall be guilty."
The Taoists had no such ability, and even if they could summon, the Dragon Kings wouldn't dare appear with the Great Sage present. The Taoist said, "We can't do it; you summon them." The Great Sage looked up to the sky and shouted loudly, "Ao Guang, where are you? Brothers, reveal your true forms!" Upon hearing the summons, the Dragon Kings immediately revealed their true forms. Four dragons circled and danced in the sky, surrounded by clouds and mist, flying towards the Golden Throne Hall. They appeared: soaring and transforming, winding through mist and clouds. Their jade claws gleamed white, and their silver scales shone brightly. Their whiskers fluttered like fine silk, and their horns stood tall and clear. Their foreheads were majestic, and their round eyes bright. They were elusive and unpredictable, soaring beyond measure. Ready to bring rain when prayed for, and clear skies when requested. These were truly the divine and sacred true dragons, their auspicious presence encircling the palace courtyard.
The king burned incense on the hall, and the courtiers worshiped on the steps. The king said, "Thank you for your presence. Please return; I shall offer thanks another day." Sun Wukong said, "Each divine dragon may return. The king will offer thanks another day." The Dragon Kings returned to the sea, and the gods each returned to the heavens. Thus it is: Vast and boundless is the true and wondrous law, enlightening the true nature and dispelling the side paths. As for how to eliminate evil, please listen to the next chapter.
