Chapter 45

Chapter 45

The Great Sage Sun, with his left hand, gave Sha Wujing a pinch, and with his right hand, he gave Zhu Bajie a pinch. The two of them then came to their senses. They sat up high, their faces blank, saying nothing. The Taoist priests lit lamps and torches, searching back and forth, but the three of them looked like clay statues overlaid with gold. The Tiger Power Great Immortal said, "There are no villains here, so how could all the offerings have been eaten?" The Deer Power Great Immortal said, "It looks like the work of humans—the ones with skins had their skins peeled, and the ones with pits had their pits spat out. But why are there no human forms to be seen?" The Goat Power Great Immortal said, "Brother, do not doubt. I think it is because of our sincere devotion, reciting scriptures day and night here, submitting petitions before and after, and also the name of the imperial court, that we have surely moved the Celestial Worthy. I think it must be the sacred presence of the Three Pure Ones who descended and partook of these offerings. Since the immortals have not yet returned and the crane-carriage is still here, we can prostrate ourselves and beseech the Celestial Worthy to bestow some sacred water and elixir upon the Emperor—would that not grant him eternal life and longevity, and also demonstrate our merit?" The Tiger Power Great Immortal said, "Well spoken." He instructed: "Disciples, play the music and recite the scriptures. On the other side, bring the ritual vestments. I shall perform the steps of the Dipper and offer prayers." The minor priests all obeyed, arranging themselves in two orderly rows. The chime of a qing rang out, and together they recited a scroll of the *Huangting Dao De Zhenjing*. The Tiger Power Great Immortal donned his ritual vestments, held up his jade tablet, danced and raised dust before the altar, prostrated himself on the ground, and addressed the heavens above:

"In trembling fear and awe, I bow my head in devotion. We, your ministers, have raised this teaching, gazing up in reverence to the pure void. We have destroyed the base and vulgar monks and honored the radiance of the Way. By imperial command we have repaired the precious halls and built the palace courtyards. We have spread abundant offerings and hung high the dragon banners. Through the night we have kept candles burning; all day long we have burned incense. With single-minded devotion we reach upward; with the slightest reverence we return our respect. Now that you have graciously descended and have not yet returned your immortal carriage, we look to you to bestow some elixir and sacred water to present to the court, that his life may be as long as the South Mountain."

When Bajie heard this, his heart trembled, and he silently said to the Pilgrim, "This is our fault—we ate the things and didn't leave, and now we just wait for them like this while they pray and beseech. How are we to respond?" The Pilgrim gave him another pinch and suddenly opened his mouth, calling out: "Young immortals of the junior rank, cease your prayers and prostrations. We came from the Peach Festival Banquet and did not bring any sacred water or elixir. Come back another day and we shall bestow it." When the Taoist priests, great and small, heard words being spoken, they all trembled in their robes and said, "Grandfather! A living Celestial Worthy has descended to the mortal realm—by all means do not leave, but find some way to grant us the method of longevity!" The Deer Power Great Immortal stepped forward and bowed again, saying:

"I raise dust and knock my head, reverently presenting my sincere devotion. Your humble ministers submit their lives, looking up and bowing to the Three Pure Ones. Since coming to this realm, we have exalted the Way and expelled the monks. The king's heart rejoices, and he honors the mystics. We have held the great ritual of the canopy of heaven and watched the scriptures through the night. Fortunate that the Celestial Worthy has not forsaken us, you have descended your sacred carriage to our court. We bow down hoping for your regard, looking up in hope of your grace. Surely you will leave some sacred water for your disciples to prolong their lives and attain longevity."

Sha Wujing pinched the Pilgrim and said quietly, "Brother, this is urgent—they are praying again." The Pilgrim said, "Give them some." Bajie said silently, "Where is there any?" The Pilgrim said, "Just watch me. When I have it, you will all have it too." When the priests had finished their music and chanting, the Pilgrim spoke: "Young immortals of the junior rank, there is no need to prostrate yourselves. I would hesitate to leave you no sacred water, for fear of extinguishing your line; but if I were to give it to you, it would be all too easy." When the priests heard this, they all prostrated themselves and knocked their heads on the ground, saying, "We earnestly hope that the Celestial Worthy will consider the sincerity of your disciples' reverence and graciously bestow a small portion. Your disciples will widely proclaim the Way and its virtue and report to the king that he should universally honor the Mystic Gate." The Pilgrim said, "In that case, bring vessels." The priests all knocked their heads in thanks. The Tiger Power Great Immortal, being competitive, had a large vat carried out and placed in the hall. The Deer Power Great Immortal brought a sand basin and set it on the offering table. The Goat Power Great Immortal removed the flowers from a vase and placed it in the center. The Pilgrim said, "All of you go out in front of the hall, close the lattice doors, and do not leak the secrets of heaven, so that I may leave you some sacred water." The priests all prostrated themselves on the steps before the hall and closed the hall doors.

The Pilgrim then stood up, lifted his tiger-skin skirt, and pissed a full vase. When Zhu Bajie saw this, he was delighted and said, "Brother, I have been your brother for these several years, but we have never done this sort of thing. I just ate some food, and now I have to do this business!" The fool lifted his robes and, with a great rushing sound like the flood of Lüliang pouring down, he pissed a full sand basin. Sha Wujing also pissed half a vat. They then straightened their clothes and sat properly in their places, saying, "The young immortals have received the sacred water."

The priests pushed open the lattice doors, knocked their heads, bowed in thanks, carried out the vat, and gathered the vase and basin together. They said, "Disciples, bring a cup to taste it." A minor priest promptly took a tea cup and handed it to the old priest. The priest ladled out a cupful, drank it, and smacked his lips and smacked his mouth. The Deer Power Great Immortal said, "Brother, is it good?" The old priest pursed his lips and said, "Not very good—it has a sort of pungent, yeasty flavor." The Goat Power Great Immortal said, "Let me taste it." He also drank a mouthful and said, "It has a bit of a pig's urine stench." The Pilgrim, sitting up above, heard these words and had now seen through them. He said, "Let me employ a trick and leave my name behind for good measure." He shouted loudly:

"Way-name, way-name, how foolish you are! Which of the Three Pure Ones would descend to the mortal realm? I will tell you my true name. We are monks of the Great Tang, sent by imperial decree to the west. On this fine night with nothing to do, we descended to the palace. We ate the offerings and sat here idling and amusing ourselves. You bowed and prostrated to us—how were we to respond? What sacred water was that? What you were all drinking was nothing but the urine from my single piss."

The Taoist priest, upon hearing these words, blocked the gate, and together they wielded pitchforks, brooms, tiles, and stones, raining blows wildly and indiscriminately from inside. The splendid Sun Wukong, with Sha Seng under his left arm and Zhu Bajie under his right, burst through the gate, mounted a cloud of light, and made straight for the abbot's quarters of Zhiyuan Temple. Not daring to disturb their master, the three of them lay down again and slept.

It was already the third watch of the fifth drum. The king held court, gathering the two columns of civil and military officials and the four hundred court ministers. Crimson silk lamps shone bright, and from precious incense burners rose fragrant clouds, thick and hazy.

At this time Tripitaka woke and called, "Disciples, disciples, attend me—let us go exchange the travel permit." Wukong, Sha Seng, and Bajie rose hastily, dressed, and stood at attention on either side. They said, "We report to you, Master. This king believes in those Taoist priests and promotes the Way while destroying the Sangha. We fear that if words go amiss, he will not exchange the travel permit. We disciples will accompany and protect you, Master, and all go to the court." Tripitaka was overjoyed and put on his gold-threaded kasaya. Wukong took the travel documents, told Wujing to carry the alms bowl, and had Wuneng take the tin staff. They left their luggage and horses in the care of the monks of Zhiyuan Temple. They proceeded straight to the Tower of the Five Phoenixes, bowed to the Palace Gate Officer, reported their names, and said they were monks from the Great Tang of the East, come to exchange their travel documents, and begged him to relay the message. The Palace Gate Envoy entered the court, prostrated himself on the golden steps, and reported, "Outside there are four monks who say they are from the Great Tang of the East, come to seek scriptures in the West. They wish to exchange their travel documents and are now waiting outside the Tower of the Five Phoenixes for your command." The king, upon hearing the report, said, "These monks can find no place to die, so they come here to seek death. Why did the patrol officers not seize and bring them in?" The Grand Marshal, standing in attendance, stepped forward and said, "The Great Tang of the East is in the Jambudvipa continent, known as the Great Middle Kingdom. It is ten thousand leagues away, and the road is full of demons. These monks must possess some magical power to dare come west. I hope Your Majesty will consider these distant monks from the Middle Kingdom, summon them to verify the documents, and let them pass, so as not to lose this opportunity for good karma." The king approved the memorial and summoned Tripitaka and his disciples to the Golden Hall. The master and disciples arranged themselves before the steps and presented the travel documents to the king.

The king had just unrolled them to read when the Palace Gate Officer came to report, "The three National Preceptors have arrived." The king hastily put away the travel documents, descended from the dragon throne in great agitation, ordered the attendants to set out embroidered cushions, and bowed to welcome them. Tripitaka and the others turned to look and saw the Great Immortal swaggering in, followed by a pair of young lads with topknots and disheveled hair, striding straight inside. The two columns of officials bowed with their backs humbly lowered and dared not look up. He ascended the Golden Hall and did not bow to the king at all. The king said, "National Preceptor, I did not send for you. What brings you here today?" The old Taoist said, "I have a matter to report, and so I have come. Those four monks—from what country are they?" The king said, "They are sent from the Great Tang of the East to seek scriptures in the West. They have come to exchange their travel documents." The three Taoist priests clapped their hands and laughed loudly. "I thought they had fled, but it turns out they are still here." The king, startled, said, "What does the National Preceptor mean? They have only just reported their names. I was about to send them to the National Preceptor for use, but the Grand Marshal's memorial was reasonable. Out of consideration for travelers from afar and not wishing to destroy the good karma of the Middle Kingdom, I summoned them to verify the documents. I did not expect the National Preceptor to ask about them. Could it be that they have offended your honored countenance and are guilty of some offense?" The Taoist said with a smile, "Your Majesty does not know. They came yesterday and killed two of my disciples outside the east gate, released five hundred imprisoned monks, and smashed the carriages. At night they broke into the temple, destroyed the sacred images of the Three Pure Ones, and stole the imperially bestowed offerings. We were deceived by them and thought they were the Celestial Worthy descended from heaven, begging for some holy water and golden elixir to present to Your Majesty, hoping to prolong life and attain immortality. We did not expect they left behind some urine to fool us. Each of us drank a mouthful and tasted its true flavor. We were about to seize them when they fled. Now they are here again—truly, 'the road of enemies is narrow.'" Upon hearing this, the king flew into a rage and wished to execute the four monks.

Sun the Great Sage pressed his palms together and spoke, calling out in a stern and loud voice, "Let Your Majesty for a moment still his thunderous anger and allow us monks to make our report." The king said, "You have offended the National Preceptor. How could the National Preceptor's words be wrong?" Wukong said, "He says I went outside the city yesterday and killed two of his disciples—who is the witness to this? Even if we were to falsely confess, let two monks pay with their lives and release the other two to fetch the scriptures. He also says I smashed the carriages and released the imprisoned monks—this too has no witness, and we should not be put to death for it. Let one more monk bear the blame for that. He says I destroyed the Three Pure Ones and caused havoc in the temple—this is a false accusation against me." The king said, "How is it a false accusation?" Wukong said, "We monks are from the East. We have only just arrived here and do not even know the streets. How could we have known the affairs of his temple at night? If he left behind urine, we should have been caught at the time. Yet he waits until now to accuse us by name. There are countless people in the world who use false names—how can he say it was I? I hope Your Majesty will turn from anger and investigate carefully." The king, who had been confused to begin with, after hearing Wukong's speech, could not make up his mind.

While still puzzled, a palace eunuch came forward to announce: "Your Majesty, there are many village elders outside the gate awaiting Your summons." The king asked, "What business do they have?" He immediately ordered them brought in. They were ushered before the hall—some thirty or forty village elders, who kowtowed toward the throne and said, "Ten thousand years! This spring not a single drop of rain has fallen, and we fear the summer months will bring drought. We have come humbly to beg that the Royal Preceptor Grandfather pray for a sweet rain to save the common people." The king said, "Retire for now, village elders. The rain shall come." The elders thanked his favor and withdrew.

The king said, "Tang monks, do you know why I honor the Way and suppress the Buddhists? It is because in years past, when rain was needed, not a single monk of this kingdom could produce even a single drop. Fortunately, Heaven sent down the Royal Preceptor to rescue the people from their misery. You have come from afar and dared to offend the Royal Preceptor. By rights I should punish you at once, but I will spare you. Do you dare to compete with our Royal Preceptor in praying for rain? If you can pray for a sweet rain that saves the ten thousand people, I will pardon your crime, exchange your travel documents, and let you go west. But if you lose the contest and no rain falls, I will have you dragged to the execution ground to be put to death as a warning to all."

Tripitaka Seng laughed and said, "This little monk knows a thing or two about prayer and supplication."

The king, upon hearing this, ordered the altar grounds swept and prepared. At the same time he commanded: "Set out the imperial carriage. I shall personally ascend the Five-Phoenix Tower to observe." The many officials at once made ready the carriage, and presently the king ascended and took his seat. Tripitaka stood below the tower with Tripitaka Seng, Sha Wujing, and Zhu Bajie attending him. The three Taoist priests accompanied the king on the tower. Shortly, an official came galloping on horseback to report: "All preparations at the altar are complete. Please, Royal Preceptor Grandfather, ascend the altar."

The Tiger Power Great Immortal rose, bowed, and took leave of the king, then descended the tower. Tripitaka Seng stepped forward and blocked his path. "Where are you off to, sir?" the Great Immortal asked. "To ascend the altar and pray for rain," the Great Immortal replied. Tripitaka Seng said, "You think rather too highly of yourself, and show no consideration for us monks from a distant land. Very well—as they say, 'A mighty dragon cannot crush a local snake.' You may go first, but you must make this clear before the king." "Make what clear?" the Great Immortal asked. "We shall both ascend the altar to pray for rain. How will anyone know whether the rain is yours or mine? How will the credit be assigned?" The king, hearing this from above, thought secretly to himself, "That little monk speaks with some sense." Sha Wujing, overhearing, smiled inwardly and thought, "He doesn't know that Tripitaka Seng has a bellyful of sense he hasn't even shown yet." The Great Immortal said, "No need to discuss it. His Majesty will naturally know." Tripitaka Seng said, "Even so, I am a monk from afar and have never met you before. If we dispute the credit afterward, it will come to nothing. We must settle this clearly before we proceed." The Great Immortal said, "Once I ascend the altar, watch for my tokens as the signal: at the first token-strike, wind will come; at the second, clouds will rise; at the third, thunder and lightning will sound together; at the fourth, rain will arrive; at the fifth, the clouds will disperse and the rain will cease." Tripitaka Seng laughed and said, "Splendid! I monks have never seen such a thing. Please, go ahead, go ahead!"

The Great Immortal strode forward, with Tripitaka and the others following, and they went straight to the gate of the altar grounds. Looking up, they saw a high platform some three zhang or more in height. On either side of the platform were planted banners bearing the names of the Twenty-Eight Constellations. At the top stood a table with an incense burner upon it, from which wispy smoke curled upward. On both sides were candlesticks, their candles burning brightly beside the breeze. Beside the burner rested a gold plaque engraved with the names of the Thunder Gods. Below were five large vats, each filled with clear water, on which floated willow branches, and upon the willow branches rested an iron plaque inscribed with the talismanic characters of the Thunder Ministry. To the left and right stood five large posts, each inscribed with the names of the Thunder Messengers of the Five Directions. Beside each post stood two Taoist priests, each holding an iron hammer, ready to strike the posts. Behind the platform were many Taoist priests writing documents. In the center was set up a paper furnace, along with several figurines representing the talisman-bearing messengers and the Earth God's eulogizing attendants.

The Great Immortal walked in without the least show of humility and mounted the platform directly, taking his stand at the top. A young Taoist priest beside him presented several talismans written on yellow paper and a precious sword, which he handed to the Great Immortal. The Great Immortal grasped the sword, recited an incantation, and burned one of the talismans in the candle flame. Two or three priests below took a figurine of a talisman-bearer and a document, and set them alight as well. Then came a sharp crack of the token from above, and in the middle of the sky a gentle breeze came drifting. Zhu Bajie muttered under his breath, "Bad, bad! This Taoist really has ability. The token cracked once, and sure enough the wind is blowing." Tripitaka Seng said, "Brother, quiet! Don't speak to me anymore. Just protect our master. I'm going to take care of something."

The great Sage plucked one of his body hairs, blew on it with immortal breath, and cried, "Change!" It became a false Tripitaka Seng, who stood beside the Tang Monk. His true spirit left his body and rushed up into the sky, calling out in a loud voice: "Who is in charge of the wind?" Startled, the Wind Granny clutched her bag, and Xun Erlang secured the cord at her mouth. They came forward and bowed. Tripitaka Seng said, "I am protecting the Tang Monk of the Holy Land on his journey to the West to fetch the scriptures. We have passed through the Kingdom of Chechi and are competing with that evil Taoist to pray for rain. Why do you not help old Sun but instead aid that Taoist? I will spare you for now—take the wind away! If the least breath of wind stirs even a single whisker on that Taoist's face, each of you will receive twenty blows with an iron rod." The Wind Granny said, "We dare not, we dare not." And the wind died away completely. Zhu Bajie could not restrain himself from shouting, "Sir, please step down! The token has sounded, yet there is not a breath of wind. Come down and let us go up!"

The Daoist again took his token tablet, burned his talismanic dispatch, and struck it once more with a crash, whereupon clouds and mist filled the sky overhead. The Great Sage Sun called out at the top of his voice, "Who is it spreading the clouds?" In a flurry, the Cloud-Pushing Lad and the Mist-Spreading Gentleman came forward to bow to him face to face. The Pilgrim related the whole matter once more. The Cloud Lad and Mist Boy then gathered in the clouds and mist, letting the sun shine resplendent—for ten thousand miles the sky was cloudless. Zhu Bajie laughed and said, "This fellow can only fool this emperor and put off the common folk—he has no real ability at all. The token tablet has sounded twice, yet how is it no clouds have formed?"

The Daoist priest grew anxious in his heart. He brandished his treasure sword, loosened his hair, recited his incantations, burned his talismans, and struck the token tablet downward once more. Thereupon, from within the Southern Heavenly Gate, General Deng led the Lord of Thunder and the Mother of Lightning to the sky, where they came forward to greet the Pilgrim with a bow. The Pilgrim again related the whole affair and asked, "How is it you came with such devotion? What imperial decree brought you here?" The General said, "That Daoist priest's Five Thunder Method is genuine. He sent up documents and burned dispatches, which alarmed the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor issued an edict straight to the mansion of the Venerable Sovereign of Thunder and Lightning of the Nine Heavens. We came by his command to assist in bringing thunder and rain." The Pilgrim said, "In that case, all of you stay put and wait together for old Sun to do his work." Sure enough, the thunder did not rumble, nor did the lightning flash.

The Daoist priest grew even more flustered. He added incense, burned talismans, recited incantations, and struck the token tablet again. In midair, the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas arrived together. The Pilgrim shouted at them head-on, "Ao Guang, where are you off to?" Ao Guang, Ao Shun, Ao Qin, and Ao Run came forward to bow. The Pilgrim again related the whole matter and said, "In the past I imposed on you to no avail; today I hope you will lend your aid." The Dragon Kings said, "We obey, we obey." The Pilgrim then thanked Ao Shun, saying, "The other day I owed a debt to your son for binding the monster and rescuing my master." The Dragon King said, "That wretch is still chained in the sea; we did not dare act on our own authority and were just about to ask the Great Sage to pass judgment." The Pilgrim said, "Do with him as you see fit. But for now, assist me in this enterprise. The priest has sounded his token tablet four times; now it is old Sun's turn to take the stage. But I don't know how to issue documents, burn dispatches, or strike token tablets—you gentlemen must lend me your support." General Deng said, "Who would dare not follow the Great Sage's orders? But we must have a signal before we can act accordingly; otherwise, the thunder and rain would be in disarray, which would reflect poorly on the Great Sage's authority." The Pilgrim said, "I'll use my staff as the signal." The Lord of Thunder was greatly alarmed and cried, "Grandpa! How could we endure a blow from that staff?" The Pilgrim said, "I'm not going to hit you. Just watch: when I point my staff upward, you are to send forth wind." The Granny of the Wind and Xun Erlang readily agreed: "We'll release the wind." "When the staff points the second time, you are to spread the clouds." The Cloud-Pushing Lad and the Mist-Spreading Gentleman said, "We'll spread the clouds, we'll spread the clouds." "When the staff points the third time, you are to make thunder rumble and lightning flash." The Lord of Thunder and the Mother of Lightning said: "We comply, we comply." "When the staff points the fourth time, you are to send down rain." The Dragon Kings said, "We obey, we obey." "When the staff points the fifth time, the sun must shine brightly in a clear sky. See that you do not disobey."

Having given his instructions, he then pressed down his cloud, shook his hairs, and drew them back into his body. Those people, with their mortal flesh eyes, had no knowledge of this. The Pilgrim then called out loudly from the side, "Sir, please! The four sounds of the token tablet have all been struck—there are no wind, clouds, thunder, or rain. It is my turn now." The Daoist priest had no choice; he dared not occupy the platform any longer and had to come down and yield his place to him. Pouting his lips, he went straight to the tower to have an audience with the emperor. The Pilgrim said, "Let me follow him and see what he says." He heard the king ask, "Here in my kingdom I listen with attentive ears, but there the four sounds of your token tablet rang out and no wind or rain appeared. Why is that?" The Daoist said, "Today the dragon gods are not at home." The Pilgrim said sternly, "Your Majesty, the dragon gods are all at home. It is only that this national master's magic is not efficacious—he could not summon them. Wait for the monk to summon them and see." The king said, "Go up to the altar at once. I shall wait here for the rain."

Having received the decree, the Pilgrim hastily withdrew himself to the altar grounds and pulled at Tang Sanzang, saying, "Master, please ascend the platform." Sanzang said, "Disciple, I know nothing of praying for rain." Zhu Bajie laughed and said, "He's setting you up. If there's still no rain, they'll bring kindling and set a fire to settle the matter." The Pilgrim said, "You don't know how to pray for rain, but fortunately you know how to recite sutras. Let me help you." The elder then stepped up onto the altar, seated himself at the top in dignified composure, settled his nature and returned his spirit, and silently recited the *Heart Sutra*. Just as he was seated, he suddenly saw an official gallop up on horseback and ask, "You monk, why don't you strike the token tablet or burn the talismanic dispatch?" The Pilgrim answered in a loud voice: "No need! No need! We pray through quiet cultivation." The official went back to report, but of that nothing more need be said.

When the Pilgrim heard that his master had finished reciting the sutra, he reached into his ear and drew out his iron rod. He waved it in the wind, and it became twelve feet long and as thick as a bowl. He pointed the rod toward the sky. When Granny Wind saw this, she hastily untied her leather bag; Xun Erlang loosened the cords on his mouth. At once the wind howled and roared, tearing off roof tiles and overturning bricks throughout the city, whipping up sand and rolling stones. Truly it was a magnificent wind, yet utterly unlike ordinary winds. Behold:

Breaking willows and wounding flowers, uprooting forests and toppling trees. The ninefold palace had its walls cracked and ramparts collapsed; the Five-Phoenix Tower had its beams shaken and pillars swayed. The red sun at the edge of the sky lost its radiance; the yellow sand beneath the earth grew wings. Before the Martial Hall, the generals trembled; within the Literary Pavilion, the scholars quailed. The painted ladies of the three palaces let their dark hair fall in disarray; the consorts of the six courts let their jewelled coiffures go unkempt. The golden caps of marquises and earls shed their embroidered tassels; the black gauze hats of ministers fluttered like spread wings. The court attendants had words but dared not speak; the palace eunuchs held their memorials but had nowhere to present them. The golden fish and jade sashes fell out of rank; the ivory tablets and silken robes lost their proper order. Painted pavilions and emerald screens were all damaged; green windows and vermilion doors were all in disarray. Tiles flew and bricks scattered from the Golden Palace Hall; doors skewed and lattice shattered in the Brocade Cloud Hall. Truly this fierce gale was savage—it blew so fiercely that the king and his sons could scarcely meet; the six avenues and three markets were emptied of human traces, and ten thousand households and a thousand gates were all tightly shut.

Indeed, the wild wind raged with great fury.

The Pilgrim Sun once more displayed his divine power. He twirled the golden-banded staff once and pointed it toward the sky. Then one saw:

The Cloud-Pushing Lad and the Fog-Spreading Gentleman. The Cloud-Pushing Lad manifested his divine might—*gu-du-du*—the clouds touched the rocks and hung down to the sky. The Fog-Spreading Gentleman exerted his magic power—dense and vast—flying smoke covered the earth. The three markets were dark and obscure; the six streets were dim and dusky. Borne by the wind from across the sea, following the rain from Mount Kunlun. In an instant they filled heaven and earth; in a moment they veiled the dust of the world. It was as if all had returned to primeval chaos—the phoenix tower gates could not be seen.

At this time the fog was thick and hazy, the clouds dense and lowering.

The Pilgrim Sun once more twirled the golden-banded staff and pointed it toward the sky. In a panic:

The Duke of Thunder raged in fury; the Mother of Lightning burned with wrath. The Duke of Thunder raged in fury, riding his fire-beast backward down from the heavenly pass. The Mother of Lightning burned with wrath, wildly brandishing her golden serpents away from the Star Palace. *Hu-la-la*—thunderbolts were unleashed, shattering Iron-Fork Mountain. *Xi-li-li*—red silk lightning flashed, flying out over the Eastern Sea. *Hu-hu yin-yin*—the rumbling sound of rolling carts; *ye-ye huang-huang*—rice grains scattered in brilliant flashes. The myriad plants and all living things were transformed in spirit; many insects that had hibernated now stirred. The ruler and his ministers in the tower were struck with terror; merchants and traders, hearing the sound, trembled in alarm.

The heavy thunder flashed and crashed—*ping-ping pang-pang*—like the splitting of earth and the collapse of mountains. It frightened the people of the whole city so that every household burned incense and every family burned paper offerings. The Pilgrim Sun cried out loudly: "Old Deng, take care to watch for those officials who take bribes and pervert the law, and those sons who are unfilial and disobedient—beat a few more to death as a warning to the others." The thunder grew ever louder.

The Pilgrim then pointed his iron staff upward once more. Then one saw:

The Dragon issued his command; the rain flooded the universe. Its force was like the Silver River pouring over the heavenly moat; its speed was like cloud currents rushing through the sea gate. From the tower tops came the sound *di-di*; outside the windows it went *xiao-xiao*. The Milky Way poured down from the sky; white waves surged before the streets. *Cong-cong*—as if drawn from a jar; *gun-gun*—as if poured from a basin. Isolated farmhouses were about to be flooded; wild banks were nearly level with the bridges. Truly the mulberry fields were turning into the blue sea; in an instant the dry land rolled with waves. The divine dragons came by this means to lend their aid, lifting up the Yangtze River and pouring it down.

This rain began falling at the hour of the Dragon and continued only until the hour of the Horse; it fell so that inside and outside the city of Chechi, water flooded the streets and avenues.

The king issued an edict saying: "The rain is enough, the rain is enough! If there is ever so much more, it will flood the crops and that would not be good." The official in charge of affairs beneath the Five-Phoenix Tower rode his horse through the rain to report: "Holy monk, the rain is enough." The Pilgrim, hearing these words, pointed the golden-banded staff upward once more. Then in an instant the thunder ceased, the wind stilled, the rain dispersed, and the clouds cleared. The king was overjoyed in his heart, and all the civil and military officials praised him, saying: "What a fine monk! This is truly a case of 'among the strong there is always one stronger.' Even our own National Master, though his prayers for rain are efficacious, if he wants clear weather, a fine rain still falls for half a day and it does not clear up properly. How is it that this monk can make it clear as soon as he wishes—in an instant the bright sun shines forth and for ten thousand li there is not a cloud?"

The king ordered the imperial carriage to return, the passport to be exchanged, and the departure of the Tang monk to be arranged. Just as the imperial seal was being applied, the three Daoists stepped forward once more to block the way, saying: "Your Majesty, this rain was entirely not the monk's achievement—it was the power of our Daoist school." The king said: "You just now said the Dragon King was not at home and that there would be no rain. He went up and prayed with meditative stillness, and the rain came down. Why do you now compete with him for the credit?" The Tiger-Power Great Immortal said: "I ascended the altar and issued the documents, burned the talismans, and struck the token tablet. Who among the Dragon Kings would dare not come? It must be that they were summoned from elsewhere, and the five offices of Wind, Cloud, Thunder, and Rain were all absent. Upon hearing my command, they hastened to arrive, and it happened that they came down as I went up—they chanced upon this opportunity, and so the rain fell. Tracing it to the root, it was still I who invited the dragon and sent the rain. How can it be counted as his merit?" The king was muddled, and hearing these words, he was once again doubtful and uncertain.

The Pilgrim stepped forward, pressed his palms together, and memorialized: "Your Majesty, these heterodox arts are not worthy of being called merit, and cannot be counted as either his or mine. Now there are the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas present in the air. My monks have not yet given the signal for them to withdraw, so they dare not hastily retreat. If the National Master can make the Dragon Kings appear in person, then it shall be counted as his merit." The king was greatly pleased and said: "This humble one has been emperor for twenty-three years and has never yet seen what a living dragon looks like. Let each of your two parties display their divine power—whether monk or Daoist—whoever can summon one shall have merit; whoever cannot shall be guilty." How could the Daoists have such ability? Even if they called, the Dragon Kings, seeing the Great Sage present, dared not show their heads. The Daoists said: "We cannot do it—you call them."

The Great Sage raised his face toward the sky and cried out in a loud voice: "Ao Guang, where are you? Brothers, all show your true forms and come look." The Dragon Kings, hearing the call, immediately revealed their true forms—four dragons. They flew through the mist and pierced the clouds, dancing and soaring toward the Golden Palace Hall. And one saw:

Soaring and transforming, coiling through mist and circling the clouds. Jade claws hung like hooks, white and gleaming; silver scales danced like mirrors, bright and clear. Whiskers floated like bolts of white silk, each strand crisp and clean; horns rose aloft, tall and straight, sturdy and pure. Their foreheads were lofty and imposing; their round eyes were dazzling and bright. Now hidden, now visible—impossible to fathom; soaring and flying—beyond all description. Pray for rain and rain is sent at once; pray for clear skies and the skies clear at once. These were the true images of sacred and divine dragons, auspicious and resplendent, circling the palace hall.

The king burned incense in the hall, while all the court officials bowed in worship on the steps. The king said, "We are honored by your sacred presence. Please return now. We shall hold a thanksgiving sacrifice another day." Tripitaka said, "All you divine beings may return to your respective places. The king will hold a thanksgiving sacrifice another day." The Dragon King went straight back to the sea, and the various deities returned each to his own heaven. Truly it could be said:

Boundless and vast, the wondrous Dharma most true,

Perfecting nature's essence, it cleaves through heterodox ways.

How exactly the evil was to be vanquished, however, you will have to hear in the next chapter.