Chapter 21: Protecting the Dharma by Setting up a Village to Retain the Great Sage Sumeru Lingji Calms the Wind Demon

The fifty defeated imps, carrying broken banners and drums, burst into the cave and reported, “Great King, the Tiger Vanguard couldn't defeat that furry-faced monk; he was chased down the eastern slope!” The old demon, hearing this, was greatly annoyed. He lowered his head, silent, pondering a plan, when another imp from the front gate reported, “Great King, the Tiger Vanguard has been killed by that furry-faced monk, who is now dragging him to the entrance and challenging us to battle!”

The old demon grew even more vexed, saying, “This scoundrel is truly ignorant! I haven't even eaten his master yet, and he’s already killed my vanguard! Detestable! Detestable!” He called out, “Bring my armor! I’ve only heard talk of this Sun Wukong. I'll go out and see what kind of nine-headed, eight-tailed monk he is, and bring him back to avenge my Tiger Vanguard!” The imps quickly brought out his armor. The old demon, fully armored and ready, grabbed a three-pronged steel fork and led his host of demons leaping out of the cave.

The Great Sage stood outside the entrance, watching the demon emerge, truly formidable. His appearance was as follows:

Golden helmet shimmering in the sun, golden armor gleaming.Pheasant plumes waved from his helmet, a silk robe of pale goose yellow covered his armor.His armor belt was embroidered with coiling dragons, brilliantly colored; his heart-protecting mirror shone dazzlingly.Deer-hide boots dyed with pagoda tree flowers; a brocade skirt adorned with willow-leaf patterns.In his hand, a sharp three-pronged steel fork, no less impressive than that of the Illustrious Sage of old.

The old demon stepped out and shouted fiercely, “Who is Sun Wukong?” The Pilgrim, with the Tiger Monster’s pelt under his foot and his as-you-will iron staff in hand, replied, “Your Grandpa Sun is here! Send out my Master!” The demon scrutinized the Pilgrim, seeing his small stature, emaciated face, and height of less than four feet, and laughed, “Pitiable, pitiable! I thought he was some unconquerable hero, but he’s just a sickly skeleton!” The Pilgrim laughed, “You, my son, are truly blind! Although your Grandpa is small, if you hit me on the head with the fork handle, I’ll instantly grow three feet.” The demon said, “Be tough and take a blow from my handle.” The Great Sage was utterly unafraid. The demon indeed struck, and Wukong bent his waist slightly, instantly growing three feet, becoming ten feet tall. The demon, startled, pressed down on his steel fork and shouted, “Sun Wukong, how dare you use this body-protecting transformation trick right in front of my gate! Don't play tricks! Come forward, let me show you my skills!” The Pilgrim laughed, “Son! As the saying goes, 'Hold back if you show mercy, show no mercy if you strike.' Your Grandpa’s hand is heavy, I fear you won’t endure this blow!” The demon allowed no further talk, spun his steel fork, and thrust it directly at the Pilgrim’s chest. The Great Sage, an expert who remains calm in action, skillfully wielded his iron staff in a "Black Dragon Sweeping the Ground" stance, deflecting the steel fork, then struck at the demon's head.

At the entrance to the Yellow Wind Cave, a fierce battle ensued:

The Demon King raged, the Great Sage displayed his might.The Demon King raged, wanting to seize the Pilgrim to avenge his vanguard;The Great Sage displayed his might, intending to capture the demon to rescue the elder.Fork came, staff parried; staff went, fork met.One was the Commander-in-Chief of the Mountain, the other, the Protector and Handsome Monkey King.Initially, they fought amidst the dust; later, both ascended to the sky.The point of the steel fork was sharp and keen; the as-you-will staff was black with yellow bands.Those pierced would descend to the underworld; those struck would surely meet Yama.Relying entirely on quick hands and sharp eyes, and requiring immense strength and vigor.Both fought desperately, heedless of life or death;It was unknown who would be safe, who would be injured.

The old demon and the Great Sage fought for thirty rounds without either gaining an advantage. The Pilgrim, desiring to achieve success, employed his "body-outside-of-body" technique: he plucked a handful of his hairs, chewed them into tiny pieces, spat them upwards, and called out, “Change!” Instantly, a hundred or so Wukongs appeared, all identically dressed, each wielding an iron staff, surrounding the demon in mid-air. The demon, in fear, also used his own skill: he quickly turned his head, faced the southeast, opened his mouth three times, and with a whoosh, blew out a breath. Suddenly, a blast of yellow wind arose from the sky. What a wind! It was truly formidable:

A chilling gust, transforming heaven and earth, formless yellow sand swirled.Through forests, over ridges, it felled pines and plums, scattering earth and raising dust, collapsing mountain peaks.Yellow River waves surged, churning the depths; Xiang River waters boiled, turning in tumultuous waves.The azure sky shook, disturbing the Ox and Dipper constellations, nearly toppling Yama's palace.Five hundred Arhats cried out in dismay, the Eight Vajra Guards shouted in chaos.Manjushri's green-maned lion escaped, Puxian's white elephant was nowhere to be found.Zhenwu's turtle and snake lost their way, Zizhi's mule's saddle blanket flew off.Merchants cried out to Heaven, boatmen prayed and vowed many things.Lives, like smoke on the waves, drifted in the currents; remaining years of fame and fortune were swept away by the waters.Immortal mountains and cave abodes grew dark, Penglai, the sea-island, became dim.Laozi could barely mind his alchemy furnace, the God of Longevity retracted his Dragon Whisker Fan.The Queen Mother, on her way to the Peach Banquet, had her skirt sash and bracelets blown off by the wind.Erlang lost his way in Guanzhou city, Nezha couldn't draw his sword from its scabbard.The Heavenly King lost sight of the pagoda in his hand, Luban's golden-headed chisel was swept away.The Precious Hall of Leiyin collapsed three stories, Zhaozhou stone bridge broke in two.The red sun lost its brilliance, all the stars in the sky became dim and chaotic.Birds from the South Mountain flew to the North, water from East Lake overflowed to West Lake.Mates were separated, unable to call to each other; parents and children were parted, unable to cry out.Dragon Kings searched the seas for their Yaksas, Thunder Gods sought their lightning everywhere.The Ten Kings of Hell sought their judges, Ox-Headed and Horse-Faced demons pursued each other in the underworld.This wind blew over Mount Putuo, rolling up a scroll of Guanyin's scriptures.White lotus flowers scattered and flew by the sea, the wind toppled twelve Bodhisattva courtyards.Since Pangu, no one had seen such a malevolent wind.With a great roar, the universe nearly burst apart; mountains and rivers across a thousand li trembled!

The demon unleashed this fierce wind, blowing the small Wukongs transformed from his hairs into a frantic spin in mid-air, like a potter's wheel. They couldn't swing their staffs, nor could they keep their bodies together. Startled, the Pilgrim shook his hairs, reabsorbing them, and wielding his iron staff alone, rushed forward to strike. But the demon blew another mouthful of yellow wind directly into his face, causing his Fiery Golden Eyes to be blown shut, unable to open. Thus, he couldn't wield his iron staff and had to retreat. The demon, having unleashed the wind, returned to his cave.

Meanwhile, Pigsy, seeing the fierce yellow wind and the darkening sky, led the horse and guarded the luggage, crouching in a mountain hollow. He didn't dare open his eyes or look up, continuously chanting prayers and making vows, unsure of Wukong's success or his Master's fate. As he was deep in thought, the wind suddenly died down and the sky cleared. He looked up towards the cave entrance, seeing no signs of battle, no sounds of gongs or drums. The foolish monk dared not approach the gate, and with no one to guard the horse and luggage, he was truly in a dilemma, distressed and bewildered.

While he was worrying, he suddenly heard the Great Sage Sun calling out from the west. He straightened up to greet him, saying, “Brother, what a fierce wind! Where have you been?” The Pilgrim waved his hand and said, “Terrible, terrible! Since I've been a sentient being, I've never seen such a powerful wind. That old demon came to fight me with a three-pronged steel fork. After more than thirty rounds, I used my body-outside-of-body technique to surround and attack him. He got anxious and conjured this wind. It was indeed vicious, blowing me to a standstill. I had to withdraw my skill and escape through the wind. Wow, what a wind! Wow, what a wind! I, too, can summon wind and rain, but never like this demon’s wicked wind!” Pigsy asked, “Brother, how was the demon’s martial arts?” Wukong replied, “His skills were decent; his fork technique was quite skillful. He fought me to a standstill. But his wind was too wicked, it was hard to defeat him.” Pigsy said, “How can we rescue Master then?” Wukong said, “Rescuing Master can wait. I wonder if there’s an eye doctor here? I need to get my eyes treated.” Pigsy asked, “What's wrong with your eyes?” Wukong explained, “That demon blew a mouthful of wind at me, and it made my eyeballs ache. Now, cold tears keep flowing.” Pigsy said, “Brother, it's already getting late in these mountains. Forget an eye doctor, there’s not even a place to stay!” Wukong said, “Finding lodging is not difficult. I reckon that demon wouldn’t dare harm my Master yet. Let’s find the main road and look for a family to stay with for the night. Tomorrow at dawn, we’ll return to subdue the demon.” Pigsy agreed, “Indeed, indeed.”

So, Pigsy led the horse and carried the luggage out of the mountain hollow and onto the road. Twilight gradually descended. Suddenly, from a hillside south of the road, they heard the sound of barking dogs. The two stopped to look. It was a farmhouse, with a faint glow of lamplight visible. Without bothering to find a path, they walked through the tall grass until they reached the gate.

Purple ganoderma dimly visible, white stones ancient and hoary.Purple ganoderma dimly visible among green grass, white stones ancient and hoary with green moss.A few fireflies glowed brightly, a thick stand of wild trees lined up.Fragrant orchids bloomed richly, young bamboo newly planted.Clear springs flowed through winding ravines, ancient cypresses leaned against deep cliffs.The place was secluded, no travelers visited; only wild flowers bloomed before the gate.

They didn't dare enter without permission, so they called out, “Open the door! Open the door!” An old man, with a few young farmhands, came out, armed with pitchforks, rakes, and brooms, asking, “Who is it? Who is it?” Wukong bowed and said, “We are disciples of the Holy Monk from the Great Tang of the Eastern Land. We are on our way to the West to worship Buddha and seek scriptures. Passing through this mountain, our Master was seized by the Yellow Wind Demon King, and we haven't been able to rescue him yet. It's getting late, so we specially came to your esteemed home to ask for a night's lodging. We'd be greatly obliged for your convenience.” The old man bowed in return, “Pardon our belated welcome, pardon our belated welcome. This is a remote place with more clouds than people. When I heard the knocking just now, I feared it might be fox spirits, tigers, or mountain bandits. That's why this humble old man acted foolishly and may have offended you, unaware that you were two venerable monks. Please come in, please come in.”

The brothers led the horse and carried the luggage inside. They tied the horse and set down the luggage, then bowed to the old man and took their seats. A servant brought tea. After tea, several bowls of sesame rice were brought out. After they had eaten, the old man ordered beds to be prepared for sleep. Wukong said, “I can manage without sleep, but may I ask, kind sir, if there’s a place here that sells eye medicine?” The old man asked, “Which venerable monk is suffering from eye problems?” Wukong replied, “To be frank with you, venerable elder, we monks have always been free from illness and never known eye ailments.” The old man said, “If you have no eye problems, why do you seek medicine?” Wukong explained, “Today, at the Yellow Wind Cave, while rescuing my Master, that demon unexpectedly blew a mouthful of wind at me, making my eyeballs ache. Now, my eyes are watering, so I’m looking for eye medicine.”

The old man exclaimed, “Alas, alas! You, venerable monk, so young in appearance, how can you lie? The Yellow Wind Great Sage’s wind is extremely formidable. His wind is not like spring wind, autumn wind, pine and bamboo wind, or the winds from the four directions.” Pigsy interjected, “Perhaps it's a migraine, ear infection, leprosy, or hemicrania?” The elder said, “No, no. It is called the Samadhi Divine Wind.” Wukong asked, “How can you tell?” The old man explained, “That wind can darken heaven and earth, skillfully stir fear in ghosts and spirits; it fiercely splits rocks and collapses cliffs, and blows life away from people. If you encountered that wind and were blown by it, you wouldn't expect to live! Only immortals can withstand it without harm.” Wukong said, “Indeed, indeed! Although we are not immortals, immortals are still my juniors, so my life is not easily extinguished. But it did indeed make my eyeballs ache!”

The old man said, “Since that is so, then you are someone of great background. My humble abode has no eye medicine for sale, but I, an old man, also suffer from cold tears streaming in the wind. I once met an extraordinary person who taught me a prescription called the ‘Three Flowers Nine Seeds Ointment,’ which can cure all wind-related eye ailments.” Hearing this, Wukong bowed with folded hands, saying, “May I beg for a little, to try it?” The old man assented, went inside, and returned with a small agate jar. He removed the stopper, dipped a jade hairpin to take out a small amount, and applied it to Wukong's eyes, instructing him not to open them and to rest peacefully, saying he would be well by morning. After applying it, he put the stone jar away and led the young servants back inside. Pigsy unpacked the bundle, spread out the bedding, and invited Wukong to settle down. Wukong, with closed eyes, groped around, and Pigsy laughed, “Sir, where’s your walking stick for the blind?” Wukong retorted, “You good-for-nothing blockhead! You’re treating me like a blind man!” The foolish monk chuckled to himself and fell asleep. Wukong sat on the bedding, circulating his divine energy, and only after the third watch (midnight) did he finally fall asleep.

Unbeknownst to them, the fifth watch was about to break. Wukong wiped his face and opened his eyes, saying, “Indeed, good medicine! A hundred times brighter than usual!” He turned to look behind him. Ah! Where were the houses and windows? He saw only old locust trees and tall willows, and his brothers were sleeping on the green grass. Pigsy awoke and asked, “Brother, why are you shouting?” Wukong said, “Open your eyes and see!” The foolish monk suddenly looked up, saw that the house was gone, and startled, scrambled up with a roll, saying, “Where’s my horse?” Wukong said, “Isn't it tied to the tree?” “And the luggage?” Wukong said, “Isn't it right beside your head?” Pigsy exclaimed, “This family is so lazy! They moved, why didn't they call us? If old Pig had known, I could've at least given you some tea and fruit. They must have been evading someone, perhaps afraid the village head would find out, so they moved overnight. Huh! We slept too soundly! How could we not hear them dismantling the house?” Wukong chuckled softly and said, “Idiot, don't babble. Look, what’s that paper note on the tree?” Pigsy walked over and took it off with his hand. It contained four lines of verse:

This dwelling is not a mortal home,But a transformed hermitage of a Guardian God.The wondrous medicine cured your eye pain;Now wholeheartedly subdue the demon, do not hesitate.

Wukong said, “These powerful deities! Since we got the dragon horse, I haven't summoned them, and they’ve gone and played tricks again!” Pigsy said, “Brother, don't act superior. Why should they obey your summons?” Wukong replied, “Brother, you still don't know. These Guardian Gods, Six Ding and Six Jia, Five Directions Revealers, and Four Duty Divine Officers, are secretly protecting my Master under the Bodhisattva's decree. Since they reported themselves that day, I haven't needed to use them because you've been around, so I haven't summoned them.” Pigsy said, “Brother, since they are protecting Master under a decree, they cannot reveal themselves overtly, so they manifested this immortal dwelling. Don't blame them. Yesterday, they helped you with your eyes, and provided us a vegetarian meal; they truly did their best. Don't blame them, let's go rescue Master.” Wukong said, “Brother, you're right. This place isn't far from the Yellow Wind Cave. You stay put, just hide in the woods and carefully guard the horse and luggage. I’ll go into the cave to inquire about Master's whereabouts, then fight the demon again.” Pigsy said, “That’s right, we need a reliable report on whether he's alive or dead. If Master is dead, each of us can go our own way; if he's not dead, then we’ll exert ourselves to the fullest.” Wukong said, “Don't talk nonsense, I'm off!”

He leaped into the air and arrived directly at the cave entrance, which was still closed, as if sleeping. Wukong didn't knock or disturb the demons. He made a magic gesture, recited a spell, and transformed himself into a variegated mosquito, truly tiny and nimble! A poem testifies to this:

A tiny, bothersome form with a sharp proboscis; its soft buzz, like distant thunder.It easily passes through silk curtains in orchid-scented rooms, loving the warm air of summer.Fears only smoke and swatting, yet loves the brilliant glow of lamplight.Light and small, it drills in swiftly, flying into the demon's cave.

He saw the gate-keeping imp snoring. Wukong stung him on the face, and the imp flipped over and awoke, saying, “Oh my goodness, what a huge mosquito! One bite made a huge welt!” He suddenly opened his eyes and said, “It's dawn.” Then he heard a creaking sound, and the inner gate opened. Wukong buzzed and flew in, hearing the old demon instructing all gatekeepers to be vigilant, and at the same time, gathering weapons. “I fear that yesterday’s wind didn't blow Sun Wukong to death; he will surely come today, and when he does, he's sure to lose his life.” Hearing this, Wukong flew over the main hall and directly to the back. He saw a door, very tightly closed. Wukong squeezed through a crack in the door. It was a large empty courtyard, and there, tied with ropes to a wind-fixing stake, was Tang Monk. The Master was shedding continuous tears, only thinking of Wukong and Pigsy, unsure where they were. Wukong landed, stinging his bald head, and called out, “Master.” The elder recognized his voice and said, “Wukong, I’ve missed you so much! Where are you calling me from?” Wukong said, “Master, I’m on your head. Don't be anxious, worry less. We must capture the demon to save your life.” Tang Monk asked, “Disciple, when will you catch the demon?” Wukong said, “The Tiger Monster who captured you has already been killed by Pigsy. It's just the old demon’s wind power that’s formidable. I expect to catch him today, for sure. Don't worry, don't cry. I'm off.”

Saying "off," he buzzed and flew to the front, where he saw the old demon sitting, assigning duties to various leaders. He also saw a small demon in front of the cave, who flicked a command flag and rushed into the hall to report, “Great King, I was patrolling the mountain, and just as I left the cave, I saw a long-snouted, big-eared monk sitting in the forest. If I hadn't run fast, he would have almost caught me. But I didn't see that furry-faced monk from yesterday.” The old demon said, “Sun Wukong isn't here; he must have been blown to death, or perhaps he's gone somewhere to seek reinforcements!” The demons said, “Great King, if he was indeed blown to death, it is our good fortune. We only fear he wasn't blown to death and will invite divine soldiers. What then?” The old demon scoffed, “Why fear them? Why fear any divine soldiers? If anyone can counter my wind, it's only Bodhisattva Lingji; as for the rest, who needs to fear them?”

Wukong, on the roof beam, overheard this remark and was overjoyed. He withdrew and flew out, reappearing in his true form in the forest, and called out, “Brother!” Pigsy said, “Brother, where have you been? That demon carrying the command flag just now, I chased him away.” Wukong chuckled, “Thanks to you, thanks to you! I transformed into a mosquito and went into his cave to check on Master. It turns out Master was tied to a wind-fixing stake and crying. I told him not to cry, then flew onto the roof beam and listened. I saw the demon carrying the command flag panting heavily as he went in to report. He reported that you chased him, but didn't mention seeing me. The old demon made wild guesses, saying I was blown to death, and also that I had gone to invite divine soldiers. But he himself revealed someone! Wonderful! Wonderful!” Pigsy asked, “Who did he reveal?” Wukong said, “He said, ‘Why fear any divine soldiers? Who can counter his wind? Only Bodhisattva Lingji can.’ But I don't know where Lingji lives?”

As they were discussing this, an old man came walking along the main road. His appearance was as follows:

His body was hale, needing no cane; his icy beard and snowy hair were bushy.Golden flowers dazzled, his gaze hazy; his thin bones and aging sinews were still strong and firm.Bent back, bowed head, he walked slowly; his thick eyebrows and reddish face were like a child's.His appearance was truly remarkable, as if the God of Longevity had emerged from his cave.

Pigsy was overjoyed to see him, saying, “Brother, as the saying goes, 'To know the path down the mountain, one must ask those who come and go.' Why don't you go forward and ask him?” Indeed, the Great Sage hid his iron staff, smoothed his robe, and stepped forward, calling out, “Venerable elder, greetings!” The old man, half-answering, half-not, returned the bow and asked, “Where do you come from, monk? In this wilderness, what business do you have?” Wukong replied, “We are monks on a scripture-seeking journey. Yesterday, we lost our Master here. I specifically came to ask you, venerable sir, where Bodhisattva Lingji lives.” The old man said, “Lingji is directly to the south; there are still two thousand li to go. There's a mountain called Mount Sumeru. On that mountain, there is a spiritual retreat, a Bodhisattva’s meditation monastery for teaching scriptures. Are you going to seek his scriptures?” Wukong said, “No, I have a matter to trouble him with. I just don't know which path to take.” The old man pointed south with his hand, “This winding path is it.” He tricked the Great Sage Sun into turning his head to look at the road. Then, the old man transformed into a gentle breeze and vanished silently, leaving only a simple note by the roadside with four lines of verse:

To the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, listen:This old man is Li Chang Geng.On Mount Sumeru is the Flying Dragon Staff;Lingji received this Buddhist weapon in ancient times.

Wukong held the note, turned, and went back down the road. Pigsy said, “Brother, our fortune has been low these past few days. It's like seeing ghosts on a day of repentance! Who was that old man who vanished into the wind?” Wukong handed the note to Pigsy, who read it once and asked, “Who is Li Chang Geng?” Wukong said, “It is the name of Great White Planet Venus from the West.” Pigsy, startled, bowed to the sky, “Benefactor, benefactor! If it weren't for the Venerable Star’s successful petition to the Jade Emperor, old Pig wouldn't know what his life would have become!” Wukong said, “Brother, you are indeed grateful. But don't show yourself; just hide deep in this forest and carefully guard the luggage and horse while I go find Mount Sumeru and invite the Bodhisattva.” Pigsy said, “Understood, understood! Just go quickly! Old Pig has learned the way of the turtle: when it's time to withdraw, withdraw.”

The Great Sage leaped into the air, riding his somersault cloud, and went directly south, truly swift. He passed three thousand li with a nod, and over eight hundred li with a twist of his waist. In an instant, he saw a tall mountain, with auspicious clouds appearing halfway up, and propitious mists swirling. In a mountain hollow, there was indeed a meditation monastery, where bells and chimes echoed, and he saw fragrant incense smoke curling upwards. The Great Sage arrived at the gate and saw a monk with a string of prayer beads around his neck, chanting Buddhist scriptures. Wukong said, “Greetings, monk.” The monk bowed in return, “Where do you come from, venerable sir?” Wukong asked, “Is this Bodhisattva Lingji’s meditation place?” The monk replied, “This is indeed it. What can I do for you?” Wukong said, “May I trouble you, venerable elder, to deliver a message for me? I am the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, Sun Wukong, a disciple of the Imperial Brother, Tripitaka, the Buddhist Master from the Great Tang of the Eastern Land. I have a matter, and I wish to see the Bodhisattva.” The monk laughed, “Sir, you use many words, I cannot remember them all.” Wukong said, “Just say that Tang Monk’s disciple, Sun Wukong, has arrived.” The monk complied and went to the lecture hall to report. The Bodhisattva immediately donned his kasaya and added incense to welcome him. As the Great Sage stepped through the gate and looked inside, he saw:

The entire hall splendidly adorned, the whole place filled with solemn dignity.All the disciples chanted the Lotus Sutra in unison, while the old head monk gently tapped a golden chime.Before the Buddha, offerings were all immortal fruits and flowers; on the tables, arrangements of vegetarian dishes and delicacies.Brilliant precious candles, their golden flames casting rainbows; fragrant true incense, its jade smoke wafting into colorful mists.It was precisely a place where, after lecturing, minds were at peace and entered samadhi, with white clouds circling pine branches. The sword of wisdom, quietly sheathed, severed all demonic heads; Prajnaparamita was mastered to a high degree.

The Bodhisattva adjusted his robes and came out to greet him. Wukong entered the hall, took the guest seat, and tea was ordered to be served. Wukong said, “No need for tea. My Master is in trouble on Yellow Wind Mountain, and I specifically came to ask the Bodhisattva to use his great power to subdue the demon and rescue my Master.” The Bodhisattva said, “I received an edict from Tathagata to suppress the Yellow Wind Monster here. Tathagata bestowed upon me a Wind-Suppressing Pellet and a Flying Dragon Staff. I captured him then and spared his life, letting him hide away in the mountains, forbidding him from harming living beings or committing evil. I was unaware that today he sought to harm your Master, thus violating my instructions. This is my fault.” The Bodhisattva wished to keep Wukong, prepare a vegetarian meal and chat, but Wukong earnestly declined. So, the Bodhisattva took the Flying Dragon Staff, and together with the Great Sage, rode the clouds.

Before long, they arrived at Yellow Wind Mountain. The Bodhisattva said, “Great Sage, this demon is somewhat afraid of me. I’ll stay put in the clouds. You go down and challenge him to battle, lure him out, so I can exert my divine power.” Wukong complied, descended from the clouds, and without a word, pulled out his iron staff and smashed the cave entrance, calling out, “Demon, return my Master!” The gate-keeping imps hastily reported this. The demon said, “This scoundrel monkey is truly rude! Not only does he not yield, but he also smashes my gate! When I go out this time, I’ll use my divine wind and surely blow him to death!” He donned his armor as before, held his steel fork, and again stepped out. Upon seeing Wukong, he didn't say a word, grasping his fork and thrusting it directly at Wukong's chest. The Great Sage dodged sideways and raised his staff to retaliate. After only a few rounds, the demon turned his head, looked towards the southeast, and was about to open his mouth to summon the wind, when from mid-air, Bodhisattva Lingji threw down his Flying Dragon Staff. After reciting some incantations, it turned into an eight-clawed golden dragon. It spread its two claws wide, seized the demon, lifted its head, and with a few stabs, pinned it against the mountainside, revealing its true form: it was a yellow-furred mink.

Wukong rushed forward, raising his staff to strike, but the Bodhisattva stopped him, saying, “Great Sage, do not harm its life; I need to take it to see Tathagata.” He explained to Wukong, “It is an old rat that attained enlightenment at the foot of Spirit Mountain. Because it stole the pure oil from the glazed lamp, causing the lamp to dim, and fearing the Vajra Guardians would seize it, it fled and became a demon here, causing mischief. Tathagata perceived him and deemed he should not be put to death, so he ordered me to keep him suppressed. However, if he harmed living beings or committed evil, I was to take him to Spirit Mountain. Now he has offended the Great Sage and entrapped Tang Monk. I will take him to see Tathagata to clarify his crimes and truly account for this achievement.” Hearing this, Wukong thanked the Bodhisattva. The Bodhisattva returned to the west, no more to be said.

Meanwhile, Pigsy, in the forest, was thinking about Wukong, when he heard a voice calling from down the slope, “Brother Wuneng, bring the horse and luggage!” The foolish monk recognized Wukong’s voice, quickly packed up, and ran out of the forest. Seeing Wukong, he asked, “Brother, what happened?” Wukong said, “I invited Bodhisattva Lingji, who used a Flying Dragon Staff to capture the demon. It turned out to be a yellow-furred mink who had become a demon, and the Bodhisattva has taken it to Spirit Mountain to see Tathagata. Let’s go into the cave to rescue Master.” The foolish monk was finally delighted. The two burst inside, and with a flurry of rake and staff blows, they killed that whole den of cunning rabbits, demon foxes, musk deer, and horned deer. Then they went to the backyard to rescue Master.

Master emerged and asked, “How did you two capture the demon? How was I rescued?” Wukong explained the entire process of inviting Lingji to subdue the demon, and Master thanked them profusely. The brothers then arranged some vegetarian food and drinks from the cave and ate. Only then did they leave the cave, find the main road, and head west.

But what happened next is unknown; let's await the next chapter's explanation.