Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Sun Wukong took leave of the Bodhisattva, descended on his cloud, hung the kasaya on a sandalwood tree, drew his staff, and stormed into the Black Wind Cave. Not a single little demon was to be found inside. It turned out that when they had seen the Bodhisattva appear and the old monster rolling on the ground in defeat, they had all scattered and fled in haste. Wukong vented his fury by piling dry firewood against all the gates of the cave, front and back, and set them ablaze together. The Black Wind Cave was burned into a Red Wind Cave. He then took the kasaya, mounted a auspicious light, and returned to the north.

Meanwhile, the Tripitaka master watched anxiously for Wukong’s return, his heart full of doubt: had he failed to invite the Bodhisattva, or had his disciple made an excuse and fled? While he was lost in wild speculation, a brilliant colored mist appeared in midair, and Wukong suddenly descended before him, kneeling on the steps. “Master,” he said, “the kasaya is here!” The Tripitaka was overjoyed. The monks, too, were all delighted. “Wonderful, wonderful!” they cried. “Our lives are saved at last!” The Tripitaka took the kasaya and said, “Wukong, when you left this morning, you said you would be back by midday after the meal. Why is it only now, with the sun in the west, that you return?” Wukong related in full how he had invited the Bodhisattva, who had used her transformative powers to subdue the demon. Hearing this, the Tripitaka set up an incense table and bowed in worship toward the south. Then he said, “Disciple, now that we have the Buddhist robe again, let us pack our bundles quickly and be on our way.” Wukong replied, “Not so fast, not so fast. It’s late in the day—no time to travel. Let’s wait until tomorrow morning.” The monks all knelt and said, “Grandfather Sun is right. First, it’s late; second, we have some vows we wish to fulfill. Now that we are safe and the treasure has been recovered, let us repay our vows, and after you have bestowed your blessings, we will escort you on your journey west tomorrow morning.” “Exactly, exactly,” said Wukong. You should have seen those monks emptying their pockets, each contributing what remained of the goods salvaged from the fire. They prepared vegetarian offerings, burned paper prayers for peace and safety, and recited several scrolls of sutras to dispel calamity and misfortune. That evening’s business was concluded.

The next morning, they groomed the horse, packed their bundles, and set out the gate. The monks escorted them a long way before turning back. Wukong led the way. It was the season of spring’s full bloom, and they beheld:

The grass cushions the jade-gray horse’s hooves, soft underfoot;

The willows sway their golden threads, the dew fresh and new.

Peach and apricot fill the forest, vying in splendor;

Ivy and vine twine the paths, bracing their spirits.

On the warm sandbank by day, mandarin ducks sleep;

In the mountain stream’s fragrance, butterflies are tame.

Thus autumn departs, winter fades, and spring is half gone—

What year will it be when the journey is complete and the true scriptures are won?

The master and disciple traveled for five or seven days through the wilderness. One day, as dusk approached, they saw in the distance a village of farmhouses. The Tripitaka said, “Wukong, do you see that manor over there? Let us ask to spend the night and resume our journey tomorrow.” Wukong replied, “Let old Sun go first and see whether it’s auspicious or not, then we’ll decide.” The master reined in his horse, while Wukong fixed his gaze and observed carefully. Truly it was:

Bamboo fences thick and close, thatched cottages layer upon layer.

Wild trees towering to the sky greet the gate;

A winding stream and a small bridge reflect the door.

By the roadside, green willows droop tenderly;

In the garden, flowers bloom with rich fragrance.

Now the setting sun sinks to the west,

And in every mountain wood, birds chatter and call;

Evening smoke rises from kitchen fires,

And along every path, cattle and sheep turn homeward.

One sees well-fed chickens and pigs sleeping by the eaves,

And a drunken old neighbor singing as he comes along.

Wukong looked it over and said, “Master, please proceed. This is surely a good household—we can certainly ask for lodging here.” The elder urged his white horse forward and soon reached the entrance to the village street. There they saw a young man, his head wrapped in cotton cloth, wearing a blue padded jacket, carrying an umbrella and a bundle, his trousers bound up, his feet in a pair of three-eared straw sandals. He strode out of the street with a martial air, in a great hurry. Wukong reached out and grabbed him. “Where are you off to? Let me ask you a question: what place is this?” The man struggled desperately and shouted, “There are plenty of people in my village—why pick on me to ask?” Wukong said with a smile, “Now, don’t be angry, benefactor. ‘Convenience for others is convenience for oneself.’ What harm would it do to tell me the name of this place? I might even be able to solve your troubles.” The man could not free himself, and he jumped about in fury. “What bad luck, what bad luck! I’ve already had enough injustice at home, and now I run into this bald-headed fellow, putting up with his airs!” Wukong said, “If you have the skill, just pry open my hand and you can go.” The man twisted left and right, but he couldn’t budge it at all—it was as if he were clamped in an iron vice. In his fury, he dropped his bundle, threw aside his umbrella, and with both hands pummeled Wukong like a rainstorm. Wukong steadied his luggage with one hand and fended off the man with the other. No matter how the man struggled, he couldn’t lay a finger on him. Wukong held on all the tighter, and the man grew frantic with rage. The Tripitaka said, “Wukong, isn’t there someone else coming? Just ask that man instead. Why keep holding on to this one? Let him go.” Wukong laughed and said, “Master, you don’t understand. If I asked anyone else, it would be pointless. I have to ask him—there’s business to be done.” Since Wukong would not let go, the man had no choice but to say, “This is the border of the Kingdom of Wusang, called Village Gao. Most of the families in the village bear the surname Gao, so it’s called Village Gao. Now let me go!” Wukong pressed further, “The way you’re dressed, you’re not someone taking a short trip. Tell me truly: where are you going, and what exactly is your business? Only then will I let you go.”

The man had no choice but to tell the truth. "I am a servant of Squire Gao, by the name of Gao Cai. My squire has a daughter, who is now twenty years old and has never been married. Three years ago she was taken over by a demon, who has been her husband ever since. My squire is displeased. He says, 'A daughter who has married a demon is no lasting solution. On the one hand it disgraces the family, and on the other we have no in-laws to associate with.' He has all along wanted to get rid of this demon. But the demon would never leave; instead he has locked the daughter up in the back quarters and for half a year now has not let her come out to see anyone in the household. My squire gave me some taels of silver and told me to seek out an exorcist priest to capture that monster. I have not rested these past days—all in all I have engaged three or four people, but they were all incompetent monks, worthless Taoist priests, who could no subdue the demon. Just now he scolded me for being a poor agent and gave me fifty cash for travel expenses, telling me to go find a capable priest to subdue the demon. I had no idea I'd run into this rascal who grabbed me and delayed my journey. That's why I was angry from all sides. I had no choice but to yell at you. I didn't know you had such a grip on me. I couldn't break free, so I told you the truth. Please let me go."

Wukong said, "Your luck has come, and I have my work cut out for me—what a perfect match! You needn't travel far or spend your silver. We are no incompetent monks or worthless Taoist priests. We truly have the skills and are well versed in capturing demons. As the saying goes, 'We come to help the doctor, and we can cure the eyes as well.' Please go back and report to your master that we are the imperial brother and holy monk sent from the Eastern Kingdom, journeying to the West to worship Buddha and seek the scriptures. We are skilled at subduing demons and binding monsters."

Gao Cai said, "Don't fool me. I'm a man full of grievances. If you deceive me and you have no real skills, and you can't capture the demon, won't I just be dragged into more trouble?"

Wukong said, "I guarantee we won't let you down. Take me to your master's gate."

The man had no choice. He picked up his bundle and umbrella, turned around, and led the master and disciple to the gate. "Two venerable elders, please sit on the mounting platform for a moment while I go in and inform my master." Only then did Wukong let go, set down the luggage pole, and tethered the horse. The master and disciple sat by the gate and waited.

Gao Cai went in through the main gate and walked straight to the central hall, where he ran straight into Squire Gao. The squire shouted, "You thick-skinned brute! Why haven't you gone to find someone? What are you doing back here?" Gao Cai set down his bundle and umbrella. "Master, let me report: as soon as I reached the street corner, I ran into two monks—one riding a horse and one carrying a load on a pole. They grabbed me and wouldn't let go, asking where I was going. I wouldn't tell them at first, but they pestered me so I had no choice. I told them everything about our master's troubles. They were delighted and said they would capture the demon for us!"

The old Gao asked, "Where are they from?" Gao Cai said, "They say they are the imperial brother and holy monk sent from the Eastern Kingdom, journeying to the West to worship Buddha and seek the scriptures."

The squire said, "Since they are monks from far away, they probably do have some real skills. Where are they now?" Gao Cai said, "They are waiting outside the gate."

The squire quickly changed his clothes and went out with Gao Cai to greet them, calling, "Venerable elders!" Tripitaka heard this and turned around quickly; they were already before him. The old man wore a black silk turban, a pale-gold brocade jacket of Sichuan silk, rough-leather calf boots, and a black-green silk sash. He came out with a smiling face and said, "Two venerable elders, let me bow to you!" Tripitaka returned the greeting, but Wukong stood still. The old man, seeing his hideous appearance, did not dare bow to him. Wukong said, "Why don't you greet old Sun?" The old man was somewhat frightened and called to Gao Cai, "You little wretch—are you trying to do me in? We already have a hideous demon son-in-law we can't get rid of, and now you bring this thunder god to torment me?"

Wukong said, "Old Gao, you've lived all these years and still don't understand. If you judge people solely by their looks, you're completely wrong. Old Sun may be ugly, but I have skills. I'll capture the demon for you, seize the ghost, take hold of that son-in-law of yours, and return your daughter to you. That will be a good deed. Why harp on about looks?" The squire, hearing this, trembled but forced himself to summon his courage. "Please come in," he said.

Only when invited did Wukong lead the white horse in, had Gao Cai carry the luggage, and brought Tripitaka inside. Without ceremony, he tied the horse to a pillar in the open hall, pulled over a black-lacquered folding chair, and told his master to sit down. He pulled over another chair and sat beside him. Old Gao said, "This little elder is quite at home." Wukong said, "If you keep me here for half a year, I'll be even more at home!"

Having settled down, Old Gao asked, "My boy just told me—are the two of you venerable monks from the Tang Kingdom in the East?" Tripitaka replied, "Indeed we are. This humble monk was sent by imperial decree to journey west to worship the Buddha and obtain scriptures. Passing by your esteemed estate, I begged leave to spend the night and intend to set out early tomorrow." Old Gao said, "Since you two are merely passing guests, why did you say you could capture monsters?" The Pilgrim said, "Since we're staying the night, we might as well capture a few monsters for amusement. May I ask—how many monsters does your household have?" Old Gao said, "Good heavens! As if there could be more than enough! Just this one monster son-in-law has already worn me to a frazzle." The Pilgrim said, "Tell me the whole story—what powers does he have, from the beginning to the end—so I can hear it and help you catch him." Old Gao said, "In our village, from ancient times to this day, there's never been any report of ghosts, goblins, or evil spirits causing trouble. It's just that this old man was unfortunate and had no sons, only three daughters: the eldest is named Xianglan, the second Yulan, and the third Cuilan. The first two were married off to men of this village from a young age. Only the youngest was to take a son-in-law into our home, hoping he would live with me and support me in my old age, carrying on the family line and doing the work. Three years ago, a man appeared—his appearance was rather refined. He said he was from Fuling Mountain, surnamed Zhu, with no parents above or brothers below, and wished to become a son-in-law. I, this old fool, seeing he was a man with no ties to bind him, took him in. When he first arrived, he was indeed diligent: plowing and harrowing fields without oxen, harvesting grain without sickles or scythes. He worked from dusk till dawn, and truly it was quite good. Only one thing—he knows how to change his face." The Pilgrim said, "How does he change?" Old Gao said, "When he first came, he was a swarthy, stout fellow. Later he changed into a fool with a long snout and big ears, a tuft of bristles behind his neck, a body rough and frightening, with a head and face just like a pig's. His appetite is enormous: he eats three to five pecks of rice in a single meal, and for morning snacks he needs a hundred-odd baked cakes to be satisfied. The good thing is he still eats vegetarian food; if he were to eat meat and drink wine as well, then in less than half a year he would consume every scrap of my property and farmland." Tripitaka said, "Because he works, he eats." Old Gao said, "Eating is still a small matter. Now he's learned to conjure wind—clouds come and whirl, stones fly and sand swirls, terrifying my whole family and all our neighbors so none of us can live in peace. He's also locked my little daughter Cuilan in the back quarters—I haven't seen her in over half a year, and I don't even know whether she's alive or dead. That's how I know he's a monster, and that's why I wanted to invite a master to drive him away."

The Pilgrim said, "What difficulty is there in this? Old man, set your mind at rest. Tonight I'll surely catch him and make him write a letter of divorce—how about I return your daughter to you?" Old Gao was overjoyed and said, "The trouble isn't that I took him in—he's ruined my good name and estranged my relatives. If you can catch him, what need is there for any document? Just go ahead and root him out for me." The Pilgrim said, "Easy, easy. When night comes, we'll see how it goes."

The old man was overjoyed and had the tables and chairs wiped clean and vegetarian offerings arranged. After the meal, as evening approached, the old man asked, "What weapons will you need? How many men to accompany you? Better prepare them early." The Pilgrim said, "I have my own weapons." The old man said, "The two of you only have that tin staff—how can a tin staff defeat that monster?" The Pilgrim then took an embroidered needle from his ear, held it in his hand, waved it in the wind, and it became an iron staff with a golden band as thick as a bowl. He turned to Old Gao and said, "Look at this staff—how does it compare to your weapons? Can it beat this monster?" Old Gao said, "Since you have weapons, do you need men to follow?" The Pilgrim said, "I need no men. I only need a few elderly men of virtue to keep my master company in idle conversation, so I can slip away. Once I've brought the monster back, I'll make him confess before everyone and root him out for you." The old man immediately called for servants to invite several relatives and friends. They all arrived shortly, and after greetings were exchanged, the Pilgrim said, "Master, sit at ease. Old Sun is off."

Watch him—grasping his iron staff, he pulled Old Gao and said, "Lead me to the back quarters where the monster lives so I can have a look." Old Gao led him to the gate of the back quarters. The Pilgrim said, "Go and fetch the key." Old Gao said, "Take a look first—if a key were needed, why would I have asked you?" The Pilgrim laughed and said, "Old man, though you're old, you don't know how to have fun. I was just joking with you, and you took it seriously." He stepped forward and felt around—it was a lock sealed with molten copper. He raised his golden-banded iron staff and smashed it, breaking open the door, but inside it was pitch black. The Pilgrim said, "Old Gao, go call your daughter's name and see if she's in there." The old man steeled his courage and called out, "Third Sister!" The daughter recognized her father's voice and answered feebly, "Father, I'm here." The Pilgrim flashed his golden eyes and peered carefully into the darkness. Now, what did she look like? He saw:

Her cloud-like hair was piled in disheveled tangles, uncombed; her jade countenance unwashed, stained with dust. Her pure orchid heart remained as before, but her exquisite bearing had crumbled to ruin. Her cherry lips were bloodless, her waist bent and frail, clinging weakly. Grief-stricken, her moth brows faded; wasted and timid, her voice was faint.

He came forward and saw Old Master Gao, seized him by the collar, and wept with his head buried in the old man's shoulder. "Don't cry, don't cry," said Tripitaka's disciple. "Tell me—where has the demon gone?" The girl said, "I don't know where he goes. These days he leaves at dawn and returns at night. He comes and goes amid clouds and mist—no one knows where. Knowing that my father wants to drive him away, he is always on guard, so he comes at dusk and leaves at dawn." "That's enough," said the disciple. "Old man, take your daughter to the front quarters and chat with her at leisure. Let old Sun wait here for him. If he doesn't come, don't blame me. If he does come, I'll root him out for you completely." Old Master Gao was overjoyed and led his daughter away.

The disciple then exercised his magical powers, shook his body, and transformed himself into an exact likeness of the girl. He sat alone in the room waiting for the demon. Before long, a wind arose—truly a wind that stirred up stones and sent sand flying. A fine wind:

At first it blew gently and softly,

Then it spread vast and boundless.

Gently and softly, the universe seemed vast;

Boundless and formless, nothing could block it.

It snapped flowers and broke willows more easily than hemp,

Uprooted trees and toppled forests as if pulling up vegetables.

It churned rivers and stirred seas, making ghosts and spirits grieve;

It split rocks and shattered mountains, amazing heaven and earth.

The deer that carried flowers lost their way;

The monkeys picking fruit wandered lost outside.

The seven-story iron pagoda struck the Buddha's head;

The eight-sided banners damaged the jeweled canopy.

Golden beams and jade pillars were shaken from their foundations;

Tiles from the roof flew like swallows' nests.

The boatman at the helm made vows and prayers;

Those on board hurried to sacrifice pigs and sheep.

The local earth god abandoned his shrine;

The Dragon Kings of the four seas came to pay homage above.

By the sea, the yaksha boats were smashed;

The Great Wall was blown down halfway across the frontier.

When that wild wind passed, a demon appeared in midair—and truly he was hideous: a black face with short bristles, a long snout and big ears. He wore a robe of coarse cloth, neither blue nor indigo, and tied a flowered cloth around his head. The disciple laughed inwardly and said, "So this is the fellow." The clever disciple neither greeted him nor questioned him, but lay in bed pretending to be ill, moaning and groaning incessantly. The demon could not tell the difference. He walked into the room, threw his arms around him, and tried to kiss him. The disciple laughed inwardly: "He really wants to have his way with old Sun." He used a grabbing technique, held the demon's long snout, and gave him a little toss. With a shake of his head, he flung him onto the floor. The demon got up, leaned against the bed, and said, "Sister, why are you upset with me today? Is it because I came late?" "I'm not upset, I'm not upset," said the disciple. "If you're not upset with me, why did you throw me down?" "How can you be so small-minded, grabbing me and trying to kiss me? I'm feeling a little unwell today. On a good day, I would have gotten up and opened the door waiting for you. You can take off your clothes and sleep." The demon didn't understand and actually began to undress. The disciple jumped up and sat on the chamber pot. The demon came back to the bed and reached out, but couldn't find anyone. "Sister, where have you gone? Please take off your clothes and sleep," he called out. "You sleep first. I need to relieve myself," said the demon. The demon indeed undressed and got into bed first.

The disciple suddenly sighed and said, "My luck is low." "What are you annoyed about? How can your luck be low? Since I came to your family, I've eaten some tea and rice, but I haven't eaten for nothing. I've swept your floors and cleared your ditches, carried bricks and moved tiles, built walls and pounded earth, plowed fields and harrowed soil, planted wheat and transplanted rice seedlings—I've built up your household from nothing. Now you wear brocade and gold, you enjoy flowers and fruits in all four seasons, and you have vegetables to cook in every month. What is there that doesn't suit your heart? Why do you sigh and moan like this, talking about your luck being low?" "That's not what I mean," said the disciple. "Today my parents were throwing bricks and tiles over the wall, beating and cursing me." "Why did they beat and curse you?" "They said that since I married you, you are a son-in-law of their household, but you have no manners at all. A man with such an ugly face—you can't be shown to uncles, you can't be seen by relatives, and no one knows where you come from in your clouds and mist, what family you belong to, or what your name is. You've ruined their good reputation and disgraced their family name. That's why they beat and curse me, and that's why I'm upset." "I may be a bit ugly, but if I wanted to be handsome, it wouldn't be hard. When I first came, I discussed it with him, and he agreed to take me in. Why is he bringing this up now? My home is in Cloud-Tower Cave on Blessing-Forest Mountain. I take my surname from my appearance, so my surname is Zhu. My official name is Zhu Ganglie. If he asks you again, just tell him this."

The disciple was secretly pleased: "This demon is honest—without any torture, he's confessed so clearly. Now that I have his location and name, I'll catch him no matter what." "He's going to invite a monk to capture you," said the demon. "Sleep, sleep, pay no attention to him. I have as many transformations as the Heavenly Stars, and a nine-toothed rake. What monk, priest, or Taoist do I fear? Even if your father were devout enough to invite the Demon-Subduing Patriarch of the Nine Heavens down from the sky, I've met before—he wouldn't dare do anything to me." "He says he's going to invite the Great Sage Equal of Heaven, a certain Sun who caused havoc in the Heavenly Palace five hundred years ago, to come capture you." When the demon heard this name, he was somewhat frightened. "If that's the case, I'll leave. We can't be husband and wife anymore." "Why leave so suddenly?" "You don't know—that Horse-Raising Official who caused havoc in the Heavenly Palace has some real ability. I'm afraid I might not be able to handle him, and that would lower my reputation and make me look bad."

With that, he pulled on his clothes, opened the door, and made to walk out. But Wukong seized him by the collar, wiped his own face, and revealed his true form. "Where do you think you're going, monster?" he roared. "Look up and tell me who I am!"

The demon turned his eyes and saw Wukong with his fangs jutting out, fiery golden eyes, and hairy pate — he looked for all the world like a living Thunder God. Terrified, the demon went numb in his hands and feet. With a ripping sound, he tore through his clothes, transformed into a wild wind, and fled. Wukong lunged forward, seized his iron staff, and struck at the wind. The demon transformed into a thousand streaks of firelight and made straight for his home mountain. Wukong mounted the clouds and gave chase, shouting, "Where do you think you're going? If you ascend to heaven, I'll chase you to the Palace of the Dipper and the Ox; if you descend into the earth, I'll pursue you to the Prison of the Unjustly Dead!"

Ah! What became of this pursuit — where did it lead, and who won or lost? All this will be told in the next chapter.