第二十一回

第二十一回 护教设庄留大圣 须弥灵吉定风魔

却说那五十个败残的小妖，拿着些破旗、破鼓，撞入洞里，报道：“大王，虎先锋战不过那毛脸和尚，被他赶下东山坡去了。”老妖闻说，十分烦恼。正低头不语，默思计策，又有把前门的小妖道：“大王，虎先锋被那毛脸和尚打杀了，拖在门口骂战哩。”那老妖闻言，愈加烦恼道：“这厮却也无知！我倒不曾吃他师父，他转打杀我家先锋，可恨！可恨！”叫：“取披挂来。我也只闻得讲甚么孙行者，等我出去，看是个甚么九头八尾的和尚，拿他进来，与我虎先锋对命[1]。”众小妖急急抬出披挂。老妖结束齐整，绰一杆三股钢叉，帅群妖跳出本洞。那大圣停立门外，见那怪走将出来，着实骁勇。看他怎生打扮，但见：

金盔幌日，金甲凝光。盔上缨飘山雉尾，罗袍罩甲淡鹅黄。勒甲绦盘龙耀彩，护心镜绕眼辉煌。鹿皮靴，槐花染色；锦围裙，柳叶绒妆。手持三股钢叉利，不亚当年显圣郎。

那老妖出得门来，厉声高叫道：“那个是孙行者？”这行者脚着虎怪的皮囊，手执的如意的铁棒，答道：“你孙外公在此，送出我师父来！”那怪仔细观看，见行者身躯鄙猥，面容羸瘦，不满四尺，笑道：“可怜！可怜！我只道是怎么样扳翻不倒的好汉，原来是这般一个骷髅的病鬼！”行者笑道：“你这个儿子，忒没眼色！你外公虽是小小的，你若肯照头打一叉柄，就长三尺。”那怪道：“你硬着头，吃吾一柄。”大圣公然不惧。那怪果打一下来，他把腰躬一躬，足长了三尺，有一丈长短。慌得那妖把钢叉按住，喝道：“孙行者，你怎么把这护身的变化法儿，拿来我门前使唤！莫弄虚头！走上来，我与你见见手段！”行者笑道：“儿子呵！常言道：‘留情不举手，举手不留情。’你外公手儿重重的，只怕你捱不起这一棒！”那怪那容分说，捻转钢叉，望行者当胸就刺。这大圣正是会家不忙，忙家不会，理开铁棒，使一个“乌龙掠地势”，拨开钢叉，又照头便打。他二人在那黄风洞口，这一场好杀：

妖王发怒，大圣施威。妖王发怒，要拿行者抵先锋；大圣施威，欲捉精灵救长老。叉来棍架，棍去叉迎。一个是镇山都总帅，一个是护法美猴王。初时还在尘埃战，后来各起在中央。点钢叉，尖明利；如意棒，身黑箍黄。戳着的魂归冥府，打着的定见阎王。全凭着手疾眼快，必须要力壮身强。两家舍死忘生战，不知那个平安那个伤。

那老妖与大圣斗经三十回合，不分胜败。这行者要见功绩，使一个“身外身”的手段：把毫毛揪下一把，用口嚼得粉碎，望上一喷，叫声：“变！”变有百十个行者，都是一样打扮，各执一根铁棒，把那怪围在空中。那怪害怕，也使一般本事：急回头，望着巽地上，把口张了三张，呼的一口气吹将出去，忽然间，一阵黄风从空刮起。好风！真个利害：

冷冷飕飕天地变，无影无形黄沙旋。穿林折岭倒松梅，播土扬尘崩岭坫[2]。黄河浪泼彻底浑，湘江水涌翻波转。碧天振动斗牛宫，争些[3]刮倒森罗殿。五百罗汉闹喧天，八大金刚齐嚷乱。文殊走了青毛狮，普贤白象难寻见。真武龟蛇失了群，梓橦[4]骡子飘其韂。行商喊叫告苍天，稍公拜许诸般愿。烟波性命浪中流，名利残生随水办。仙山洞府黑攸攸，海岛蓬莱昏暗暗。老君难顾炼丹炉，寿星收了龙须扇。王母正去赴蟠桃，一风吹断裙腰钏。二郎迷失灌州城，哪吒难取匣中剑。天王不见手心塔，鲁班吊了金头钻。雷音宝阙倒三层，赵州石桥崩两断。一轮红日荡无光，满天星斗皆昏乱。南山鸟往北山飞，东湖水向西湖漫。雌雄拆对不相呼，子母分离难叫唤。龙王遍海找夜叉，雷公到处寻闪电。十代阎王觅判官，地府牛头追马面。这风吹倒普陀山，卷起观音经一卷。白莲花卸海边飞，吹倒菩萨十二院。盘古至今曾见风，不似这风来不善。唿喇喇，乾坤险不咋崩开，万里江山都是颤！

那妖怪使出这阵狂风，就把孙大圣毫毛变的小行者刮得在那半空中，却似纺车儿一般乱转，莫想抡得棒，如何拢得身？慌得行者将毫毛一抖，收上身来，独自个举着铁棒，上前来打，又被那怪劈脸喷了一口黄风，把两只火眼金睛，刮得紧紧闭合，莫能睁开；因此难使铁棒，遂败下阵来。那妖收风回洞不题。

却说猪八戒见那黄风大作，天地无光，牵着马，守着担，伏在山凹之间，也不敢睁眼，不敢抬头，口里不住的念佛许愿；又不知行者胜负何如，师父死活何如。正在那疑思之时，却早风定天晴。忽抬头往那洞门前看处，却也不见兵戈，不闻锣鼓。呆子又不敢上他门，又没人看守马匹、行李，果是进退两难，仓惶不已。忧虑间，只听得孙大圣从西边吆喝而来，他才欠身迎着道：“哥哥，好大风呵！你从那里走来？”行者摆手道：“利害！利害！我老孙自为人，不曾见这大风。那老妖使一柄三股钢叉，来与老孙交战；战到有三十馀合，是老孙使一个身外身的本事，把他围打。他甚着急，故弄出这阵风来，果是凶恶，刮得我站立不住，收了本事，冒风而逃。——哏，好风！哏，好风！老孙也会呼风，也会唤雨，不曾似这个妖精的风恶！”八戒道：“师兄，那妖精的武艺如何？”行者道：“也看得过。叉法儿倒也齐整，与老孙也战个手平。却只是风恶了，难得赢他。”八戒道：“似这般怎生救得师父？”行者道：“救师父且等再处，不知这里可有眼科先生，且教他把我眼医治医治。”八戒道：“你眼怎的来？”行者道：“我被那怪一口风喷将来，吹得我眼珠酸痛，这会子冷泪常流。”八戒道：“哥呵，这半山中，天色又晚，且莫说要甚么眼科，连宿处也没有了！”行者道：“要宿处不难。我料着那妖精还不敢伤我师父，我们且找上大路，寻个人家住下，过此一宵，明日天光，再来降怪罢。”八戒道：“正是，正是。”

他却牵了马，挑了担，出山凹，行上路口。此时渐渐黄昏，只听得那路南山坡下，有犬吠之声。二人停身观看，乃是一家庄院，影影的有灯火光明。他两个也不管有路无路，漫草而行，直至那家门首。但见：

紫芝翳翳[5]，白石苍苍。紫芝翳翳多青草，白石苍苍半绿苔。数点小萤光灼灼，一林野树密排排。香兰馥郁，嫩竹新栽。清泉流曲涧，古柏倚深崖。地僻更无游客到，门前惟有野花开。

他两个不敢擅入，只得叫一声：“开门，开门！”那里有一老者，带几个年幼的农夫，叉钯扫帚齐来，问道：“甚么人？甚么人？”行者躬身道：“我们是东土大唐圣僧的徒弟。因往西方拜佛求经，路过此山，被黄风大王拿了我师父去了，我们还未曾救得。天色已晚，特来府上告借一宵，万望方便方便。”那老者答礼道：“失迎，失迎。此间乃是云多人少之处，却才闻得叫门，恐怕是妖狐、老虎，及山中强盗等类，故此小介愚顽，多有冲撞。不知是二位长老。请进，请进。”他兄弟们牵马挑担而入，径至里边，拴马歇担，与庄老拜见叙坐。又有苍头献茶。茶罢，捧出几碗胡麻饭。饭毕，命设铺就寝。行者道：“不睡还可，敢问善人，贵地可有卖眼药的？”老者道：“是那位长老害眼？”行者道：“不瞒你老人家说：我们出家人，自来无病，从不晓得害眼。”老人道：“既不害眼，如何讨药？”行者道：“我们今日在黄风洞口救我师父，不期被那怪将一口风喷来，吹得我眼珠酸痛；今有些眼泪汪汪，故此要寻眼药。”那老者道：“善哉！善哉！你这个长老，小小的年纪，怎么说谎？那黄风大圣风最利害。他那风，比不得甚么春秋风、松竹风与那东西南北风。……”八戒道：“想必是夹脑风、羊耳风、大麻风、偏正头风？”长者道：“不是，不是。他叫做‘三昧神风’。”行者道：“怎见得？”老者道：“那风能吹天地怪，善刮鬼神愁。裂石崩崖恶，吹人命即休。你们若遇着他那风吹了呵，还想得活哩！只除是神仙，方可得无事。”行者道：“果然！果然！我们虽不是神仙，神仙还是我的晚辈，这条命急切难休，却只是吹得我眼珠酸痛！”那老者道：“既如此说，也是个有来头的人。我这敝处，却无卖眼药的。老汉也有些迎风冷泪，曾遇异人传了一方，名唤‘三花九子膏’，能治一切风眼。”行者闻言，低头唱喏道：“愿求些儿点试试。”那老者应承，即走进去，取出一个玛瑙石的小罐儿来，拔开塞口，用玉簪儿蘸出少许与行者点上，教他不得睁开，宁心睡觉，明早就好。点毕，收了石罐，径领小介们退于里面。八戒解包袱，展开铺盖，请行者安置。行者闭着眼乱摸。八戒笑道：“先生，你的明杖[6]儿呢？”行者道：“你这个馕糟的呆子！你照顾我做瞎子哩！”那呆子哑哑的暗笑而睡。行者坐在铺上，转运神功，直到有三更后，方才睡下。

不觉又是五更将晓，行者抹抹脸，睁开眼道：“果然好药！比常更有百分光明！”却转头后边望望，呀！那里得甚房舍窗门，但只见些老槐高柳，兄弟们都睡在那绿莎茵上。那八戒醒来道：“哥哥，你嚷怎的？”行者道：“你睁开眼看看。”呆子忽抬头，见没了人家，慌得一毂辘爬将起来道：“我的马哩？”行者道：“树上拴的不是？”——“行李呢？”行者道：“你头边放的不是？”八戒道：“这家子惫懒也。他搬了，怎么就不叫我们一声？通得老猪知道，也好与你送些茶果。想是躲门户[7]的，恐怕里长[8]晓得，却就连夜搬了。——噫！我们也忒睡得死！怎么他家拆房子，响也不听见响响？”行者吸吸的笑道：“呆子，不要乱嚷。你看那树上是个甚么纸帖儿。”八戒走上前，用手揭了，原来上面四句颂子云：

“庄居非是俗人居，护教伽蓝点化庐。

妙药与君医眼痛，尽心降怪莫踌蹰。”

行者道：“这伙强神，自换了龙马，一向不曾点他，他倒又来弄虚头！”八戒道：“哥哥莫扯架子。他怎么伏你点札？”行者道：“兄弟，你还不知哩。这护教伽蓝、六丁六甲、五方揭谛、四值功曹，奉菩萨的法旨，暗保我师父者。自那日报了名，只为这一向有了你，再不曾用他们，故不曾点札罢了。”八戒道：“哥哥，他既奉法旨暗保师父，所以不能现身明显，故此点化仙庄。你莫怪他，昨日也亏他与你点眼，又亏他管了我们一顿斋饭，亦可谓尽心矣。你莫怪他，我们且去救师父来。”行者道：“兄弟说得是。此处到那黄风洞口不远，你且莫动身，只在林子里看马守担，等老孙去洞里打听打听，看师父下落何如，再与他争战。”八戒道：“正是这等，讨一个死活的实信。假若师父死了，各人好寻头干事；若是未死，我们好竭力尽心。”行者道：“莫乱谈，我去也！”

他将身一纵，径到他门首，门尚关着睡觉。行者不叫门，且不惊动妖怪，捻着诀，念个咒语，摇身一变，变做一个花脚蚊虫，真个小巧！有诗为证。诗曰[9]：

扰扰微形利喙，嘤嘤声细如雷。兰房纱帐善通随，正爱炎天暖气。　只怕熏烟扑扇，偏怜灯火光辉。轻轻小小忒钻疾，飞入妖精洞里。

只见那把门的小妖，正打鼾睡，行者往他脸上叮了一口。那小妖翻身醒了，道：“我爷呀！好大蚊子！一口就叮了一个大疙疸！”忽睁眼道：“天亮了。”又听得支的一声，二门开了。行者嘤嘤的飞将进去，只见那老妖分付各门上谨慎，一壁厢收拾兵器：“只怕昨日那阵风不曾刮死孙行者，他今日必定还来。来时定教他一命休矣。”

行者听说，又飞过那厅堂，径来后面。但见一层门关得甚紧，行者漫[10]门缝儿钻将进去，原来是个大空园子，那壁厢定风桩上绳缠索绑着唐僧哩。那师父纷纷泪落，心心只念着悟空、悟能，不知都在何处。行者停翅，叮在他光头上，叫声：“师父。”那长老认得他的声音，道：“悟空啊，想杀我也！你在那里叫我哩？”行者道：“师父，我在你头上哩。你莫要心焦，少得烦恼。我们务必拿住妖精，方才救得你的性命。”唐僧道：“徒弟呵，几时才拿得妖精么？”行者道：“拿你的那虎怪，已被八戒打死了。只是老妖的风势利害。料着只在今日，管取拿他。你放心莫哭，我去呀。”

说声去，嘤嘤的飞到前面。只见那老妖坐在上面，正点札各路头目；又见那洞前有一个小妖，把个令字旗磨[11]一磨，撞上厅来报道：“大王，小的巡山，才出门，见一个长嘴大耳朵的和尚坐在林里；若不是我跑得快些，几乎被他捉住。却不见昨日那个毛脸和尚。”老妖道：“孙行者不在，想必是风吹死也。再不便去那里求救兵去了！”众妖道：“大王，若果吹杀了他，是我们的造化。只恐吹不死他，他去请些神兵来，却怎生是好？”老妖道：“怕他怎的，怕那甚么神兵！若还定得我的风势，只除了灵吉菩萨来是，其馀何足惧也！”

行者在屋梁上，只听得他这一句言语，不胜欢喜，即抽身飞出，现本相来至林中，叫声：“兄弟！”八戒道：“哥，你往那里去来？刚才一个打令字旗的妖精，被我赶了去也。”行者笑道：“亏你！亏你！老孙变做蚊虫儿，进他洞去探看师父，原来师父被他绑在定风桩上哭哩。是老孙分付，教他莫哭。又飞在屋梁上听了一听。只见那拿令字旗的，喘嘘嘘的，走进去报道：只是被你赶他，却不见我。老妖乱猜乱说，说老孙是风吹杀了，又说是请神兵去了。他却自家供出一个人来，甚妙！甚妙！”八戒道：“他供的是谁？”行者道：“他说怕甚么神兵，那个能定他的风势，只除是灵吉菩萨来是。——但不知灵吉住在何处。”

正商议处，只见大路旁走出一个老公公来。你看他怎生模样：

身健不扶拐杖，冰髯雪鬓蓬蓬。金花耀眼意朦胧，瘦骨衰筋强硬。　屈背低头缓步，庞眉[12]赤脸如童。看他容貌是人称，却似寿星出洞。

八戒望见大喜道：“师兄，常言道：‘要知山下路，须问去来人。’你上前问他一声，何如？”真个大圣藏了铁棒，放下衣襟，上前叫道：“老公公，问讯了。”那老者半答不答的，还了个礼道：“你是那里和尚？这旷野处，有何事干？”行者道：“我们是取经的圣僧。昨日在此失了师父，特来动问公公一声，灵吉菩萨在那里住？”老者道：“灵吉在直南上。从此处到那里，还有二千里路。有一山，呼名小须弥山。山中有个道场，乃是菩萨讲经禅院。汝等是取他的经去了？”行者道：“不是取他的经，我有一事烦他，不知从那条路去。”老者用手向南指道：“这条羊肠路就是了。”哄得那孙大圣回头看路，那公公化作清风，寂然不见。只是路旁边下一张简帖，上有四句颂子云：

“上复齐天大圣听：老人乃是李长庚。

须弥山有飞龙杖，灵吉当年受佛兵。”

行者执了帖儿，转身下路。八戒道：“哥啊，我们连日造化低了。这两日忏日里见鬼！那个化风去的老儿是谁？”行者把帖儿递与八戒。——念了一遍道：“李长庚是那个？”行者道：“是西方太白金星的名号。”八戒慌得望空下拜道：“恩人！恩人！老猪若不亏金星奏准玉帝呵，性命也不知化作甚的了！”行者道：“兄弟，你却也知感恩。但莫要出头，只藏在这树林深处，仔细看守行李、马匹，等老孙寻须弥山，请菩萨去耶。”八戒道：“晓得！晓得！你只管快快前去！老猪学得个乌龟法，得缩头时且缩头。”

孙大圣跳在空中，纵筋斗云，径往直南上去，果然速快。他点头径过三千里，挎腰八百有馀程。须臾，见一座高山，半中间有祥云出现，瑞霭纷纷，山凹里果有一座禅院，只听得钟磬悠扬，又见那香烟缥缈。大圣直至门前，见一道人，项挂数珠，口中念佛。行者道：“道人作揖。”那道人躬身答礼道：“那里来的老爷？”行者道：“这可是灵吉菩萨的讲经处么？”道人道：“此间正是，有何话说？”行者道：“累烦你老人家与我传答传答：我是东土大唐驾下御弟三藏法师的徒弟，齐天大圣孙悟空行者。今有一事，要见菩萨。”道人笑道：“老爷字多话多，我不能全记。”行者道：“你只说是唐僧徒弟孙悟空来了。”道人依言，上讲堂传报。那菩萨即穿袈裟，添香迎接。

这大圣才举步入门，往里观看，只见那：

满堂锦绣，一屋威严。众门人齐诵《法华经》，老班首轻敲金铸磬。佛前供养，尽是仙果仙花；案上安排，皆是素肴素品。辉煌宝烛，条条金焰射虹霓；馥郁真香，道道玉烟飞彩雾。正是那讲罢心闲方入定，白云片片绕松梢。静收慧剑魔头绝，般若波罗善会高。

那菩萨整衣出迓[13]，行者登堂，坐了客位。随命看茶。行者道：“茶不劳赐，但我师父在黄风山有难，特请菩萨施大法力降怪救师。”菩萨道：“我受了如来法令，在此镇押黄风怪。如来赐了我一颗‘定风丹’，一柄‘飞龙宝杖’。当时被我拿住，饶了他的性命，放他去隐性归山，不许伤生造孽。不知他今日欲害令师，有违教令，我之罪也。”那菩萨欲留行者，治斋相叙，行者恳辞，随取了飞龙杖，与大圣一齐驾云。

不多时，至黄风山上。菩萨道：“大圣，这妖怪有些怕我，我只在云端里住定，你下去与他索战，诱他出来，我好施法力。”行者依言，按落云头，不容分说，掣铁棒把他洞门打破，叫道：“妖怪！还我师父来也！”慌得那把门小妖急忙传报。那怪道：“这泼猴着实无礼！再不伏善，反打破我门！这一出去，使阵神风，定要吹死！”仍前披挂，手绰钢叉，又走出门来；见了行者，更不打话，捻叉当胸就刺。大圣侧身躲过，举棒对面相还。战不数合，那怪吊回头，望巽地上，才待要张口呼风，只见那半空里，灵吉菩萨将飞龙宝杖丢将下来，不知念了些甚么咒语，却是一条八爪金龙，拨喇的抡开两爪，一把抓住妖精，提着头，两三捽，捽在山石崖边，现了本相，却是一个黄毛貂鼠。

行者赶上，举棒就打，被菩萨拦住道：“大圣，莫伤他命。我还要带他去见如来。”对行者道：“他本是灵山脚下的得道老鼠；因为偷了琉璃盏内的清油，灯火昏暗，恐怕金刚拿他，故此走了，却在此处成精作怪。如来照见了他，不该死罪，故着我辖押，但他伤生造孽，拿上灵山；今又冲撞大圣，陷害唐僧，我拿他去见如来，明正其罪，才算这场功绩哩。”行者闻言，却谢了菩萨。菩萨西归不题。

却说猪八戒在那林里，正思量行者，只听得山坂下叫声：“悟能兄弟，牵马挑担来耶。”那呆子认得是行者声音，急收拾跑出林外，见了行者道：“哥哥，怎的干事来？”行者道：“请灵吉菩萨，使一条飞龙杖，拿住妖精，原是个黄毛貂鼠成精，被他带去灵山见如来去了。我和你洞里去救师父。”那呆子才欢欢喜喜。

二人撞入里面，把那一窝狡兔、妖狐、香獐、角鹿，一顿钉钯铁棒，尽情打死，却往后园拜救师父。师父出得门来，问道：“你两人怎生捉得妖精？如何方救得我？”行者将那请灵吉降妖的事情，陈了一遍。师父谢之不尽。他兄弟们把洞中素物，安排些茶饭吃了，方才出门，找大路向西而去。毕竟不知向后如何，且听下回分解。

[1] 对命：抵命、偿命。

[2] 坫（diàn）：本指堂屋中放东西的土台，此指不太高的山岭。

[3] 争些：差一点儿、险些。

[4] 梓橦：指梓潼帝君，又称“文昌帝君”，是主管科举、利禄的神。

[5] 翳（yì）翳：草木茂盛成荫的样子。

[6] 明杖：盲人用以探路的手杖。

[7] 躲门户：明代因兵役和苛捐杂税繁重，为了躲避而出现了逃亡户，即这里所说“躲门户”的。后来话本《王本立天涯寻父》，就是反映这种躲门户的生活。

[8] 里长：又叫“里正”。古代乡村基层组织的主事者。明代以一百一十户为一里。

[9] 按所载为《西江月》词（个别字不合律）。

[10] 漫：从、沿、顺的意思。后文第二十四回写作“瞒”。

[11] 磨：挥动。

[12] 庞眉：黑白相间的眉毛。

[13] 出迓：出迎。迓，迎。

CHAPTER 21. The Vihārapālas1 prepare lodging for the Great Sage; Lingji of Sumeru crushes the wind demon.

We shall now tell about those fifty defeated little demons, who rushed into the cave carrying their broken drums and torn banners. “Great King,” they cried, “the Tiger Vanguard was no match for the hairy-faced monk. That monk chased him down the eastern slope until the Vanguard disappeared.” When the old monster heard this, he was terribly upset. As he bowed his head in silent deliberation, another little demon who stood guard at the door came to report, “Great King, the Tiger Vanguard was beaten to death by the hairy-faced monk and dragged up to our door to provoke battle.” Hearing this, the old monster became even angrier. “This fellow does not know when to stop!” he said. “I have not eaten his master, but he has killed our Vanguard instead. How insolent!” Whereupon he bellowed, “Bring me my armor. I have heard only rumors about this Pilgrim Sun, and I’m going out there to find out what sort of monk he really is. Even if he has nine heads and eight tails, I’m going to take him in here to pay for the life of my Tiger Vanguard!” The little demons quickly brought out the armor. After having been properly buckled and laced, the old monster took a steel trident and leaped out of the cave, leading the rest of the demons. Standing in front of the door, the Great Sage watched the monster emerge with a truly aggressive appearance. Look how he is attired. You see

Gold helmet reflecting the sun;

Gold cuirass gleaming with light.

A pheasant-tail tassel flies from the helmet;

A light yellow silk robe topped by the cuirass,

Tied with a dragonlike sash of brilliant hues.

His breastplate emits eye-dazzling light.

His boots of suede

Are dyed by locust flowers.

His embroidered kilt

Is decked with willow leaves.

Holding a sharp trident in his hands,

He seems almost the Erlang2 Boy of old!

When he had come out, the old monster shouted, “Who is Pilgrim Sun?” With one foot on the carcass of the Tiger Monster and the compliant iron rod in his hands, Pilgrim replied: “Your Grandpa Sun is here! Send my master out!” The old monster took a careful look and saw the diminutive figure of Pilgrim—less than four feet, in fact—and his sallow cheeks. He said with a laugh: “Too bad! Too bad! I thought you were some kind of invincible hero. But you are only a sickly ghost, with nothing more than your skeleton left!”

“Child,” said Pilgrim laughing, “how you lack perception! Your grandpa may be somewhat small in size, but if you have the courage to hit me on the head with the handle of your trident, I’ll grow six feet at once.” “Harden your head,” said the monster, “and have a taste of my handle!” Our Great Sage was not in the least frightened. When the monster struck him once, he stretched his waist and at once grew more than six feet, attaining the height of ten feet altogether. The monster was so alarmed that he tried to use his trident to hold him down, shouting, “Pilgrim Sun, how dare you stand at my door, displaying this paltry magic of body protection! Stop using tricks! Come up here and let’s measure our real abilities!” “My dear son,” said Pilgrim with laughter, “the proverb says: ‘Mercy should be shown before the hand is raised!’ Your grandpa is pretty heavy-handed, and he fears that you won’t be able to bear even one stroke of this rod!” Refusing to listen to any such discussion, the monster turned his trident around and stabbed at Pilgrim’s chest. The Great Sage, of course, was not at all perturbed, for as the saying goes, the expert is never exercised. He raised his rod and, using the movement of the “black dragon sweeping the ground” to parry the trident, struck at the monster’s head. The two of them thus began a fierce battle before that Yellow Wind Cave:

The Monster King became enraged;

The Great Sage released his might.

The Monster King became enraged,

Wishing to seize Pilgrim to pay for his Vanguard.

The Great Sage released his might

To capture this spirit and to save the priest.

The trident arrived, blocked by the rod;

The rod went forth, met by the trident.

This one, a mountain-ruling captain of his hosts.

That one, the Handsome Monkey King who defends the Law.

At first they fought on the dusty earth;

Then each arose midway to the sky.

The fine steel trident;

Pointed, sharp, and brilliant.

The compliant rod:

Body black and yellow hoops.

Stabbed by them, your soul goes back to darkness!

Struck by them, you’ll face King Yama!

You must rely on quick arms and keen sight.

You must have a tough frame and great strength.

The two fought without regard for life or death;

We know not who will be safe or who will be hurt.

The old monster and the Great Sage fought for thirty rounds, but neither could gain the upper hand. Pressing for a quick victory, Pilgrim decided to use the trick of “the body beyond the body.” He tore from himself a handful of hairs that he chewed to pieces in his mouth. Spitting them out, he cried, “Change!” They changed at once into more than a hundred Pilgrims: all having the same appearance and all holding an iron rod, they surrounded the monster in midair. Somewhat alarmed, the monster also resorted to his special talent. He turned to face the ground to the southwest and opened his mouth three times to blow out some air. Suddenly a mighty yellow wind arose in the sky. Dear wind! It was indeed powerful.

Cold and whistling, it changed Heaven and Earth,

As yellow sand whirled without form or shape.

It cut through woods and hills to break pines and plums;

It tossed up dirt and dust, cracking crags and cliffs.

Waves churned in Yellow River to cloud its floor;

Tide and current swelled up at River Xiang.

The Polestar Palace in the blue sky shook;

The Hall of Darkness was almost blown down;

The Five Hundred Arhats all yelled and screamed;

The Eight Guards of Akṣobhya all cried and shrieked.

Mañjuśrī’s green-haired lion ran away;

Viśvabhadra lost his white elephant.3

Snake and turtle of Zhenwu left their fold;4

Aflutter were the saddle-flaps of Zitong’s5 mule.

Traveling merchants sent their cries to Heaven,

And boatmen bowed to make their many vows—

Their mistlike lives awash in rolling waves;

Their names, their fortunes, adrift in the tide!

Caves on genie mountains were black as pitch;

The isle of Penglai6 was gloomy and dark.

Laozi could not tend his elixir oven;

Age Star folded his fan of grapevine leaves.

As Queen Mother went to the Peaches Feast,

The wind blew her skirt and pins awry.

Erlang lost his way to the Guanzhou town;

Naṭa found it hard to pull out his sword.

Li Jing missed the pagoda in his hand;

Lu Ban7 dropped his golden-headed drill.

While three stories of Thunderclap fell down,

The stone bridge at Zhaozhou broke in twain.

The orb of the red sun had little light;

The stars of all Heaven grew obscure and faint.

Birds of south mountains flew to northern hills;

Water of east lakes spilled over to the west.

Fowls with mates broke up, they ceased their calls;

Mothers and sons parted, their cries turned mute.

Dragon Kings sought yakṣas all over the sea;

Thunder gods hunted lightnings every where.

Ten Kings of Yama tried to find their judge;

In Hell, Bull-Head ran after Horse-Face.

This wind blew down the Potalaka Mount

And whipped up one scroll of Guanyin’s verse.

White lotus-blooms, cut down, flew beside the sea;

Twelve halls of the Bodhisattva were blown down.

From Pan Gu till this time since wind was known,

There never was wind with such ferocity.

Hu-la-la!

The universe did almost split apart!

The whole world was one mighty trembling mass!

This violent wind called up by the monster blew away all those little Pilgrims formed by the Great Sage’s hairs and sent them reeling through the air like so many spinning wheels. Unable even to wield their rods, how could they possibly hope to draw near to fight? Pilgrim was so alarmed that he shook his body and retrieved his hairs. He then lifted the iron rod and tried to attack the monster all by himself, only to be met by a mouthful of yellow wind right on his face. Those two fiery eyes with diamond pupils of his were so blasted that they shut tightly and could not be opened. No longer able to use his rod, he fled in defeat while the monster retrieved the wind, which we shall mention no further.

We tell you now about Zhu Eight Rules, who, when he saw the violent yellow windstorm arriving and the whole of Heaven and Earth growing dim, led the horse and took the luggage to the fold of the mountain. There he crouched on the ground and refused to open his eyes or raise his head, his mouth incessantly calling on the name of Buddha and making vows. As he was wondering how Pilgrim was faring in his battle and whether his master was dead or alive, the wind stopped and the sky brightened again. He looked up and peered toward the entrance of the cave, but he could neither see any movement of weapons nor hear the sound of gongs and drums. Idiot dared not approach the cave, since there was no one else to guard the horse and the luggage. Deeply distressed and not knowing what to do, he suddenly heard the Great Sage approaching from the west, grunting and snorting as he came. Bowing to meet his companion, he said, “Elder Brother, what a mighty wind! Where did you come from?”

With a wave of his hand, Pilgrim said, “Formidable! It’s truly formidable! Since I, old Monkey, was born, I have never witnessed such a violent wind! That old monster fought me with a steel trident, and we battled for over thirty rounds. It was then that I used the magic of the body beyond the body and had him surrounded. He panicked and called up this wind, which was ferocious indeed. Its force was so overwhelming that I had to suspend my operation and flee instead. Whew! What a wind! Whew! What a wind! Old Monkey also knows how to call up the wind and how to summon the rain, but it’s hardly as vicious as the wind of this monster-spirit!” “Elder Brother,” said Eight Rules, “how is the martial technique of that monster?” “It’s presentable,” said Pilgrim, “and he knows how to use the trident! He is, in fact, just about the equal of old Monkey. But that wind of his is vicious, and that makes it difficult to defeat him.” “In that case,” said Eight Rules, “how are we going to rescue Master?”

Pilgrim said, “We’ll have to wait to rescue Master. I wonder if there is any eye doctor around here who can take a look at my eyes.” “What’s the matter with your eyes?” asked Eight Rules. Pilgrim replied, “That monster blew a mouthful of wind on my face, and my eyes were so sorely blasted that they are now watering constantly.” “Elder Brother,” said Eight Rules, “we are in the middle of a mountain, and it’s getting late. Let’s not talk about eye doctors; we don’t even have a place to stay.” “It won’t be difficult to find lodging,” said Pilgrim. “I doubt that the monster has the gall to harm our master. Let’s find our way back to the main road and see whether we can stay with a family. After spending the night, we can return to subdue the monster tomorrow when it’s light.” “Exactly, exactly,” agreed Eight Rules.

Leading the horse and carrying up the luggage, they left the fold of the mountain and went up the road. Dusk was setting in, and as they walked, they heard the sound of barking dogs toward the south of the mountain slope. Stopping to look, they saw a small cottage with flickering lamplights. Not bothering to look for a path, the two of them walked through the grass and arrived at the door of that household. They saw

Dark clumps of purplish fungi;

Greyish piles of white stones;

Dark clumps of purplish fungi with much green grass;

Greyish piles of white stones half grown with moss:

A few specks of fireflies, their faint light aglow;

A forest of wild woods stand in dense rows;

Orchids ever fragrant;

Bamboos newly planted;

A clear stream flows a winding course;

Old cedars lean o’er a deep cliff.

A secluded place where no travelers come:

Only wild flowers bloom before the door.

Not daring to enter without permission, they both called out: “Open the door! Open the door!” An old man inside appeared with several young farmers, all holding rakes, pitchforks, and brooms. “Who are you? Who are you?” they asked. With a bow, Pilgrim said, “We are disciples of a holy monk from the Great Tang in the Land of the East. We were on our way to seek scriptures from the Buddha in the Western Heaven when we passed through this mountain, and our master was captured by the Yellow Wind Great King. We have yet to rescue him. Since it is getting late, we have come to ask for lodging for one night at your house. We beg you for this means of convenience.” Returning the bow, the old man said, “Pardon me for not coming to greet you. This is a place where clouds are more numerous than people, and when we heard you calling at the door just now, we were afraid that it might be someone like a wily fox, a tiger, or a bandit from the mountain. That’s why my little ones might have offended you by their rather brusque manner. Please come in. Please come in.”

The two brothers led the horse and hauled the luggage inside; after tying up the animal and putting down the load, they exchanged greetings again with the old man of the cottage before taking their seats. An old manservant then came forward to present tea, after which several bowls of sesame seed rice were brought out.8 After they had finished the rice, the old man asked for bedding to be laid out for them to sleep. Pilgrim said, “We don’t need to sleep just yet. May I ask the good man whether there is in your region someone who sells eye medicine?”

“Which one of you elders has eye disease?” asked the old man. Pilgrim said, “To tell you the truth, Venerable Sir, we who have left the family rarely become ill. In fact, I have never known any disease of the eye.” “If you are not suffering from an eye disease,” said the old man, “why do you want medicine?” “We were trying to rescue our master at the entrance of the Yellow Wind Cave today,” said Pilgrim. “Unexpectedly that monster blew a mouthful of wind at me, causing my eyes to hurt and smart. At the moment, I’m weeping constantly, and that’s why I want to find eye medicine.”

“My goodness! My goodness!” said the old man. “A young priest like you, why do you lie? The wind of that Great King Yellow Wind is most fearsome, not comparable with any spring-autumn wind, pine-and-bamboo wind, or the wind coming from the four quarters.”

“I suppose,” said Eight Rules, “it must be brain-bursting wind, goat-ear wind, leprous wind, or migrainous wind!” “No, no!” said the old man. “His is called the Divine Wind of Samādhi.” “What’s it like?” asked Pilgrim. The old man said, “That wind

Can blow to dim Heaven and Earth,

And sadden both ghosts and gods.

So savage it breaks rocks and stones,

A man will die when he’s blown!

If you had encountered that wind of his, you think you would still be alive? Only if you were an immortal could you remain unharmed.”

“Indeed!” said Pilgrim. “I may not be an immortal (for they belong to the younger generation, as far as I am concerned), but it will take some doing to finish me off! That wind, however, did cause my eyeballs to hurt and smart.”

“If you can say that,” said the old man, “you must be a person with some background. Our humble region has no one who sells eye medicine. But I myself suffer from watery eyes when the wind blows in my face, and I met an extraordinary person once who gave me a prescription. It’s called the three-flowers and nine-seeds ointment, capable of curing all wind-induced eye maladies.” When Pilgrim heard these words, he bowed his head and said humbly, “I’m willing to ask you for some and try it on myself.” The old man consented and went into the inner chamber. He took out a little cornelian vase and pulled off the stopper; using a small jade pin to scoop out some ointment, he dabbed it onto Pilgrim’s eyes, telling him to close his eyes and rest quietly, for he would be well by morning. After doing this, the old man took the vase and retired with his attendants. Eight Rules untied the bags, took out the bedding, and asked Pilgrim to lie down. As Pilgrim groped about confusedly with his eyes closed, Eight Rules laughed and said, “Sir, where’s your seeing-eye cane?” “You overstuffed idiot!” said Pilgrim. “You want to take care of me as a blind man?” Giggling to himself, Idiot fell asleep, but Pilgrim sat on the mattress and did exercises to cultivate his magic power. Only after the third watch did he sleep.

Soon it was the fifth watch and dawn was about to break. Wiping his face, Pilgrim opened his eyes, saying, “It’s really marvelous medicine! I can see a hundred times better than before!” He then turned his head to look around. Ah! There were neither buildings nor halls, only some old locust trees and tall willows. The brothers were actually lying on a green grass meadow. Just then, Eight Rules began to stir, saying, “Elder Brother, why are you making all these noises?” “Open your eyes and take a look,” said Pilgrim. Raising his head, Idiot discovered that the house had disappeared. He was so startled that he scrambled up at once, crying, “Where’s my horse?” “Isn’t it over there, tied to a tree?” said Pilgrim. “And the luggage?” asked Eight Rules.

“Isn’t it there by your head?” said Pilgrim. “This family is rather shifty!” said Eight Rules. “If they have moved, why didn’t they give us a call? If they had let old Hog know about it, they might have received some farewell gifts of tea and fruits. Well, I suppose they must be trying to hide from something and are afraid that the county sheriff may get wind of it; so they moved out in the night. Good Heavens! We must have been dead to the world! How could we not have heard anything when they dismantled the whole house?” “Idiot, stop babbling!” said Pilgrim, chuckling. “Take a look on that tree and see what kind of paper slip is there.” Eight Rules took it down. It was a four-line poem that read:

This humble abode’s no mortal abode:

A cottage devised9 by the Guardians of Law,

Who gave the wondrous balm to heal your sore.

Fret not and do your best to quell the fiend.

Pilgrim said, “A bunch of roguish deities! Since we changed to the dragonhorse, I had not taken a roll call of them. Now they are playing tricks on me instead!”

“Elder Brother,” said Eight Rules, “stop putting on such airs! How would they ever let you check them off the roll?” “Brother,” said Pilgrim, “you don’t know about this. These Eighteen Protectors of Monasteries, the Six Gods of Darkness and Six Gods of Light, the Guardians of Five Points, and the Four Sentinels all have been ordered by the Bodhisattva to give secret protection to Master. The other day they reported their names to me, but since you have been with us, I have not made use of them. That’s why I haven’t made a roll call.” “Elder Brother,” said Eight Rules, “if they were ordered to give secret protection to Master, they had reason not to reveal themselves. That’s why they had to devise this cottage here, and you shouldn’t blame them. After all, they did put ointment on your eyes for you yesterday, and they did take care of us for one meal. You can say that they have done their duty. Don’t blame them. Let’s go and rescue Master.” “Brother, you are right,” said Pilgrim. “This place is not far from the Yellow Wind Cave. You had better stay here and look after the horse and luggage in the woods. Let old Monkey go into the cave to make some inquiry after the condition of Master. Then we can do battle with the monster again.” “Exactly,” said Eight Rules. “You should find out whether Master is dead or alive; if he’s dead, each one of us can tend to our own business; if he’s not, we can do our best to discharge our responsibility.” Pilgrim said, “Stop talking nonsense! I’m off!”

With one leap he arrived at the entrance of the cave and found the door still shut and the inhabitants sound asleep. Pilgrim neither made any noise nor disturbed the monsters; making the magic sign and reciting the spell, he shook his body and changed at once into a spotted-leg mosquito. It was tiny and delicate, for which we have a testimonial poem:

A pesky small shape with sharp sting;

His tiny voice can hum like thunder!

Adept at piercing gauze nets and orchid rooms,

He likes the warm, sultry climate.

He fears incense and swatting fans,

But dearly loves bright lights and lamps.

Airy, agile, all too clever and fast,

He flies into the fiend’s cave.10

The little demon who was supposed to guard the door was lying there asleep, snoring. Pilgrim gave him a bite on his face, causing the little demon to roll over half awakened. “O my father!” he said. “What a big mosquito! One bite and I already have a big lump.” He then opened his eyes and said, “Why, it’s dawn!” Just then, the second door inside opened with a creak, and Pilgrim immediately flew in. The old monster was giving orders to all his subordinates to be especially careful in guarding the various entrances while they made ready their weapons. “If the wind yesterday did not kill that Pilgrim Sun,” he said, “he will certainly come back today. When he comes, we’ll finish him off.”

Hearing this, Pilgrim flew past the main hall and arrived at the rear of the cave, where he found another door tightly shut. Crawling through a crack in the door, he discovered a large garden, in the middle of which, bound by ropes to a pole, was the Tang Monk. That master was shedding tears profusely, constantly wondering where Wukong and Wuneng were to be found. Pilgrim stopped his flight and alighted on his bald head, saying, “Master!” Recognizing his voice, the Elder said, “Wukong, I nearly died thinking of you! Where are you calling from?” “Master,” said Pilgrim, “I’m on your head. Calm yourself and stop worrying. We must first capture the monster before we can rescue you. “Disciple,” said the Tang Monk, “when will you be able to capture the monster?” “The Tiger Monster who took you,” said Pilgrim, “has already been slain by Eight Rules. But the wind of the old monster is a powerful weapon. I suspect we should be able to capture him today. Relax and stop crying. I’m leaving.”

Having said that, he flew at once to the front, where the old monster was seated aloft, making a roll call of all the commanders of his troops. A little demon suddenly appeared, waving the command flag. He dashed up to the hall, crying, “Great King, this little one was on patrol in the mountain when he ran into a monk with a long snout and huge ears sitting in the woods not far from our entrance. If I hadn’t run away quickly, he would have caught me. But I didn’t see that hairy-faced monk who came here yesterday.” “If Pilgrim Sun is absent,” said the old monster, “it may mean that he’s been killed by the wind. Or, he may have gone to try to find help.” “Great King,” said one of the demons, “it would be our good fortune if he had been killed. But suppose he’s not dead? If he succeeds in bringing with him some divine warriors, what shall we do then?” The old monster said, “Who’s afraid of any divine warrior? Only the Bodhisattva Lingji can overcome the power of my wind; no one else can do us any harm.”

That Pilgrim resting on one of the beams above him was delighted by this one statement. He flew out of the cave at once and, changing back into his original form, arrived at the woods. “Brother!” he cried. Eight Rules asked, “Elder Brother, where have you been? Just now a monster with a command flag came by, and I chased him away.” “Thank you! Thank you!” said Pilgrim, laughing. “Old Monkey changed into a mosquito to enter the cave to see how Master was doing. I found him tied to a post in the garden, weeping. After telling him not to cry, I flew around the roof to spy on them some more. That was when the fellow who held the command flag came in panting, saying that you had chased him. He also said that he had not seen me. The old monster made some wild speculations about my having been killed by the wind, or else having gone to find help. Then, without being prompted, he suddenly mentioned someone else. It’s marvelous, simply marvelous!” “Whom did he mention?” asked Eight Rules. “He said that he wasn’t afraid of any divine warrior,” said Pilgrim, “for no one else could overpower his wind save the Bodhisattva Lingji. The only trouble is that I don’t know where this Lingji lives.” As they were thus conversing, they suddenly saw an aged man walking by the side of the main road. Look at his appearance:

Strong, he uses no cane to walk,

With flowing snowlike hair and beard.

Though wit and eyes are quite dim and blurry,

Thin bones and sinews are still tough.

Back and head bent he walked slowly,

With thick brows and a pink face, childlike.

Look at his features and they seem human,

Though he’s like Long-Life Star no less!11

Highly pleased when he caught sight of him, Eight Rules said, “Elder Brother, the proverb says:

You want to know the way,

Hear what the tourist say.

Why don’t you approach him and ask?”

The Great Sage put away his iron rod and straightened out his clothes. Approaching the old man, he said, “Aged Sir, receive my bow.” Somewhat reluctantly, the old man returned his greeting, saying, “What region are you from, monk? What are you doing here in this wilderness?” “We are holy monks on our way to seek scriptures,” said Pilgrim. “Yesterday we lost our master here, and so I’m approaching you to ask where the Bodhisattva Lingji lives.” “Lingji lives south of here,” said the old man, “about three thousand miles away. There is a mountain called the Little Sumeru Mountain, which has within it a Land of the Way, the Chan hall where the Bodhisattva lectures on sūtras. I suppose you are trying to obtain scriptures from him.” “Not from him,” said Pilgrim, “but I have something that requires his attention. Will you please show me the way?” Pointing with his hand toward the south, the old man said, “Follow that winding path.” The Great Sage Sun was tricked into turning his head to look at the path, when the old man changed himself into a gentle breeze and vanished. A small slip of paper was left beside the road, on which was written this quatrain:

To tell the Equal to Heaven Great Sage,

The old man is in truth one Long Life Li!

On Sumeru’s the Flying-Dragon Staff.

Lingji in years past received this Buddhist arm.

Pilgrim took up the slip and went back down the road. “Elder Brother,” said Eight Rules, “our luck must have been rather bad lately. For two days we saw ghosts in broad daylight. Who is that old man who left after changing into a breeze?” Pilgrim gave Eight Rules the slip of paper. “Who is this Long-Life Li?” asked Eight Rules, when he had read the verse. “It’s the name of the Planet Venus from the West,” said Pilgrim. Eight Rules hurriedly bowed toward the sky, crying, “Benefactor! Benefactor! Had it not been for the Gold Star, who personally begged the Jade Emperor to be merciful, I don’t know what would have become of old Hog!” “Elder Brother,” said Pilgrim, “you do have a sense of gratitude. But don’t expose yourself. Take cover deep in the woods and carefully guard the luggage and the horse. Let old Monkey find the Sumeru Mountain and seek help from the Bodhisattva.” “I know, I know!” said Eight Rules. “Hurry up and go! Old Hog has mastered the law of the turtle: withdraw your head when you needn’t stick it out!”

The Great Sage Sun leaped into the air; mounting the cloud-somersault, he headed straight south. He was fast, indeed! With a nod of his head, he covered three thousand miles; just a twist of his torso carried him over eight hundred! In a moment he saw a tall mountain with auspicious clouds hanging halfway up its slopes and holy mists gathered around it. In the fold of the mountain there was indeed a temple. He could hear the melodious sounds of the bells and sonorous stones12 and could see the swirling smoke of incense. As he approached the door, the Great Sage saw a Daoist with a string of beads around his neck, who was reciting the name of Buddha. Pilgrim said, “Daoist, please accept my bow.” The Daoist at once bowed in return, saying, “Where did the venerable father come from?” “Is this where the Bodhisattva Lingji expounds the scriptures?” asked Pilgrim. “Indeed it is,” said the Daoist. “Do you wish to speak to someone?”

“May I trouble you, sir, to make this announcement for me,” said Pilgrim. “I am the disciple of the master of the Law, Tripitaka, who is the royal brother of the Great Tang Emperor in the Land of the East; I am the Great Sage, Equal to Heaven, Sun Wukong, also named Pilgrim. I have a matter that requires me to have an audience with the Bodhisattva.” The Daoist laughed and said, “The venerable father has given me a long announcement! I can’t quite remember all those words.” “Just say that Sun Wukong, the disciple of the Tang Monk, has arrived,” said Pilgrim.13

The Daoist agreed and made that announcement in the lecture hall, whereupon the Bodhisattva at once put on his cassock and asked for more incense to be burned to welcome the visitor. Then the Great Sage walked in the door and peered inside. He saw

A hall full of brocade and silk;

A house most solemn and grand;

Pupils reciting the Lotus Sūtra;

An old leader tapping the golden gong.

Set before the Buddha

Were all immortal fruits and flowers.

Spread out on the altars

Were vegetarian dainties and viands.

The bright, precious candles,

Their golden flames shot up like rainbows;

The fragrant true incense,

Its jadelike smoke flew up as colored mists.

So it was that, after the lecture one would calmly meditate,

When white-cloud flakes circled the tips of pines.

The wisdom sword retired, for Māra snapped

In this space of Prajñā-pāramitā.

The Bodhisattva straightened out his attire to receive Pilgrim, who entered the hall and took the seat of the guest. Tea was offered, but Pilgrim said, “No need for you to bother about tea. My master faces peril at the Yellow Wind Mountain, and I beseech the Bodhisattva to exercise his great dharma power to defeat the monster and rescue him.” “I did receive the command of Tathāgata,” said the Bodhisattva, “to keep the Yellow Wind Monster here in submission. Tathāgata also gave me a Wind-Stopping Pearl and a Flying-Dragon Precious Staff. At the time when I captured him, I spared the monster his life only on condition that he would retire in the mountain and abstain from the sin of taking life. I did not know that he would want to harm your esteemed teacher and transgress the Law. That is my fault.” The Bodhisattva would have liked to prepare some vegetarian food to entertain Pilgrim, but Pilgrim insisted on leaving. So he took the Flying-Dragon Staff and mounted the clouds with the Great Sage.

In a little while they reached the Yellow Wind Mountain. “Great Sage,” said the Bodhisattva, “this monster is rather afraid of me. I will stand here at the edge of the clouds while you go down there to provoke battle. Entice him to come out so that I may exercise my power.” Pilgrim followed his suggestion and lowered his cloud.

Without waiting for further announcement, he whipped out his iron rod and smashed the door of the cave, crying, “Monster, give me back my Master!” Those little demons standing guard at the door were so terrified that they ran to make the report. “This lawless ape,” said the monster, “is truly ill-behaved! He would not defer to kindness, and now he has even broken my door! This time when I go out, I’m going to use that divine wind to blow him to death.” He put on his armor as before, and took up the steel trident. Walking out of the door and seeing Pilgrim, he did not utter a word before aiming the trident at Pilgrim’s chest. The Great Sage stepped aside to dodge this blow and then faced him with uplifted rod. Before they had fought for a few rounds, the monster turned his head toward the ground in the southwest and was about to open his mouth to summon the wind. From midair, the Bodhisattva threw down the Flying-Dragon Precious Staff as he recited some kind of spell. It was instantly transformed into a golden dragon with eight claws, two of which caught hold of that monster’s head and threw him two or three times against the boulders beside the mountain cliff. The monster changed back into his original form and became a mink with yellow fur.

Pilgrim ran up and was about to strike with his rod, but he was stopped by the Bodhisattva, who said to him, “Great Sage, do not harm him. I have to take him back to see Tathāgata. Originally he was a rodent at the foot of the Spirit Mountain who had acquired the Way. Because he stole some of the pure oil in the crystal chalice, he fled for fear that the vajra attendants would seize him. Tathāgata thought that he was not guilty of death, and that is why I was asked to capture him in the first place and banish him to this region. But now he has offended the Great Sage and has attempted to harm the Tang Monk. Therefore I must take him to see Tathāgata so that his guilt may be clearly established. Only then will this merit be completed.” When Pilgrim heard this, he thanked the Bodhisattva, who left for the West, and we shall say no more of that.

We now tell you about Zhu Eight Rules, who was thinking about Pilgrim in the woods when he heard someone calling down by the slope, “Brother Wuneng, bring the horse and the luggage here.” Recognizing Pilgrim’s voice, Idiot quickly ran out of the woods and said to Pilgrim, “Elder Brother, how did everything go?” “I invited the Bodhisattva Lingji to come here,” said Pilgrim, “to use his Flying-Dragon Staff to capture the monster. He was a mink with yellow fur who became a spirit and has now been taken by the Bodhisattva to Spirit Mountain to face Tathāgata. Let’s go into the cave to rescue Master.” Idiot was delighted. The two of them smashed their way into the cave and with their rake and rod slaughtered all the wily hares, the vixen, the musk deer, and the horned deer. Then they went to the garden in the back to rescue their master, who, after coming out, asked, “How did you two manage to catch the monster so that you could rescue me?” Pilgrim gave a thorough account of how he went to seek the Bodhisattva’s help to subdue the monster, and the master thanked him profusely. Then the two brothers found some vegetarian food in the cave, which they prepared along with some tea and rice. After eating, they left and again found the road to the West. We do not know what took place hereafter; let’s listen to the explanation in the next chapter.