Chapter 45: Three Pure Ones Temple, Great Sage Leaves His Name The Monkey King of Chichi Kingdom Demonstrates His Power

Sun Wukong pinched Sha Wujing with his left hand and Zhu Bajie with his right. The two immediately understood, and sat quietly with blank expressions. Even as the Daoists lit lamps and fires, looking front and back, the three of them looked like gilded clay statues.

Tiger Power Immortal said, "No evildoers? Then how were all the offerings eaten?" Deer Power Immortal observed, "It looks like a human ate them. Anything with a peel was peeled, anything with a pit was spat out. But why is there no human form?" Ram Power Immortal said, "Brother, have no doubt. Perhaps our sincere devotion, our ceaseless chanting day and night, and our petitions to the throne have surely stirred the Celestial Venerable. It must be that the venerable Sanqing Grandfathers have descended and partaken of these offerings. Since the immortals have not yet departed and their crane chariots are still here, we should prostrate ourselves before the Celestial Venerable and humbly request some holy water and golden elixirs to present to His Majesty. Would that not grant him eternal life and longevity, and manifest our merits?" Tiger Power Immortal agreed, "You speak wisely." He commanded, "Disciples, play music and chant! Meanwhile, bring my ritual robe. I shall perform the ritual steps and offer prayers." All the young Daoists obeyed. They lined up neatly in two rows. With a clang of the qing, they all recited a volume of the *Yellow Court Classic of the Way and its Virtue*. Tiger Power Immortal, donning his ritual robe and holding a jade tablet, danced, raising dust before him, then prostrated himself on the ground, and began to address the heavens:

With utmost reverence and trepidation, we bow in allegiance. Your humble servants promote the teachings, looking up to the pure void. We have eradicated the vulgar Buddhist monks, honoring the radiant Dao. By imperial decree, sacred halls have been built, and imperial courts established. Bountiful offerings have been laid out, and dragon banners hoisted high. Candles burn all night, incense pervades all day. Our sincere devotion reaches above, our humble reverence returns with piety. Now that you have graciously descended, and your celestial chariots have not yet departed, we humbly request the bestowal of golden elixirs and holy water, to present to the Imperial Court, so that His Majesty's longevity may rival the Southern Mountains.

Bajie, hearing this, felt uneasy. He whispered to Pilgrim, "This is our fault. We ate the food and didn't leave, waiting for such prayers. How are we supposed to respond?" Pilgrim pinched him again, then suddenly spoke aloud, "Junior immortals, cease your prayers for now. We have come from the Peach Blossom Banquet and did not bring any golden elixirs or holy water. We shall return another day to bestow them." When the Daoists, great and small, heard a voice speak, they all trembled and exclaimed, "Oh, Grandfather! A living Celestial Venerable has descended! We must not let him go! We must implore him for a method of eternal life!" Deer Power Immortal stepped forward, bowed again, and said:

Bowing low and raising dust, we humbly offer our sincere hearts. Your humble servants dedicate our lives, looking up to the Sanqing. Since arriving in this realm, we have promoted the Dao and eliminated monks. The King is delighted, showing profound respect for Xuanling. Grand Daoist rituals have been performed, scriptures chanted through the night. Fortunate that the Celestial Venerable has not abandoned us, and has descended his sacred carriage to our court. We humbly plead for your remembrance, and look up to your grace and honor. Please, we implore you, leave some holy water for your disciples, that we may prolong our lives and attain longevity.

Sha Wujing nudged Pilgrim and whispered, "Brother, they're desperate, they're praying again!" "Give them some," Pilgrim said. Bajie quietly asked, "Where would we get any?" "Just watch me," Pilgrim replied, "If I have some, you all will too." When the Daoists finished their music and chanting, Pilgrim spoke, "Junior immortals, there is no need to prostrate yourselves. If I were not to leave you any holy water, I fear your lineage might perish; but if I were to give it to you too easily..." Hearing this, all the Daoists prostrated themselves and kowtowed, saying, "We earnestly implore the Celestial Venerable to consider your disciples' reverence, and graciously bestow upon us some. Your disciples widely proclaim virtue and morality, and ensure the King universally respects the Xuanmen." Pilgrim said, "Since that is the case, bring some vessels." All the Daoists bowed their heads in thanks. Tiger Power Immortal, eager to show off, lifted a large jar and placed it in the hall; Deer Power Immortal carried a ceramic basin and set it on the offering table; Ram Power Immortal removed the flowers from a vase and moved it to the center. Pilgrim said, "All of you, go out to the front of the hall, close the screens, and do not leak the heavenly secrets, so I can leave some holy water for you." All the Daoists knelt beneath the imperial steps and closed the hall doors.

Pilgrim stood up, lifted his tiger-skin skirt, and urinated into a flower vase. Zhu Bajie, seeing this, laughed with delight, "Brother, I've been your sworn brother for years, and you've never tricked me like this before! I just ate some things, and I was just thinking of doing this!" The idiot lifted his clothes, and with a gushing sound, like the Lüliang torrent pouring down a slope, he urinated a whole ceramic basin full. Sha Wujing also filled half a jar. They then neatly adjusted their clothes and sat upright, saying, "Junior immortals receive the holy water!"

The Daoists pushed open the screens, kowtowed in gratitude, carried out the jars, and gathered the vase and basins in one place. They instructed, "Disciples, bring a cup to taste it." A young Daoist immediately brought a teacup and handed it to the elder Daoist. The Daoist scooped out a cupful, drank it, and then rubbed his lips and smacked his mouth. Deer Power Immortal asked, "Brother, does it taste good?" The elder Daoist puckered his lips and said, "Not very good. It has a rather pungent flavor." Ram Power Immortal said, "Let me try." He also drank a mouthful and said, "It smells somewhat like pig urine." Pilgrim, sitting above, heard these words and knew he had been discovered. He said, "I'll play a trick and might as well leave a name." He shouted:

Daoist titles, Daoist titles, what foolish thoughts you harbor!Which of the Sanqing would descend to this mundane realm?I shall tell you my true identity.Monks from the Great Tang, sent West by imperial decree.With nothing to do this fine night, we descended to your palace.We ate your offerings, and sat idly, amused.Since you bowed to us, how could we not respond?That was no holy water! What you drank was my urine!

Hearing these words, the Daoists blocked the door and, all at once, began to violently attack with pitchforks, brooms, roof tiles, and stones, aiming indiscriminately. The clever Pilgrim, with Sha Wujing tucked under his left arm and Bajie under his right, burst out the door, rode a propitious cloud, and headed straight back to the abbot's quarters at Wisdom Abyss Monastery. Not daring to disturb their master, the three lay down again.

It was already the third watch of the fifth drum (about 3:30 AM), and the King was holding court, gathering his civil and military officials, four hundred court officers. Crimson gauze lanterns shone brightly, and precious tripods emitted thick clouds of incense. At this time, Tripitaka awoke and called out, "Disciples, disciples, attend me! It's time to exchange the travel document." Pilgrim, Sha Wujing, and Bajie quickly rose, dressed, and stood by his side, saying, "Master, this foolish ruler trusts those Daoists, promoting Daoism and suppressing Buddhism. Fearing a slip of the tongue might prevent him from exchanging the document, we shall accompany and protect you as we enter court." Tripitaka was overjoyed and donned his brocade cassock. Pilgrim took the travel document, instructing Wujing to carry the alms bowl and Wuneng to take the tin staff. They entrusted their luggage and horses to the monks of Wisdom Abyss Monastery and proceeded directly to the Five Phoenix Tower, where they bowed to the Yellow Gate official, announced their names, and stated they were monks from the Great Tang in the East, come to obtain scriptures from the West and exchange their travel document, requesting him to relay their message.

The Palace Gate Ambassador entered the court, prostrated himself on the golden steps, and reported, "Outside, there are four monks who say they are from the Great Tang in the East, come to obtain scriptures, and wish to exchange their travel document. They are currently waiting for your decree before the Five Phoenix Tower." The King, hearing the report, said, "These monks have nowhere else to seek death, so they come here to seek it! Why didn't the patrolling officials arrest them and bring them here?" The Grand Tutor, who was on duty, stepped forward and reported, "The Great Tang in the East is a mighty nation in Jambudvipa, renowned as the Middle Kingdom. It is tens of thousands of miles from here, and the path is fraught with monsters. These monks must possess some magical power to dare to come West. I implore Your Majesty, considering these distant monks from the Middle Kingdom, to summon them, examine their document, and permit their departure, so as not to lose the opportunity for good karma." The King approved the request, and Tripitaka and his disciples were summoned to the Golden Imperial Hall. The master and disciples lined up before the steps, presenting the travel document to the King. Just as the King unfolded it to read, another Yellow Gate official came to report, "The three National Teachers have arrived!" Alarmed, the King put away the document, quickly descended from his dragon throne, ordered his attendants to set up embroidered stools, and bowed to receive them.

Tripitaka and the others turned to look and saw the Great Immortals swaggering in, followed by two small attendants with hair tied in twin buns and disheveled. The officials on both sides bowed low, not daring to look up. They ascended to the Golden Imperial Hall and did not even bow to the King. The King said, "National Teachers, I did not summon you. Why have you graced us with your presence today?" The elder Daoist said, "We came to report something. Which country are those four monks from?" The King replied, "They are monks sent from the Great Tang in the East to obtain scriptures from the West. They came here to exchange their travel document." The three Daoists clapped their hands and burst into laughter, saying, "We thought they had fled, but they are still here!" The King, surprised, asked, "National Teachers, what do you mean? They just announced their names, and I was about to have them arrested and delivered for your disposal. However, the Grand Tutor on duty's plea was reasonable, and out of consideration for these distant travelers and to preserve the good karma with the Middle Kingdom, I just summoned them to examine their document. I did not expect the National Teachers to inquire about them. Could it be that they have offended your esteemed presence in some way?" The Daoists laughed and said, "Your Majesty does not know, but they arrived yesterday and killed two of our disciples outside the East Gate, released five hundred imprisoned monks, smashed our carriages, and broke into our temple last night, destroying the sacred statues of the Sanqing and secretly eating the imperial offerings. We were deceived by them, thinking that the Celestial Venerables had descended, and we asked for some holy water and golden elixirs to present to Your Majesty, hoping for longevity. Unexpectedly, they left behind some urine, tricking us. We each drank a mouthful and tasted the flavor, and just as we were about to capture them, they fled. They are still here today! As the saying goes, 'enemies always meet on a narrow road!'" The King, hearing these words, became enraged and intended to execute the four monks.

Sun Wukong clasped his hands and spoke, shouting in a stern voice, "Your Majesty, please quell your thunderous wrath for a moment and allow this monk to make a statement." The King said, "You have offended the National Teachers. How could their words be mistaken?" Pilgrim said, "They claim I killed two of their disciples outside the city yesterday. Who witnessed this? But let us admit it reluctantly. Let two monks pay with their lives, and let the other two go to obtain scriptures. They also say I smashed carriages and released imprisoned monks. There is no evidence for this either, and surely it's not a capital offense. Let one more monk take the blame for that, then. As for saying I destroyed the Sanqing statues and caused a ruckus in their temple, this is a frame-up!" The King asked, "How is it a frame-up?" Pilgrim said, "I am a monk from the Eastern Land, and I have just arrived here. I am not even familiar with the streets, so how could I know what happened in their temple at night? If I left urine behind, they should have caught me at that very moment. But now, at this hour, they are falsely accusing someone by name. There are countless people in the world who use false names and identities. Why do they claim it was me? I implore Your Majesty to reconsider your anger and investigate thoroughly." The King, already muddled, became even more indecisive after Pilgrim's speech.

While he was still in doubt, another Yellow Gate official came to report, "Your Majesty, many village elders are waiting outside the gate for an audience." The King asked, "What is the matter?" He immediately ordered them to be summoned. About thirty or forty village elders prostrated themselves before the hall and said, "Long live the Emperor! This spring, there has been no rain, and we fear a severe drought this summer. We specifically came to request that the esteemed National Teacher pray for a blessed rain to relieve the common people." The King said, "Elders, you may withdraw. Rain will come soon." The elders thanked him and departed. The King then said, "Monks from the Tang dynasty, why do I revere Daoism and suppress Buddhism? It is solely because, in former years when we prayed for rain, our own monks could not even conjure a drop. Fortunately, Heaven sent us the National Teachers, who saved us from utter destitution. You, having come from afar, have offended the National Teachers. You should be punished immediately. However, I shall pardon you for now. Do you dare to compete with my National Teachers in praying for rain? If you can pray for a blessed rain that will save the myriad common people, then I shall forgive your crimes, exchange your travel document, and allow you to proceed West. But if you lose the contest and there is no rain, then you shall be taken to the execution ground and publicly punished." Pilgrim chuckled, "This humble monk also knows a little about praying." Seeing this, the King immediately ordered the altar cleared. At the same time, he commanded, "Prepare the imperial carriage! I shall personally ascend the Five Phoenix Tower to observe." Immediately, the many officials prepared the imperial carriage, and in a short while, the King ascended the tower and took his seat. Tripitaka, accompanied by Pilgrim, Sha Wujing, and Bajie, stood below the tower, while the three Daoists sat with the King on the tower. After a short while, an official galloped up on horseback to report, "All preparations at the altar are complete. Please, National Teacher, ascend the altar."

Tiger Power Immortal bowed and clasped his hands, bade farewell to the King, and proceeded down the tower. Pilgrim stepped forward and blocked his way, saying, "Where are you going, Sir?" The Great Immortal replied, "To ascend the altar and pray for rain." Pilgrim said, "You are too self-important, not even allowing a monk from a distant land. Well, as the saying goes, a mighty dragon cannot oppress a local serpent. You go first, Sir, but we must make things clear before the King." The Great Immortal asked, "Clear what?" Pilgrim said, "Both of us will ascend the altar to pray for rain. How will we know if the rain is yours or mine? It won't be clear whose merit it is." The King, hearing this from above, secretly delighted, "That young monk's words have some substance." Sha Wujing heard it and secretly chuckled, "He doesn't know the full extent of his substance, it hasn't even been fully displayed yet!" The Great Immortal said, "There's no need to explain, His Majesty will naturally know." Pilgrim said, "Even if he knows, I am a monk from afar and have not yet met you. At that time, we might blame each other, which would not be proper. It is better to make it clear before proceeding." The Great Immortal said, "Once on the altar, just watch my command tablet as a signal: At the first sound of the tablet, the wind will come; at the second sound, clouds will rise; at the third sound, thunder and lightning will roar together; at the fourth sound, rain will arrive; and at the fifth sound, clouds will disperse and rain will cease." Pilgrim chuckled, "Splendid! This monk has never seen such a thing! Please, please proceed!"

The Great Immortal strode forward, followed by Tripitaka and the others, directly to the altar gate. Looking up, they saw a high platform, over three zhang tall. On either side of the platform were twenty-eight constellations' banners. On top, a table held an incense burner, from which incense smoke billowed. Two candle holders stood on either side, with flickering candles. Beside the burner leaned a golden plaque inscribed with the name of the Thunder God. Below were five large jars, all filled with clear water, on which willow branches floated. On the willow branches rested an iron plaque, inscribed with Daoist talismans of the Thunder Directorate. To the left and right were five large stakes, bearing the names of the five direction barbaric thunder envoys. Beside each stake stood two Daoists, each holding an iron hammer, ready to strike the stakes. Behind the platform were many Daoists writing documents. In the very center was a paper burner, and several effigies representing talisman-wielding envoys and earth gods who praised the teachings.

The Great Immortal walked in without ceremony and stood firm on the high platform. A young Daoist beside him presented several talismans written on yellow paper and a precious sword to the Great Immortal. The Great Immortal held the sword, recited a spell, and burned a talisman over a candle. Below, two or three Daoists took an effigy of a talisman-wielding figure and a document, and also set them alight. Then, with a 'ping' sound, the command tablet struck. In the mid-air, a gentle breeze began to drift. Zhu Bajie muttered, "Oh no, oh no! This Daoist really has power! The tablet struck once, and indeed, the wind is blowing!" Pilgrim said, "Quiet, brother. Don't speak to me again. Just guard Master, and I'll go take care of business." The Great Sage pulled a hair from his body, blew a breath of immortal energy on it, and cried, "Change!" It transformed into a "fake Pilgrim," standing by Tripitaka's side. His true self exited his original spirit, rushed into the air, and shouted, "Who is the one in charge of the wind?" Alarmed, the Wind Goddess pinched her sack and Second Master Xun sealed his mouth cord, stepping forward to bow. Pilgrim said, "I am protecting the Tang dynasty's holy monk on his journey to the Western Heaven to obtain scriptures. We are passing through Chechi Kingdom, competing with that demon Daoist in praying for rain. Why are you not helping me, the Old Monkey, but instead assisting that Daoist? I'll spare you this time, but stop the wind. If there's even a wisp of wind that makes that Daoist's beard flutter, you'll each get twenty iron cudgel blows!" The Wind Goddess said, "Dare not, dare not!" And so, not a trace of wind remained. Bajie couldn't help but shout, "Hey, Sir! Please step aside! The tablet has struck, but why is there no wind? Come down, let us go up!"

The Daoist again held the command tablet, burned a talisman, and struck it again with a 'poof.' Immediately, clouds and mist filled the sky. Sun Wukong again called out from above, "Who is the one spreading the clouds?" Alarmed, the Cloud Pushing Boy and Mist Spreading Lord bowed before him. Pilgrim recounted the previous incident again, and the Cloud Boy and Mist Child also drew back the clouds and mist, allowing the sun to shine brightly, with not a single cloud for ten thousand li in the sky. Bajie laughed, "This fellow can only fool the Emperor and deceive the common people; he has no real skill at all! The tablet struck twice, but why is there still no cloud?"

The Daoist, growing anxious, wielded his precious sword, unbound his hair, chanted a spell, burned a talisman, and struck the command tablet again. Immediately, from the Southern Heavenly Gate, Heavenly Lord Deng, leading the Thunder God and Lightning Mother, arrived in the sky and bowed to Pilgrim. Pilgrim recounted the previous incident again and asked, "How did you come here so earnestly? What is the divine decree?" Heavenly Lord Deng replied, "That Daoist's Five Thunders technique is genuine. He issued a document and burned a petition, alarming the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor then sent down a decree directly to the mansion of the Nine Heavens' Primal Thunder Manifesting Celestial Venerable. We have come by imperial decree to assist in bringing thunder, lightning, and rain." Pilgrim said, "Since that is the case, all of you stop for now and await Old Monkey's actions." Indeed, no thunder roared, and no lightning flashed.

The Daoist became even more agitated. He added incense, burned talismans, chanted spells, and struck the command tablet again. In mid-air, the Four Dragon Kings arrived simultaneously. Pilgrim shouted at them, "Ao Guang, where are you going?" Ao Guang, Ao Shun, Ao Qin, and Ao Run stepped forward and bowed. Pilgrim recounted the previous incident again and said, "Previously, you exerted yourselves but did not succeed. For today's matter, I hope you will assist me." The Dragon Kings said, "Your command, your command!" Pilgrim then thanked Ao Shun, "The other day, your son captured the monster and rescued my master." The Dragon King said, "That fellow is still locked in the sea; we dared not deal with him arbitrarily. We were just about to ask the Great Sage for instructions." Pilgrim said, "You may deal with him as you please. For now, assist me in this task. That Daoist has finished his four tablet strikes. Now it's Old Monkey's turn to act. But I don't issue talismans, burn petitions, or strike any command tablets. You all must assist me in this." Heavenly Lord Deng said, "Who would dare disobey the Great Sage's command! However, we need a signal to obey the order; otherwise, if the thunder and rain are chaotic, it would appear the Great Sage lacks a plan." Pilgrim said, "I shall use my cudgel as a signal." The Thunder God exclaimed in shock, "Oh, Grandfather! How can we withstand that cudgel?" Pilgrim said, "I won't hit you. Just watch: when I point my cudgel upwards the first time, wind shall blow." The Wind Goddess and Second Master Xun immediately replied, "We will release the wind!" "When the cudgel points the second time, clouds shall spread." The Cloud Pushing Boy and Mist Spreading Lord said, "We will spread the clouds, we will spread the clouds!" "When the cudgel points the third time, thunder shall roar and lightning shall flash." The Thunder God and Lightning Mother said, "We obey, we obey!" "When the cudgel points the fourth time, rain shall fall." The Dragon Kings said, "Your command, your command!" "And when the cudgel points the fifth time, it shall be a bright sunny day. Do not fail me."

Having given his instructions, he descended on his cloud. With a shake of his hair, he recalled the magic hair back into his body. Those mortals, with their fleshly eyes, how could they know? Pilgrim then loudly called from the side, "Sir, please! All four of your tablet strikes have sounded, but there's no wind, clouds, thunder, or rain. It's my turn now!" The Daoist, having no choice, dared not occupy the altar any longer. He stepped down to make way, pouting, and went directly up to the tower to see the King. Pilgrim said, "Let me follow him and see what he says." He heard the King ask, "I am listening attentively. Your four tablet strikes sounded, but there is no wind or rain. Why?" The Daoist said, "Today, the Dragon Gods are not at home." Pilgrim sternly said, "Your Majesty, the Dragon Gods are all at home. It's just that this National Teacher's magic is ineffective, so he couldn't summon them. Let this monk summon them, and you shall see!" The King said, "Go ascend the altar immediately. I shall wait here for the rain." Pilgrim, receiving the command, swiftly returned to the altar and pulled Tripitaka, saying, "Master, please ascend the platform." Tripitaka said, "Disciple, I don't know how to pray for rain." Bajie chuckled, "He's trying to get you in trouble! If there's still no rain, we'll just gather firewood and burn it all down to settle the score!" Pilgrim said, "You don't know how to pray for rain, but you're good at chanting scriptures. Let me help you." The Venerable Monk then stepped onto the altar, sat down calmly, settled his mind, and silently recited the *Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra*. As he sat there, an official galloped up on horseback to ask, "Monk, why are you not striking the command tablet or burning talismans?" Pilgrim replied loudly, "No need, no need! We pray through quiet meditation." The official then left to report, and the story continues.

When Pilgrim heard his master finish reciting the scriptures, he took the iron cudgel from his ear, shook it against the wind, and it grew to twelve chi long and as thick as a bowl. He pointed the cudgel towards the sky. The Wind Goddess, seeing this, hastily opened her leather bag, and Second Master Xun untied his mouth cord. Immediately, a whooshing sound of wind filled the air, lifting tiles and turning over bricks throughout the city, stirring up sand and rolling stones. It was truly a mighty wind, unlike any ordinary breeze, as one could see—

Willows snapped, flowers withered, forests were leveled, trees toppled. Walls crumbled and fell in the nine-layered palace halls, beams swayed and pillars trembled in the Five Phoenix Tower. The red sun in the sky lost its brilliance, and yellow sand on the ground seemed to have wings. Generals before the drill hall were startled, civil officials in the literary pavilion were terrified. The beauties of the three palaces had their black hair disheveled, and the consorts of the six courtyards had their jeweled hairpins loosened. Marquises and counts lost their golden coronets and embroidered tassels, prime ministers' black gauzed hats fluttered like spreading wings. Those on duty dared not speak, yellow gate officials holding memorials could not present them. Golden fish and jade belts were out of place, ivory tablets and silk robes showed no rank. Ornate pavilions and jade screens were all damaged, green windows and red doors were in disarray. Tiles flew and bricks soared from the Golden Imperial Hall, the doors of the Brocade Cloud Hall were askew and shattered. This fierce gale was indeed savage, blowing so hard that the King and his son could not meet; there were no people in the six streets and three markets, and all ten thousand households and thousand gates were tightly shut!

As the fierce wind raged, Sun Pilgrim again displayed his divine power. He twirled his golden cudgel, pointed it at the sky again, and then—

The Cloud Pushing Boy, the Mist Spreading Lord. The Cloud Pushing Boy displayed his divine might, pushing against rocks and obscuring the sky; the Mist Spreading Lord unleashed his power, with thick, dark, flying mist covering the land. The three vast markets grew dim, and the six streets gradually darkened. Carried by the wind from over the sea, accompanying the rain from Kunlun. In an instant, they spread across heaven and earth, immediately obscuring the mundane dust. It was as if chaos had returned, and the gate of the Phoenix Tower could no longer be seen.

At this time, dim mist hung heavy, and thick clouds billowed. Sun Pilgrim again twirled his golden cudgel, pointed it at the sky again. Alarmed, the—

Thunder God raged, Lightning Mother bristled with anger. The Thunder God raged, riding his fiery beast downwards from the heavenly pass; the Lightning Mother bristled with anger, wildly drawing golden serpents from the Dipper Palace. With a rumbling crash, they unleashed thunderbolts, shattering Iron Fork Mountain; with a crackling flash of red gauze, they flew out from the Eastern Sea. A distant, rumbling sound like rolling chariots, and a dazzling, shimmering light like scattered rice grains. All myriad growths and creatures changed their spirits, countless hibernating insects emerged. The King and his officials on the tower were startled and horrified, merchants hearing the sounds were timid and hurried.

The deep thunder and protective lightning crashed and boomed, like the splitting of earth and crumbling of mountains, terrifying the entire city, with every household burning incense and every family burning spirit money. Sun Pilgrim shouted, "Old Deng! Carefully watch for those corrupt and law-breaking officials, and rebellious and unfilial sons, and strike a few more dead to make an example!" The thunder grew even louder. Pilgrim then pointed his iron cudgel upwards again, and then—

The dragons received the command, and rain deluged heaven and earth. Its might was like the Milky Way pouring down a heavenly chasm, as swift as clouds flowing over the sea gates. From the tower, the sound dripped, outside the windows, it pattered. From the sky, the Silver River poured, before the streets, white waves surged. It gurgled like water drawn from a jar, and rolled like water poured from a basin. Solitary farmhouses were about to be submerged, wild banks threatened to level bridges. Truly, mulberry fields turned into vast seas, and in an instant, the land rolled with waves. The divine dragons took this opportunity to assist, lifting the Yangtze River and pouring it down.

This rain began at Chenshi (7-9 AM) and continued until around Wushi (11 AM-1 PM), flooding the streets of Chechi City, inside and out. The King issued a decree, "That's enough rain, that's enough! Any more, and the crops will be ruined, which would be undesirable." An official from below the Five Phoenix Tower galloped through the rain to report, "Holy Monk, that's enough rain!" Pilgrim heard this, pointed his golden cudgel upwards again, and in an instant, the thunder ceased, the wind subsided, the rain dispersed, and the clouds vanished. The King was overjoyed, and all his civil and military officials praised him, saying, "What a monk! This truly shows that there's always someone stronger! Even if our National Teacher's rain-praying is effective, when he wants the weather to clear, it still drizzles for half a day, not clearing up immediately. How is it that this monk can make it clear instantly, with the bright sun rising in a flash, and not a single cloud for ten thousand li?"

The King ordered his carriage to return, the travel document to be exchanged, and Tripitaka to be sent on his way. Just as the imperial seal was about to be used, the three Daoists stepped forward and stopped him, saying, "Your Majesty, this rain was not due to the monk's efforts at all, but rather the power of our Daoist sect!" The King said, "You just said the Dragon Kings were not at home, and there was no rain. He went up and prayed through quiet meditation, and then the rain came down. Why are you contending for credit with him now?" Tiger Power Immortal said, "I ascended the altar, issued documents, burned talismans, and struck the command tablet. Which Dragon King would dare not come? It must be that they were summoned elsewhere, and the five directorates of wind, clouds, thunder, and rain were not present. But upon hearing my command, they rushed here and happened to meet me coming down and him going up. It was a coincidence, which is why it rained. From the root, it was the rain brought by the dragons I summoned. How can it be considered his merit?" The muddled King, hearing this, was again undecided.

Pilgrim stepped forward, clasped his hands, and reported, "Your Majesty, these heterodox magical arts do not amount to true merit, nor can they be attributed to me or to them. Now, the Four Dragon Kings are still in the sky; this monk has not yet dismissed them, so they dare not retreat hastily. If the National Teachers can summon the Dragon Kings to appear, then it shall be considered their merit." The King was greatly pleased and said, "I have been Emperor for twenty-three years and never seen what a living dragon looks like. Both of you, each display your magical power, whether monk or Daoist. Whoever can summon them will have merit; whoever cannot will be guilty." How could those Daoists possess such ability? Even if they called, the Dragon Kings, seeing the Great Sage present, dared not show themselves. The Daoist said, "We cannot. You summon them!" The Great Sage looked up at the sky and shouted sternly, "Ao Guang, where are you? Brothers, all of you, show your true forms for His Majesty to see!" The Dragon Kings, hearing the summons, immediately revealed their true forms. Four dragons, traversing mist and piercing clouds in mid-air, danced and flew towards the Golden Imperial Hall. One could see—

Soaring and transforming, circling through mist and coiling among clouds. Their jade claws hung white like hooks, their silver scales danced like shining mirrors. Their beards fluttered like white silk streamers, each hair distinct; their horns stood tall and majestic, perfectly clear. Their foreheads were grand and towering, their round eyes bright and glistening. Their appearance and disappearance were unpredictable, their flight beyond description. They dispense rain when prayed for, and clear the skies immediately when sunshine is requested. These truly are spiritual and sacred true dragons, auspicious omens swirling around the palace courtyard.

The King burned incense in the hall. The many nobles bowed before the steps. The King said, "It was a great effort for your esteemed forms to descend. Please return. I will offer a ritual of thanks another day." Pilgrim said, "All you venerable deities, please return to your respective abodes. This King will offer a ritual of thanks another day." The Dragon Kings returned to the sea, and all the deities each went back to Heaven. This truly exemplifies: Vast and boundless, the profound and wondrous Dharma; truly realizing one's nature, splitting open heterodox paths. To know how evil was ultimately vanquished, listen to the next chapter's explanation.