Chapter 17: Sun Wukong Causes Havoc at Black Wind Mountain Guanyin Subdues the Bear Demon

Sun Wukong somersaulted upwards, terrifying the monks, abbots, novices, and Daoists of Guanyin Temple. One by one, they bowed to the sky, exclaiming, "Oh, venerable elder! So it was a divine being descending from the clouds; no wonder the fire couldn't harm him! We blame that old scoundrel, who didn't know what he was doing, and whose schemes have now backfired on himself!"

Tripitaka said, "Please rise, venerable ones, there's no need for resentment. If we find the cassock, all will be well. But if we can't find it, my disciple has a rather difficult temper, and I don't know what will become of your lives; perhaps none of you will escape." Hearing this, the monks were filled with dread. They prayed to Heaven and made vows, wishing only for the cassock to be found so that their lives would be spared.

Meanwhile, the Great Sage Sun, with a twist of his waist in the air, soon arrived at Black Wind Mountain. He stopped his cloud and looked carefully; indeed, it was a magnificent mountain. And as it was springtime, he saw—

Ten thousand ravines vied with flowing streams, a thousand cliffs competed in beauty. Birds sang unseen, flowers fell but trees still held their fragrance. After the rain, the sky merged with verdant, moist cliffs; as wind blew, pines unfolded like green screens. Mountain grasses sprouted, wildflowers bloomed on steep precipices and towering peaks; ivy grew, beautiful trees adorned the lofty ridges and flat hills. No hermits were encountered, nor any woodcutters. Beside the stream, a pair of cranes drank; on the rocks, wild apes sported. Towering like conch shells, peaks lined up in dark green hues; majestically draped in jade, they played with the mists.

As the Traveler was admiring the mountain scenery, he suddenly heard voices from the grassy slope. He stealthily approached, hiding himself beneath a rocky cliff, peeking to observe. It turned out to be three demons, seated on the ground. At the head sat a black-skinned man, to his left was a Daoist, and to his right a white-robed scholar. They were all engaged in lively discussion, speaking of setting up cauldrons and furnaces, refining mercury and cinnabar, white snow and yellow sprouts—all heterodox practices.

In the midst of their talk, the black-skinned man chuckled, "The day after tomorrow is my birthday. Would you two gentlemen do me the honor of attending?" The white-robed scholar replied, "We wish His Majesty a happy birthday every year; why would we not come this year?" The black-skinned man said, "Last night, I acquired a treasure called the Brocade Cassock, truly a delightful item. Tomorrow, I shall use it to celebrate my birthday, hosting a grand banquet and inviting Daoist officials from all mountains to celebrate the cassock. How about calling it the 'Cassock Celebration'?" The Daoist laughed, "Excellent, excellent, excellent! I'll come to offer my birthday wishes tomorrow, and then attend the banquet the day after."

Upon hearing mention of the cassock, the Traveler was certain it was his treasure. Unable to contain his rage, he leaped out from behind the rock cliff, raised his Golden-Bound Cudgel with both hands, and shouted, "You thieving monsters! You stole my cassock, and now you want to hold a 'Cassock Celebration'! Return it to me at once!" With a shout of "Don't flee!", he swung his cudgel at their heads. The black-skinned man, in a panic, transformed into wind and fled, and the Daoist rode off on a cloud. Only the white-robed scholar was struck dead with one blow. When the Traveler dragged him over to examine him, he found it was a white-flowered snake demon. He picked it up and smashed it into many pieces, then went deep into the mountains, searching for the black-skinned man. Turning past a sharp peak and traversing a steep ridge, he then saw a cave dwelling emerging from a sheer cliff. There he beheld—

Mists and clouds were vast, pines and cypresses stood dense. Vast mists and clouds filled the gate, dense pines and cypresses entwined around the dwelling. Bridges trod on withered logs, peaks were entwined with ivy. Birds carried red stamens to cloudy ravines, deer trod on fragrant thickets up to stone platforms. Before the gate, flowers blossomed season after season, and the wind carried their fragrance. By the embankment, green willows sheltered orioles; beside the shore, tender peaches attracted white butterflies. Though it was a wild place not to be boasted of, it rivaled the scenery beneath Mount Penglai.

The Traveler arrived at the entrance and saw two stone gates, tightly shut. On the gate was a horizontal stone slab with six large characters clearly inscribed: "Black Wind Mountain, Black Wind Cave." He immediately swung his cudgel and shouted, "Open the gate!" A small demon, who guarded the gate, opened it and came out, asking, "Who are you, daring to strike my immortal cave?" The Traveler cursed, "You damned beast! What kind of place dares to call itself an 'immortal cave'? Do you have the right to use the word 'immortal'? Go quickly and report to that black-skinned man of yours, tell him to send out your grandpa's cassock at once, and I'll spare the lives of your whole den!" The small demon hurried inside and reported, "Your Majesty, the Cassock Celebration can't happen! There's a monk with a hairy face and a thunder-god mouth at the gate, demanding the cassock!"

The black-skinned man, having just been chased by the Traveler from the grassy slope, had barely closed the gate and settled down when he heard this. He thought to himself, "Where did this fellow come from, to be so rude? How dare he shout at my gate!" He commanded, "Bring my armor!" Then, fully armed, he grasped a black-tasseled spear and stepped out. The Traveler stood outside the gate, holding his iron cudgel, and watched with wide eyes. He saw that the monster was indeed ferocious-looking—

His bowl-shaped iron helmet gleamed like fiery lacquer, his black-gold armor shone brilliantly. A dark silk robe covered his wind-swept sleeves, and his black-green silk sash had long tassels. In his hand, he held a black-tasseled spear; on his feet, he wore a pair of black leather boots. His golden eyes flashed like lightning; indeed, he was the Black Wind King of the mountains.

The Traveler secretly chuckled, "This fellow really looks like a kiln-burner, or a coal-stoker, no different! He must make a living by scrubbing charcoal here; why else would he be so black all over?" The monster roared, "What kind of monk are you, daring to be so bold here?" The Traveler, holding his iron cudgel, rushed forward and shouted, "No idle talk! Hand over your grandpa's cassock at once!" The monster said, "Which temple are you from? Where did you lose your cassock that you dare come here to demand it?" The Traveler said, "My cassock was in the abbot's quarters behind Guanyin Temple, straight to the north. Because there was a fire in that temple, you scoundrel, you took advantage of the chaos to plunder and steal it, and now you want to hold a 'Cassock Celebration' for your birthday; how dare you deny it? Return it to me quickly and I'll spare your life! If you utter one more word of defiance, I'll level Black Wind Mountain, flatten Black Wind Cave, and grind all the demons in this cave to dust!"

Hearing this, the monster sneered coldly, "You wicked creature! So you were the one who set that fire last night! You were causing trouble and stirring up wind on the abbot's roof, and I took a cassock. What are you going to do about it? Where are you from? What's your name? How powerful are you to utter such wild boasts?" The Traveler said, "You don't even recognize your own grandpa! Your grandpa is Sun Wukong, the disciple of Tripitaka, the Imperial Brother of the Great Tang Dynasty. If you ask about my abilities, just hearing them will make your soul scatter and bring death before your eyes!" The monster said, "I've never met you before. What abilities do you have? Tell me, I'll listen." The Traveler laughed, "My son, stand firm and listen carefully! I—

From youth, my magic was high, I changed with the wind, a hero I'd show.Cultivating essence, refining truth, I passed days and nights, escaped reincarnation, my fate I did forego.With sincere heart, I sought the Dao, on Spirit Platform Mountain, I gathered herb and root.On that mountain, an old immortal sage, his age was a hundred and eight thousand years, you know.Your grandpa made him my master, he showed me the path to immortality, a straight row.He said within the body are elixirs, seeking outside is futile, don't you know.I received the Great Immortal Daoist Scroll, without foundation, truly hard to go.Turning light inward, calmly I sat, sun and moon within, Kan and Li did flow.Thinking of nothing, completely free of desires, six senses pure, body firm and whole.To revert to youth is easily gained, transcending the mundane to sainthood is not far to go.Three years without leakage, an immortal body formed, unlike common folk suffering woe.The Ten Continents and Three Islands, I roamed and played, to the ends of the sea and earth, a tour I did show.I lived for over three hundred years, yet couldn't ascend to the ninth heaven, oh no.Descending to the sea to subdue dragons, a true treasure, that's where I got my Golden-Bound Cudgel, you know.At Flower-Fruit Mountain, I was the chief leader, in Water Curtain Cave, all demons did flock and go.The Jade Emperor issued a decree, making me Great Sage Equal to Heaven, a status high and low.Several times I caused havoc in the High Heaven Palace, many times I stole the Queen Mother's peaches, you know.Ten myriad heavenly soldiers came to subdue me, layers upon layers, spears and swords did show.I fought back the Heavenly Kings to the Upper Realm, Nezha, in pain, led his troops in flight, you know.The Illustrious Sage True Monarch was skilled in transformation, but your grandpa fought him to a draw, to and fro.Daoist Patriarch, Guanyin, and Jade Emperor, at the South Heaven Gate, watched the demon subduing show.But with the aid of Lord Lao, Erlang captured me and brought me to Heaven's court, oh no.My body was tied to the demon-subduing pillar, divine soldiers were ordered my head to cut, you know.Swords and hammers couldn't harm me, thunder and fire were used to burn me, you know.Your grandpa truly has abilities, not afraid in the least, you know.Sent into Lord Lao's furnace to refine, the Six Ding Divine Fire slowly roasted me, you know.When the time was up, I leaped out, iron cudgel in hand, running through the heavens, to and fro.Everywhere I went, unobstructed, thirty-three heavens, a grand commotion I did sow.My Buddha Tathagata used his power, Five Elements Mountain pressed on your grandpa's waist, oh no.Pressed for a full five hundred years, fortunately, Tripitaka emerged from the Tang Dynasty, you know.Now I turn to the West, to reach the Thunderclap Monastery and see the Buddha's white light, you know.Go and ask throughout the four seas of the universe, I am the most renowned demon of all ages, don't you know!"

The monster heard this and chuckled, "So you're that Stable-keeper Sun who caused a ruckus in Heaven, are you?" The Traveler was most annoyed when people called him "Stable-keeper Sun." Hearing this, he was furious and cursed, "You thieving monster! You steal the cassock and then insult your grandpa! Don't run, take this cudgel!" The black-skinned man dodged sideways, grabbed his long spear, and met the attack with a swift move. The two of them fought a splendid battle—

The Ruyi Cudgel, the black-tasseled spear; at the cave mouth, they showed their might. Thrusting at the heart, striking at the face; aiming at the arm, hitting the head, a fierce fight. One horizontally swung his cunning cudgel, the other thrust three swift spears with all his might. Like a white tiger scaling a mountain to strike, like a yellow dragon turning swiftly on its flight. Spraying colorful mist, emitting brilliant light; two demon immortals, immeasurable their might: one was the cultivated Great Sage Equal to Heaven, the other a transformed Black King, a fearsome sight. This struggle in the mountains, only for the cassock, each was ill at heart, ready to fight.

The monster and the Traveler fought for more than ten rounds, with neither gaining the upper hand. As the sun gradually reached its zenith, the black-skinned man raised his spear to block the iron cudgel and said, "Sun Wukong, let's both stop fighting for now. I'll go eat, then we can resume our duel." The Traveler said, "You beast, do you call yourself a man? A 'good man' who needs to eat after half a day? Your grandpa was pressed under a mountain for over five hundred years and never tasted a drop of soup or water, so how could he be hungry? No excuses, don't run! Return my cassock, and only then will I let you go eat!" The monster feigned a thrust with his spear, then retreated into his cave, closed the stone gate, recalled his small demons, and proceeded to arrange a banquet and write invitations to demon kings from various mountains for the celebration, all without further mention.

Since the Traveler could not open the gate, he had no choice but to return to Guanyin Temple. The monks of the temple had already buried the old monk and were serving Tripitaka in the abbot's quarters. After breakfast, lunch was being served, and they were just replenishing soup and water when the Traveler descended from the sky. The monks bowed, welcomed him into the abbot's quarters, and he met Tripitaka. Tripitaka said, "Wukong, you've returned. What about the cassock?" The Traveler said, "The cause has been found. Fortunately, these monks were not wronged. It was the demon from Black Wind Mountain who stole it. Your grandpa secretly went to find him and saw him sitting with a white-robed scholar and an old Daoist, talking on the grassy slope. That monster, who confessed without being prompted, suddenly mentioned that the day after tomorrow was his birthday, and he was inviting various evil beings to celebrate. He had acquired a brocade cassock last night and intended to use it for his birthday celebration, hosting a grand banquet called the 'Cassock Celebration.' Your grandpa rushed forward and struck him with a cudgel. The black-skinned man transformed into wind and fled. The Daoist also disappeared. Only the white-robed scholar was struck dead, and he turned out to be a white-flowered snake demon. I then urgently pursued him to his cave entrance and called him out to fight. He admitted that he had taken it. We fought for half the day, with neither gaining an advantage. The monster returned to his cave, saying he needed to eat, and closed the stone gate, too afraid to come out and fight. So your grandpa came back to see Master and report this news first. We now know the cassock's whereabouts, and I'm not afraid he won't return it."

Hearing this, some monks put their palms together, others prostrated, and all chanted, "Namo Amitabha Buddha! Now that we have found its whereabouts, our lives are finally safe!" The Traveler said, "Don't rejoice just yet. It's not in my hands yet, and Master hasn't left. Only when the cassock is recovered and my master has departed safely will you truly be at peace. If there's the slightest unforeseen trouble, your grandpa is not an easy master to deal with! Have you prepared good tea and food for my master? And good fodder for the horse?" The monks all replied emphatically, "Yes, yes, yes! We have not been negligent in the slightest towards your venerable self." Tripitaka said, "Since you left this half-day, I have had tea and soup three times and two vegetarian meals; they have not dared to neglect me. But you must still do your utmost to retrieve the cassock." The Traveler said, "Don't worry! Since we know its whereabouts, I guarantee I'll catch this fellow and return the original item to you. Rest assured, rest assured!"

As they were speaking, the head monk of the main hall prepared another vegetarian meal and invited Master Sun to eat. The Traveler ate a little, then rode his auspicious cloud again to resume his search. As he traveled, he saw a small demon approaching from the main road, carrying a rosewood box tucked under its left arm. The Traveler surmised there must be some kind of invitation in the box. He raised his cudgel and struck him on the head. The poor creature couldn't withstand the blow and was flattened like a meat pie. He dragged it to the roadside. He opened the box and looked inside; sure enough, it was an invitation. The invitation read—

Your humble servant, Black Bear, bows his head in respect, to the Venerable Golden Pool, within his alchemical chambers: I have often received your kindness, for which I am deeply grateful. Last night, observing the calamity of the fire, I failed to render assistance, but I trust that your immortal nature suffered no harm. Your servant has coincidentally obtained a cassock and wishes to host an elegant gathering. I have respectfully prepared a humble feast to invite your esteemed presence for appreciation. At the appointed time, I implore your immortal carriage to grace us with your visit for a talk. I am greatly obliged. Presented two days in advance.

Seeing this, the Traveler burst into laughter, "That old scoundrel's death was not in vain! So he was in league with demons! No wonder he lived for two hundred seventy years. It must be that the demon taught him some minor 'breath-holding' techniques, which is why he lived so long. Your grandpa still remembers what he looked like. I'll transform into that monk and go to his cave to see where my cassock is kept. If I can get my hands on it, I'll take it back immediately, and that would save a lot of effort."

The Great Sage, truly magnificent, recited an incantation, transformed with the wind, and indeed became exactly like the old monk. He hid his iron cudgel, strode forward, and went directly to the cave entrance, shouting, "Open the gate!" The small demon opened the gate, and seeing this appearance, quickly turned and reported, "Your Majesty, Elder Golden Pool has arrived!" The monster was greatly alarmed and said, "I just sent a subordinate to deliver the invitation to him, and he hasn't even reached him yet, so how could he arrive so quickly? Perhaps my subordinate didn't encounter him, and it must be Sun Wukong calling him to demand the cassock. Steward, hide the cassock, don't let him see it." The Traveler entered the front gate and saw that in the courtyard, pines and bamboos mingled in verdant beauty, peaches and plums vied for splendor, flowers bloomed in clusters, and orchids emitted their fragrance. It was indeed a heavenly grotto. He also saw a couplet on the second gate that read: "Quietly hidden in deep mountains, free from worldly worries; serenely dwelling in an immortal cave, enjoying true simplicity." The Traveler thought to himself, "This fellow is also a monster who has shed impurities, left the dust of the world, and understood fate." He entered through the gate and proceeded further, reaching the third layer of gates, where there were painted pillars and carved beams, bright windows and colorful doors. He saw the black-skinned man wearing a black-green zhusi jacket, covered by a raven-blue floral silk cloak, a black horned soft turban on his head, and a pair of deerskin black boots. Upon seeing the Traveler enter, he adjusted his attire, descended the steps, and welcomed him, saying, "Old friend Golden Pool, I apologize for not visiting you these past days. Please, sit, sit." The Traveler greeted him courteously, then sat down. After sitting, tea was served. When the tea was finished, the demon bowed slightly and said, "I just sent a small invitation requesting your presence the day after tomorrow. Why has my old friend graced me with his visit today?" The Traveler said, "I was just coming to pay my respects, when unexpectedly on the road, I encountered your esteemed letter, and seeing the mention of an elegant cassock gathering, I hastened here, wishing to see it." The monster laughed and said, "My old friend, you are mistaken. This cassock originally belonged to Tripitaka. He was staying with you, so haven't you seen it? Why would you come to me to see it instead?" The Traveler said, "This humble monk borrowed it but hadn't had a chance to examine it properly during the night. Unexpectedly, Your Majesty took it, and then the barren mountain was set on fire, and I lost my belongings. Tripitaka's disciple is also quite fierce, and in the chaos, he searched everywhere but couldn't find it. It turns out it was received by Your Majesty's great fortune, so I specifically came to see it."

As they were talking, a small demon on patrol came to report, "Your Majesty, disaster! The messenger who delivered the invitation was killed by Sun Wukong by the roadside! He used his scripture and transformed into Elder Golden Pool to trick you into giving him the cassock!" Hearing this, the monster thought to himself, "I wondered why that elder would come today, and so quickly. It really is him!" He quickly leaped up, grabbed his spear, and thrust it at the Traveler. The Traveler quickly pulled his cudgel from his ear, revealed his true form, blocked the spear's tip, and then leaped out from the central hall. From the courtyard, they fought to the front gate, terrifying all the demons in the cave, leaving no soul among the old and young in the dwelling. This battle on the mountaintop was splendid, even more so than the previous one. A magnificent fight—

The Monkey King, bold, impersonated a monk; the black-skinned man, cunning, hid the Buddhist cassock. Their words exchanged, timing was clever; adapting to circumstances, without fault or blunder. The cassock desired, yet no way to see; the treasure, profound and subtle, truly wondrous to be. A small demon reported disaster from the mountains; the old demon, enraged, displayed his divine power. They turned and fought out of Black Wind Cave, spear and cudgel contending, discerning right from wrong, as one might infer. The cudgel parried the long spear with a loud clang; the spear met the iron cudgel, emitting brilliant light, a glorious wonder. Wukong's transformations are rare among men; the monster's supernatural powers are seldom seen anywhere. One wanted to celebrate his birthday with the cassock; the other, without the cassock, would not willingly return, you infer. This fierce battle was hard to end; even a living Buddha descending to the mortal world could not untangle the war.

The two of them fought from the cave entrance up to the mountaintop, and from the mountaintop into the clouds, spewing mist and wind, sending sand and stones flying. They fought until the red sun sank in the west, with neither gaining victory. The monster said, "Sun, stop for now. It's late today, and not good for fighting. Go on, go on! Come back tomorrow morning, and we'll settle who lives and who dies." The Traveler shouted, "Son, don't run! If you want to fight, fight like a warrior, don't use the late hour as an excuse!" Seeing him act so shamelessly, still intent on striking with his cudgel, the black-skinned man transformed into a wisp of clear wind, returned to his cave, and tightly shut the stone gate, not coming out.

With no other recourse, the Traveler had no choice but to return to Guanyin Temple. He descended from his cloud and called out, "Master!" Tripitaka was anxiously watching for him, and when he suddenly appeared, he was greatly pleased. But then he saw that Wukong had no cassock in his hand, and his joy turned to fear. He asked, "Why is there still no cassock this time?" The Traveler took an invitation from his sleeve and handed it to Tripitaka, saying, "Master, that monster and this dead old scoundrel were originally friends. He sent a small demon to deliver this invitation, inviting him to the Cassock Celebration. Your grandpa then killed that small demon and transformed into the old monk, entered his cave, tricked him into giving him a cup of tea, and tried to ask to see the cassock, but he wouldn't bring it out. While sitting there, suddenly a patrol demon somehow got wind of it, and he started fighting with me. We fought until this late hour, with neither gaining the upper hand. He saw it was getting late and darted back into his cave, closing the stone gate tightly. Your grandpa had no choice but to temporarily return." Tripitaka asked, "How do your abilities compare to his?" The Traveler said, "I'm not much stronger; we fought to a draw." Tripitaka then looked at the invitation and handed it to the head monk, saying, "Could your master also be a demon?" The head monk hastily knelt down and said, "Venerable sir, my master is human. It's just that the Great King Black had cultivated himself into human form and often came to the temple to discuss scriptures with my master. He taught my master some techniques for nourishing the spirit and absorbing vital energy, which is why they called each other friends." The Traveler said, "This group of monks has no demonic aura. Each of them has a round head touching the heavens and square feet treading the earth. They are just fatter and taller than your grandpa; they are not demons. Look at that invitation; it says 'humble servant Black Bear.' This creature must be a black bear demon." Tripitaka said, "I've heard ancient people say that bears and orangutans are similar, both beasts. How could it become a demon?" The Traveler laughed, "Your grandpa is a beast, and he became the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, so how is he any different? Generally, any creature in the world with nine orifices can cultivate to become an immortal." Tripitaka then said, "You just said his abilities are equal to yours. How then will you defeat him and retrieve my cassock?" The Traveler said, "Don't worry, don't worry, I have a plan."

While they were discussing, the monks served supper and invited the master and disciple to eat. Tripitaka told them to light the lamps and still went to rest in the front meditation hall. All the monks leaned against walls, put up temporary shelters, and lay down to sleep, leaving only the rear abbot's quarters for the upper and lower head monks to rest. At this time, the night was still, and one could see—

The Milky Way cast its shadow, the jade firmament was dustless. Stars sparkled across the sky, a single stream's waves left no trace. All sounds of nature were quiet, birds in a thousand mountains were silent. Fishermen's lights by the stream were out, the Buddha lamp on the pagoda was dim. Last night, the temple bells and drums resounded; tonight, only a continuous sound of weeping.

That night, they rested in the meditation hall. Tripitaka, thinking of the cassock, couldn't sleep soundly. He suddenly turned over and saw white light outside the window, quickly rose, and called out, "Wukong, it's dawn! Go find the cassock quickly!" The Traveler leaped up with a start, and already saw the monks standing by, offering soup and water. The Traveler said, "You all serve my master diligently; your grandpa is leaving." Tripitaka got out of bed and stopped him, saying, "Where are you going?" The Traveler said, "I think this whole affair is Lady Guanyin's fault. She has this meditation temple here, accepts incense offerings from the local people, and yet she allows that demon to live nearby. I'm going to the South Sea to find her, and I'll have a word with her. I'll make her come in person to demand the cassock from the demon and return it to me." Tripitaka said, "If you go, when will you return?" The Traveler said, "At the very least, I'll be back by mealtime; at most, it'll be done by noon. You monks, please serve well; your grandpa is off!" With a word, he was gone without a trace. In an instant, he arrived at the South Sea. Stopping his cloud, he beheld—

Vast oceans stretched far, waters connected to the sky. Auspicious light enveloped the cosmos, propitious aura illuminated mountains and rivers. Thousands of layers of snowy waves roared towards the azure sky, myriad misty ripples surged in broad daylight. Water flew in all directions, waves rolled all around. Water flying in all directions resounded like thunder, waves rolling all around roared like lightning. Disregard the waters' might; look at the center instead. Five-colored, hazy, layered treasure mountains: red, yellow, purple, black, green, and blue. One truly sees Guanyin's sacred abode, behold Mount Potalaka in the South Sea. A beautiful place, mountain peaks rose high, their summits piercing the void. Within were a thousand kinds of rare flowers, a hundred sorts of propitious herbs. Wind swayed the treasure trees, sunlight illuminated golden lotuses. The tiles of Guanyin's palace were covered in glazed tiles, the gates of Tidal Sound Cave were inlaid with tortoiseshell. Parrots spoke amidst the shade of green willows, peacocks cried in the purple bamboo grove. On the veined rocks, the Dharma protectors were majestic; before the agate beach, Muzha was formidable.

The Traveler, unable to fully take in the extraordinary sights, directly descended his cloud beneath the bamboo grove. Already, various Devas greeted him, saying, "The Bodhisattva previously declared to all that the Great Sage had returned to goodness, and it was widely proclaimed. Now that you are protecting Tripitaka, how do you find leisure to come here?" The Traveler said, "While protecting Tripitaka, I encountered an issue on the road. I specifically came to see the Bodhisattva; please be so kind as to announce my presence." The Devas then went to the cave entrance to report. The Bodhisattva called him in. The Traveler entered respectfully and bowed beneath the jeweled lotus throne. The Bodhisattva asked, "Why have you come?" The Traveler said, "My master encountered your meditation temple on his journey. You accept incense offerings from mortals, yet you allow a black bear demon to live nearby, who stole my master's cassock. I've repeatedly tried to get it back, but he won't return it, so I specifically came here to demand it from you." The Bodhisattva said, "This monkey speaks so presumptuously! Since the bear demon stole your cassock, why do you come to me to demand it? It's all because you, this audacious monkey, showed off your treasure, letting a petty creature see it, and then you caused trouble, conjuring wind and fire, burning down my Cloud-Retaining Temple, and now you come here to act insolently!" Upon hearing the Bodhisattva's words, the Traveler knew she understood past and future events. He hastily bowed and said, "Bodhisattva, please forgive your disciple's offense. It is indeed as you say. But I resent that monster's refusal to return the cassock, and Master keeps reciting that spell, and your grandpa cannot bear the headache, which is why I came to trouble you, Bodhisattva. I hope with your compassionate heart, you will help me capture that demon, retrieve the cassock, and continue westward." The Bodhisattva said, "That monster possesses many supernatural powers, and he is no less capable than you. Very well, for Tripitaka's sake, I will go with you." Hearing this, the Traveler bowed again in thanks. He immediately invited the Bodhisattva out, and together they rode on auspicious clouds, soon arriving at Black Wind Mountain. They descended from their cloud and followed the path to search for the cave.

As they were proceeding, they saw a Daoist walking along the mountain slope, holding a glass plate with two immortal pills on it. The Traveler bumped into him head-on, pulled out his cudgel, and struck him on the head with one blow. Brains gushed out, and blood spurted from his chest. The Bodhisattva was greatly shocked and said, "You monkey, you're still so unruly! He didn't steal your cassock, nor do you know him, nor do you have any grievance with him. Why did you kill him?" The Traveler said, "Bodhisattva, you don't recognize him. He is a friend of the black bear demon. Yesterday, he and a white-robed scholar were sitting and talking on the grassy slope. The day after tomorrow is the black demon's birthday, and he invited them to celebrate the cassock festival. Today, he came to offer birthday wishes early, and tomorrow he'll attend the cassock celebration. That's how I recognized him; he must be going to offer birthday wishes to the demon today." The Bodhisattva said, "If that's the case, then so be it." The Traveler then went to pick up the Daoist and examine him, only to find it was a grey wolf. Underneath the plate beside it, there were characters carved: "Made by Lingxu Zi."

Seeing this, the Traveler laughed, "What luck, what luck! It's convenient for your grandpa, and it saves the Bodhisattva effort. This monster is called 'self-confessing without being struck,' and that monster will suffer today." The Bodhisattva said, "Wukong, what do you mean by that?" The Traveler said, "Bodhisattva, I, Wukong, have a saying: 'use the enemy's plan against him.' I wonder if you would agree to my idea?" The Bodhisattva said, "Tell me." The Traveler said, "Bodhisattva, look, these two immortal pills on the plate are our offerings to the demon. The four characters carved on the back of this plate, 'Made by Lingxu Zi,' are our key to dealing with the demon. If the Bodhisattva agrees to my plan, I can devise a strategy for you that won't require wielding weapons or engaging in battle. The demon will suffer instantly, and the cassock will appear immediately. If the Bodhisattva does not agree to my plan, then the Bodhisattva goes west, and I, Wukong, go east. The cassock will be considered given away, and Tripitaka's mission will be in vain." The Bodhisattva chuckled, "This monkey is quite a smooth talker!" The Traveler said, "Not at all, it's just a plan." The Bodhisattva said, "What is this plan of yours?" The Traveler said, "The plate is carved with 'Made by Lingxu Zi,' so I presume this Daoist is called Lingxu Zi. Bodhisattva, if you agree to my plan, you can transform into this Daoist. I'll eat one of these pills and then transform one more, making it slightly larger. Then you, Bodhisattva, will carry this plate with the two immortal pills and go offer birthday wishes to the demon, giving him the slightly larger pill. Once the demon swallows it, your grandpa will take action from within. If he refuses to present the cassock, your grandpa will weave one out of his intestines!"

The Bodhisattva had no choice but to nod her head. The Traveler laughed, "How's that?" At that moment, the Bodhisattva, with her vast compassion, boundless Dharma power, and myriad transformations, with mind understanding intent and intent manifesting as body, in a flash, transformed into the Immortal Lingxu Zi—

Her crane cloak billowed with immortal wind, her flowing robes seemed to float into the void. Her aged face was like ancient pines and cypresses, her beauty unparalleled from ancient times to now. Going, going, yet never stopping; truly, she was uniquely distinguished. All returned to one Dharma, only separated by an evil body.

The Traveler looked and said, "Marvelous, marvelous! Is it a demon Bodhisattva, or a Bodhisattva demon?" The Bodhisattva chuckled, "Wukong, Bodhisattva or demon, it is all but a single thought. In their true nature, all are empty." The Traveler instantly understood. He turned and transformed into an immortal pill—

Rolling on the plate, never still; perfectly round, without a fixed side. Three-threes combined, Six-sixes conferred. Like molten tiles, a golden flame; like a Mani pearl, shining light in daylight. Outside, lead and mercury; not easily weighed or measured.

The pill that the Traveler transformed into was, after all, slightly larger. The Bodhisattva confirmed it, took the glass plate, and went directly to the demon's cave entrance. When she looked, it was indeed—

Cliffs were deep, peaks perilous, clouds rose on ridges; cypresses were ancient, pines verdant, wind rustled through the woods. Deep cliffs and perilous peaks, truly a place where demons appear and human traces are few; ancient cypresses and verdant pines, also suitable for immortals to cultivate and pursue the Dao. The mountain had streams, the streams had springs; murmuring water, like a plucked zither, could cleanse the ear; the cliffs had deer, the forests had cranes; serene immortal sounds stirring between peaks, also pleasing to the heart. Here, a demon immortal had the chance to receive Bodhi; boundless great vows extended compassion.

The Bodhisattva looked and secretly rejoiced, "This beast, occupying this mountain cave, indeed possesses some spiritual potential." Therefore, compassion already arose in her heart. She reached the cave entrance and saw the small demons guarding the cave. They somewhat recognized her and said, "Immortal Elder Lingxu has arrived!" One relayed the message, while another led the way. The demon had already come out to the second gate to welcome her, saying, "Lingxu, your immortal presence honors us greatly; our humble dwelling is brightened by your visit." The Bodhisattva said, "This humble Daoist offers an immortal pill, which I dare say can grant a thousand years of life." The two bowed and then sat down. They then began to recount the events of the previous day. The Bodhisattva did not reply but hastily took the pill plate and said, "Your Majesty, please accept this humble Daoist's small token." She singled out the slightly larger pill and pushed it toward the demon, saying, "May Your Majesty live for a thousand years!" The demon also pushed a pill towards the Bodhisattva, saying, "May Lingxu Zi also share in it." After exchanging courtesies, the demon was about to swallow, but the pill rolled straight down his throat. Wukong, now in his true form, straightened himself inside, and the demon tumbled to the ground. The Bodhisattva revealed her true form and demanded the cassock from the demon. The Traveler had already exited through the demon's nostril. The Bodhisattva, fearing the demon might be disrespectful, threw a golden fillet onto his head. The demon rose, intending to stab with his spear, but the Traveler and the Bodhisattva were already in the air. The Bodhisattva began reciting a true incantation. The monster's head ached again. He dropped his spear and rolled around on the ground. In mid-air, the Handsome Monkey King laughed till he bent over; on the ground, the Black Bear Demon rolled himself into a sorry state. The Bodhisattva said, "Beast! Will you convert now?" The monster replied profusely, "I wholeheartedly wish to convert, only spare my life!" The Traveler, fearing a delay, intended to strike, but the Bodhisattva quickly stopped him, saying, "Do not harm his life; I have a use for him." The Traveler said, "Such a monster, if not killed, where would you keep him and what use would he be?" The Bodhisattva said, "Behind my Mount Potalaka, there's no one to guard it. I want to take him to be a great mountain-guarding deity." The Traveler laughed, "Truly, you are the Benevolent One who saves from suffering, not harming a single spirit. If your grandpa had such a spell, he'd recite it a thousand times! In no time, there would be many black bears, all accounted for!" Meanwhile, the monster had recovered for some time and, unable to bear the pain fairly, knelt on the ground and pleaded, "Just spare my life, and I am willing to convert to the true path!" The Bodhisattva then descended in auspicious light, laid her hand on his head to grant him precepts, and instructed him to take up his long spear and follow her at her side. Only then did the black bear's wild ambitions settle, and his endless stubbornness cease. The Bodhisattva instructed, "Wukong, you may return. Serve Tripitaka well, and do not be lazy or cause trouble again." The Traveler said, "I deeply appreciate the Bodhisattva's long journey; your disciple should accompany you back." The Bodhisattva said, "No need." Only then did the Traveler, holding the cassock, bow his head and take his leave. The Bodhisattva also took the bear demon and returned directly to the great sea. A poem serves as evidence, the poem says:

Auspicious light gathered like golden images, ten thousand brilliant rays truly worthy of praise.Universally benefiting the world with compassion, observing the entire Dharma realm with golden lotuses appearing.Her coming today was mostly for the purpose of scripture transmission, her departure without any flaw.Subduing the monster, he returned to truth in the great sea; the Buddhist gate regained its brocade cassock once more.

As for what happened next, listen to the next chapter for the explanation.