Sun Wukong bid farewell to the Bodhisattva and rode the clouds back to Black Wind Cave. He hung the monk's robe on a fragrant nanmu tree, took out his golden staff, and charged into the cave. Ah, those little demons had long since fled without a trace, having been terrified by the Bodhisattva's subjugation of their leader. Sun Wukong, not wanting to leave things half-done, piled dry wood at the cave entrance, set it on fire from both ends, and turned Black Wind Cave into Red Wind Cave. With the monk's robe in hand, he rode the auspicious clouds straight north.
Meanwhile, Tang Sanzang was anxiously waiting for Sun Wukong, his mind in turmoil, unable to guess whether the Bodhisattva hadn't come or if Sun Wukong had taken the opportunity to slip away. Just as he was lost in thought, he suddenly saw colorful mist swirling in the sky, and Sun Wukong descended from above, shouting, "Master, I've retrieved the monk's robe!" Sanzang was overjoyed upon hearing this, and the other monks were equally delighted, exclaiming, "Great! Great! Our lives are finally spared." Sanzang took the robe and asked, "Wukong, you said you'd be back by noon when you left this morning. Why have you only returned now?" Sun Wukong recounted in detail the process of inviting the Bodhisattva to subdue the demon. After listening, Sanzang set up an incense table and bowed southward in gratitude, saying, "Disciple, since the robe has been retrieved, let's pack up and set off." Sun Wukong replied, "No rush, no rush. It's already late today, not suitable for traveling. Let's leave tomorrow morning."
All the monks knelt and said in unison, "Master Sun is right. It's late, and our vows are not yet fulfilled. Today, we are safe and have obtained the treasure. Please, Master, grant us your blessings, and we'll send you off on your westward journey tomorrow morning." Sun Wukong agreed, "Indeed, indeed." Thus, the monks brought out everything they had salvaged from the fire, prepared some offerings, burned some peace papers, and recited a few scrolls of scripture. The night's matters were thus settled.
Early the next morning, they prepared the horses, packed their luggage, and set out. The monks escorted them a long way before turning back. Sun Wukong led the way, and it was the season of blooming spring. The grass was soft, willow branches swayed, peach and apricot trees vied in beauty, vines intertwined, mandarin ducks rested on the sandy banks, and butterflies danced among the flowers. After traveling through desolate paths for five to seven days, they finally saw a village in the distance one evening. Tang Sanzang said, "Wukong, there's a village over there. Let's ask for lodging for the night and continue our journey tomorrow." Sun Wukong replied, "Let me go check it out first before we decide." The master reined in his horse, while Sun Wukong looked closely. Indeed, it was a place with dense bamboo fences and clusters of thatched cottages, towering wild trees greeting visitors, and winding creeks reflecting the houses. Willows gently swayed by the roadside, and the garden was fragrant with flowers. At this time, the sun was setting in the west, birds chirped noisily in the mountains and forests, cooking smoke curled upwards, and cattle and sheep were returning home. They also saw chickens and pigs sleeping contentedly in the corners of houses, and a drunken man singing loudly as he returned. After observing, Sun Wukong said, "Master, please proceed. This must be a good family, perfect for lodging." The elder urged the white horse forward, arriving at the street entrance. They saw a young man approaching, with a cloth wrapped around his head, wearing a blue jacket, holding an umbrella, carrying a bundle, and wearing straw sandals, walking boldly. Sun Wukong casually grabbed him and asked, "Where are you going? Let me ask you something: what is this place?" The man struggled and shouted, "There's no one in my village; how can I answer you?" Sun Wukong laughed, "Don't be angry, my friend. Helping others is helping yourself. What's the harm in telling me the name of this place? I might be able to help you with your troubles." The man couldn't break free and stomped his feet in frustration, "What bad luck! I get scolded at home, and now I run into you, a bald monk, and have to endure your bullying!" Sun Wukong said, "If you have the ability, break free from my grip and go your way." The man twisted left and right but couldn't move, as if clamped by iron pincers, and in frustration, he dropped his bundle and threw away his umbrella, reaching for Sun Wukong with both hands. Sun Wukong held his luggage with one hand and blocked the man with the other, no matter how he struggled, he couldn't touch him. Sun Wukong held on even tighter, making the man furious. Tang Sanzang said, "Wukong, isn't there someone coming? Just ask him and let this man go." Sun Wukong laughed, "Master, you don't understand. Asking others is no fun; only by asking him can we have some amusement." The man, helplessly held by Sun Wukong, had no choice but to tell the truth: "This is the border of the Kingdom of Ussang, called Gao Village. Most people here have the surname Gao, hence the name Gao Village. Please let me go." Sun Wukong continued, "You don't look like someone taking a shortcut. Tell me honestly where you're going and what you're doing, and I'll let you go." The man, having no choice, had to speak the truth: "I am a servant of Master Gao, named Gao Cai. Our master has a daughter, just twenty years old, not yet married, who was taken by a demon three years ago. The demon has been living as a son-in-law for three years. Our master is unhappy, saying his daughter has brought shame to the family by marrying a demon, and there's no in-law relationship. He wants to drive the demon away, but the demon refuses to leave and has kept the daughter locked in the back house for half a year. My master gave me some silver coins to find a monk to subdue the demon. I've been running around these days, inviting three or four monks, but none succeeded. I was just scolded again and given five more silver coins to find a good monk. Unexpectedly, I ran into you, a bald monk, delaying my journey and causing me more trouble. I had no choice but to shout. I didn't expect you to have some skills; I couldn't break free, so I told the truth. Please let me go." Sun Wukong said, "Your luck has arrived. I have a business opportunity, and this is just the right job. You don't need to travel far or spend any silver. We are not those incompetent monks or weak Taoists; we truly have the means to subdue demons. This is an opportunity to help a doctor and cure the eyes. Please go back and tell your master that we are holy monks from the Eastern Land, skilled in subduing demons and capturing monsters." Gao Cai said, "Don't mislead me. I'm already full of anger. If you deceive me and can't subdue the demon, wouldn't that cause me more trouble?" Sun Wukong replied, "I guarantee not to mislead you. Take me to your doorstep." The man, with no other option, had to pick up his bundle, grab his umbrella, and turn to lead the master and disciples to the door, saying, "Two elders, please wait on the horse platform while I go in to inform my master." Sun Wukong then released his grip, led the horse, and the master and disciples waited by the door.
Gao Cai entered the main hall and ran into Master Gao. As soon as Master Gao saw him, he scolded, "You useless fellow, why are you back here instead of finding help?" Gao Cai put down his bundle and umbrella, saying, "Master, please listen to me. Just as I left the street, I ran into two monks: one riding a horse, the other carrying a load. They wouldn't let me go and asked where I was headed. I didn't want to tell them, but they persisted, so I had to explain everything about your situation. They were very pleased and said they could help us capture the demon." Master Gao asked, "Where are they from?" Gao Cai replied, "They said they are holy monks from the Eastern Land, on a journey to the Western Heaven to obtain scriptures." Hearing this, Master Gao thought, "Since they are monks from afar, they might indeed have some skills. Where are they now?" Gao Cai said, "They're waiting outside the gate." Master Gao quickly changed his clothes and went out with Gao Cai to greet them, calling out, "Elders." Tang Sanzang heard him and immediately turned to greet him. The old man, wearing a black silk headscarf, dressed in light green Sichuan brocade, with rough boots and a black and green sash, approached with a smile and bowed, saying, "Elders, you have had a hard journey." Tang Sanzang returned the bow, but Sun Wukong stood still. The old man, seeing Sun Wukong's fierce appearance, dared not bow to him. Sun Wukong said, "Why don't you greet Old Sun?" The old man, somewhat frightened, said to Gao Cai, "Are you trying to get me killed? We already have an ugly son-in-law we can't get rid of, and now you've brought another fierce-looking one to trouble me?" Sun Wukong said, "Old Gao, you've lived so many years and are still so muddle-headed! You can't judge by appearances. Although I, Sun Wukong, look ugly, I have the skills to help you capture the demon, seize your son-in-law, and return your daughter to you. Isn't that a good thing? Why judge by looks alone?" Master Gao, feeling uneasy, had to muster his courage and invite them inside. Seeing the invitation, Sun Wukong led the white horse, had Gao Cai carry the luggage, and went inside with Tang Sanzang. He didn't bother with formalities, tying the horse to a pillar in the hall and pulling up a chair for Tang Sanzang to sit, then pulled another chair for himself. Master Gao said, "This young elder is quite easygoing." Sun Wukong replied, "If you let me stay for half a year, then that would be truly easygoing."
Once seated, Master Gao asked, "Young Gao mentioned that you elders are from the Eastern Land?" Tang Sanzang replied, "Indeed. I am a humble monk, sent by the imperial court to the Western Heaven to obtain scriptures. Passing through your place, we seek lodging for the night and will leave in the morning." Master Gao said, "So you are here to lodge, but how did the talk of capturing demons come up?" Sun Wukong said, "Since we are lodging, we might as well catch a few demons for fun. May I ask, how many demons are there in your house?" Master Gao sighed, "Heavens! There aren't many, just this one demon son-in-law, and he's been enough trouble!" Sun Wukong said, "Tell me the whole story about this demon, how powerful he is, from beginning to end, so I can help you deal with him." Master Gao said, "In our village, there have never been any tales of ghosts or demons. It's just my bad luck not to have a son, only three daughters: the eldest is Xianglan, the second Yulan, and the youngest Cuilan. The first two married locals, but the youngest wanted to find a son-in-law to live with us, to support the household and do some work. Three years ago, a man came along, quite decent-looking, claiming to be from Fuling Mountain, with the surname Zhu, and no parents or siblings. He was willing to be our son-in-law. Seeing he had no ties, I accepted him. At first, he was diligent: plowing without oxen, harvesting without a sickle, working from dawn till dusk, which was quite good. But there was one thing—he could change his appearance." Sun Wukong asked, "How does he change?" Master Gao said, "He came as a dark, chubby man, but later turned into a long-snouted, big-eared fool, with a tuft of bristles on the back of his head, and a rough body as frightening as a pig. His appetite is enormous: eating three to five bushels of rice in one meal, and needing a hundred or so buns for breakfast. Luckily, he eats vegetarian, not meat or wine, or else my small estate would have been devoured long ago!" Tang Sanzang said, "If he works, naturally he eats more." Master Gao said, "Eating is a small matter; now he causes storms, comes and goes without a trace, frightening my family and neighbors. He even locked my youngest daughter, Cuilan, in the back house for half a year, unseen and unknown if she's alive. So I know he's a demon and want to invite a monk to subdue him." Sun Wukong said, "That's easy! Rest assured, Master Gao, tonight I'll capture him, make him write a letter of separation, and return your daughter to you. How about that?" Master Gao was overjoyed, "Bringing him into my home was unlucky enough, ruining my reputation and distancing my relatives. If you can capture him, there's no need for a letter of separation; just rid me of him completely." Sun Wukong said, "Easy, easy! Tonight we'll see results."
Master Gao was overjoyed and quickly arranged for tables and chairs to be set up and prepared a vegetarian meal. After the meal, as it was getting late, Master Gao asked, "Do you need any weapons? Should I gather some men for assistance? It's best to prepare early." Sun Wukong replied, "I have my own weapon." Master Gao, puzzled, said, "You only have a tin staff; how can you fight a demon with that?" Sun Wukong pulled a needle from his ear, twirled it in his hand, and with a flick in the wind, it transformed into a thick golden staff. He said to Master Gao, "Look at this staff. How does it compare to your weapons? Can it defeat demons?" Master Gao then asked, "Since you have a weapon, do you need any men?" Sun Wukong replied, "No need for men. Just find a few respected elders to chat with my master, so I can take the opportunity to catch the demon. Once I capture it, I'll bring it for everyone to see and help you get rid of it." Master Gao immediately called for some relatives and friends. After they gathered, Sun Wukong said to Tang Sanzang, "Master, please sit comfortably. I'll be back shortly."
Sun Wukong, holding his iron staff, said to Master Gao, "Take me to the back house to see where the demon stays." Master Gao led him to the back house entrance. Sun Wukong said, "Go get the key." Master Gao replied, "Take a look first. If a key were needed, I wouldn't have to ask for your help." Sun Wukong laughed, "Master Gao, you're getting on in years and still don't understand humor. I was just teasing you." Saying this, he touched the lock, which was made of solid bronze. With a strike of his golden staff, the door opened, revealing the darkness inside. Sun Wukong said, "Old Gao, call your daughter to see if she's here." Master Gao, with some hesitation, called out, "Third daughter!" The daughter, recognizing her father's voice, weakly responded, "Father, I'm here." Sun Wukong, using his fiery eyes, saw her disheveled and dirty, her face covered in dust. Despite her haggard appearance, traces of her former beauty were evident. She leaned weakly against the wall, and upon seeing her father, she embraced him and cried loudly. Sun Wukong said, "Don't cry! Let me ask you, where has the demon gone?"
The girl replied, "I don't know where he goes. Recently, he leaves at dawn and returns at night, coming and going like the wind, and I have no idea where he goes. Knowing that you want to drive him away, he's been cautious, so he comes at night and leaves in the morning." Sun Wukong said, "No need to say more. Master Gao, take your daughter back to the front courtyard and talk. I'll wait here for him. If he doesn't come, it's not my fault; if he does, I'll definitely help you get rid of him." Master Gao happily took his daughter back.
Sun Wukong used his magic to transform into the appearance of the girl and waited alone in the room for the demon. Before long, a fierce wind blew in, truly a storm of flying sand and stones. The wind grew stronger, toppling flowers and breaking willows, felling trees and crushing forests. Suddenly, a demon appeared in mid-air, indeed hideous: a black face with short fur, a long snout, and big ears, wearing clothes neither quite green nor blue, with a patterned cloth headscarf. Sun Wukong chuckled to himself, "So this is the creature!" He didn't confront it, instead lying on the bed pretending to be sick, groaning softly. The demon, unaware of the truth, entered the room and tried to embrace Sun Wukong, aiming for a kiss. Sun Wukong chuckled inwardly, "Daring to provoke Old Sun!" He held the demon's long snout and gently pushed, sending the demon tumbling off the bed. The demon got up, holding onto the bed, and said, "Sister, why are you angry with me today? Is it because I came late?" Sun Wukong said, "I'm not angry!" The demon asked, "If you're not angry, why did you push me off the bed?" Sun Wukong said, "Why are you in such a hurry to hug and kiss me? I'm not feeling well today; otherwise, I would have been up to open the door for you. You go ahead and undress for bed." The demon, unaware of the deception, actually went to undress. Sun Wukong jumped up and sat on the chamber pot. The demon, unable to find him, called out, "Sister, where did you go? Come to bed." Sun Wukong said:
"You go ahead and sleep; I'm just relieving myself." The demon indeed got into bed first. Sun Wukong suddenly sighed, "What a miserable life!" The demon asked, "What's wrong? Why do you say your life is miserable? I came to your house, and though I've eaten some food, it wasn't for nothing: I've swept the floors, cleared the drains, moved bricks, carried tiles, plowed fields, and planted crops. Now you're wearing silk and gold, have flowers and fruits in every season, and vegetables on holidays. What more could you want, sighing and saying you're miserable?" Sun Wukong said, "That's not it. Today my parents were throwing bricks and tiles over the wall, hitting and scolding me." The demon asked, "Why were they hitting and scolding you?" Sun Wukong said, "They said I've become your wife, and you're their son-in-law, yet you show no respect."
This demon indeed had an unsightly appearance, which made him reluctant to meet his father-in-law or any relatives. He was elusive and mysterious, and no one knew where he came from or what his name was. Master Gao felt that he had tarnished the family's reputation, which is why he was upset and scolded him. The demon said, "Though I'm ugly, it's not hard for me to change into something handsome. Initially, I made an agreement with them, and they agreed to let me marry into the family. So why are they now turning their backs on me? I live in the Cloud Top Cave of Fuling Mountain. My surname is Zhu, and my full name is Zhu Ganglie. If they ask you again, just tell them this." Sun Wukong was secretly pleased, thinking, "This demon is quite honest, revealing everything without needing to be coerced. Now that I know his residence and name, I must catch him no matter what."
Sun Wukong said, "They're planning to invite a monk to capture you." The demon laughed, "Go to sleep! Don't worry about them! I have the transformations of the Heavenly Gang and a nine-toothed rake. Why should I fear any monk, priest, or Taoist? Even if they invite the Nine Heavens Demon Subduer, I wouldn't be afraid, because I know him." Sun Wukong said, "They're planning to invite the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, Sun Wukong, who caused havoc in the Heavenly Palace five hundred years ago, to capture you." Upon hearing this name, the demon was immediately frightened and said, "In that case, I should leave. Our marriage ends here." Sun Wukong asked, "Why are you leaving?" The demon said, "You don't know, but that Horse Master who caused havoc in the Heavenly Palace has some skills. I'm afraid I can't beat him and would lose face." He hurriedly put on his clothes and tried to leave, but Sun Wukong grabbed him.
Sun Wukong wiped his face and revealed his true form, shouting, "Where do you think you're going, demon? Look up and see who I am!" The demon looked up and saw Sun Wukong's fierce appearance, with his fiery eyes and thunderous countenance, and was so frightened that he went weak at the knees. He tore his clothes, transformed into a gust of wind, and fled. Sun Wukong quickly gave chase, swinging his iron staff and striking at the wind. The demon turned into a myriad of sparks and headed straight for his cave. Sun Wukong rode on a cloud, pursuing relentlessly, shouting, "Where do you think you're going? If you ascend to the heavens, I'll chase you to the Palace of the Dipper and Ox! If you descend to the earth, I'll follow you to the Prison of Unjust Deaths!" As for the outcome of this pursuit, and who will emerge victorious, we will find out in the next installment.
