第二十二回

第二十二回 八戒大战流沙河 木叉奉法收悟净

话说唐僧师徒三众，脱难前来，不一日，行过了八百里黄风岭，进西却是一脉平阳之地。光阴迅速，历夏经秋，见了些寒蝉鸣败柳，大火[1]向西流。正行处，只见一道大水狂澜，浑波涌浪。三藏在马上忙呼道：“徒弟，你看那前边水势宽阔，怎不见船只行走，我们从那里过去？”八戒见了道：“果是狂澜，无舟可渡。”那行者跳在空中，用手搭凉篷而看。他也心惊道：“师父呵，真个是难，真个是难！这条河若论老孙去呵，只消把腰儿扭一扭，就过去了；若师父，诚千分难渡，万载难行。”三藏道：“我这里一望无边，端的有多少宽？”行者道：“径过有八百里远近。”八戒道：“哥哥怎的定得个远近之数？”行者道：“不瞒贤弟说：老孙这双眼，白日里常看得千里路上的吉凶。却才在空中看出：此河上下不知多远，但只见这径过足有八百里。”长老忧嗟烦恼，兜回马，忽见岸上有一通石碑。三众齐来看时，见上有三个篆字，乃“流沙河”，腹上有小小的四行真字[2]云：

“八百流沙界，三千弱水深。

鹅毛飘不起，芦花定底沉。”

师徒们正看碑文，只听得那浪涌如山，波翻若岭，河当中滑辣[3]的钻出一个妖精，十分凶丑：

一头红焰发蓬松，两只圆睛亮似灯。

不黑不青蓝靛[4]脸，如雷如鼓老龙声。

身披一领鹅黄氅，腰束双攒露白藤。

项下骷髅悬九个，手持宝杖甚峥嵘。

那怪一个旋风，奔上岸来，径抢唐僧。慌得行者把师父抱住，急登高岸，回身走脱。那八戒放下担子，掣出铁钯，望妖精便筑。那怪使宝杖架住。他两个在流沙河岸，各逞英雄。这一场好斗：

九齿钯，降妖杖，二人相敌河崖上。这个是总督大天蓬，那个是谪下卷帘将。昔年曾会在灵霄，今日争持赌猛壮。这一个钯去探爪龙，那一个杖架磨牙象。伸开大四平，钻入迎风戗。这个没头没脸抓，那个无乱无空放。一个是久占流沙界吃人精，一个是秉教迦持修行将。

他两个来来往往，战经二十回合，不分胜负。

那大圣护了唐僧，牵着马，守定行李，见八戒与那怪交战，就恨得咬牙切齿，擦掌磨拳，忍不住要去打他，掣出棒来道：“师父，你坐着，莫怕。等老孙和他耍耍儿来。”那师父苦留不住。他打个唿哨，跳到边前。原来那怪与八戒正战到好处，难解难分。被行者抡起铁棒，望那怪着头一下。那怪急转身慌忙躲过，径钻入流沙河里。气得个八戒乱跳道：“哥呵！谁着你来的！那怪渐渐手慢，难架我钯。再不上三五合，我就擒住他了！他见你凶险，败阵而逃，怎生是好！”行者笑道：“兄弟，实不瞒你说：自从降了黄风怪，下山来，这个把月不曾耍棍。我见你和他战的甜美，我就忍不住脚痒，故就跳将来耍耍的。那知那怪不识耍，就走了。”

他两个搀着手，说说笑笑，转回见了唐僧。唐僧道：“可曾捉得妖怪？”行者道：“那妖怪不奈战，败回钻入水去也。”三藏道：“徒弟，这怪久住于此，他知道浅深。似这般无边的弱水，又没了舟楫，须是得个知水性的，引领引领才好哩。”行者道：“正是这等说。常言道：‘近朱者赤，近墨者黑。’那怪在此，断知水性。我们如今拿住他，且不要打杀，只教他送师父过河，再做理会。”八戒道：“哥哥不必迟疑，让你先去拿他，等老猪看守师父。”行者笑道：“贤弟呀，这桩儿我不敢说嘴。水里勾当，老孙不大十分熟。若是空走，还要捻诀，又念念‘避水咒’，方才走得；不然，就要变化做甚么鱼虾蟹鳖之类，我才去得。若论赌手段，凭你在高山云里，干甚么蹊跷异样事儿，老孙都会；只是水里的买卖，有些儿榔杭。”八戒道：“老猪当年总督天河，掌管了八万水兵大众，倒学得知些水性，——却只怕那水里有甚么眷族老小、七窝八代的都来，我就弄他不过。一时不被他捞而去耶？”行者道：“你若到他水中与他交战，却不要恋战，许败不许胜，把他引将出来，等老孙下手助你。”八戒道：“言得是，我去耶。”说声去，就剥了青锦直裰，脱了鞋，双手舞钯，分开水路，使出那当年的旧手段，跃浪翻波，撞将进去，径至水底之下，往前正走。

却说那妖败了阵回，方才喘定，又听得有人推得水响，忽起身观看，原来是八戒执了钯推水。那怪举杖当面高呼道：“那和尚！那里走！仔细看打！”八戒使钯架住道：“你是个甚么妖精，敢在此间挡路？”那妖道：“你是也不认得我。我不是那妖魔鬼怪，也不是少姓无名。”八戒道：“你既不是邪妖鬼怪，却怎生在此伤生？你端的甚么姓名，实实说来，我饶你性命。”那怪道：“我

自小生来神气壮，乾坤万里曾游荡。

英雄天下显威名，豪杰人家做模样。

万国九州任我行，五湖四海从吾撞。

皆因学道荡天涯，只为寻师游地旷。

常年衣钵谨随身，每日心神不可放。

沿地云游数十遭，到处闲行百馀趟。

因此才得遇真人，引开大道金光亮。

先将婴儿姹女收，后把木母[5]金公[6]放。

明堂[7]肾水入华池，重楼[8]肝火投心脏。

三千功满拜天颜，志心朝礼明华[9]向。

玉皇大帝便加升，亲口封为卷帘将。

南天门里我为尊，灵霄殿前吾称上。

腰间悬挂虎头牌，手中执定降妖杖。

头顶金盔晃日光，身披铠甲明霞亮。

往来护驾我当先，出入随朝予在上。

只因王母降蟠桃，设宴瑶池邀众将。

失手打破玉玻璃，天神个个魂飞丧。

玉皇即便怒生嗔，却令掌朝左辅相：

卸冠脱甲摘官衔，将身推在杀场上。

多亏赤脚大天仙，越班启奏将吾放。

饶死回生不典刑[10]，遭贬流沙东岸上。

饱时困卧此山中，饿去翻波寻食饷。

樵子逢吾命不存，渔翁见我身皆丧。

来来往往吃人多，翻翻复复伤生瘴。

你敢行凶到我门，今日肚皮有所望。

莫言粗糙不堪尝，拿住消停[11]剁鲊酱！”

八戒闻言大怒，骂道：“你这泼物，全没一些儿眼色！我老猪还掐出水沫儿来哩，你怎敢说我粗糙，要剁鲊酱！看起来，你把我认做个老走硝[12]哩。休得无礼！吃你祖宗这一钯！”那怪见钯来，使一个“凤点头”躲过。两个在水中打出水面，各人踏浪登波。这一场赌斗，比前不同。你看那：

卷帘将，天蓬帅，各显神通真可爱。那个降妖宝杖着头抡，这个九齿钉钯随手快。跃浪振山川，推波昏世界。凶如太岁撞幢幡，恶似丧门掀宝盖。这一个赤心凛凛保唐僧，那一个犯罪滔滔为水怪。钯抓一下九条痕，杖打之时魂魄败。努力喜相持，用心要赌赛。算来只为取经人，怒气冲天不忍耐。搅得那鲌鲤鳜退鲜鳞，龟鳖鼋鼍伤嫩盖；红虾紫蟹命皆亡，水府诸神朝上拜。只听得波翻浪滚似雷轰，日月无光天地怪。

二人整斗有两个时辰，不分胜败。这才是铜盆逢铁帚，玉磬对金钟。

却说那大圣保着唐僧，立于左右，眼巴巴的望着两个在水上争持，只是他不好动手。只见那八戒虚幌一钯，佯输诈败，转回头往东岸上走，那怪随后赶来。将近到了岸边，这行者忍耐不住，撇了师父，掣铁棒，跳到河边，望妖精劈头就打。那妖物不敢相迎，嗖的又钻入河内。八戒嚷道：“你这弼马温，彻是个急猴子！你再缓缓些儿，等我哄他到了高处，你却阻住河边，叫他不能回首呵，却不拿住他也？他这进去，几时又肯出来？”行者笑道：“呆子，莫嚷！莫嚷！我们且回去见师父去来。”

八戒却同行者到高岸上，见了三藏。三藏欠身道：“徒弟辛苦呀。”八戒道：“且不说辛苦，只是降了妖精，送得你过河，方是万全之策。”三藏道：“你才与妖精交战何如？”八戒道：“那妖的手段，与老猪是个对手。正战处，使一个诈败，他才赶到岸上。见师兄举着棍子，他就跑了。”三藏道：“如此怎生奈何？”行者道：“师父放心，且莫焦恼。如今天色又晚，且坐在这崖次[13]之下，待老孙去化些斋饭来，你吃了睡去，待明日再处。”八戒道：“说得是，你快去快来。”

行者急纵云跳起去，正到直北下人家化了一钵素斋，回献师父。师父见他来得甚快，便叫：“悟空，我们去化斋的人家，求问他一个过河之策，不强似与这怪争持？”行者笑道：“这家子远得狠哩！相去有五七千里之路。他那里得知水性？问他何益？”八戒道：“哥哥又来扯谎了。五七千里路，你怎么这等去来之快？”行者道：“你那里晓得！老孙的筋斗云，一纵有十万八千里。像这五七千路，只消把头点上两点，把腰躬上一躬，就是个往回，有何难哉！”八戒道：“哥呵，既是这般容易，你把师父背着，只消点点头，躬躬腰，跳过去罢了，何必苦苦的与他厮战？”行者道：“你不会驾云？你把师父驮过去不是？”八戒道：“师父的骨肉凡胎，重似泰山，我这驾云的，怎称得起？须是你的筋斗方可。”行者道：“我的筋斗，好道也是驾云，只是去的有远近些儿。你是驮不动，我却如何驮得动？自古道：‘遣泰山轻如芥子，携凡夫难脱红尘。’像这泼魔毒怪，使摄法，弄风头，却是扯扯拉拉，就地而行，不能带得空中而去；像那样法儿，老孙也会使会弄。还有那隐身法、缩地法，老孙件件皆知。但只是师父要穷历异邦，不能够超脱苦海，所以寸步难行也。我和你只做得个拥护，保得他身在命在，替不得这些苦恼，也取不得经来；就是有能先去见了佛，那佛也不肯把经善与你我：正叫做‘若将容易得，便作等闲看’。”那呆子闻言，喏喏听受。遂吃了些无菜的素食，师徒们歇在流沙河东崖次之下。

次早，三藏道：“悟空，今日怎生区处？”行者道：“没甚区处，还须八戒下水。”八戒道：“哥哥，你要图干净，只作成我下水。”行者道：“贤弟，这番我再不急性了。只让你引他上来，我拦住河沿，不让他回去，务要将他擒了。”

好八戒，抹抹脸，抖擞精神，双手拿钯，到河沿，分开水路，依然又下至窝巢。那怪方才睡醒，忽听推得水响，急回头睁睛看看。见八戒执钯下至，他跳出来，当头阻住，喝道：“慢来！慢来！看杖！”八戒举钯架住道：“你是个甚么‘哭丧杖’，断叫你祖宗看杖！”那怪道：“你这厮甚不晓得哩！我这

宝杖原来名誉大，本是月里梭罗派[14]。

吴刚伐下一枝来，鲁班制造工夫盖。

里边一条金趁心[15]，外边万道珠丝玠[16]。

名称宝杖善降妖，永镇灵霄能伏怪。

只因官拜大将军，玉皇赐我随身带。

或长或短任吾心，要细要粗凭意态。

也曾护驾宴蟠桃，也曾随朝居上界。

值殿曾经众圣参，卷帘曾见诸仙拜。

养成灵性一神兵，不是人间凡器械。

自从遭贬下天门，任意纵横游海外。

不当大胆自称夸，天下枪刀难比赛。

看你那个锈钉钯，只好锄田与筑菜！”

八戒笑道：“我把你少打的泼物！且莫管甚么筑菜，只怕汤了一下儿，教你没处贴膏药，九个眼子一齐流血！总然不死，也是个到老的破伤风！”那怪丢开架手，在那水底下，与八戒依然打出水面。这一番斗，比前果更不同。你看他：

宝杖抡，钉钯筑，言语不通非眷属。只因木母克刀圭[17]，致令两下相战触。没输赢，无反覆，翻波淘浪不和睦。这个怒气怎含容？那个伤心难忍辱。钯来杖架逞英雄，水滚流沙能恶毒。气昂昂，劳碌碌，多因三藏朝西域。钉钯老大凶，宝杖十分熟。这个揪住要往岸上拖，那个抓来就将水里沃[18]。声如霹雳动鱼龙，云暗天昏神鬼伏。

这一场，来来往往，斗经三十回合，不见强弱。八戒又使个佯输计，拖了钯走。那怪随后又赶来，拥波捉浪，赶至崖边。八戒骂道：“我把你这个泼怪！你上来！这高处，脚踏实地好打！”那妖骂道：“你这厮哄我上去，又教那帮手来哩。你下来，还在水里相斗。”原来那妖乖了，再不肯上岸，只在河沿与八戒闹吵。

却说行者见他不肯上岸，急得他心焦性爆，恨不得一把捉来。行者道：“师父！你自坐下，等我与他个‘饿鹰叼食’。”就纵筋斗跳在半空，刷的落下来，要抓那妖。那妖正与八戒嚷闹，忽听得风响，急回头，见是行者落下云来，却又收了那杖，一头淬下水，隐迹潜踪，渺然不见。行者伫立岸上，对八戒言：“兄弟呀，这妖也弄得滑了。他再不肯上岸，如之奈何？”八戒道：“难！难！难！战不胜他！就把吃奶的气力也使尽了，只绷得个手平。”行者道：“且见师父去。”

二人又到高岸，见了唐僧，备言难捉。那长老满眼下泪道：“似此艰难，怎生得渡！”行者道：“师父莫要烦恼。这怪深潜水底，其实难行。八戒，你只在此保守师父，再莫与他厮斗，等老孙往南海走走去来。”八戒道：“哥呵，你去南海何干？”行者道：“这取经的勾当，原是观音菩萨；及脱解我等，也是观音菩萨；今日路阻流沙河，不能前进，不得他，怎生处治？等我去请他，还强如和这妖精相斗。”八戒道：“也是，也是。师兄，你去时，千万与我上复一声：向日多承指教。”三藏道：“悟空，若是去请菩萨，却也不必迟疑，快去快来。”

行者即纵筋斗云，径上南海。咦！那消半个时辰，早望见普陀山境。须臾间，坠下筋斗，到紫竹林外，又只见那二十四路诸天，上前迎着道：“大圣何来？”行者道：“我师有难，特来谒见菩萨。”诸天道：“请坐，容报。”那轮日的诸天，径至潮音洞口报道：“孙悟空有事朝见。”菩萨正与捧珠龙女在宝莲池畔扶栏看花，闻报，即转云岩，开门唤入。大圣端肃皈依参拜。

菩萨问曰：“你怎么不保唐僧？为甚事又来见我？”行者启上道：“菩萨，我师父前在高老庄，又收了一个徒弟，唤名猪八戒，多蒙菩萨又赐法讳悟能。才行过黄风岭，今至八百里流沙河，乃是弱水三千，师父已是难渡；河中又有个妖怪，武艺高强，甚亏了悟能与他水面上大战三次，只是不能取胜，被他拦阻，不能渡河。因此特告菩萨，望垂怜悯，济渡他一济渡。”菩萨道：“你这猴子，又逞自满，不肯说出保唐僧的话来么？”行者道：“我们只是要拿住他，教他送我师父渡河。水里事，我又弄不得精细，只是悟能寻着他窝巢，与他打话。想是不曾说出取经的勾当。”菩萨道：“那流沙河的妖怪，乃是卷帘大将临凡，也是我劝化的善信，教他保护取经之辈。你若肯说出是东土取经人呵，他决不与你争持，断然归顺矣。”行者道：“那怪如今怯战，不肯上崖，只在水里潜踪，如何得他归顺？我师如何得渡弱水？”

菩萨即唤惠岸，袖中取出一个红葫芦儿，分付道：“你可将此葫芦，同孙悟空到流沙河水面上，只叫‘悟净’，他就出来了。先要引他归依了唐僧；然后把他那九个骷髅穿在一处，按九宫布列，却把这葫芦安在当中，就是法船一只，能渡唐僧过流沙河界。”惠岸闻言，谨遵师命，当时与大圣捧葫芦出了潮音洞，奉法旨辞了紫竹林。有诗为证。诗曰：

五行匹配合天真，认得从前旧主人。

炼己立基为妙用，辨明邪正见原因。

金来归性还同类，木去求情共复伦。

二土全功成寂寞，调和水火没纤尘。

他两个不多时按落云头，早来到流沙河岸。猪八戒认得是木叉行者，引师父上前迎接。那木叉与三藏礼毕，又与八戒相见。八戒道：“向蒙尊者指示，得见菩萨。我老猪果遵法教，今喜拜了沙门。这一向在途中奔碌，未及致谢，恕罪，恕罪。”行者道：“且莫叙阔。我们叫唤那厮去来。”三藏道：“叫谁？”行者道：“老孙见菩萨，备陈前事。菩萨说：这流沙河的妖怪，乃是卷帘大将临凡；因为在天有罪，堕落此河，忘形作怪。他曾被菩萨劝化，愿归师父往西天去的。但是我们不曾说出取经的事情，故此苦苦争斗。菩萨今差木叉，将此葫芦，要与这厮结作法船，渡你过去哩。”三藏闻言，顶礼不尽，对木叉作礼道：“万望尊者作速一行。”那木叉捧定葫芦，半云半雾，径到了流沙河水面上，厉声高叫道：“悟净！悟净！取经人在此久矣，你怎么还不归顺！”

却说那怪惧怕猴王，回于水底，正在窝中歇息。只听得叫他法名，情知是观音菩萨；又闻得说“取经人在此”，他也不惧钺斧，急翻波伸出头来，又认得是木叉行者。你看他笑盈盈，上前作礼道：“尊者失迎。菩萨今在何处？”木叉道：“我师未来，先差我来分付你早跟唐僧做个徒弟。叫把你项下挂的骷髅与这个葫芦，按九宫结做一只法船，渡他过此弱水。”悟净道：“取经人却在那里？”木叉用手指道：“那东岸上坐的不是？”悟净看见了八戒道：“他不知是那里来的个泼物，与我整斗了这两日，何曾言着一个取经的字儿？”又看见行者，道：“这个主子，是他的帮手，好不利害！我不去了。”木叉道：“那是猪八戒，这是孙行者。俱是唐僧的徒弟，俱是菩萨劝化的，怕他怎的？我且和你见唐僧去。”那悟净才收了宝杖，整一整黄锦直裰，跳上岸来，对唐僧双膝跪下道：“师父，弟子有眼无珠，不认得师父的尊容，多有冲撞，万望恕罪。”八戒道：“你这脓包，怎的早不皈依，只管要与我打？是何说话！”行者笑道：“兄弟，你莫怪他，还是我们不曾说出取经的字样与姓名耳。”长老道：“你果肯诚心皈依吾教么？”悟净道：“弟子向蒙菩萨教化，指河为姓，与我起个法名，唤做沙悟净，岂有不从师父之理！”三藏道：“既如此——”叫：“悟空，取戒刀来，与他落了发。”大圣依言，即将戒刀与他剃了头。又来拜了三藏，拜了行者与八戒，分了大小。三藏见他行礼，真像个和尚家风，故又叫他做沙和尚。木叉道：“既秉了迦持，不必叙烦，早与作法船去来。”

那悟净不敢怠慢，即将颈项下挂的骷髅取下，用索子结作九宫，把菩萨的葫芦安在当中，请师父下岸。那长老遂登法船，坐于上面，果然稳似轻舟。左有八戒扶持，右有悟净捧托；孙行者在后面牵了龙马，半云半雾相跟；头直上[19]又有木叉拥护；那师父才飘然稳渡流沙河界，浪静风平过弱河。真个也如飞似箭，不多时，身登彼岸，得脱洪波；又不拖泥带水，幸喜脚干手燥，清净无为。师徒们脚踏实地。那木叉按祥云，收了葫芦。又只见那骷髅一时解化作九股阴风，寂然不见。三藏拜谢了木叉，顶礼了菩萨。正是：木叉径回东洋海，三藏上马却投西。毕竟不知几时才得正果求经，且听下回分解。

[1] 大火：星名。二十八宿之一的心宿，又叫大火。这个星的西落，是说明到了秋天的季候。

[2] 真字：即正体字，也叫楷书。

[3] 滑辣：形容水响的声音。与哗喇同。

[4] 蓝靛（diàn）：深蓝色。

[5] 木母：道教称汞为木母。认为“真汞生亥”，亥属猪，所以后文的木母有时又指猪八戒。

[6] 金公：道教称铅为金公。认为“真铅生庚”，庚辛为金，地支申酉亦为金，申属猴，所以后文的金公有时又指悟空。

[7] 明堂：道教称两眉之间做天门，入内一寸为明堂。

[8] 重楼：道教称气管叫重楼，认为气管有十二节，所以又叫十二重楼。

[9] 明华：仙宫名。此处泛指天宫。

[10] 典刑：受刑。

[11] 消停：从容，不匆忙。

[12] 老走硝：腌猪肉，加朴硝，皮软肉嫩。走硝，是硝性散失，皮肉又复韧硬。

[13] 崖次：山崖。

[14] 梭罗派：梭罗树的一枝。民间称月中桂树为梭罗树。派，分枝。

[15] 趁心：即“衬心”，指内芯。

[16] 玠（jiè）：大的圭。这里泛指用玉作装饰。

[17] 木母克刀圭：指八戒和沙僧的争斗。木母，猪为亥，亥属木，故称八戒为木母。刀圭，本为中医量药用的小匙。因“圭”字由二“土”组成，道教用来代表脾土，用以调和心火与肾水。因沙僧在取经队伍中起到调和作用，故用刀圭代指沙僧。五行观念中，木克土，故此处说木母克刀圭。

[18] 沃：同“”。吴方言，指把头按在水中。

[19] 头直上：就是头顶上。

CHAPTER 22. Eight Rules fights fiercely at the Flowing-Sand River; Mokṣa by order receives Wujing’s submission.

Now we tell you about the Tang Monk and his disciples, the three travelers, who were delivered from their ordeal. In less than a day they passed the Yellow Wind Mountain and proceeded toward the West through a vast level plain. Time went by swiftly, and summer yielded to the arrival of autumn. All they saw were some

Cold cicadas sing on dying willows

As the Great Fire rolls toward the West.

As they proceeded, they came upon a huge and turbulent river, its waves surging and splashing. “Disciples,” exclaimed Tripitaka, “look at that vast expanse of water in front of us. Why are there no boats in sight? How can we get across?” Taking a close look, Eight Rules said, “It’s very turbulent, too rough for any boat!” Pilgrim leaped into the air and peered into the distance, shading his eyes with his hand. Even he became somewhat frightened and said, “Master, it’s truly hard! Truly hard! If old Monkey wishes to cross this river, he need only make one twist of his body and he will reach the other shore. But for you, Master, it’s a thousand times more difficult, for you can’t traverse it even in ten thousand years!”

“I can’t even see the other shore from here,” said Tripitaka. “Really, how wide is it?”

“It’s just about eight hundred miles wide,” said Pilgrim. “Elder Brother,” said Eight Rules, “how could you determine its width just like that?”

“To tell you the truth, Worthy Brother,” said Pilgrim, “these eyes of mine can determine good or evil up to a thousand miles away in daylight. Just now when I was up in the air, I could not tell how long the river was, but I could make out its width to be at least eight hundred miles.”

Sighing anxiously, the elder pulled back his horse and suddenly discovered on the shore a slab of stone. When the three of them drew closer to have a look, they saw three words written in seal-script (“Flowing-Sand River”) below which there were also four lines written in regular style. It read:

These Flowing-Sand metes, eight hundred wide;

These Weak Waters, three thousand deep.

A goose feather cannot stay afloat;

A rush petal will sink to the bottom.

As master and disciples were reading the inscription, the waves in the river suddenly rose like tall mountains, and with a loud splash from the midst of the waters a monster sprang out. Looking most savage and hideous, he had

A head full of tousled and flame-like hair;

A pair of bright, round eyes which shone like lamps;

An indigo face, neither black nor green;

An old dragon’s voice like thunderclap or drum.

He wore a cape of light yellow goose down.

Two strands of white reeds tied around his waist.

Beneath his chin nine skulls were strung and hung;

His hands held an awesome priestly staff.

Like a cyclone, the fiend rushed up to the shore and went straight for the Tang Monk. Pilgrim was so taken aback that he grabbed his master and dashed for high ground to make the escape. Putting down the pole, Eight Rules whipped out his rake and brought it down hard on the monster. The fiend used his staff to parry the blow, and so the two of them began to unleash their power on the bank of the Flowing-Sand River. This was some battle!

The nine-pronged rake;

The fiend-routing staff;

These two met in battle on the river shore.

This one was the Marshal of Heavenly Reeds:

That one was the Curtain-Raising Captain by the Throne.

In years past they met in Divine Mists Hall;

Today they fought and waged a test of might.

From this one the rake went out like a dragon stretching its claws;

From that one the staff blocked the way like a sharp-tusked elephant.

They stood with their limbs outstretched;

Each struck at the other’s rib cage.

This one raked madly, heedless of head or face;

That one struck wildly without pause or rest.

This one was a cannibal spirit, long a lord of Flowing-Sand;

That one was a Way-seeking fighter upholding Law and Faith.

Closing in again and again, the two of them fought for twenty rounds, but neither emerged the victor.

The Great Sage meanwhile was standing there to protect the Tang Monk. As he held the horse and guarded the luggage, he became so aroused by the sight of Eight Rules engaging that fiend that he ground his teeth and rubbed his hands vehemently. Finally he could not restrain himself—whipping out the rod, he said, “Master, sit here and don’t be afraid. Let old Monkey go play with him a little.” The master begged in vain for him to stay, and with a loud whoop he leaped forward. The monster, you see, was just having a grand time fighting with Eight Rules, the two of them so tightly locked in combat that nothing seemed able to part them. Pilgrim, however, rushed up to the monster and delivered a terrific blow at his head with his iron rod. The monster was so shaken that he jumped aside: turning around he dove straight into the Flowing-Sand River and disappeared. Eight Rules was so upset that he leaped about wildly, crying, “Elder Brother! Who asked you to come? The monster was gradually weakening and was finding it difficult to parry my rake. Another four or five rounds and I would have captured him. But when he saw how fierce you were, he fled in defeat. Now, what shall we do?” “Brother,” said Pilgrim laughing, “to tell you the truth, since defeating the Yellow Wind Fiend a month ago, I have not played with my rod all this time after leaving the mountain.1 When I saw how delicious your fight with him was, I couldn’t stand the itch beneath my feet! That’s why I jumped up here to have some fun with him. That monster doesn’t know how to play, and I suppose that’s the reason for his departure.”

Holding hands and teasing each other, the two of them returned to the Tang Monk. “Did you catch the monster?” asked the Tang Monk. “He didn’t last out the fight,” said Pilgrim, “and he scrambled back to the water in defeat.” “Disciple,” said Tripitaka, “since this monster has probably lived here a long time, he ought to know the deep and the shallow parts of the river. After all, such a boundless body of weak water, and not a boat in sight—we need someone who is familiar with the region to lead us across.” “Exactly!” said Pilgrim. “As the proverb says,

He who’s near cinnabar turns red;

He who’s near ink becomes black.

The monster living here must have a good knowledge of the water. When we catch him, we should not slay him, but just make him take Master across the river before we dispose of him.” “Elder Brother,” said Eight Rules, “no need for further delay. You go ahead and catch him, while old Hog guards our master.”

“Worthy Brother,” said Pilgrim with a laugh, “in this case I’ve really nothing to brag about, for I’m just not comfortable doing business in water. If all I do is walk around down there, I still have to make the magic sign and recite the water-repelling spell before I can move anywhere. Or else I have to change into a water creature like a fish, shrimp, crab, or turtle before going in. If it were a matter of matching wits in the high mountains or up in the clouds, I know enough to deal with the strangest and most difficult situation. But doing business in water somewhat cramps my style!”

“When I was Marshal of the Heavenly River in former years,” said Eight Rules, “I commanded a naval force of eighty thousand men, and I acquired some knowledge of that element. But I fear that that monster may have a few relatives down there in his den, and I won’t be able to withstand him if his seventh and eighth cousins all come out. What will happen to me then if they grab me?” “If you go into the water to fight him,” said Pilgrim, “don’t tarry. Make sure, in fact, that you feign defeat and entice him out here. Then old Monkey will help you.” “Right you are,” said Eight Rules. “I’m off!” He took off his blue silk shirt and his shoes; holding the rake with both hands, he divided the waters to make a path for himself. Using the ability he had developed in bygone years, he leaped through billows and waves and headed for the bottom of the river.

We now tell you about that monster, who went back to his home in defeat. He had barely caught his breath when he heard someone pushing water, and as he rose to take a look, he saw Eight Rules pushing his way through with his rake. That monster lifted his staff and met him face to face, crying, “Monk, watch where you are going or you’ll receive a blow from this!” Using the rake to block the blow, Eight Rules said, “What sort of a monster are you that you dare to bar our way?” “So you don’t recognize me,” said the monster. “I’m no demon or fiend, nor do I lack a name or surname.” “If you are no demon or fiend,” said Eight Rules, “why do you stay here and take human lives? Tell me your name and surname, and I’ll spare your life.” The monster said:

“My spirit was strong since the time of birth.

I once made a tour of the universe,

Where my fame as a hero became well-known—

A gallant type for all to emulate.

Through countless nations I went as I pleased;

Over lakes and seas I did freely roam.

To learn the Way I strayed to Heaven’s edge;

To find a teacher I stumped this great earth.

For years my clothes and alms bowl went with me:

Not for one day did my spirit turn lax.

For scores of times I cruised cloudlike the earth

And walked to all places a hundred times.

Only then a true immortal I did meet,

Who showed me the Great Path of Golden Light.

I took back Baby Boy and Fair Girl first;2

Then released Wood Mother and Squire of Gold.3

Bright Hall’s4 kidney-brine flooded Floral Pool;5

The Tower’s6 liver-fire plunged to the heart.

Three thousand merits done, I saw Heaven’s face

And solemnly worshipped the Point of Light.

Then the Jade Emperor exalted me;

The Curtain-Raising Captain he made me.

An honored one in South Heaven Gate,

I was much esteemed at Divine Mists Hall.

I hung at my waist the Tiger-Headed Shield:

I held in my hands the Fiend-Routing Staff.

Just like the sunlight my gold helmet shone;

My body’s armor flashed like radiant mists.

I was chief of the guardians of the Throne:

I was first as attendant of the court.

When Queen Mother gave the Festival of Peach—

She served her guests at Jasper Pool a feast—

I dropped and broke a glass-like cup of jade,

And souls from all the hosts of Heaven fled.

Jade Emperor grew mightily enraged;

Hands clasped, he faced his counsel on the left.

Stripped of my hat, my armor, and my rank,

I had my whole body pushed to the block.

Only the Great Immortal, Naked Feet,

Came from the ranks and begged to have me freed.

Pardoned from death and with my sentence stayed,

I was sent to the shores of Flowing-Sand.

Sated, I lie wearily in the stream;

Famished, I churn the waves to find my feed.

The woodsman sees me and his life is gone;

The fishers face me and they soon perish.

From first to last I’ve eaten many men;

Over and over I took human lives.

Since you dare to work violence at my door,

My stomach this day has its fondest hopes!

Don’t say you’re too coarse to be eaten now.

I’ll catch you, and look, that’s my minced meat sauce!”

Infuriated by what he heard, Eight Rules shouted, “You brazen thing! You haven’t the slightest perception! Old Hog is tempting enough to make people’s mouths water, and you dare say that I’m coarse, that I’m to be chopped up for a chopped meat sauce! Come to think of it, you would like to consider me a piece of tough old bacon! Watch your manners and swallow this rake of your ancestor!” When the monster saw the rake coming, he used the style of “the phoenix nodding its head” to dodge the blow. The two of them thus fought to the surface of the water, each one treading the waters and waves. This conflict was somewhat different from the one before. Look at

The Curtain-Raising Captain,

The Marshal of Heavenly Reeds:

Each showing most nicely his magic might.

This one waved above his head the fiend-routing staff:

That one moved the rake as swiftly as his hand.

The vaulting waves rocked hills and streams;

The surging tide the cosmos dimmed.

Savage like Jupiter wielding banners and flags!

Fierce like Hell’s envoy upsetting sacred tops!

This one guarded the Tang Monk devotedly;

That one, a water fiend, perpetrated his crimes.

The rake’s one stroke would leave nine red marks:

The staffs one blow would dissolve man’s soul.

They strove to win the fight;

They struggled to prevail.

All in all for the scripture pilgrim’s sake,

They vented their fury without restraint.

They brawled till carps and perches lost their newborn scales,

And all turtles damaged their tender shells.

Red shrimps and purple crabs all lost their lives,

And sundry water gods all upward bowed!

You heard only the waves rolled and crashed like thunderclaps.

The world amazed saw sun and moon grow dark!

The two of them fought for two hours, and neither prevailed. It was like

A brass pan meeting an iron broom,

A jade gong facing a golden bell.

We now tell you about the Great Sage, who was standing guard beside the Tang Monk. With bulging eyes he watched them fighting on the water, but he dared not lift his hands. Finally, Eight Rules made a half-hearted blow with his rake and, feigning defeat, turned to flee toward the eastern shore. The monster gave chase and was about to reach the river bank when our Pilgrim could no longer restrain himself. He abandoned his master, whipped out the iron rod, leaped to the riverside and struck at the monster’s head. Fearing to face him, the monster swiftly dove back into the river. “You BanHorsePlague!” shouted Eight Rules. “You impulsive ape! Can’t you be a bit more patient? You could have waited until I led him up to high ground and then blocked his path to the river. We would have caught him then. Now he has gone back in, and when do you think he’ll come out again?” “Idiot,” said Pilgrim laughing, “stop shouting! Let’s go talk to Master first.”

Eight Rules went with Pilgrim back to high ground to Tripitaka. “Disciple,” said Tripitaka, bowing, “you must be tired!” “I won’t complain about my fatigue,” said Eight Rules. “Let’s subdue the monster and take you across the river. Only that plan is perfect!” Tripitaka said, “How did the battle go with the monster just now?” “He was just about my equal,” said Eight Rules, “and we fought to a draw. But then I feigned defeat and he chased me up to the bank. When he saw Elder Brother lifting his rod, however, he fled.” “So what are we going to do?” asked Tripitaka. “Master, relax!” said Pilgrim. “Let’s not worry now, for it’s getting late. You sit here on the cliff and let old Monkey go beg some vegetarian food. Take some rest after you eat, and we’ll find a solution tomorrow.” “You are right,” said Eight Rules. “Go, and come back quickly.”

Pilgrim swiftly mounted the clouds and went north to beg a bowl of vegetarian food from a family to present to his master. When the master saw him return so soon, he said, “Wukong, let us go to that household which gave us the food and ask them how we may cross this river. Isn’t this better than fighting the monster?” With a laugh, Pilgrim said, “That household is quite far from here, about six or seven thousand miles, no less! How could the people there know about the water? What’s the use of asking them?” “You are fibbing again, Elder Brother!” said Eight Rules. “Six or seven thousand miles, how could you cover that distance so quickly?” “You have no idea,” said Pilgrim, “about the capacity of my cloud somersault, which with one leap can cover one hundred and eight thousand miles. For the six or seven thousand here, all I have to do is to nod my head and stretch my waist, and that’s a round trip already! What’s so hard about that?”

“Elder Brother,” said Eight Rules, “if it’s so easy, all you need to do is to carry Master on your back: nod your head, stretch your waist, and jump across. Why continue to fight this monster?” “Don’t you know how to ride the clouds?” asked Pilgrim. “Can’t you carry him across the river?”

“The mortal nature and worldly bones of Master are as heavy as the Tai Mountain,” Eight Rules said. “How could my cloud soaring bear him up? It has to be your cloud somersault.” “My cloud somersault is essentially like cloud soaring,” said Pilgrim, “the only difference being that I can cover greater distances more rapidly. If you can’t carry him, what makes you think I can? There’s an old proverb that says:

Move Mount Tai: it’s light as mustard seeds.

Lift a man and you won’t leave the red dust!

Take this monster here: he can use spells and call upon the wind, pushing and pulling a little, but he can’t carry a human into the air. And if it’s this kind of magic, old Monkey knows every trick well, including becoming invisible and making distances shorter. But it is required of Master to go through all these strange territories before he finds deliverance from the sea of sorrows; hence even one step turns out to be difficult. You and I are only his protective companions, guarding his body and life, but we cannot exempt him from these woes, nor can we obtain the scriptures all by ourselves. Even if we had the ability to go and see Buddha first, he would not bestow the scriptures on you and me. Remember the adage:

What’s easily gotten

Is soon forgotten.”

When Idiot heard these words, he accepted them amiably as instruction. Master and disciples ate some of the simply prepared vegetarian food before resting on the eastern shore of the Flowing-Sand River.

The next morning, Tripitaka said, “Wukong, what are we going to do today?” “Not much,” said Pilgrim, “except that Eight Rules must go into the water again.” “Elder Brother,” said Eight Rules, “you only want to stay clean, but you have no hesitation making me go into the water.” “Worthy Brother,” said Pilgrim, “this time I’ll try not to be impulsive. I’ll let you trick him into coming up here, and then I’ll block his retreat along the river bank. We must capture him.” Dear Eight Rules! Wiping his face, he pulled himself together. Holding the rake in both hands, he walked to the edge of the river, opened up a path in the water, and went to the monster’s home as before. The monster had just wakened from his sleep when he heard the sound of water. Turning quickly to look, he saw Eight Rules approaching with the rake. He leaped out at once and barred the way, shouting, “Slow down! Watch out for my staff!” Eight Rules lifted his rake to parry the blow, saying, “What sort of mourning staff do you have there that you dare ask your ancestor to watch out for it?” “A fellow like you,” said the monster, “wouldn’t recognize this!

For years my staff has enjoyed great fame,

At first an evergreen tree in the moon.

Wu Gang7 cut down from it one huge limb:

Lu Ban then made it, using all his skills.

Within the hub’s one solid piece of gold:

Outside it’s wrapped by countless pearly threads.

It’s called the treasure staff for crushing fiends,

E’er placed in Divine Mists to quell the ogres.

Since I had made a mighty general’s rank,

Jade Emperor put it always by my side.

It lengthens or shortens after my desire;

It grows thick or thin with my command.

It went to guard the Throne at the Peaches Feast:

It served at court in Heaven’s world above.

On duty it saw the many sages bowed,

And immortals, too, when the screen rolled up.

Of numinous power one arm divine,

It’s no worldly weapon of humankind.

Since I was banished from the gate of Heav’n,

It roamed with me at will beyond the seas.

Perhaps it is not right for me to boast,

But swords and spears of man can’t match this staff.

Look at that old, rusted muckrake of yours:

Fit only for hoeing fields and raking herbs!”

“You unchastened brazen thing!” said Eight Rules, laughing. “Never mind whether it’s fit for hoeing fields! One little touch and you won’t even know how to begin putting bandages or ointment on nine bleeding holes! Even if you are not killed, you will grow old with chronic infection!” The monster raised his hands and again fought with Eight Rules from the bottom of the river up to the surface of the water. This battle was even more different from the first one. Look at them

Wielding the treasure staff.

Striking with muckrake;

They would not speak as if they were estranged.

Since Wood Mother constrained the Spatula,8

That caused the two to fight most fiercely.

No win or loss;

With no regret.

They churned up waves and billows with no peace.

How could this one control his bitter rage;

That one found unbearable his pain.

Rake and staff went back and forth to show their might;

The water rotted like poison in Flowing-Sand.

They huffed and puffed!

They worked and toiled!

All because Tripitaka would face the West.

The muckrake so ferocious!

The staff so nimbly used!

This one made a grab to pull him up the shore;

That one sought to seize and drown him in the stream.

They roared like thunder, stirring dragon and fish.

Gods and ghosts cowered as the Heavens grew dim.

This time they fought back and forth for thirty rounds, and neither one proved to be the stronger. Again Eight Rules pretended to be defeated and fled, dragging his rake. Kicking up the waves, the monster gave chase and they reached the edge of the river. “Wretch!” cried Eight Rules. “Come up here! We can fight better on solid ground up here.” “You are just trying to trick me into going up there,” scolded the monster, “so that you can bring out your assistant. You come down here, and we can fight in the water.” The monster, you see, had become wise; he refused to go up to the bank and remained near the edge of the water to argue with Eight Rules.

When Pilgrim saw that the monster refused to leave the water, he became highly irritated, and all he could think of was to catch him at once. “Master,” he said, “you sit here. Let me give him a taste of the ‘ravenous eagle seizing his prey.’” He somersaulted into the air and then swooped down onto the monster, who was still bickering with Eight Rules. When he heard the sound of the wind, he turned quickly and discovered Pilgrim hurtling down from the clouds. Putting away his staff, he dove into the water and disappeared. Pilgrim stood on the shore and said to Eight Rules, “Brother, that monster is catching on! He refuses to come up now. What shall we do?” “It’s hard, terribly hard!” said Eight Rules. “I just can’t beat him—even when I summoned up the strength of my milk-drinking days! We are evenly matched!” “Let’s go talk to Master,” said Pilgrim.

The two of them went up again to high ground and told the Tang Monk everything. “If it’s so difficult,” said the Elder, tears welling up in his eyes, “how can we ever get across?” “Master, please don’t worry,” said Pilgrim. “It is hard for us to cross with this monster hiding deep in the river. So, don’t fight with him any more, Eight Rules; just stay here and protect Master. I’m going to make a trip up to South Sea.” “Elder Brother,” said Eight Rules, “what do you want to do at South Sea?” Pilgrim said, “This business of seeking scriptures originated from the Bodhisattva Guanyin; the one who delivered us from our ordeals was also the Bodhisattva Guanyin. Today our path is blocked at this Flowing-Sand River and we can’t proceed. Without her, how can we ever solve our problem? Let me go ask her to help us: it’s much better than doing battle with this monster.” “You have a point there, Elder Brother,” said Eight Rules. “When you get there, please convey my gratitude to her for her kindly instructions in the past.” “Wukong,” said Tripitaka, “if you want to go see the Bodhisattva, you needn’t delay. Go, and hurry back.”

Pilgrim catapulted into the air with his cloud somersault and headed for the South Sea. Ah! It did not even take him half an hour before he saw the scenery of the Potalaka Mountain. In a moment, he dropped down from his somersault and arrived at the edge of the purple bamboo grove, where he was met by the Spirits of the Twenty-Four Ways. They said to him, “Great Sage, what brings you here?” “My master faces an ordeal,” said Pilgrim, “which brings me here specially to see the Bodhisattva.” “Please take a seat,” said the spirits, “and allow us to make the announcement.” One of the spirits who was on duty went to the entrance of the Tidal-Sound Cave, announcing, “Sun Wukong wishes to have an audience with you.” The Bodhisattva was leaning on the rails by the Treasure Lotus Pool, looking at the flowers with the Pearl-Bearing Dragon Princess. When she heard the announcement, she went back to the cave, opened the door, and asked that he be shown in. With great solemnity, the Great Sage prostrated himself before her.

“Why are you not accompanying the Tang Monk?” asked the Bodhisattva. “For what reason did you want to see me again?” “Bodhisattva,” said Pilgrim, looking up at her, “my master took another disciple at the Gao Village, to whom you had given the religious name of Wuneng. After crossing the Yellow Wind Ridge, we have now arrived at the Flowing-Sand River eight hundred miles wide, a body of weak water, which is difficult for Master to get across. There is, moreover, a monster in the river who is quite accomplished in the martial arts. We are grateful to Wuneng, who fought in the water with him three times but could not beat him. The monster is, in fact, blocking our path and we cannot get across. That is why I have come to see you, hoping you will take pity and grant us deliverance.”

“Monkey,” said the Bodhisattva, “are you still acting so smug and self-sufficient that you refuse to disclose the fact that you are in the service of the Tang Monk?” “All we had intended to do,” said Pilgrim, “was to catch the monster and make him take Master across the river. I am not too good at doing business in the water, so Wuneng went down alone to his lair to look for him, and they had some conversation. I presume the matter of scripture seeking was not mentioned.”

“That monster in the Flowing-Sand River,” said the Bodhisattva, “happens to be the incarnate Curtain-Raising Captain, who was also brought into the faith by my persuasion when I told him to accompany those on their way to acquire scriptures. Had you been willing to mention that you were a scripture pilgrim from the Land of the East, he would not have fought you; he would have yielded instead.” Pilgrim said, “That monster is afraid to fight now; he refuses to come up to the shore and is hiding deep in the water. How can we bring him to submission? How can my master get across this body of weak water?”

The Bodhisattva immediately called for Hui’an. Taking a little red gourd from her sleeves, she handed it over to him, saying, “Take this gourd and go with Sun Wukong to the Flowing-Sand River. Call ‘Wujing,’ and he’ll come out at once. You must first take him to submit to the Tang Monk. Next, string together those nine skulls of his and arrange them according to the position of the Nine Palaces. Put this gourd in the center, and you will have a dharma vessel ready to ferry the Tang Monk across the boundary formed by the Flowing-Sand River.” Obeying the instructions of his master, Hui’an left the Tidal-Sound Cave with the Great Sage carrying the gourd. As they departed the purple bamboo grove in compliance with the holy command, we have a testimonial poem:

The Five Phases well matched as Heaven’s truth,

His former master he can recognize.

Refine the self as base for wondrous use;

Good and bad discerned will reveal the cause.

Metal returns to nature—the same kind are both.

Wood begs for favor: they’ll all be redeemed.

Two-Earths9 completes merit to reach the void:

Water and fire blended, dustless and clean.

In a little while the two of them lowered their clouds and arrived at the Flowing-Sand River. Recognizing the disciple Mokṣa, Zhu Eight Rules led his master to receive him. After bowing to Tripitaka, Mokṣa then greeted Eight Rules, who said, “I was grateful to be instructed by Your Reverence so that I could meet the Bodhisattva. I have indeed obeyed the Law, and I am happy recently to have entered the gate of Buddhism. Since we have been constantly on the road, I have yet to thank you. Please forgive me.” “Let’s forget about these fancy conversations,” said Pilgrim. “We must go and call that fellow.” “Call whom?” asked Tripitaka. Pilgrim replied, “Old Monkey saw the Bodhisattva and gave her an account of what happened. The Bodhisattva told me that this monster in the Flowing-Sand River happened to be the incarnation of the Curtain-Raising Captain. Because he had sinned in Heaven, he was banished to this river and became a monster. But he was converted by the Bodhisattva, who had told him to accompany you to the Western Heaven. Since we did not mention the matter of seeking scriptures, he fought us bitterly. Now the Bodhisattva has sent Mokṣa with this gourd, which that fellow will turn into a dharma vessel to take you across the river.” When Tripitaka heard these words, he bowed repeatedly to Mokṣa, saying, “I beseech Your Reverence to act quickly.” Holding the gourd and treading half on cloud and half on fog, Mokṣa moved directly above the surface of the Flowing-Sand River. He cried with a loud voice, “Wujing! Wujing! The scripture pilgrim has been here for a long time. Why have you not submitted?”

We now tell you about that monster who, fearful of the Monkey King, had gone back to the bottom of the river to rest in his den. When he heard someone call him by his religious name, he knew that it had to be the Bodhisattva Guanyin. And when he heard, moreover, that the scripture pilgrim had arrived, he no longer feared the ax or the halberd. Swiftly he leaped out of the waves and saw that it was the disciple Mokṣa. Look at him! All smiles, he went forward and bowed, saying, “Your Reverence, forgive me for not coming to meet you. Where is the Bodhisattva?” “My teacher did not come,” said Mokṣa, “but she sent me to tell you to become the disciple of the Tang Monk without delay. You are to take the skulls around your neck and this gourd, and to fashion with them a dharma vessel according to the position of the Nine Palaces so that he may be taken across this body of weak water.” “Where is the scripture pilgrim?” asked Wujing. Pointing with his finger, Mokṣa said, “Isn’t he the one sitting on the eastern shore?”

Wujing caught sight of Eight Rules and said, “I don’t know where that lawless creature came from! He fought with me for two whole days, never once saying a word about seeking scriptures.” When he saw Pilgrim, he said again. “That customer is his assistant, and a formidable one, too! I’m not going over there!” “That is Zhu Eight Rules,” said Mokṣa, “and that other one is Pilgrim Sun, both disciples of the Tang Monk and both converted by the Bodhisattva. Why fear them? I’ll escort you to the Tang Monk.” Only then did Wujing put away his precious staff and straighten his yellow silk shirt.

He jumped ashore and knelt before Tripitaka, saying, “Master, your disciple has eyes but no pupils, and he failed to recognize your noble features. I have greatly offended you, and I beg you to pardon me.” “You bum!” said Eight Rules. “Why did you not submit in the first place? Why did you only want to fight with me? What do you have to say for yourself?” “Brother,” said Pilgrim, laughing, “don’t berate him. It’s really our fault for not mentioning that we were seeking scriptures, and we didn’t tell him our names.” “Are you truly willing to embrace our faith?” said the elder. “Your disciple was converted by the Bodhisattva,” said Wujing. “Deriving my surname from the river, she gave me the religious name Sha Wujing. How could I be unwilling to take you as my master?” “In that case,” said Tripitaka, “Wukong may bring over the sacred razor and shave off his hair.” The Great Sage indeed took the razor and shaved Wujing’s head, after which he came again to pay homage to Tripitaka, Pilgrim, and Eight Rules, thus becoming the youngest disciple of the Tang Monk. When Tripitaka saw that he comported himself very much like a monk, he gave him the nickname of Sha Monk. “Since you have embraced the faith,” said Mokṣa, “there’s no need for further delay. You must build the dharma vessel at once.”

Not daring to delay, Wujing took off the skulls around his neck and strung them up with a rope after the design of the Nine Palaces, placing the gourd in the middle. He then asked his master to leave the shore, and our elder thus embarked on the dharma vessel. As he sat in the center, he found it to be as sturdy as a little boat. He was, moreover, supported by Eight Rules on his left and Wujing on his right, while Pilgrim Sun, leading the dragon-horse, followed in the rear, treading half on cloud and half on fog. Above their heads Mokṣa also took up his post to give them added protection. In this way our master of the Law was safely ferried across the boundary of the Flowing-Sand River: with the wind calm and waves quiet he crossed the weak water. It was truly as fast as flying or riding an arrow, for in a little while he reached the other shore, having been delivered from the mighty waves. He did not drag up mud or water, and happily both his hands and feet remained dry. In sum, he was pure and clean without engaging in any activity. When master and disciples reached solid ground again, Mokṣa descended from the auspicious clouds. As he took back his gourd, the nine skulls changed into nine curls of dark wind and vanished. Tripitaka bowed to thank Mokṣa and also gave thanks to the Bodhisattva. So it was that Mokṣa went straight back to the South Sea, while Tripitaka mounted his horse to go to the West. We do not know how long it took them to achieve the right fruit of scripture acquisition; let’s listen to the explanation in the next chapter.