Chapter 15: Snake-Coiled Mountain Gods Secretly Aid Eagle Sorrow Ravine Horses Reined In

As the Pilgrim Sun Wukong escorted Tang Sanzang westward, they had traveled for several days. It was the twelfth lunar month, a bitterly cold winter day. Icy winds howled, and the ground was slick with frost. Their path wound through treacherous cliffs and rugged roads, over towering peaks and perilous mountains. As Tang Sanzang rode, he heard a roaring sound of water in the distance. He turned and called, "Wukong, where is that sound coming from?" Sun Wukong replied, "I remember this place is called Snake Coil Mountain, Eagle Sorrow Gorge. It must be the sound of the water in the gorge." Before he finished speaking, their horse reached the edge of the gorge. Tang Sanzang reined in his horse and looked.

Cold springs trickled through the clouds,Clear ripples reflected the crimson sun.Their sound echoed like night rain in the secluded valley,Their vibrant hues outshone the morning mists in the vast sky.

Waves, a thousand fathoms high, sprayed shattered jade,A single stream roared like a mighty wind.It flowed on to a boundless expanse of misty waters,Where gulls and egrets, oblivious to the world, forgot their fishing.

As the master and disciple watched, a loud splash came from the middle of the gorge. A dragon surged out, pushing waves and stirring the waters, then leaped onto the cliffside, seizing the Tang Monk. In a panic, Sun Wukong dropped the luggage, pulled his master off the horse, and turned to flee. The dragon couldn't catch them, so it swallowed the white horse, saddle and bridle, in one gulp, then vanished back into the water. Sun Wukong led his master to a high mound and sat him down. When he returned to retrieve the horse and luggage, only the luggage remained; the horse was gone. He carried the luggage to his master and said, "Master, that evil dragon has vanished, but it scared off my horse." Tang Sanzang asked, "Disciple, how will we find the horse now?" Sun Wukong replied, "Don't worry, don't worry. Let me go look for it."

Sun Wukong whistled, leaped into the air, and, using his Fiery Golden Eyes, shaded them with his hand to scan in all directions. He saw no trace of the horse. He descended to the ground and reported, "Master, the dragon definitely ate our horse; I can't see it anywhere." Tang Sanzang exclaimed, "Disciple, how big a mouth could that creature have to swallow such a large horse, saddle and bridle included? I imagine it was startled, slipped its reins, and ran into a mountain hollow. Look more carefully." Sun Wukong retorted, "You don't know my abilities. My eyes can discern good and bad fortune a thousand *li* away in broad daylight. Within a thousand *li*, I can even see a dragonfly spread its wings! How could I possibly miss a large horse?" Tang Sanzang cried, "If it truly ate the horse, how can I proceed? Oh, pitiful me! How can I cross these ten thousand waters and a thousand mountains?" As he spoke, tears streamed down his face. Seeing him weep, Sun Wukong, unable to control his temper, roared, "Master, don't be such a weakling! You sit there, just sit! Let Old Monkey go find that creature and make it return my horse!" Tang Sanzang quickly grabbed him, saying, "Disciple, where will you go to find it? What if it secretly emerges and harms me as well? Then both man and horse would be lost, what good would that do?" Hearing this, Sun Wukong grew even more enraged, shouting like thunder, "You're useless, useless! You want a horse to ride, but you won't let me go! Am I just supposed to sit here guarding the luggage until I grow old?" He grumbled and fumed, struggling to quell his anger, when suddenly, a voice spoke from the air, saying, "Great Sage Sun, do not be angry. Imperial Brother Tang, do not weep. We are the deities dispatched by Bodhisattva Guanyin, specifically sent to secretly protect the scripture pilgrim." Upon hearing this, the elder hastily bowed in reverence. Sun Wukong asked, "Who are you all? State your names so I can register you." The deities replied, "We are the Six Ding and Six Jia, the Five Direction Gati, the Four Duty Gongcao, and the eighteen Guardian Garlands, each taking turns on duty to await your command." Sun Wukong asked, "Who is first today?" The Gati said, "The Ding Jia, Gongcao, and Garlands take turns. Among us Five Direction Gati, only the Golden Head Gati remains by your side day and night." Sun Wukong said, "Since that is the case, those not on duty may withdraw. Leave the Six Ding divine generals, the Duty Gongcao, and the Gati to guard my master. Old Monkey will go find that evil dragon in the gorge and make it return my horse." The deities obeyed. Only then did Tang Sanzang feel relieved. He sat on the rocky cliff and instructed Sun Wukong to be careful. Sun Wukong replied, "Just relax." The brave Monkey King tightened his cotton tunic, lifted his tiger-skin skirt, gripped his golden-banded iron staff, and, full of renewed spirit, headed straight to the gorge. Half-hidden in clouds and mist, he hovered above the water and shouted, "You vile mud-loach! Return my horse! Return my horse!"

Now, the dragon, having devoured Tang Sanzang's white horse, lay hidden at the bottom of the gorge, cultivating its spirit. Hearing someone call out and demand the horse, it could not suppress the anger in its heart. It quickly sprang up, leaping over waves and churning the water, then jumped out, saying, "Who dares to speak so boldly and insult me here?" When Sun Wukong saw it, he roared, "Don't run! Return my horse!" and swung his staff, striking at its head. The dragon bared its fangs and claws, ready to strike back. The battle between the two by the gorge was truly fierce and heroic. One could see—

The dragon extended its sharp claws, the monkey wielded his golden staff.One's whiskers hung like white jade threads, the other's eyes glowed like fiery golden lamps.From beneath the dragon's whiskers, luminous pearls sprayed vibrant mist; in the monkey's hand, the iron staff danced with furious wind.One was a prodigal son who had defied his parents, the other a demon who had deceived heavenly generals.Both had faced hardship and tribulation, now each displayed their might to achieve success.

They fought back and forth for a long time, circling around. Finally, the dragon's strength weakened, its muscles grew numb, and it could no longer resist. It turned, plunged back into the water, and submerged itself deep in the gorge, refusing to resurface. Though the Monkey King continued to hurl insults, the dragon simply pretended to be deaf.

Having no other recourse, Sun Wukong returned to Tang Sanzang and said, "Master, I cursed that monster out, and it fought with me for a long time. But it grew timid and fled, hiding in the water, and now it won't come out again." Tang Sanzang asked, "Are you certain it was he who ate my horse?" Sun Wukong retorted, "Look at what you're saying! If he hadn't eaten it, would he have dared to emerge and challenge Old Monkey?" Tang Sanzang then said, "The other day, when you fought the tiger, you boasted of having the means to subdue dragons and tigers. Why can't you subdue him today?" Now, the Monkey King could not stand being provoked. Seeing Tang Sanzang challenge him, he unleashed his divine might and declared, "Say no more, say no more! Let me go and settle this with him once and for all!"

The Monkey King strode forward, leaped to the edge of the gorge, and unleashed his power to overturn rivers and churn seas. He stirred the utterly clear water of the steep Eagle Sorrow Gorge until it resembled the surging waves of the winding Yellow River. The evil dragon, restless in the deep gorge, thought to itself, "This is truly a case of misfortunes never coming singly. I just escaped a death sentence from the Heavenly Courts less than a year ago, living here by chance, and now I've encountered this unruly demon who's come to harm me!" The more it thought, the angrier it became, unable to bear the indignity. Gritting its teeth, it leaped out and cursed, "Where do you come from, you unruly demon, to bully me like this?" Sun Wukong replied, "Don't bother about where I come from. Just return my horse, and I'll spare your life!" The dragon said, "Your horse is in my belly; how can I spit it out! If I don't return it, what then!" Sun Wukong shouted, "If you don't return the horse, face my staff! I'll just beat you to death and make you pay for my horse's life!" The two engaged in another fierce battle below the cliff. After only a few rounds, the small dragon truly found it difficult to fend off. It swayed its body, transformed into a water snake, and burrowed into the tall grass.

The Monkey King, staff in hand, rushed forward, parting the grass to search for the snake, but found no trace of it. He was so furious that his three *shi* spirits flared, and smoke seemed to rise from his seven orifices. He uttered a "Luo" incantation and immediately summoned the local Earth God and Mountain God, who both knelt before him. "Earth God and Mountain God, present yourselves," Sun Wukong commanded. "Stretch out your shins," he continued, "each of you will get five blows as an introduction, just to help Old Monkey relieve some anger!" The two deities kowtowed and pleaded, "Great Sage, please show us mercy and allow us to explain." Sun Wukong said, "What do you have to say?" The two deities replied, "Great Sage, you have been confined for a long time. We did not know when you would emerge, and thus we failed to greet you. We beg your forgiveness." Sun Wukong said, "Since that is the case, I will not strike you for now. I ask you: where did that strange dragon in Eagle Sorrow Gorge come from? And why did it snatch and eat my master's white horse?" The two deities replied, "Great Sage, you have never had a master. You were originally a primal True Immortal, bowing to neither heaven nor earth. How could you have a master's horse?" Sun Wukong said, "You don't know the full story. I suffered five hundred years of hardship for my rebellious deeds. Now, by the persuasion of Bodhisattva Guanyin, the true monk from the Tang Dynasty rescued me, and I was instructed to become his disciple and travel to the Western Heaven to worship Buddha and seek scriptures. We lost my master's white horse while passing through this place." The two deities said, "So that's how it is. This gorge has always been free of evil, only deep, steep, and wide, with water so clear that crows and magpies dare not fly over it. Because the water reflects their own shadows, they mistake them for other birds of their kind and often throw themselves into the water, hence the name Eagle Sorrow Steep Gorge. However, some years ago, Bodhisattva Guanyin, while seeking the scripture pilgrim, saved a Jade Dragon and sent him here, instructing him to wait for the pilgrim and forbid him from doing evil. He only comes ashore to catch some birds or hunt deer when he is hungry. We do not know why he was so ignorant as to provoke the Great Sage today." Sun Wukong said, "The first time, he fought with Old Monkey and circled for several rounds. The second time, when Old Monkey cursed him, he wouldn't come out again. So I used a spell to overturn rivers and churn seas, stirring up the gorge water, and he leaped out again, still wanting to contend. He didn't know the weight of Old Monkey's staff, couldn't parry it, and then transformed into a water snake and burrowed into the grass. I pursued him to find him, but there was no trace." The Earth God said, "Great Sage, you don't know, but this gorge connects to thousands of caverns, which is why its waves are so deep and vast. There must be another opening here, and he burrowed down through it. There's no need for the Great Sage to be angry and search here. To capture this creature, you only need to invite Guanyin Bodhisattva; she will certainly subdue him."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong called the Mountain God and Earth God to join him and report the matter to Tang Sanzang. Tang Sanzang said, "If we are to invite the Bodhisattva, how long will it take for her to return? How can a poor monk like me endure such hunger and cold?" Before he finished speaking, the Golden Head Gati called from the shadows in the sky, "Great Sage, you need not trouble yourself. This humble deity will go and invite the Bodhisattva!" Sun Wukong was delighted and exclaimed, "Much obliged, much obliged! Go quickly, quickly!" The Gati swiftly mounted his cloud and headed straight for the Southern Sea. Sun Wukong instructed the Mountain God and Earth God to guard his master, and the Duty Gongcao to find provisions. He himself continued to patrol the gorge edge.

Meanwhile, the Golden Head Gati, traveling on his cloud, soon arrived at the Southern Sea. He descended with auspicious light, reaching the Purple Bamboo Forest on Mount Luojia. He asked the Golden Armored Heavenly Guardians and Muzha Huian to announce him, and thus gained an audience with the Bodhisattva. The Bodhisattva asked, "Why have you come?" The Gati replied, "Tang Sanzang has lost his horse at Eagle Sorrow Steep Gorge on Snake Coil Mountain, leaving Great Sage Sun in a dilemma. Upon asking the local Earth God, it was revealed that the evil dragon the Bodhisattva sent there swallowed it. The Great Sage sent this humble deity to humbly request the Bodhisattva to subdue this evil dragon and return his horse." Upon hearing this, the Bodhisattva said, "This creature is the Third Prince of Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea. He was condemned to death by the Heavenly Courts because he set fire to the luminous pearl in the palace hall, and his father accused him of filial impiety. I personally interceded with the Jade Emperor to bring him down here and instruct him to serve as Tang Sanzang's steed. How could he have eaten Tang Sanzang's horse instead? If that's the case, I will go myself." The Bodhisattva descended from her lotus throne, left her immortal cave, and, riding auspicious light with the Gati, crossed the Southern Sea. A poem attests to this, saying:

Buddha spoke the Tripitaka scriptures,Bodhisattva spread goodness throughout the land.Her wondrous Mahayana words reached heaven and earth,Her Prajna mantra rescued spirits and ghosts.

This caused Golden Cicada to shed his shell again,And thus Xuanzang resumed his pilgrimage.Only because the path was blocked at Eagle Sorrow Gorge,The Dragon Prince returned to his true form, transformed into a horse.

In a short while, the Bodhisattva and the Gati arrived at Snake Coil Mountain. They paused their auspicious cloud in mid-air and looked down. They saw Sun Wukong cursing by the gorge. The Bodhisattva instructed the Gati to summon him. The Gati descended from his cloud, bypassing Tang Sanzang, and went directly to the gorge edge, saying to Sun Wukong, "The Bodhisattva has arrived." Sun Wukong heard this, immediately leaped onto a cloud into the air, and shouted at her, "You, the teacher of the Seven Buddhas, the compassionate leader! How could you devise such a way to harm me?" The Bodhisattva laughed, "You bold horse-rogue, you uncouth red-buttock! I went to great lengths, with utmost sincerity, to find this scripture pilgrim and specifically enjoined him to save your life. Why do you not thank me for saving your life, but instead come here to quarrel with me?" Sun Wukong said, "You've really put me through it! If you had simply released me, allowing me to roam free and enjoy myself, that would have been fine. But the other day, you met me on the sea, said a few harsh words, and told me to wholeheartedly serve Tang Sanzang. That was bad enough. But then you sent him a flowery hat, tricked me into wearing it to suffer? This fillet has grown onto Old Monkey's head, and you taught him some 'Tightening Golden Fillet Incantation,' which that old monk recites over and over, making my head ache over and over! Is this not you harming me?" The Bodhisattva smiled and said, "You monkey! If you don't obey instructions and don't accept true enlightenment, and if you weren't thus bound, you would again deceive superiors and defy heaven, having no sense of right or wrong! If you were to cause trouble again as before, who would be able to control you? You needed this 'demon-head' to be willing to enter my path of Yoga!" Sun Wukong said, "Let that be my 'demon-head' for now. But why did you send that sinful evil dragon here to become a spirit, allowing him to eat my master's horse? This is letting a villain run rampant and do evil; it is truly not good!" The Bodhisattva said, "That dragon, I personally petitioned the Jade Emperor to send him here specifically to serve as a steed for the scripture seeker. How do you think a mere mortal horse from the Eastern Lands could endure these ten thousand waters and a thousand mountains? How could it reach the Buddha-land of Vulture Peak? It needs this Dragon Horse to be able to go there." Sun Wukong asked, "Since he is so afraid of Old Monkey, hiding and refusing to come out, what should we do?" The Bodhisattva called to the Gati, "Go to the edge of the gorge and call out, 'Ao Run Dragon King's Third Prince, come out! The Bodhisattva of the Southern Sea is here.' He will come out then." The Gati indeed went to the gorge edge and called out twice. The small dragon churned waves and leaped out of the water, transforming into a human form. He stepped on a cloud and went into the air to bow to the Bodhisattva, saying, "I have long awaited here, having received the Bodhisattva's grace in freeing me and saving my life, but I have heard no news of the scripture pilgrim." The Bodhisattva pointed at Sun Wukong and said, "Is this not the scripture pilgrim's eldest disciple?" The small dragon saw him and said, "Bodhisattva, this is my enemy. Yesterday, I was hungry, and indeed I ate his horse. He, relying on his strength, fought me until I was weary and retreated. He also cursed me so much that I dared not come out. He never even mentioned the word 'scripture seeking'!" Sun Wukong said, "You never asked me my name, so how was I to tell you?" The small dragon said, "Did I not ask you, 'Where did you come from, you unruly demon?' and you shouted, 'What does it matter where I come from? Just return my horse!' When did you ever mention even half a 'Tang' character?" The Bodhisattva said, "That monkey relies purely on his own strength; he is unwilling to praise others. In the future, when you encounter others who will submit, if you ask, first mention the phrase 'scripture seeking,' and you will not have to exert yourself; they will naturally surrender."

Sun Wukong happily accepted the advice. The Bodhisattva stepped forward, removed the luminous pearl from the small dragon's neck, dipped her willow branch in sweet dew, and flicked it over its body. She blew a breath of immortal energy and commanded, "Transform!" The dragon immediately changed into the exact same form and color as the original horse. She then instructed it, "You must diligently repay your karmic debt. After your merits are complete, you will transcend ordinary dragons and regain your true Golden Body." The small dragon, holding a bone in its mouth, nodded in sincere acceptance. The Bodhisattva told Sun Wukong to lead it to Tang Sanzang, saying, "I am returning to the sea now." Sun Wukong grabbed the Bodhisattva, refusing to let go, saying, "I'm not going, I'm not going! The path to the West is so arduous. When will we ever reach it, protecting this mortal monk? With so many trials and tribulations, Old Monkey's life itself is hard to preserve; how can I achieve any merit or enlightenment? I'm not going, I'm not going!" The Bodhisattva replied, "In your younger days, before you attained human form, you were willing to diligently cultivate and gain enlightenment. Now that you have escaped heavenly calamity, why have you grown lazy? In my school, one achieves true enlightenment through nirvana, and one must have faith in the true fruits of practice. Should you encounter situations of physical harm and bitter hardship, I promise that when you call to heaven, heaven will answer, and when you call to earth, earth will be responsive. And if you ever reach a point where escape is truly impossible, I will personally come to save you. Come here, I will grant you another ability." The Bodhisattva plucked three willow leaves and placed them on the back of Sun Wukong's head, commanding, "Transform!" They immediately turned into three life-saving hairs. She told him, "When you find yourself in a helpless and desperate situation, you can use these to adapt to circumstances and rescue yourself from urgent distress." Hearing these many kind words, Sun Wukong finally thanked the Greatly Compassionate Bodhisattva. The Bodhisattva, surrounded by fragrant breezes and shimmering colorful mists, returned directly to Mount Putuo.

Only then did Sun Wukong descend from his cloud, gripping the Dragon Horse's mane, to present it to Tang Sanzang. "Master, we have the horse now," he announced. Tang Sanzang was overjoyed upon seeing it. "Disciple," he exclaimed, "how is this horse even sturdier and plumper than before? Where did you find it?" Sun Wukong replied, "Master, you're still dreaming! Just now, the Golden Head Gati invited the Bodhisattva, and she transformed the dragon from the gorge into our white horse. Its coat is identical, only it lacks a saddle and bridle, so Old Monkey had to drag it over." Tang Sanzang was greatly astonished. "Where is the Bodhisattva? I must go and thank her." Sun Wukong said, "The Bodhisattva has already returned to the Southern Sea; she wouldn't bother waiting." Tang Sanzang then gathered some earth, burned incense, and bowed towards the south. After bowing, he rose and immediately prepared to proceed with Sun Wukong. Sun Wukong dismissed the Mountain God and Earth God and gave instructions to the Gati and Gongcao, then invited his master to mount the horse. Tang Sanzang said, "How can I ride a horse without a saddle or bridle? Let's wait until we find a boat to cross the gorge, and then we can make other arrangements." Sun Wukong said, "Master, you are so impractical! In this wild mountainous region, where would a boat come from? This horse has lived here for a long time and must know the water currents. Let's just ride him across as if he were a boat." Having no other choice, Tang Sanzang reluctantly agreed. He straddled the bare horse, and Sun Wukong, carrying the luggage, reached the edge of the gorge.

They saw an old fisherman upstream, propelling a raft made of a dead tree trunk, drifting downstream. When Sun Wukong saw him, he waved his hand and called out, "Old fisherman, come here, come here! I am from the Eastern Lands, on a journey to seek scriptures. My master finds it difficult to cross here; please ferry him across." Hearing this, the fisherman quickly paddled closer. Sun Wukong helped his master dismount, supporting him on either side. Tang Sanzang boarded the raft, the horse was led on, and the luggage was secured. The old fisherman pushed off the raft, which moved as swiftly as wind and arrow. Before they knew it, they had crossed the steep Eagle Sorrow Gorge and reached the west bank. Tang Sanzang instructed Sun Wukong to untie his bundle and take out a few coins from the Great Tang to give to the old fisherman. The old fisherman pushed his raft away with a pole, saying, "No money, no money," and faded into the vastness of the midstream. Tang Sanzang felt quite apologetic, constantly pressing his palms together in thanks. Sun Wukong said, "Master, don't trouble yourself. Don't you recognize him? He is the water god of this gorge. He failed to greet Old Monkey earlier, and Old Monkey was even going to hit him! Just being spared a beating is enough for him; how would he dare ask for money!" The master seemed half-believing, half-doubting, but nevertheless mounted the bare horse again and followed Sun Wukong, heading straight for the main road and proceeding westward. This is truly: the vast true reality reaching the other shore, a sincere heart perfecting its nature to ascend Spirit Mountain. As master and disciple continued their journey, the red sun gradually sank in the west, and dusk began to fall. One could see—

Pale clouds scattered wildly, the mountain moon dimly hazy.The sky, filled with frost, brought forth biting cold, winds from all four directions pierced their bodies.A lone bird departed as the vast riverbank spread out, the setting sun illuminated distant, low mountains.A sparse forest of a thousand trees roared, a solitary ape cried on the empty ridge.No traveler's tracks were seen on the long road, as a boat returned from a myriad *li*, entering the night.

Tang Sanzang observed from his horse, suddenly noticing a dwelling by the roadside. Tang Sanzang said, "Wukong, there's a house ahead; we can seek lodging there and continue tomorrow morning." Sun Wukong looked up and said, "Master, that's not a private residence." Tang Sanzang asked, "How can it not be?" Sun Wukong replied, "A private residence wouldn't have ridgelines decorated with flying fish or guardian beasts. That is definitely a temple or a monastery."

As the master and disciple conversed, they had already reached the entrance. Tang Sanzang dismounted and saw three large characters on the gate: "Local Shrine." They entered. Inside, an old man, wearing prayer beads around his neck, approached them with clasped hands, saying, "Reverend Master, please be seated." Tang Sanzang hastily returned the greeting, went into the hall, and bowed to the sacred statue. The old man immediately called a boy to serve tea. After tea, Tang Sanzang asked the old man, "Why is this temple called 'Local Shrine'?" The old man replied, "This place is on the border of Xifan, Hafei Kingdom. Behind this temple, there's a village whose residents, with sincere devotion, built this temple. 'Li' refers to a village's land, and 'She' refers to a community's earth god. Every time it's spring plowing, summer weeding, autumn harvest, or winter storage, everyone prepares three sacrificial animals and fruits to offer sacrifices here to the local god, to ensure peace and prosperity throughout the four seasons, abundant harvests of all grains, and flourishing livestock." Hearing this, Tang Sanzang nodded and praised, "It is truly 'three *li* from home, a different custom altogether.' Our people back home do not possess such virtue." The old man then asked, "Reverend Master, where is your celestial hometown?" Tang Sanzang replied, "This poor monk is from the Great Tang country in the Eastern Lands, dispatched by imperial decree to the Western Heaven to worship Buddha and seek scriptures. Passing by your esteemed shrine, as dusk was falling, I specifically sought shelter for the night and intend to depart at daybreak." The old man was greatly pleased, apologized for not welcoming them sooner, and called a boy to prepare a meal. Tang Sanzang finished eating and thanked him. Sun Wukong, being quick-witted, saw a clothesline hanging under the eaves of the house. He walked over, grabbed it, snapped it, and used it to tie the horse's leg. The old man laughed and said, "Where did you steal this horse?" Sun Wukong angrily retorted, "You old fellow, you don't know how to speak properly! We are holy monks on a pilgrimage to Buddha; how could we steal a horse?" The old man chuckled, "If it's not stolen, why does it have no saddle, bridle, or reins, and why did you break my clothesline to tie it?" Tang Sanzang apologized, "This unruly one is simply hot-tempered. If you wanted to tie the horse, you should have politely asked the old gentleman for a rope. How could you just snap his clothesline? Esteemed elder, please do not be offended. To tell you the truth, this horse is indeed not stolen. Yesterday, as we traveled eastward, we reached Eagle Sorrow Gorge. We originally rode a white horse, complete with saddle and bridle. Unexpectedly, an evil dragon had become a spirit in that gorge, and it swallowed my horse, saddle and bridle included, in one gulp. Fortunately, my disciple has some abilities, and we were also blessed by Guanyin Bodhisattva, who came to the gorge and captured the dragon, transforming it into the white horse I originally rode. Its coat is identical. It will carry me to the Western Heaven to worship Buddha. It has only been less than a day since we crossed the gorge, and we have now arrived at your esteemed shrine, and we haven't yet acquired a saddle or bridle." The old man said, "Reverend Master, please do not be offended. I was merely joking; I didn't know your esteemed disciple would take it seriously. When I was young, I also had some village money and could ride a fine steed, but because of years of hardship, losses, and a fire, I ended up without means here, so I became a temple guardian, serving the incense. Fortunately, the patrons from the village behind help me make a living. I do happen to have a set of saddle and bridle; it's something I cherished, and even in such poverty, I never brought myself to sell it. Now that I have heard the Reverend Master's words, that even the Bodhisattva helped and a divine dragon was transformed into a horse to carry you, how can an old man like me not offer some assistance? Tomorrow, I will retrieve that saddle and bridle and gladly present it to the Reverend Master for your journey. Please accept it with a smile." Tang Sanzang, hearing this, expressed his boundless gratitude. Soon, the boy brought out their evening meal. After dinner, lamps were lit, beds were prepared, and they all retired for the night.

The next morning, Sun Wukong rose and said, "Master, that old temple guardian promised us a saddle and bridle last night. Let's ask him for it; don't let him off the hook." Before he finished speaking, they saw the old man indeed holding a complete set of saddle, padding, reins, and other horse equipment, all perfectly furnished. He placed them in the corridor and said, "Reverend Master, here is the saddle and bridle." Tang Sanzang saw it and happily accepted. He instructed Sun Wukong to take it and place it on the horse to see if it fit. Sun Wukong stepped forward, picked up each item to inspect it, and indeed they were fine articles. A poem bears witness to this, saying:

The carved saddle shimmered with silver stars,The jeweled stirrups shone with bright golden threads.Several layers of felt padded the lining,The leading reins were three strands of purple silk cord.

The bridle's leather straps formed bright flower patterns,The cloud-shaped fans depicted dancing beasts in gold.The bit was forged from tempered iron,And two tassels, dipped in water, were tied with hair.

Sun Wukong secretly rejoiced. He placed the saddle and bridle on the horse, and it fit as if made to measure. Tang Sanzang bowed to thank the old man, who hastily helped him up, saying, "No need, no need! Why bother with thanks?" The old man did not try to detain them further and invited Tang Sanzang to mount the horse. The elder emerged from the gate, gripped the saddle, and mounted the horse, while Sun Wukong carried the luggage. The old man then took a whip from his sleeve. It had a fragrant rattan handle, covered in small leather studs, and a tip woven with tiger sinew threads. He offered it with clasped hands from the roadside, saying, "Holy Monk, I also have this whip to give you as a parting gift." Tang Sanzang, from his horse, accepted it, saying, "Many thanks for your generosity, many thanks!"

Just as he was about to bid farewell, the old man suddenly vanished. Looking back, the Local Shrine was nothing but an empty piece of ground. Then, a voice spoke from mid-air, saying, "Holy Monk, I apologize for the previous oversight. I am the Mountain God of Mount Luojia, sent by the Bodhisattva to deliver the saddle and bridle to you. You must make diligent efforts on your journey westward and not slacken for a moment." Startled, Tang Sanzang tumbled from his saddle, dismounted, and bowed repeatedly towards the sky, saying, "This disciple, with his mortal eyes, failed to recognize your esteemed deity. I beg for your forgiveness. Please convey my deep gratitude for the Bodhisattva's grace and protection." He continued kowtowing towards the sky, countless times, while Sun Wukong burst out laughing beside the road, overjoyed. He stepped forward and pulled Tang Sanzang up, saying, "Master, get up. He has already gone far; he can't hear your prayers or see your kowtows. Why keep bowing?" The elder said, "Disciple, while I am kowtowing like this, you don't bow even once, but instead stand by the side, merely sneering. What kind of behavior is that?" Sun Wukong said, "How would you know? Someone so deceptive, hiding his true identity, deserved a beating! It's only because of the Bodhisattva's reputation that I spared him. Being spared a beating is enough for him; how would he dare accept a bow from Old Monkey? Old Monkey has been a hero since childhood; I don't know how to bow to people. Even when I meet the Jade Emperor or the Grand Pure One, I only give a simple salute." Tang Sanzang said, "You are utterly impudent! Stop with this empty talk! Get up quickly, don't delay our journey." Only then did the master rise and prepare to head west.

From there, they traveled for two months along a peaceful road, encountering various nomadic tribes, Huis, wolves, insects, tigers, and leopards. Time passed swiftly, and it was now early spring. The mountains and forests were adorned in vibrant green, and the grass and trees sprouted fresh buds. Plum blossoms had all fallen, and willow catkins were just beginning to open. Master and disciple traveled, enjoying the spring scenery, until they saw the sun setting in the west. Tang Sanzang reined in his horse and looked into the distance. In a mountain hollow, he saw faint outlines of towers and pavilions, and the solemn silhouettes of halls. Tang Sanzang asked, "Wukong, what place is that ahead?" Sun Wukong looked up and said, "It's not a palace; it must be a monastery. Let's hurry a bit and seek lodging there." Tang Sanzang gladly agreed, let the Dragon Horse loose, and they galloped forward. As for what place they were heading to, listen to the next chapter for the explanation.