Chapter 18: Guanyin Temple Tang Monk Escapes Danger Gao Village Monkey Subdues Demon

The Pilgrim took leave of the Bodhisattva, brought down his cloud, hung the cassock on a fragrant nanmu tree, pulled out his rod, and plunged into the Black Wind Cave. But there wasn't a single minor demon to be found in the cave. It turned out that, seeing the Bodhisattva appear and subdue the old monster, making him roll on the ground, they had all quickly scattered and fled. The Pilgrim, with violent intent, piled dry firewood against all the layers of doors, front and back, and set them ablaze, burning the Black Wind Cave into a Red Wind Cave. He then took the cassock, rode a propitious cloud, and returned directly north.

Now, Xuanzang, seeing that the Pilgrim was not returning quickly, felt very doubtful. He wondered if the Bodhisattva hadn't come, or if the Pilgrim had found an excuse to escape. Just as he was wildly guessing, he saw colorful mist shining brilliantly in mid-air, and the Pilgrim suddenly descended before the steps, calling out, "Master, the cassock is here!" Xuanzang was greatly pleased, and all the monks rejoiced, saying, "Excellent, excellent! Our lives are finally saved today!" Xuanzang took the cassock and said, "Wukong, when you left this morning, you promised to return by noon, after the meal. Why are you only coming back now, with the sun setting in the west?" The Pilgrim recounted in detail the story of inviting the Bodhisattva, her magical transformations, and subduing the demon. Upon hearing this, Xuanzang set up an incense altar, bowed towards the south, and said, "Disciple, since we have the Buddha's cassock, let us quickly pack our bags and depart." The Pilgrim said, "Don't rush, don't rush. It's getting late today, not a good time to travel. Let's wait until early tomorrow morning." All the monks knelt down together and said, "Master Sun is right. Firstly, it's late. Secondly, we have some vows to fulfill. Now that we are safe and have the treasure, we wish to fulfill our vows and ask Master to bestow blessings, then we will see you off on your journey west tomorrow morning." The Pilgrim said, "Indeed, indeed." See how those monks emptied their purses and took out all their remaining money salvaged from the fire. They prepared some vegetarian offerings, burned some paper for peace and safety, and chanted several sutras for warding off disasters and overcoming misfortunes. The matter was concluded that evening.

The next morning, they groomed the horses and packed their luggage before setting out. The monks saw them off a long distance before returning. The Pilgrim led the way, and it was precisely the season of thawing spring, where one could see—

Grass cushions the jade-white steed's soft hoofprints, willows sway their golden threads, covered in fresh dew.Peaches and apricots in the forest vie in beauty, ivy entwines paths, full of vitality.On the sandy embankment, mandarin ducks sleep in the warm sun; in mountain streams, flower fragrance tames butterflies.With autumn gone, winter lingering, and spring more than half-passed, who knows what year the journey will be complete to obtain the true scriptures.

The master and disciple traveled for five or seven days along desolate roads. Suddenly, one day, as dusk approached, they saw a village in the distance. Xuanzang said, "Wukong, look, there's a village nearby. How about we ask for lodging for the night and continue our journey tomorrow?" The Pilgrim said, "Let this Old Sun go and check whether it's auspicious or inauspicious, then we'll decide what to do." The Master held the silken reins, and the Pilgrim fixed his gaze to observe, and indeed, it was:—

Dense bamboo fences, numerous thatched cottages.Towering wild trees greet the gate, winding streams and bridges reflect the houses.Willows by the roadside sway lush and green, flowers in the garden bloom fragrantly.At this time, as the evening sun sets in the west, birds chirp noisily in the mountains and forests everywhere; evening smoke rises from kitchens, and cattle and sheep return along every path.Also seen were well-fed chickens and pigs sleeping in house corners, and a tipsy old neighbor singing as he came along.

After observing, the Pilgrim said, "Master, please proceed. It must be a good village, perfect for lodging." The Elder urged the white horse forward and soon reached the entrance of the street. They then saw a young man, with his head wrapped in cotton cloth, wearing a blue jacket, carrying an umbrella and a backpack, his trousers tucked up, and wearing a pair of three-holed straw sandals, striding vigorously out of the street. The Pilgrim casually grabbed him and said, "Where are you going? I have a question for you: what place is this?" The man struggled hard, shouting, "There's no one else in my village for you to ask! Am I the only one who can be asked?" The Pilgrim smiled apologetically and said, "Benefactor, don't be annoyed. Convenience for others is convenience for oneself. What harm is there in telling me the place name? I can also relieve your troubles." The man couldn't break free and jumped with rage, shouting, "Misfortune, misfortune! I can't stand the ill-treatment from my master, and now I've bumped into this bald-headed fellow to suffer his annoyance!" The Pilgrim said, "If you have the ability, break my grip, and then you can leave." The man twisted left and right, but couldn't move. It was as if he was held by an iron clamp. Angered, he dropped his backpack and umbrella, and with both hands, like raindrops, he tried to scratch the Pilgrim. The Pilgrim, with one hand supporting his luggage, and the other warding off the man, no matter how the man struggled, he couldn't grasp him. The Pilgrim held on even tighter, making the man as furious as thunder. Xuanzang said, "Wukong, isn't someone else coming? You can just ask that person. Why do you keep holding onto him? Let him go." The Pilgrim chuckled, "Master, you don't know. If I ask someone else, it would be boring. I must ask him; only then will it be worthwhile."

The man, unable to break free from the Pilgrim's grip, had no choice but to say, "This place is within the border of Usna Tibetan Kingdom, called Gaolao Village. More than half the families in the village are named Gao, which is why it's called Gaolao Village. Now let me go." The Pilgrim then said, "Your attire suggests you're not just traveling a short distance. Tell me honestly where you're going and what your actual business is, then I'll let you go." The man, with no alternative, could only tell the truth: "I am a servant of Master Gao, named Gao Cai. My master has a daughter, twenty years old, who had never been betrothed. Three years ago, she was taken by a demon. That demon has been his son-in-law for three whole years. My master is displeased, saying that his daughter marrying a demon is not a long-term solution. Firstly, it brings disgrace to the family, and secondly, there are no in-laws to visit. He has been wanting to get rid of this demon for a while. But how could the demon be willing to leave? Instead, he confined the daughter in his back residence for about half a year, not letting her out to see anyone in the family. My master gave me a few taels of silver and told me to find a master of magic to capture that demon. For some time, I haven't stopped; I've invited three or four people, all useless monks and incompetent Daoists, who couldn't subdue the demon. Just now, he scolded me, saying I was useless, and gave me another five qian of silver for travel expenses, telling me to go invite a good master of magic to subdue him. Unexpectedly, I ran into you, this thorn in my side, who held me back and delayed my journey. That's why I'm annoyed both inside and out, and in despair, I shouted at you. I didn't expect you to have some sort of hold; I can't break free from you, so I'm telling you the truth. Now let me go."

The Pilgrim said, "Your good fortune, my livelihood—this is truly a perfect match. You don't need to travel far, nor waste your silver. We are not those useless monks or incompetent Daoists. We actually have some skills and are adept at capturing demons. This is a perfect opportunity, both for you to find help and for us to demonstrate our abilities. Please go back and report to your master that we are the Imperial Brother, a holy monk dispatched from the Eastern Land, on our way to the Western Heaven to seek Buddhist scriptures, and we are skilled at subduing demons and binding monsters." Gao Cai said, "Don't mislead me. I'm full of frustration. If you deceive me, and have no real skill, failing to capture that demon, won't I be dragged into more trouble and annoyance again?" The Pilgrim said, "I guarantee I won't mislead you. Lead me to your family's gate." The man, having no alternative, indeed carried his backpack, took his umbrella, turned around, and led the master and disciple to the gate, saying, "Two Elders, please wait here by the horse block for a moment while I go in and inform my master." Only then did the Pilgrim release his hand. He lowered his carrying pole, led the horse, and the master and disciple stood waiting by the gate.

Gao Cai entered the main gate and walked straight to the central hall, where he happened to run into Master Gao. Master Gao scolded, "You savage beast! Why aren't you out looking for someone? Why have you come back?" Gao Cai put down his backpack and umbrella and said, "Reporting to my master, just as I was leaving the street entrance, I suddenly encountered two monks, one riding a horse, the other carrying a pole. He grabbed me and wouldn't let go, asking where I was going. I repeatedly refused to tell him, but he pestered me relentlessly until I couldn't escape his grasp. So, I told him everything about our master's situation. He was extremely pleased and wants to help us capture that demon." Master Gao asked, "Where are they from?" Gao Cai said, "He said they are the Imperial Brother, a holy monk dispatched from the Eastern Land, on their way to the Western Heaven to seek Buddhist scriptures." Master Gao said, "Since they are monks from afar, they probably have some real skill. Where are they now?" Gao Cai said, "They are waiting outside the gate right now." Master Gao immediately changed his clothes and came out with Gao Cai to greet them, calling out, "Elders!" Xuanzang heard, quickly turned around, and they were already before him. The old man was wearing a black silk scarf, a light green Shu brocade robe, coarse leather calfskin boots, and a black-green sash. He came out with a smiling face and greeted them, saying, "Two Elders, my respects." Xuanzang returned the courtesy, but the Pilgrim stood still. Seeing his hideous appearance, the old man dared not bow to him. The Pilgrim said, "Why don't you greet this Old Sun?" The old man was somewhat afraid and called out to Gao Cai, "You scoundrel, aren't you trying to kill me? I already have a hideous monster of a son-in-law I can't get rid of, and now you bring this thunder god to harm me?" The Pilgrim said, "Old Gao, you've lived so many years in vain, yet you're still not sensible! If you judge people solely by their appearance, you're entirely mistaken. This Old Sun may be ugly, but he has some skill. If I capture the demon for your family, seize the ghostly monster, apprehend your son-in-law, and return your daughter, wouldn't that be a good thing? Why dwell so much on appearances!" Seeing this, Master Gao, trembling, could only force himself to regain his composure and call out, "Please come in." Upon being invited, the Pilgrim then led the white horse, instructed Gao Cai to carry the luggage, and entered with Xuanzang. He didn't care about propriety; he tied the horse to a pillar in the open hall, pulled over a faded lacquer armchair, and told Xuanzang to sit down. He then pulled another chair and sat beside him. Master Gao said, "This young Elder is quite... at home." The Pilgrim said, "If you're willing to let me stay for half a year, I'll be even more at home!"

Once seated, Master Gao asked, "The servant just mentioned that the two Elders are from the Eastern Land?" Xuanzang said, "That is correct. This poor monk has been commanded by the Emperor to travel to the Western Heaven to seek Buddhist scriptures. Passing by your esteemed village, we specifically sought lodging for a night, intending to depart early tomorrow." Master Gao said, "The two of you originally sought lodging, so how is it that you also claim to be able to capture monsters?" The Pilgrim said, "Since we're lodging here, we might as well capture a few demons for fun. May I ask how many demons reside in your mansion?" Master Gao exclaimed, "Heavens! How many more could there be! Just this one demon son-in-law is enough to drive us frantic!" The Pilgrim said, "Tell me the whole story of that demon, from beginning to end, how powerful he is, so I can capture him for you." Master Gao said, "In our village, from ancient times till now, we've never known of any mischievous ghosts, goblins, or evil spirits causing trouble. However, this old man is unfortunate; I have no sons, only three daughters: the eldest named Xianglan, the second Yulan, and the third Cuilan. The elder two were married off to local families since childhood. Only the youngest one remained, and I wanted to find a son-in-law for her, hoping he would live with us, be a son-in-law to care for us in old age, support the household, and do the work. Unexpectedly, three years ago, a man, quite refined in appearance, claimed to be from Fuling Mountain, surnamed Zhu, with no parents above or brothers below, willing to be a son-in-law. This old man, seeing such a free and unattached person, accepted him. When he first entered the household, he was diligent indeed, plowing fields and harrowing land without using oxen; harvesting crops without knives or staffs. He worked from dusk till dawn, truly very good. There was just one thing: he could change his appearance." The Pilgrim said, "How did he change?" Master Gao said, "When he first came, he was a dark, fat man. Later, he transformed into a lout with a long snout and big ears, with a line of coarse bristles on the back of his head, his body rough and frightening, his face resembling that of a pig. His appetite was enormous; he'd eat three to five dou of rice per meal, and for morning snacks, a hundred or so flatbreads would barely suffice. Fortunately, he only ate vegetarian food. If he were to consume meat and wine as well, then this old man's family property and land, within half a year, would be completely devoured!" Xuanzang said, "It is because he worked hard that he ate so much." Master Gao said, "Eating is still a small matter. Now he can also conjure winds, moving through clouds and mist, sending stones flying and sand swirling, scaring my whole family and the neighbors, leaving no one in peace. He also confined my youngest daughter Cuilan in the back residence, and she hasn't been seen for half a year. We don't even know if she's alive or dead. That's why we know he's a demon and want to invite a master of magic to drive him away, to drive him away." The Pilgrim said, "What's difficult about that? Old man, rest assured, tonight I guarantee I will capture him for you, make him write a divorce decree, and return your daughter. How about that?" Master Gao was overjoyed and said, "It's not just that I married him; he has ruined my reputation and estranged many of my relatives. As long as he is captured, who cares about a document? Please just get rid of him for good." The Pilgrim said, "Easy, easy! At nightfall, we shall see the outcome."

The old man was extremely delighted. He then instructed them to arrange tables and chairs and set out vegetarian offerings. After the meal, as evening approached, the old man asked, "What weapons do you need? How many people should accompany you? So we can prepare early." The Pilgrim said, "I have my own weapons." The old man said, "The two of you only have that tin staff. How can a tin staff defeat a demon?" The Pilgrim then pulled out an embroidery needle from his ear, twirled it in his hand, swung it once against the wind, and it became a golden-hooped iron rod as thick as a bowl. He showed it to Master Gao and said, "Look at this rod. How does it compare to your family's weapons? Can it defeat this monster?" Master Gao then said, "Since you have a weapon, do you need people to follow you?" The Pilgrim said, "I don't need people. I only need a few virtuous old men to keep my master company, sitting and chatting quietly, so I can leave him and go. When I capture that demon, I will make him confess in front of everyone and get rid of him for you once and for all." The old man immediately called his servants and invited a few relatives and friends. They all arrived shortly. After exchanging greetings, the Pilgrim said, "Master, sit tight and don't worry. This Old Sun is off!"

See him, wielding his iron rod, dragging Master Gao, saying, "Lead me to the demon's dwelling in the back residence so I can take a look." Master Gao then led him to the gate of the back residence. The Pilgrim said, "Go fetch the key." Master Gao said, "Just take a look. If a key could be used, we wouldn't have invited you." The Pilgrim chuckled, "Old man, though you're old, you don't understand a joke. I just said that to trick you, and you took it seriously." He walked forward, touched it, and found it was a lock cast from molten copper. He fiercely thrust his golden-hooped rod, breaking open the door, and inside it was pitch black. The Pilgrim said, "Old Gao, go call your daughter's name and see if she's inside." The old man, hardening his resolve, called out, "Third Sister!" The daughter recognized her father's voice and weakly responded, "Father, I'm here." The Pilgrim flashed his fiery golden eyes and carefully looked into the shadows. What do you think she looked like? One could only see—

Her cloud-like hair was disheveled and uncombed, her jade-like face unwashed and soiled.Her pure orchid heart remained, but her delicate charm had completely deteriorated.Her cherry lips were pale, devoid of color, her waist bent and weak.Her brows were furrowed with worry, her moth-like eyebrows faded, she was thin and timid, her voice low.

She walked out and saw Master Gao, grabbed him, and burst into tears, burying her head. The Pilgrim said, "Don't cry, don't cry! I ask you, where did the demon go?" The woman said, "I don't know where he goes. Lately, he leaves at dawn and returns only at night. He comes and goes through clouds and mist, so I don't know his whereabouts. Because he knows my father wants to drive him away, he is always on guard, which is why he leaves at dawn and returns at dusk." The Pilgrim said, "No need to say more, old man. Take your esteemed daughter to the front residence and slowly catch up. Let this Old Sun wait for him here. If he doesn't come, don't blame me; but if he does, I will certainly uproot him for you." Master Gao, joyfully, led his daughter away to the front.

The Pilgrim then performed a magic trick, shook his body, and transformed into the exact likeness of the woman, sitting alone in the room, waiting for the demon. Not long after, a gust of wind came, truly sending stones flying and sand swirling. What a wind—

At first, gently swaying, later vast and boundless.Gently swaying, vast is the universe; vast and boundless, without hindrance.It withered flowers and broke willows as easily as breaking flax, felled trees and destroyed forests as if pulling weeds.It overturned rivers and stirred seas, causing ghosts and gods to despair; it split rocks and collapsed mountains, an anomaly to heaven and earth.Flower-carrying deer lost their tracks, fruit-picking monkeys were confused outside.Seven-story iron pagodas encroached on Buddha heads, eight-sided banners and canopies were damaged.Golden beams and jade pillars shook at their roots, tiles flew from roofs like pieces of swallows' nests.Oarsmen raising their sculls made vows, boatmen rushed to offer pigs and sheep.The local earth gods abandoned their shrines, the dragons of the four seas bowed to the heavens.By the sea, it damaged Yaksha boats, and along the Great Wall, it blew down half the fortifications.

After that gust of fierce wind passed, a demon appeared in mid-air, truly born ugly. Black-faced with short bristles, long snout and big ears, wearing a tunic of indeterminate green or blue homespun cloth, tied with a patterned cloth scarf. The Pilgrim chuckled inwardly, "So this is the 'deal'!" Good Pilgrim, he neither greeted him nor questioned him. Instead, he lay on the bed feigning illness, groaning and moaning incessantly. The monster, unable to discern the truth, walked into the room, embraced her firmly, and immediately tried to kiss her. The Pilgrim chuckled inwardly, "He really wants to mess with this Old Sun!" He immediately used a technique, holding the monster's long snout, performing what's called a "small fall." With a sudden movement, he flung him headfirst off the bed with a thud. The monster scrambled up, held onto the bedside, and said, "Sister, why are you somewhat displeased with me today? Did I come too late?" The Pilgrim said, "Not displeased, not displeased!" The demon said, "If you're not displeased with me, why did you throw me like that?" The Pilgrim said, "Why are you so petty, just trying to embrace and kiss me? I'm feeling a bit unwell today. Normally, I would get up and open the door to wait for you. You can take off your clothes and sleep." The monster didn't understand his intention and truly went to take off his clothes. The Pilgrim jumped up and sat on the chamber pot. The monster returned to the bed and groped around, finding no one. He called out, "Sister, where did you go? Please take off your clothes and sleep." The Pilgrim said, "You sleep first; I need to relieve myself." The monster indeed took off his clothes and got into bed first.

The Pilgrim suddenly sighed and said, "My fate has turned bad!" The monster said, "Why are you annoyed? How can your fortune decline? Since I came to your house, although I have eaten some food, I haven't eaten for free. I have swept the floor and cleared ditches for your family, moved bricks and carried tiles, built up earth walls, plowed fields and harrowed land, sowed wheat and transplanted rice, established a household and built a fortune. Now you wear brocade, adorn yourself with gold, have fruits to enjoy in all four seasons, and vegetables to cook on all eight festivals. What else is there that displeases you, that you sigh and groan, saying your fortune has declined?" The Pilgrim said, "That's not how it is. Today, my parents, from across the wall, were throwing bricks and tiles, and scolding me severely." The monster said, "Why are they scolding you?" The Pilgrim said, "They said that since I became your wife, and you are their son-in-law, you show no respect at all. Such an ugly-faced person, who can't meet my uncles or see my relatives, and who comes and goes through clouds and mist, whose family are you really from, what is your name? You are ruining their good reputation and disgracing their family name. That's why they're scolding me like this, causing me distress." The monster said, "Although I am somewhat ugly, if I wanted to be handsome, it wouldn't be difficult. When I first came, I discussed it with them, and they were willing to accept me; why are they bringing this up again today? My home is in Cloud Stack Cave on Fuling Mountain. My surname is based on my appearance, hence I am surnamed Zhu (Pig), and my official name is Zhu Ganglie. If they ask you again, just tell them this."

The Pilgrim secretly rejoiced, "That monster is quite honest; he confessed so clearly without any torture. Now that I have his place and name, I can definitely capture him." The Pilgrim said, "They want to invite a master of magic to capture you." The monster chuckled, "Sleep, sleep! Don't pay them any mind! I have the transformations of the 36 Heavenly Constellations, and my nine-toothed rake. What do I fear from masters of magic, monks, or Daoists? Even if your father sincerely invited the Nine Heavens Exorcist Patriarch to descend, I've known him before; he wouldn't dare do anything to me." The Pilgrim said, "They said they've invited a certain Great Sage Equal to Heaven, surnamed Sun, who wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Palace five hundred years ago, to capture you." Upon hearing that name, the monster felt three parts fear and said, "If that's the case, I'll leave. We can't be husband and wife anymore." The Pilgrim said, "Why are you leaving so soon?" The monster said, "You don't know, that Horse-Protector who wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Palace has some real skill. I'm just afraid I can't defeat him and would lose face, which wouldn't look good." He put on his clothes, opened the door, and was about to leave when the Pilgrim grabbed him, wiped his own face once, revealed his true form, and shouted, "Good demon, where are you going? Look up and see who I am!" The monster turned his eyes, saw the Pilgrim with bared fangs, fiery golden eyes, a hairy face with a pointed head, looking just like a living God of Thunder. He was so terrified that his hands and feet went numb. With a ripping sound, he tore his clothes, transformed into a fierce wind, and escaped. The Pilgrim quickly stepped forward, brandished his iron rod, and struck at the wind. The monster transformed into ten thousand streaks of fire and went straight back to his mountain. The Pilgrim rode his cloud, chasing closely behind, shouting, "Where are you going? If you go to heaven, I'll chase you to the Dipper and Ox Palace! If you go underground, I'll pursue you to the Prison of Wrongful Deaths!" Alas! We do not know where this pursuit will lead, nor what victory or defeat awaits. Listen to the next chapter for the explanation.