The story goes that the king of the Kingdom of Jisai was very grateful and specially thanked Tang Sanzang and his three disciples for helping him capture the monster and obtain the treasure. He was a generous person, offering gold and jade without asking for a single copper coin in return. Instead, he ordered the officials to make two sets of everyday clothes, two pairs of shoes and socks, and two sashes for the master and his disciples, along with dry food and snacks. He prepared travel documents and held a grand farewell ceremony. Civil and military officials, along with the citizens of the entire city, came to see them off, and even the monks from Fulong Temple joyfully bid them farewell.
After traveling about twenty miles, Tang Sanzang and his companions bid farewell to the king, who escorted them another twenty miles. The monks from Fulong Temple were reluctant to leave, following them for fifty or sixty miles, unwilling to turn back. Each of them wanted to accompany them to the Western Heaven or stay there to cultivate. Seeing their reluctance to leave, the Monkey King had an idea. He plucked thirty or forty hairs, blew some immortal breath on them, and shouted, "Transform!" As a result, a group of colorful fierce tigers appeared, blocking the road, roaring and leaping. The monks were so frightened that they dared not proceed, allowing the Great Sage to lead his master away on horseback.
On their journey westward, the four continued their travels. The Monkey King retrieved the hairs he had plucked. It was just the right time of year, with winter having just passed and spring not too hot, making it a great time to travel. Suddenly, they saw a long ridge with a path on top. Tang Sanzang reined in his horse and looked closely, finding the path covered in thorny branches and tangled vines. Although there were traces of a path, both sides were lined with prickly thorns. Tang Sanzang looked troubled, saying, "Disciples, how do we go on this road?" The Monkey King, however, laughed and said, "Why can't we go?"
He continued, "Disciples, the road is below, and the thorns are above. As long as we're careful of snakes and insects on the ground, we can pass. If you go, you won't even be able to straighten your waist, let alone ride a horse." Hearing this, Zhu Bajie confidently said, "No problem, I'll use my rake to clear the thorns, ensuring you can even carry a sedan chair through." Tang Sanzang shook his head, "Though you have strength, long journeys are not child's play. We don't know how far it is, how can we waste energy like this?" The Monkey King said, "Stop talking, let me take a look."
He leapt into the air, and the scene before him was vast and boundless. Distant mountains and nearby waters were shrouded in mist, with lush grasslands in disarray and green canopies covering the hills. The newly sprouted leaves were dense and fragrant. Looking into the distance, there seemed to be no end, while nearby felt like clusters of green clouds. The gentle wind drifted by, and sunlight filtered through the shadows of the trees, shining brilliantly. Amidst it all were pine, cypress, bamboo, plum, willow, and mulberry trees intertwined, with vines wrapping around ancient trees, truly a beautiful place.
After observing for a while, the Monkey King finally descended, saying, "Master, this place is really far!" Tang Sanzang hurriedly asked, "How far?" The Monkey King replied, "Boundless, it seems to be a thousand miles away." Hearing this, Tang Sanzang was frightened and exclaimed, "What should we do?" Sha Wujing laughed and said, "Master, don't worry, we can burn the thorns like clearing land." Zhu Bajie, however, was anxious, "Don't talk nonsense! Burning fields requires waiting ten months or more until the vegetation withers before you can set a fire. Now the thorns are flourishing, how can we burn them?" The Monkey King added, "Even if we could burn them, we'd be afraid of being discovered." Tang Sanzang said helplessly, "Then how do we get through?"
Zhu Bajie slapped his forehead and laughed, "To get through this, it still depends on me." He made a gesture, recited a spell, and bent his waist, suddenly growing a body twenty zhang tall, with his rake handle extending thirty zhang long. He pulled the thorns apart, saying, "Master, follow me quickly!" Tang Sanzang, seeing this, was overjoyed and immediately urged his horse to follow. Sha Wujing carried the luggage, and the Monkey King used his iron staff to clear the thorns. Without stopping, they traveled a hundred miles, and as night fell, they saw an open area with a stone tablet in the middle of the road, inscribed with three large characters: "Thorn Ridge." Below were two lines of small characters: "Thorny vines stretch eight hundred miles, few have traveled this ancient path." Seeing this, Zhu Bajie couldn't help but laugh, "Let me, old Zhu, add two lines: From now on, Bajie can open the way, leading straight to the Western path!"
Hearing this, Tang Sanzang gladly dismounted and said, "Disciple, you've worked hard! Let's stay here for the night and continue tomorrow." However, Zhu Bajie was anxious, "Master, don't stop. While the weather is clear and we're in high spirits, let's clear the path overnight!" Tang Sanzang had no choice but to agree.
So, Zhu Bajie hurriedly moved forward to work hard, and the master and disciples pressed on without a moment's rest, traveling tirelessly for an entire day and night. As it grew late again, they suddenly heard the sound of wind blowing through the bamboo and the rustling of pine trees, creating a poetic atmosphere. Suddenly, they found an open space ahead, with an ancient temple in the center. Outside the temple gate, the pines and cypresses were lush, and the peach and plum trees were in full bloom, competing for beauty. Tang Sanzang dismounted and, together with his three disciples, admired the beautiful scenery. They saw the ancient temple nestled against the cold currents, surrounded by desolate smoke that locked the abandoned hills, as if time had stood still here.
The bamboo swayed, seemingly whispering; birds on the branches emitted lingering sounds, as if expressing sorrow. This place was rarely visited by people, with no signs of chickens or dogs, and wildflowers and weeds entwined the walls. The Monkey King, upon seeing this, immediately became alert, "This place doesn't seem auspicious; staying long wouldn't be wise!" But Sha Wujing disagreed, "Brother, you're overthinking. In such a desolate place, where would monsters come from?" Before he finished speaking, a gust of eerie wind blew by, and an old man emerged from behind the temple gate, wearing a horned headscarf, dressed in light-colored clothes, holding a cane, and wearing straw shoes. Behind him followed a ghostly figure with a green face and tusks, carrying a tray of steamed buns on its head. Kneeling down, it said, "Great Sage, I am the local deity of Thorn Ridge. Knowing you have arrived, I specially prepared these steamed buns to offer to you and your master. This place is uninhabited for eight hundred miles, but something is better than nothing; please have some to satisfy your hunger."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Bajie was so delighted that he couldn't close his mouth and hurried forward to grab the buns. But the Monkey King had already seen through the trick and shouted, "Stop! This guy is up to no good! Don't be rude! What kind of local deity dares to deceive me, the old Sun! Watch my staff!" Seeing this, the old man immediately turned into a gust of eerie wind, taking Tang Sanzang with him, drifting away to an unknown destination. The Monkey King anxiously searched everywhere, while Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing looked at each other in confusion, even the white horse neighed in fear. The three brothers were in a panic, completely at a loss about where to search.
Meanwhile, the old man and the ghostly figure carried Tang Sanzang to a stone house amidst the mist and gently set him down. The old man smiled and said, "Holy Monk, don't be afraid. We are not bad people; we are the Eighteen Lords of Thorn Ridge. Tonight, with the clear wind and bright moon, we invited you here to discuss poetry and relieve your feelings." Only then did Tang Sanzang calm down a bit. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in a truly fairy-like place: surrounded by mist and clouds, a serene and secluded home, perfect for cultivation, planting bamboo, and growing flowers. From time to time, he could see white cranes on the emerald rocks and hear the croaking of frogs in the green marsh.
Immersed in this wonderful environment, Tang Sanzang gradually felt the brightness of the moon and stars. He heard voices nearby, saying, "The Eighteen Lords have invited the Holy Monk." Looking up, he saw three old men: one with a frosty demeanor, another with lush green hair, and the third with a modest and dark appearance. Each had different appearances and attire, and they all bowed to Tang Sanzang. Tang Sanzang returned the gesture, saying, "What virtues do I possess to trouble the esteemed immortals with your presence?"
The Eighteen Lords smiled and said, "We've long heard of the Holy Monk's virtue and have awaited your arrival for a long time. Today, we finally meet. If you don't mind, please sit and chat with us about Zen." Tang Sanzang bowed and asked, "May I know the esteemed immortals' names?" The Eighteen Lords replied, "The frosty one is named Gu Zhi Gong, the one with green hair is named Ling Kong Zi, the modest one is named Fu Yun Sou, and I am called Jing Jie." Tang Sanzang asked again, "How old are the four esteemed immortals?" Gu Zhi Gong smiled and said, "I am a thousand years old, with lush leaves reaching the sky, and all seasons like spring. My fragrant branches are dense, resembling dragons and snakes, with overlapping shadows and a frosty body. From a young age, I have been strong and enduring, and now I delight in cultivating truth. Crows and phoenixes are not ordinary, standing tall and far from worldly dust."
Ling Kong Zi continued, "I am a thousand years old, proud of the wind and frost, with high and spiritual branches, strong in their own right. At night, there is a sound like raindrops, and in the clear autumn, the shadows spread like clouds. With roots entrenched, I have obtained the secret of longevity, and my life is sustained by the formula of eternal youth. Transforming cranes into dragons is not ordinary, vast and refreshing, close to the immortal realm." Fu Yun Sou also laughed and said, "In the cold years, I have lived a thousand autumns, with an old and serene appearance, even more tranquil. Not mingling with the noisy dust, always cool and detached, having experienced frost and snow, naturally elegant. The seven sages are my companions in discussing the Way, and the six eccentrics are my friends in singing and responding. Striking jade and knocking gold are not trivial, with a natural disposition to roam with the immortals." The Eighteen Lords Jing Jie laughed and said, "I too have lived more than a thousand years, with a verdant and upright elegance. Pity the rain and dew for their generative power, borrowing the mechanism of creation from heaven and earth. Among the ten thousand valleys, I alone thrive in the wind and smoke, and in all seasons, I let myself be sparse."
Tang Sanzang gratefully said, "The four esteemed immortals all enjoy long lives, but Elder Jing Jie is over a thousand years old. To have attained such a state, with such a unique and clear demeanor, could it be that you are not the Four Hoary Immortals of the Han dynasty?" The four old men quickly responded with humility, "You flatter us! We are not the Four Hoary Immortals, but rather the Four Virtues of the deep mountains. May we ask the Holy Monk, how many years have you lived?" Tang Sanzang clasped his hands together and bowed, replying, "Forty years ago, I was born from my mother's womb. Before I was born, my fate was already troubled. I escaped danger by falling into water and was carried by the waves, luckily rescued by Jinshan Temple, shedding my original form. I have diligently studied the scriptures and sincerely worshipped Buddha without delay. Now, I am honored to be sent westward by the Emperor, and on this journey, I am fortunate to meet the esteemed immortals."
Hearing Tang Sanzang's words, the four old men praised him in unison, "The Holy Monk has followed Buddhism from a young age, truly a cultivator of the Way, a truly righteous high monk! Meeting you is a blessing spanning three lifetimes. We humbly ask you to teach us some Zen teachings and offer us some guidance; it would be wonderful!"
Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang was overjoyed and began to explain the principles of Zen to them: "Zen is tranquility, and the Way is enlightenment. Only in stillness can one comprehend the truth. The process of comprehension is to cleanse the mind and distance oneself from the mundane. It is rare to be born human, rarer still to be born in the central lands, and even rarer to encounter the true teachings. These three are the utmost fortune! As for Bodhi, it neither arises nor perishes, being empty and formless, transcending both the sacred and the ordinary. To understand the truth, one must awaken through awakening, comprehend through comprehension, and with a flash of insight, all phenomena become clear. By letting go of attachments, the realm of the Dharma will naturally reveal itself."
The four old men listened intently, their faces filled with joy, and they all bowed in gratitude, saying, "The Holy Monk, you are truly the embodiment of Zen wisdom!" Fu Yun Sou added, "Although Zen is tranquil and the Way is enlightening, one must also have a stable nature and sincere heart. Even a truly enlightened immortal must sit firmly in the Way of non-arising. The profound truths between us are indeed vastly different."
Tang Sanzang asked, "Isn't the principle quite simple, with essence and function united? How could it be different?" Fu Yun Sou replied with a smile, "We are born solid, so our essence and function naturally differ. We feel the nourishment of heaven and earth, growing through wind, frost, rain, and dew. One cannot merely wander in emptiness; if you cling to Sanskrit, you may forget the essence. The truth lies here in China; why seek it in the West? It's like wearing out straw sandals without knowing what you're searching for!"
Tang Sanzang listened attentively, repeatedly bowing in thanks. Eighteen Lords quickly helped him up, and Gu Zhi Gong also pulled him up, while Ling Kong Zi laughed heartily, "Don't take everything Fu Yun said too seriously! We're not here tonight to discuss cultivation; let's recite poetry and relax, opening our hearts instead!"
Fu Yun Sou playfully pointed to the stone house and said, "How about we go to the little retreat for some tea?" Hearing this, Tang Sanzang immediately nodded and followed the four elders into the stone house. Above the door were three large characters: "Wood Immortal Retreat." Once everyone was seated, the naked ghost servant suddenly appeared, carrying a tray of poria cakes and five cups of fragrant tea. The four elders warmly invited Tang Sanzang to eat first, but he hesitated, not daring to start right away.
The four elders quickly enjoyed the refreshments, while Tang Sanzang only ate two pieces and then cautiously sipped the fragrant tea. He discreetly observed his surroundings, finding it truly a fairyland, radiant and beautiful, like a scene under the moon: "Water flows from the stones, fragrance wafts from the flowers, the entire place is serene and elegant, without a trace of dust." The elders, delighted by the scenery, couldn't help but recite poetry: "The Zen mind is like the moon, free from dust." Elder Jing Jie immediately continued, "Poetic inspiration is as fresh as the blue sky!" The scene was lively indeed!
Gu Zhi Gong was not to be outdone: "Crafting fine verses like weaving brocade." Ling Kong Zi quickly added, "Fine words are priceless treasures." Fu Yun Sou then said, "The Six Dynasties washed away all the splendor, the Four Beginnings refined the elegance of odes." Tang Sanzang felt he had spoken out of turn and humbly said, "I was just rambling, truly showing off in front of experts." But Elder Jing Jie said, "Holy Monk, no need for modesty. Since you've started, why not complete it?" Tang Sanzang thought for a moment and finally continued with two lines: "Half-reclined in the pine breeze, tea not yet brewed, my poetic heart carefree, filled with spring."
Eighteen Lords praised, "What a carefree poetic heart filled with spring!" Gu Zhi Gong added, "Jing Jie, you truly understand poetry, why not compose another?" Eighteen Lords cheerfully chimed in, "I'll offer a linked verse: Spring neither flourishes nor withers in winter, clouds come and fog goes as if nonexistent." Ling Kong Zi was also eager to join: "No wind sways the graceful shadows, guests delight in the picture of longevity." Fu Yun Sou followed suit: "The picture resembles the steadfast elder of the Western Mountains, pure as the unselfish man of the Southern Kingdom."
Gu Zhi Gong added: "The man is praised for his steadfastness, the hall for its horizontal branches like a royal crow." The elder listened with admiration, "Truly noble and lofty, soaring to the skies! I also wish to add two lines." Gu Zhi Gong laughed and said, "Holy Monk, as a man of the Way, no need to link verses, please teach us a complete piece so we may be inspired." With no other option, Tang Sanzang recited a poem: "With staff in hand, I come west to pay homage to the Dharma King, hoping to spread the wondrous teachings far and wide. Golden branches and three blooms, auspicious on the poetic stage, the treasure tree's thousand flowers, the fragrance of lotus buds. Atop a hundred-foot pole, one must advance, in the ten directions, establish practice and concealment. Cultivate the dignified form of a jade elephant, the Pure Land's gate is the place of cultivation."
The four elders listened and praised him endlessly. Eighteen Lords laughed and said, "I am old and clumsy, but I'll give it a try, don't laugh at me." He then recited: "Jing Jie stands lofty, laughing at the king of trees, the sacred camphor is not as renowned as I. In the empty mountains, shadows of dragons and snakes, the spring flows for a thousand years with amber fragrance. Understanding the spirit of creation, delighted by the transformation of rain and wind. Ashamed of my frail bones, only poria cakes form my longevity ground." Gu Zhi Gong also praised, "This poem starts boldly, with strong linked verses, but the ending is too modest, truly enviable!"
Then Ling Kong Zi followed: "Frosty figure loves to dwell with the king of birds, great vessels are praised before the Hall of Four Absolutes. Heavy dew beads the green canopy, light wind shatters the cold fragrance on stone teeth. In the long corridor, night is quiet, the sound of recitation is faint, the ancient hall's autumn shadows lightly hidden. On New Year's Day, welcomed spring with a longevity offering, in old age, pride is placed in the mountain retreat." Fu Yun Sou laughed and said, "The poems of the three elders are elegant and refined, truly an eye-opener. Although my talents are limited, I also wish to join the fun, don't laugh at me." He then recited: "In the garden of Qi'ao, the holy king delights, the thousand acres of Wei River freely spread. Green bamboo is unstained by the tears of the Xiang goddess, the classed bamboo can transmit the fragrance of Han history. Frost leaves naturally maintain their color, smoke branches from now on hide their hue. After Ziyou's passing, few confidants remain, leaving a name in the literary world through the ages."
Tang Sanzang sighed and said, "The poems of you esteemed immortals are truly jewels, leaving one full of admiration. However, it's late, and I don't know where my young disciples are waiting for me. I must take my leave and hope the immortals can guide me back." The four elders laughed heartily, "Don't rush, Holy Monk! This is a rare opportunity, and tonight the moon is bright as day. Why not sit a while longer? When dawn comes, we'll surely send you back to your disciples!"
Just as they were speaking, two young girls in blue appeared outside, carrying a pair of crimson silk lanterns, followed by a fairy. The fairy held a branch of apricot blossoms in her hand and walked in with a smile. Oh, how beautiful she was! Her makeup was as clear as jade, her complexion rosy like rouge, her eyes sparkled, and her brows were perfectly shaped. She wore a light red skirt with multicolored plum blossoms, a sheer garment on top, and bow shoes on her feet, as enchanting as a celestial fairy, rivaling the legendary Daji.
The four elders quickly asked, "Apricot Fairy, what brings you here?" The woman smiled slightly and respectfully said, "I heard there are distinguished guests here, so I came specially to pay a visit." Eighteen Lords pointed to Tang Sanzang and said, "The distinguished guest is right here, no need to seek him out!" Tang Sanzang humbly bowed, though he felt a bit nervous inside. The woman immediately called out, "Quick, serve the tea!" Two girls in yellow brought a red lacquered tea tray with six fine porcelain tea cups and some exotic fruits, along with a fragrant teapot. After pouring the tea, she smiled slightly, first serving Tang Sanzang, then the four elders, and finally herself.
Ling Kong Zi curiously asked, "Apricot Fairy, why don't you sit down?" Only then did she take a seat. After finishing the tea, she asked, "Everyone is so joyful tonight, may I ask for a few verses of fine poetry?" Fu Yun Sou humbly said, "We are mere amateurs; only the Holy Monk's works are truly masterpieces of the flourishing Tang era, worthy of admiration." The woman smiled and said, "If you don't mind, may I have the honor of hearing them?" The four elders then recited Tang Sanzang's poetry and Zen teachings aloud.
The woman, beaming with joy, said, "I am not talented, but I would like to try composing a verse in response, if I may?" She then recited: "The canopy leaves a name for the Han martial king, in the Zhou era, Confucius established his forum. Dong Xian cherished me as the forest grew, Sun Chu once admired the cold food fragrance..." The four elders praised her, "This poem is elegant and transcendent, truly fine lines! Especially 'Rain moistens the red blossoms, tender and delicate'!" The woman modestly replied, "I'm flattered, truly flattered! After hearing the Holy Monk's poem, which is like embroidered words from a heart of brocade, could you grant me the favor of another one?"
Tang Sanzang felt a bit nervous and hesitated to agree. At this moment, the woman slowly approached and softly said, "Distinguished guest, under this beautiful night, what do you plan to do? Life is short, and such opportunities are rare." Eighteen Lords saw this and laughed, "The Apricot Fairy seems interested in you, Holy Monk, you shouldn't be too modest! If you don't respond, it would be quite ungracious." Gu Zhi Gong added, "The Holy Monk is not a casual person, but if there is genuine interest, Fu Yun Sou and Eighteen Lords can act as matchmakers, while Ling Kong Zi and I can support the union. Why not make the most of this opportunity?"
Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang's expression changed immediately. He jumped up and shouted, "You wicked creatures, trying to tempt me with a beauty! Just now you were speaking of profound truths, and now you're using such means to deceive me. This is outrageous!" The four elders were so frightened by his anger that they dared not speak. The naked ghost servant was even more furious, exclaiming, "This monk doesn't know what's good for him! My sister here, with her talent and beauty alone, is more than worthy of you! How can you refuse? Don't miss this opportunity! Gu Zhi Gong is right; if you're unwilling, I can arrange another matchmaker for you!"
Tang Sanzang was shocked and thought to himself that they were speaking nonsense, and he must not comply. Angrily, he said, "You monks, we spoke to you kindly, but you refuse to listen. If we get angry and take you away, making sure you never marry in your lifetime, wouldn't that be interesting?" Tang Sanzang thought, "I wonder where my disciples are searching for me!" As he spoke, he couldn't help but shed tears. Seeing this, the woman hurriedly approached him, pulling out a honey-colored silk handkerchief to wipe his tears, saying, "Don't worry, dear guest, I'll stay with you. Let's enjoy this beautiful time together!"
Tang Sanzang shouted loudly, jumped up, and tried to leave, but they held him tightly, causing a commotion that lasted until dawn.
At that moment, they suddenly heard voices calling from afar, "Master! Master! Where are you?" It was Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Seng, leading the horse and carrying their burdens. They hadn't rested all night, searching through thorns, looking east and west, until they finally heard Tang Sanzang's voice. Tang Sanzang quickly responded, "Wukong, I'm here, come save me!" As soon as the four elders, the ghost servant, and the woman heard this, they vanished without a trace.
Soon after, Bajie and Sha Seng arrived at Tang Sanzang's side. "Master, how did you end up here?" Tang Sanzang sighed, "Last night, an elder said the land deity was offering a meal, and I carelessly followed him here. Later, I met several elders who said I was the Holy Monk and started reciting poetry with me. Just as I was getting enthusiastic, a beautiful woman came and wanted to marry me. I resolutely refused, and just as I was about to leave, you all arrived."
Wukong asked, "What did you talk about with them? Didn't you ask for their names?" Tang Sanzang replied, "I did. The elder was called Eighteen Lords, also known as Jing Jie; the second was Gu Zhi Gong; the third was Ling Kong Zi; the fourth was Fu Yun Sou; and the woman was called Apricot Fairy." Bajie asked curiously, "Where are they? Where did they go just now?" Tang Sanzang shook his head, "I don't know, but they were just here reciting poetry, so they can't be far."
They looked in that direction and saw a stone cliff with the words "Wood Immortal Retreat" written on it. Tang Sanzang said, "This is the place!" Wukong looked closely and noticed several large trees on the cliff—pine, cypress, cedar, and bamboo were all present. Behind the bamboo was a red maple, and on the other side of the cliff were old apricot, winter plum, and osmanthus trees. Wukong laughed and asked, "Have you seen any monsters?" Bajie shook his head, "No, I haven't." Wukong said, "Actually, these are just trees that have become spirits!"
Bajie was surprised, "How do you know?" Wukong explained, "Eighteen Lords is the pine tree, Gu Zhi Gong is the cypress tree, Ling Kong Zi is the cedar, Fu Yun Sou is the bamboo, the naked ghost is the maple, and Apricot Fairy is the apricot tree. The young girls are the osmanthus and winter plum." Upon hearing this, Bajie immediately started cutting down the trees with his rake, causing sap to flow like blood. Tang Sanzang hurriedly stopped him, "Wuneng, you mustn't harm them! Although they've become spirits, they didn't harm me. Let's just find our way."
Wukong said, "Master, we can't be soft-hearted. If they become great monsters in the future, it will be troublesome!" So Bajie decisively cut down the pine, cypress, cedar, and bamboo trees. Finally, they helped Tang Sanzang onto the horse, and together they continued westward along the main road. What happened next will be revealed in the next installment.
