Once upon a time, Sun Wukong took off with a somersault cloud, leaving the monks, novices, and attendants at Guanyin Temple in awe. They all knelt down and prayed to the heavens, exclaiming, "Wow, turns out he's a cloud-riding immortal! No wonder the fire couldn't touch him! It's all that clueless old monk's fault, with his evil intentions, and now he's brought disaster upon himself!" Tang Sanzang said, "Everyone, please rise. There's no need to harbor resentment. As long as we get the cassock back, everything will be fine. But if we can't find it, my disciple can be a bit hot-tempered, and I'm afraid your lives might be in danger."
Hearing Sanzang's words, the monks were terrified and started making vows to the heavens, desperately hoping the cassock would be found and their lives spared. Meanwhile, Sun Wukong twisted his waist in mid-air and, in the blink of an eye, arrived at Black Wind Mountain. He paused on a cloud to take a good look and, sure enough, it was a magnificent mountain. It was springtime, and the scenery was breathtaking: streams gushing, cliffs standing tall, birds chirping, and flowers filling the air with fragrance. After the rain, the mountains were lush and green, and the breeze made the pine trees look like painted screens. The grass was thick, wildflowers were in full bloom, and the cliffs were steep; vines twined around the trees, and the forest was dense. Without hermits, how could there be woodcutters? By the stream, white cranes drank water, and on the rocks, monkeys played.
As Wukong admired the mountain scenery, he suddenly heard voices coming from a grassy slope. Sneaking quietly, he hid behind a rock to eavesdrop. It turned out to be three demons sitting on the ground: the leader was a burly black demon, with a Taoist on the left and a scholar in white on the right, engaged in a lively discussion. They were talking about alchemy, white snow, and yellow buds, all sorts of unorthodox practices. In high spirits, the black demon laughed and said, "The day after tomorrow is my mother's birthday. Will you both come?" The scholar replied, "I come every year, so how could I miss it this year?" The black demon continued, "Last night, I acquired a treasure, a brocade cassock. It's truly a marvelous item. I'm planning to use it for the birthday celebration, throw a grand banquet, and invite Taoist officials from all the mountains for a 'Cassock Festival.' What do you think?" The Taoist laughed and said, "Wonderful! Wonderful! I'll come to pay my respects tomorrow and attend the banquet the day after."
Upon hearing the mention of the "cassock," Wukong knew it had to be his master's treasure. Unable to contain his anger, he leaped from behind the rock, brandishing his golden staff, and shouted, "You thieving scoundrels! You stole my cassock and now plan to hold a 'Cassock Festival'! Hand it over immediately!" With a shout of "Don't run!" he swung his staff to attack. The black demon, terrified, turned into a gust of wind and fled, the Taoist flew away on a cloud, leaving only the scholar, who was struck dead by Wukong's staff. Dragging the body over, Wukong discovered it was a white snake demon. He promptly tore it into seven or eight pieces and headed into the mountains to track down the black demon. After traversing peaks and ridges, he came upon a cave dwelling, with smoke and mist swirling at its entrance, surrounded by dense pine and cypress trees.
Wukong approached the cave entrance and saw the stone doors tightly shut. Above the doors was a stone plaque with the words "Black Wind Mountain Black Wind Cave" inscribed on it. He raised his golden staff and shouted, "Open up!" A little demon came out and asked, "Who are you to dare knock on our immortal cave?" Wukong scolded, "You wretched creature! How dare you call this place an immortal cave! You're not worthy of the word 'immortal'! Go tell that black demon to return my master's cassock, and I might spare your lives!" The little demon hurried inside to report, "Master! The Cassock Festival is off! There's a hairy-faced, thunder-mouthed monk outside demanding the cassock!"
The black demon, having just escaped from Wukong at the grassy slope and barely settled down, was startled by the news. He thought to himself, "Who is this guy, so audacious to shout at my door?" He ordered, "Bring my armor!" Once fully armed with a black-tasseled spear in hand, he stepped out to confront Wukong. Wukong, waiting outside, watched closely as the demon emerged, fully armored and looking fierce: an iron helmet gleaming with fiery lacquer, black gold armor shining bright, a black silk robe with flowing sleeves, and a long black-green sash. He wielded a black-tasseled spear and wore black leather boots.
Upon seeing the demon, Wukong's eyes lit up like lightning, recognizing him as the Black Wind King of Black Wind Mountain. Wukong chuckled to himself, "This guy looks like a kiln worker, all black like a lump of coal. I bet he makes a living painting coal around here." The demon shouted fiercely, "Where are you from, monk, to dare make trouble here?" Wukong waved his iron staff and stepped forward boldly, "Enough talk! Hand over my master's cassock at once!"
The Black Wind Demon asked, "Which temple are you from, monk? Where did you lose the cassock that you dare come here looking for it?" Wukong replied, "My cassock was placed in the abbot's room at the Guanyin Temple to the north. Last night, there was a fire in the temple, and you took advantage of the chaos to steal the cassock, planning to hold some 'Cassock Festival' for a birthday celebration. How dare you deny it? Return it to me, and I'll spare your life! If you dare say 'no,' I'll topple Black Wind Mountain, flatten Black Wind Cave, and crush all you demons into dust!" The demon listened, then sneered, "You insolent monkey! So it was you who started the fire last night! You stirred up trouble on the abbot's roof, and yes, I took the cassock. What can you do about it? Where are you from? What's your name? What skills do you have to boast so boldly?"
Wukong laughed, "You really don't know your grandpa! Your grandpa is the disciple of the Tang Emperor's royal brother, the monk Tripitaka. My surname is Sun, and my name is Wukong. If I tell you about my skills, you'll be scared out of your wits and die on the spot!" The demon said, "I’d like to see what skills you have. Tell me quickly." Wukong chuckled, "Sonny, stand firm and listen closely! I: from a young age, possessed great magical powers, able to transform with the wind. After years of cultivation, I escaped the cycle of reincarnation. I apprenticed on Mount Lingtai, learning the Way from a master who lived for 108,000 years, who taught me the path to immortality. He said the elixir is within oneself, seeking it outside is in vain.
I learned the Great Celestial Way, which requires a solid foundation. I cultivated with a calm heart, observing the sun and moon within. With no thoughts and pure senses, my body became as firm as rock. Rejuvenation is easy, transcendence is near. In three years, I achieved an immortal body, unlike ordinary beings who suffer. I traveled the ten continents and three islands, visited the ends of the earth. At over three hundred years old, I couldn't ascend to the heavens. I subdued dragons under the sea and obtained the golden-banded staff. I became king of Flower Fruit Mountain, gathering demons in Water Curtain Cave. The Jade Emperor decreed me the Great Sage Equal to Heaven. I caused havoc in Heaven several times, stealing the Queen Mother's peaches. A hundred thousand heavenly soldiers came to subdue me, armed to the teeth. I defeated the Heavenly King, and Nezha fled injured. The True Lord of Manifested Holiness transformed endlessly, and I fought him to a draw. The Taoist Patriarch, Guanyin, and the Jade Emperor watched from the Southern Gate as they subdued me. Finally, with Laozi's help, Erlang Shen captured me and took me to Heaven.
They tied me to the Demon-Subduing Pillar, ordering the divine soldiers to behead me. Swords and hammers couldn't harm me; they tried thunder and fire. But my skills were great, and I feared nothing. They sent me to Laozi's furnace to be refined by the Six-Ding Divine Fire. After enduring the slow burn, when the furnace opened, I leaped out, wielding my iron staff, rampaging through the thirty-three heavens. Buddha used his divine power to trap me under Five Elements Mountain for five hundred years. Fortunately, I met Tripitaka from the Tang Dynasty. Now I've embraced the righteous path, heading west to see Buddha. Go ask around the four seas and eight wildernesses, I'm the most famous demon of all time!"
Upon hearing this, the Black Wind Demon burst into laughter, "So you're that Horse-Manager who caused havoc in Heaven!" Wukong hated being called the Horse-Manager, and hearing this, he was infuriated. He cursed, "You thieving demon! You stole the cassock and dare mock me! Don't run! Take this!" The Black Wind Demon sidestepped and picked up his spear to confront him. The two clashed at the cave entrance: Wukong's Ruyi Staff against the Black Wind Demon's black-tasseled spear, locked in fierce combat. One swung horizontally, the other thrust straight, neither gaining the upper hand. This battle was truly a showdown between two formidable beings: one a seasoned Black Wind Demon, the other the Great Sage Equal to Heaven who once wreaked havoc in Heaven. They fought for over a dozen rounds without a clear victor. As the sun reached its zenith, the Black Wind Demon parried Wukong's iron staff and said, "Sun Wukong, let's take a break. I'll go have a meal and return to continue the fight." Wukong scornfully replied:
"You wretched creature, do you call yourself a man? A good man needs a meal after half a day? Like me, I was trapped under a mountain for five hundred years without even a sip of soup, and I'm not hungry! Stop making excuses, don't run! Return my cassock, and I'll let you eat!" The Black Wind Demon feigned an attack, then turned and slipped back into the cave, closing the stone door behind him. He summoned his minions to prepare a feast and began writing invitations to invite the demon kings of neighboring mountains for a celebration.
Unable to break through the cave door, Wukong had no choice but to return to Guanyin Temple. The monks there had already buried the old abbot and were attending to Tang Sanzang in the abbot's quarters. They had just finished their morning meal and were preparing for the midday meal when Wukong descended from the sky. The monks quickly knelt and led him into the abbot's quarters to see Tang Sanzang. Tang Sanzang asked, "Wukong, you're back. What about the cassock?" Wukong replied, "I've got a lead. Fortunately, we didn't wrongly accuse these monks. It turns out that a demon from Black Wind Mountain stole the cassock. I secretly went to find him and discovered him chatting with a scholar in white and an old Taoist on a grassy slope. The demon let it slip that the day after tomorrow is his mother's birthday, and he's inviting demons from all over to celebrate. He mentioned he got a brocade cassock last night and plans to host a 'Cassock Festival.' I rushed in and struck him with my staff, but the black demon turned into the wind and escaped, and the Taoist disappeared as well. I only managed to kill the white-clad scholar, who turned out to be a white snake spirit. I chased the demon to his cave, challenged him to come out and fight, and he admitted to taking the cassock. We fought for half a day without a clear winner. The demon retreated into the cave to eat, closed the stone door, and refused to come out. I've come back to report, now knowing the cassock's whereabouts, so I'm not afraid he won't return it." Upon hearing this, the monks folded their hands and bowed, chanting "Namo Amitabha Buddha," saying, "Now that we know where it is, we have a chance to live!" Wukong said, "Don't celebrate too soon. I haven't retrieved it yet, and my master hasn't left the temple. Once I get the cassock back and my master can leave safely, then you can relax. If anything goes wrong, I'm not easy to deal with! Do you have good tea and food for my master? Do you have good fodder for the horse?" The monks all replied in unison, "Yes! Yes! Yes! We wouldn't dare neglect the master."
Tang Sanzang said, "Since you left this morning, I've already had tea three times and two meals. They haven't dared to neglect me. But you must do your best to retrieve the cassock." Wukong said, "Don't worry! Now that I know where it is, I'll surely get it back. Rest assured!"
As they spoke, the head of the temple prepared another vegetarian meal, inviting Wukong to eat. After eating a little, Wukong rode his cloud to continue the search. On the way, he suddenly saw a little demon carrying a huanghuali wood box walking down the main road. Wukong guessed there must be something important in the box, raised his staff, and struck the demon, flattening it like a pancake. He dragged it to the side of the road, opened the box, and found an invitation inside. The invitation read: "With humble greetings, Xiong Pi bows to the Great Chan Master of Jinchi's Alchemy Room: Grateful for your past kindness. Observing the recent fire disaster, we regret being unable to help, but trust that your immortal wisdom will see no harm. I have obtained a Buddhist robe and wish to host an elegant gathering. Please join us for a floral feast and refined company. On the appointed day, we earnestly invite you to grace us with your presence. Respectfully, two days prior."
Wukong laughed heartily, "That old scoundrel! He deserved his fate! So he was in league with the demons! No wonder he lived to 270 years old. He must have learned some minor magic from them to live that long. I remember what he looks like. I'll transform into that monk and see where the cassock is in the cave. If I can get it, it'll save a lot of trouble."
So, our Sun Wukong recited a spell and transformed into the likeness of the old monk, using the wind to change in an instant. He hid his golden staff, took strides, and headed straight for Black Wind Cave. Upon arrival, he called out for the door to be opened. The little demon, seeing the appearance of the old monk, hurried inside to report, "Great King, the Elder Jinchi has arrived." The Black Wind Demon was startled, "I just sent a little demon to invite him, and he hasn't even arrived yet. How did he get here so quickly? It must be Sun Wukong in disguise, coming to demand the cassock. Quickly hide the cassock so he can't find it."
Wukong entered the front gate and saw a courtyard with lush pine and bamboo, blooming peach and plum trees, and fragrant flowers—a truly pleasant place. Above the second gate was a couplet: "In the secluded mountains, free from worldly cares; in the hermit cave, enjoying true simplicity." Wukong thought, "This guy really knows how to put on airs, trying to seem refined."
Entering through the gate, he walked into the third courtyard, which was filled with carved beams, painted rafters, bright windows, and colorful doors. The Black Wind Demon, dressed in a black-green silk robe, with a crow-blue floral cloak, wearing a black horned cap, and black deerskin boots, quickly tidied his clothes and came down to greet him, "Old friend Jinchi, it's been a while since you visited. Please, have a seat." Wukong politely returned the greeting and sat down for tea. After tea, the Black Wind Demon asked, "I just sent a little demon to deliver the invitation, and we're not gathering until the day after tomorrow. How is it that you've come today?" Wukong replied, "I happened to come across your invitation on the road, which mentioned a Buddhist robe gathering, so I hurried over to take a look."
The Black Wind Demon laughed and said, "Old friend, you must be mistaken. The cassock originally belonged to Tang Sanzang, who stayed with you. Haven't you seen it? Why come here to look for it?" Wukong replied, "I borrowed it, but before I could unfold it at night, you took it. Later, there was a fire on the mountain, and everything was lost. Tang Sanzang's disciples are quite formidable and searched everywhere but couldn't find it. It turns out you took it, so I came to see it." Just then, a little demon who was patrolling the mountain reported, "Great King, something's wrong! The little demon sent to deliver the invitation was killed by Sun Wukong on the roadside. He transformed into Elder Jinchi to trick us for the Buddhist robe!" The Black Wind Demon, startled, realized, "It really is Sun Wukong!" He immediately grabbed his spear and lunged at Wukong. Wukong pulled out his golden staff from his ear, revealed his true form, and blocked the spear. The two fought from the central hall to the front gate, scaring the little demons in the cave out of their wits.
This battle was even more intense than before: Wukong boldly transformed into a monk, and the Black Wind Demon hid the cassock. They matched wits and strength, but the cassock remained elusive. A little demon's report enraged the Black Wind Demon, who displayed his might. The two fought from the cave to the mountaintop, from the mountaintop to beyond the clouds, battling fiercely with no clear winner. The Black Wind Demon said, "Sun, let's stop for now. It's getting late, and it's not good to fight. Come back tomorrow morning, and we'll settle this." Wukong shouted, "Don't run! If we're going to fight, let's fight thoroughly. Don't use the excuse of nightfall." The Black Wind Demon turned into a breeze and escaped back into the cave, closing the stone door behind him.
With no other options, Wukong returned to Guanyin Temple, descended from the clouds, and called out, "Master!" Tang Sanzang, who had been anxiously waiting, was pleased to see Wukong return. However, upon noticing the absence of the cassock in Wukong's hands, he grew concerned and asked, "Why haven't you retrieved the cassock yet?" Wukong pulled an invitation from his sleeve and handed it to Tang Sanzang, saying, "Master, the demon and the deceased old monk were friends. He sent a little demon with this invitation, asking him to attend the Buddhist robe gathering. I killed the little demon, disguised myself as the old monk, infiltrated the cave, and had a cup of tea, hoping to see the cassock, but he refused to show it. While sitting there, a patrolling little demon recognized me, and we started fighting. We fought until nightfall without a winner; he went back to the cave, and I had to return." Tang Sanzang asked, "How do your skills compare to his?" Wukong replied, "I'm not much stronger than he is; it was a draw." Tang Sanzang looked at the invitation and handed it to the abbot, asking, "Your master wasn't a demon, was he?" The abbot hurriedly knelt, "Master, my teacher was human. The Black Wind Demon, having cultivated human form, often came to the temple to discuss scriptures with my teacher. He taught my teacher some methods for nurturing the spirit, so they were friends." Wukong said, "These monks don't have demonic energy. Each one stands firmly on the ground, just a bit plumper than me, not demons. The invitation is signed 'Xiong Pi,' so the demon must be a black bear spirit." Tang Sanzang said, "I've heard that bears and apes are similar, both beasts. How can a bear become a spirit?" Wukong laughed, "I'm also a beast and became the Great Sage Equal to Heaven. What's the difference? Any creature with nine orifices can cultivate to become an immortal."
Tang Sanzang asked, "You said his skills are equal to yours. How can you win and retrieve the cassock?" Wukong replied, "Don't worry, I have a plan."
As they were discussing, the monks set up the evening meal, inviting the master and disciples to eat. Tang Sanzang ordered the lamps to be lit and went to the front meditation hall to rest. The monks leaned against the walls, setting up makeshift beds, leaving the rear abbot's quarters for the head monks to sleep. It was a quiet night, with the reflection of the Milky Way visible, the jade sky free of dust. The stars shone brilliantly, the water waves leaving no trace. All was silent, the birds across the mountains gone. The fishing fires by the creek extinguished, the Buddha lamps on the pagoda dim. Last night's sounds of bells and drums were replaced by the silence of mourning tonight.
That night, Tang Sanzang lay awake in the meditation hall, his mind preoccupied with the cassock. Tossing and turning, he suddenly noticed the sky outside the window growing lighter and quickly called out, "Wukong, it's dawn. Go find the cassock." Wukong leaped up like a carp, saw the monks already standing by with prepared soup, and said, "Take good care of my master. I'm going." Tang Sanzang pulled him back from the bed and asked, "Where are you going?" Wukong said, "This is all because Guanyin Bodhisattva isn't paying attention. He has a meditation center here, receives incense offerings, yet allows a demon to live nearby. I'm going to the South Sea to find him and have him personally retrieve the cassock." Tang Sanzang asked, "How long will you be gone?" Wukong said, "If I'm quick, I'll be back after breakfast; if slow, by noon. Rest assured, I'm going." With that, he vanished from sight.
Wukong rode his cloud swiftly to the South Sea. There, he saw the vast expanse of the sea meeting the sky, enveloped in auspicious light and divine aura. The sound of crashing waves was thunderous, rolling like a mighty roar. The scenery was exquisite, with vibrant colors, marking the location of Guanyin Bodhisattva's Mount Putuo. The peaks soared high, covered with exotic flowers and plants, swaying treasure trees, and golden lotuses reflecting the sun. The Guanyin Hall was roofed with glazed tiles, and the entrance to the Tidal Sound Cave was paved with tortoiseshell. In the shade of green willows, parrots whispered, and peacocks called from the purple bamboo forest. Wukong, unable to take in all the beauty, headed straight for the bamboo grove.
The heavenly beings had already come to greet him, saying, "The Bodhisattva previously praised the Great Sage's return to goodness. How do you have time to visit while escorting Tang Sanzang?" Wukong replied, "I encountered some trouble while escorting Tang Sanzang and came to see the Bodhisattva. Please inform her." The heavenly beings went to report at the cave entrance. The Bodhisattva summoned him, and Wukong respectfully bowed before the lotus platform. The Bodhisattva asked, "What brings you here?" Wukong said, "My master passed by your meditation center, where you receive incense offerings, yet you allowed a black bear spirit to live nearby. He stole my master's cassock, and despite several attempts to retrieve it, he refuses to return it. So I came to ask for your help." The Bodhisattva said, "You monkey! How rude you are! If the bear spirit stole the cassock, why come to me? It's your own fault for showing off the treasure to unworthy people and burning down my meditation center. Now you come here causing trouble!"Realizing the Bodhisattva knew past and future events, Wukong quickly bowed and said, "Bodhisattva, please forgive my mistakes. It happened just as you said. However, the demon refuses to return the cassock, and my master is threatening to recite the Headache Sutra. I can't bear the pain, so I came to seek your mercy. I hope you can help capture the demon and retrieve the cassock so we can continue our journey west." The Bodhisattva said, "That demon possesses great powers, not much inferior to yours. However, for Tang Sanzang's sake, I will accompany you."
Wukong, hearing this, quickly thanked her and invited the Bodhisattva to join him. Together, they rode the clouds swiftly to Black Wind Mountain, following the path to the cave. As they walked, they suddenly saw a Taoist coming down the slope, holding a glass tray with two elixirs, heading towards them. Wukong immediately struck the Taoist on the head with his staff, smashing his skull and spilling blood everywhere. The Bodhisattva was shocked, "You monkey! Still so reckless! He didn't steal your cassock, nor did he know you. Why kill him without cause?"
Wukong said, "Bodhisattva, you don't know him. He's a friend of the black bear spirit. Yesterday, he was chatting with a white-robed scholar on the grassy slope. The day after tomorrow is the black bear spirit's birthday, and they were all invited to the Buddhist robe gathering. Today, he came to pay respects in advance, and tomorrow for the robe celebration. I recognized him, so he must be here to celebrate the demon's birthday today." The Bodhisattva said, "If that's the case, then let it be." Wukong lifted the Taoist to look and found it was a gray wolf. The bottom of the tray was inscribed with "Made by Lingxuzi." Wukong laughed, "What luck! What luck! This saves me trouble, and the Bodhisattva too. This demon has walked into his own trap, and today the problem will be solved."
The Bodhisattva said to Wukong, "Wukong, what do you mean by that?" Wukong replied, "Bodhisattva, I have an idea, a plan to turn the tables. Would you be willing to hear it?" The Bodhisattva said, "Go ahead." Wukong continued, "Bodhisattva, you see these two elixirs in the tray; they can be our gift to the demon. The inscription 'Made by Lingxuzi' on the tray acts as a secret code between us and the demon. If you're willing to follow my plan, we won't need to fight or expend effort in battle. The demon will immediately meet his downfall, and we'll retrieve the cassock. If not, you go west, I'll go east, and the cassock will be given away, leaving Tang Sanzang empty-handed." The Bodhisattva smiled, "You monkey, you do have a way with words!" Wukong said, "I dare not claim otherwise; it truly is a good plan."
The Bodhisattva asked, "How do you intend to carry out this plan?" Wukong explained, "The tray is inscribed with 'Made by Lingxuzi,' indicating the Taoist's name was Lingxuzi. Bodhisattva, if you agree, transform into this Taoist. I'll eat one of the elixirs and then conjure another slightly larger one. Then, you take this tray with the two elixirs to offer birthday wishes to the demon, giving him the larger one. Once he swallows it, I'll take action. If he refuses to hand over the cassock, I'll retrieve it from his stomach." The Bodhisattva, seeing no other choice, nodded in agreement. Wukong laughed, "What do you think?"
The Bodhisattva then used his compassion and powers to transform instantly into Lingxu Immortal: he appeared wearing a crane cloak, exuding an ethereal aura, with a distinguished demeanor, gray hair, and an extraordinary presence. Wukong saw this and praised, "Marvelous! Is this a demon Bodhisattva or a Bodhisattva demon?" The Bodhisattva smiled and said, "Wukong, the difference between a Bodhisattva and a demon is but a single thought. Ultimately, it's all illusory." Wukong understood the deeper meaning and then transformed himself into an elixir: rolling freely in the tray, radiating brilliant light. The elixir that Wukong transformed into was slightly larger, and the Bodhisattva took note of it, picked up the glass tray, and headed straight for the demon's cave.
At the entrance of the demon's cave, he found the cliffs deep and dangerous, shrouded in mist, with verdant pines and cypresses, and the sound of the wind rustling. The little demons recognized Lingxu Immortal and quickly reported and welcomed him. The demon had already come to the second gate to greet him, saying, "Lingxu, it's an honor to have you grace us with your presence, making our humble abode shine." The Bodhisattva said, "I have brought an elixir to wish you long life." After exchanging greetings, they sat down to reminisce. The Bodhisattva, without much small talk, directly presented the tray and said, "Great King, please see this humble offering." He pushed the larger elixir toward the demon, saying, "May you live a thousand years!" The demon also offered one back to the Bodhisattva, saying, "May we share in longevity, Lingxu." After the exchange, the demon swallowed the large elixir in one gulp, immediately revealing his true form and collapsing to the ground. The Bodhisattva returned to his true form and demanded the cassock from the demon, as Wukong emerged from the demon's nostril. Fearing the demon might act rudely, the Bodhisattva quickly placed a golden hoop on his head. The demon rose to attack with a spear, but Wukong and the Bodhisattva had already ascended into the air. The Bodhisattva recited an incantation, causing the demon's head to ache unbearably, making him drop the spear and roll on the ground. The Monkey King laughed heartily in the air, while the black bear demon writhed in pain on the ground.
The Bodhisattva asked, "Wretched creature! Are you willing to convert now?" The demon repeatedly cried, "I am willing to convert, just spare my life!" Wukong wanted to strike, but the Bodhisattva quickly stopped him, "Do not take his life; I have a use for him." Wukong asked, "Why spare such a creature? What use could he possibly have?" The Bodhisattva replied, "I need someone to guard the back of Mount Putuo, and I will take him to be a guardian deity." Wukong laughed, "The Bodhisattva truly is compassionate, sparing even a single soul. If I had such a mantra, I would have recited it a thousand times! This way, no matter how many black bears there are, they would all have to submit and be punished!"
The demon, regaining consciousness and unable to bear the pain, could only kneel and plead for mercy, "Spare my life, and I will convert to the true path!" The Bodhisattva then descended on a cloud, blessed him, and accepted him as a disciple, allowing him to serve at his side with the spear. Only then did the black bear demon abandon his rebellious nature and submit to the Bodhisattva. The Bodhisattva instructed Wukong, "You may return now. Serve Tang Sanzang well and do not cause any more trouble." Wukong said, "Thank you, Bodhisattva, for coming all this way. I must see you off." The Bodhisattva replied, "No need." Wukong, holding the cassock, bowed and bid farewell. The Bodhisattva then took the black bear demon back to the South Sea.
A poem bears witness to these events:
Auspicious light gathers around the golden statue,
Countless hues brightly praised.
Compassion extends to all the world,
Golden lotuses appear across the Dharma realm.
Today comes with the intent to spread the scriptures,
This departure leaves no blemish.
The subdued demon returns to the great sea,
The monastic order regains the precious cassock.
As for what happens next, stay tuned for the next installment.
