Chapter 6: Guanyin Attends the Assembly to Inquire About the Cause The Little Saint Displays Power to Subdue the Great Saint

Leaving the celestial gods on their vigil and the Great Sage at rest for now, the narrative shifts to Guanyin Bodhisattva from Mount Puto Luojia in the Southern Sea, renowned for her great compassion, mercy, and responsiveness in relieving suffering. She had been invited by the Queen Mother to the Peach Banquet and ascended to the Jade Pool's Precious Pavilion with her senior disciple, Huian, the Pilgrim. Upon arriving, they found the place desolate and chaotic, the banquet tables in disarray. Although several celestial immortals were present, none were seated; they were all in a commotion, discussing something.

After the Bodhisattva greeted the immortals, they recounted the previous events in detail. The Bodhisattva said, "Since there is no grand banquet and no toasts are being offered, you may follow this humble monk to see the Jade Emperor." The immortals readily agreed and followed. Upon reaching the Hall of Universal Brightness, the Four Great Heavenly Masters, the Barefoot Immortal, and others were already there to greet the Bodhisattva. They immediately explained the Jade Emperor's distress, how he had dispatched heavenly troops, and that they had not yet returned from capturing the monster. The Bodhisattva said, "I wish to see the Jade Emperor; please convey my request." Heavenly Master Qiu Hongji immediately entered the Cloud-Reaching Palace and announced her presence. At that time, the Grand Supreme Elder Lord was present, with the Queen Mother behind him.

The Bodhisattva led the group inside. After performing courtesies to the Jade Emperor and greeting the Elder Lord and the Queen Mother, they all took their seats. She then asked, "How was the Peach Banquet?" The Jade Emperor replied, "Every year, the banquet is held with great joy. But this year, it was disrupted by that demonic monkey, rendering the invitations rather meaningless." The Bodhisattva asked, "From where does this demonic monkey originate?" The Jade Emperor explained, "That demonic monkey was born from a stone egg on Flower-Fruit Mountain in Aolai Country, East Purvavideha. Upon its birth, its eyes shot golden beams directly to the Big Dipper constellation. Initially, We paid it no heed. Later, it became a spirit, subdued dragons and tigers, and even erased its name from the Register of Death. At that time, the Dragon King and King Yama both reported this. We intended to capture it, but the Ever-White Planet reported, 'Among the Three Realms, any creature with nine orifices can become an immortal.' So, We beneficently educated it, summoned it to the Celestial Realm, and appointed it as the Supervisor of the Imperial Stables, the 'Bimawen' (Stable Keeper). However, that fellow disliked the low rank and rebelled against Heaven. We then dispatched Heavenly King Li and Prince Nezha to subdue him. Later, We issued an edict to appease him, summoned him back to Heaven, and granted him the title 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven,' but it was a title without emolument. Because he had no actual duties to manage, he idled about, wandering east and west. Fearing he might cause further trouble, We assigned him to oversee the Peach Garden. Yet, he disregarded the laws and secretly devoured all the ripe peaches from the ancient trees. When the banquet was being prepared, as he was an un-salaried official, he wasn't invited. So, he cunningly deceived the Barefoot Immortal, transformed himself into the immortal's likeness to attend the banquet, stole all the celestial delicacies and wines, and even purloined the Elder Lord's elixirs and a considerable amount of imperial wine, taking them back to his mountain to enjoy with his monkey followers. Our heart is troubled by this, which is why We dispatched 100,000 heavenly soldiers with the celestial net and snare to capture him. It has been a full day, and there's no report; We don't know the outcome of the battle."

Upon hearing this, the Bodhisattva immediately instructed Huian, the Pilgrim: "You must quickly descend from the Celestial Palace to Flower-Fruit Mountain and ascertain the military situation. Should you encounter a battle, you may render assistance. Make sure to return with an accurate report." Huian adjusted his robes, took up his iron staff, and left the palace on a cloud, heading straight for the mountain. He saw the celestial net and snare, deployed layer upon layer, with bells ringing and shouts echoing at every camp gate, surrounding the mountain impenetrably. Huian stopped and called out, "Celestial soldiers guarding the camp gate, please report this: I am Muzha, the second prince of Heavenly King Li, and Huian, the senior disciple of Guanyin from the Southern Sea. I have come specifically to inquire about the military situation." The divine soldiers of the Five Sacred Mountains within the camp immediately relayed the message to the main gate. The Void-Day Rat, Zenith-Day Cock, Star-Day Horse, and Chamber-Day Rabbit quickly conveyed the message to the central command tent. Heavenly King Li issued an order flag, instructing them to open the celestial net and snare and allow him to enter.

It was just dawn in the east. Huian entered following the flag and bowed to the Four Great Heavenly Kings and Heavenly King Li. After the bow, Heavenly King Li said, "My son, from where have you come?" Huian replied, "This foolish son accompanied the Bodhisattva to the Peach Banquet. Seeing the desolate state of the banquet and the quiet Jade Pool, the Bodhisattva led the immortals and me to see the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor explained in detail that my father and others had descended to subdue the demonic monkey, and after a day with no report, the outcome was unknown. Therefore, the Bodhisattva ordered this foolish son to come here to ascertain the truth." Heavenly King Li said, "Yesterday, we set up camp here and sent the Nine Luminaries to challenge him. But that fellow displayed great magical powers, and all Nine Luminaries were defeated and fled back. Afterwards, we personally led the troops, and he also deployed his formation. We, 100,000 heavenly soldiers, fought him in a chaotic battle until evening. He used a body-splitting technique to retreat. When we withdrew our troops and checked, we only captured some wolves, insects, tigers, and leopards; we didn't capture a single monkey demon. He hasn't come out to fight yet today." Before he could finish, someone came to report from outside the camp gate: "The Great Sage has led a group of monkey spirits and is challenging us outside!" The Four Great Heavenly Kings, Heavenly King Li, and the Prince were just discussing dispatching troops. Muzha said, "Father, this foolish son was instructed by the Bodhisattva to come down and gather information, and she also said that if a battle occurred, I could lend assistance. This unworthy one is willing to go now and see what kind of 'Great Sage' he is!" The Heavenly King said, "Son, you've been cultivating with the Bodhisattva for these past few years, so you must have acquired some magical powers. You must be careful."

The good Prince, wielding his iron staff with both hands, tightened his embroidered robes, leaped out of the camp gate, and loudly called out, "Who is the Great Sage Equal to Heaven?" The Great Sage, holding his Compliant Golden-Hooped Rod, responded, "Old Sun is he. Who are you, daring to question me?" Muzha said, "I am Muzha, the second prince of Heavenly King Li. I am now a disciple of Guanyin Bodhisattva, serving as a protector of the Dharma, and my dharma name is Huian." The Great Sage said, "Why have you come here to see me, instead of cultivating in the Southern Sea?" Muzha said, "I was sent by my Master to ascertain the military situation. Seeing your arrogance, I have come specifically to capture you!" The Great Sage said, "You dare utter such boastful words! Don't flee! Take this blow from Old Sun!" Muzha was entirely fearless, wielding his iron staff to meet the blow head-on. The two stood on the mountainside, outside the camp gate, and a fierce battle ensued—

Though both wielded staffs, their iron differed; though both were warriors, their beings were not the same. One was the Great Sage, a Taiyi immortal; the other, Guanyin's disciple, a true primal dragon. The pure iron staff, forged by a thousand strikes, empowered by the Six Ding and Six Jia divine generals. The Compliant Rod, once fixed in the Milky Way, a seabed treasure of immense power. Two true rivals met, their techniques exchanged endlessly. One's concealed staff was fiercely menacing, wrapping around the waist like wind; the other's spear-like staff left no openings, parrying left and blocking right, how could they coexist? On one side, banners fluttered; on the other, drumbeats thrummed. Ten thousand heavenly generals encircled them; a cave full of demon monkeys clustered thickly. Strange mists and gloomy clouds filled the earth; smoke and malevolent aura shot towards the heavens. Yesterday's chaotic battle was still tolerable; today's struggle was even fiercer. Admirable was the Monkey King's true skill; Muzha was defeated again and fled for his life.

The Great Sage and Huian fought for fifty or sixty rounds. Huian's arms grew sore and numb, unable to withstand the assault. He feigned a move, then retreated in defeat. The Great Sage also withdrew his monkey troops, stationing them outside the cave entrance. Outside the Heavenly King's camp gate, heavenly soldiers, both great and small, received the Prince, clearing a path for him. He entered the main gate and, still panting heavily, reported to the Four Heavenly Kings, Li the Pagoda Bearer, and Nezha: "Oh, what a Great Sage! What mighty magical powers! Your son couldn't win the battle and has returned defeated!" Heavenly King Li was alarmed by this. He immediately ordered a memorial to be written requesting assistance and dispatched the Mighty Spirit King and Prince Muzha to ascend to Heaven to report.

The two dared not delay. They broke through the celestial net and snare, rode auspicious clouds, and in a moment, arrived before the Hall of Universal Brightness. After meeting the Four Heavenly Masters, they were led to the Cloud-Reaching Palace and presented the memorial. Huian then paid his respects to the Bodhisattva. The Bodhisattva asked, "What did you ascertain?" Huian reported, "Upon receiving your command, I went to Flower-Fruit Mountain, had the celestial net and snare gate opened, and met my father, conveying Master's instructions. My father said, 'Yesterday, we fought the Monkey King, but we only captured creatures like tigers, leopards, wolves, and insects; we didn't capture a single monkey spirit.' While he was speaking, the Monkey King challenged us again. This disciple used his iron staff and fought him for fifty or sixty rounds but could not win, retreating to the camp. My father therefore sent the Mighty Spirit King and me to Heaven to request assistance." The Bodhisattva lowered her head in contemplation.

Meanwhile, the Jade Emperor opened the memorial. Seeing the request for assistance, he laughed, "How can this impudent monkey spirit possess such power as to withstand 100,000 heavenly soldiers! Heavenly King Li asks for aid again, but which divine troops should be sent to assist them?" Before he finished speaking, Guanyin clasped her hands and reported, "Your Majesty, please set your mind at ease. This humble monk can recommend a deity who can capture this monkey." The Jade Emperor asked, "Which deity do you recommend?" The Bodhisattva replied, "It is Your Majesty's nephew, the Sagely and Illustrious True Lord Erlang, who currently resides at Guanjiang Estuary in Guanzhou, enjoying the incense offerings from the lower realm. In the past, he single-handedly slew six monsters, and with his brothers from Meishan and the 1,200 Grass-Head Deities under his command, his magical powers are immense. However, he only responds to a formal summons for troops, not an ordinary decree. Your Majesty can issue an order for troops, commanding him to assist, and then the monkey can surely be captured." Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor immediately issued an order for troops and dispatched the Mighty Spirit King to deliver it. The Mighty Spirit King received the order, mounted his cloud, and headed straight for Guanjiang Estuary. In less than half an hour, he arrived at the True Lord's temple. The ghost officials guarding the gate had already reported inside, saying, "An imperial envoy has arrived, bearing a decree." Erlang immediately went out with his brothers to receive the decree, burnt incense, and opened it to read. The decree stated:

"The demonic monkey, Great Sage Equal to Heaven, from Flower-Fruit Mountain is causing havoc. Having stolen peaches, wine, and elixirs in the palace, he disrupted the Peach Banquet. 100,000 heavenly soldiers, along with eighteen sets of celestial nets and snares, have surrounded the mountain to subdue him, but without success. We specially summon Our worthy nephew, along with your sworn brothers, to immediately proceed to Flower-Fruit Mountain to assist in his eradication. Upon success, you shall be highly promoted and richly rewarded."

The True Lord was delighted and said, "Envoy, please return. I shall go immediately to render assistance." The Mighty Spirit King returned to report.

The True Lord immediately summoned his six brothers from Meishan, namely the four Marshals Kang, Zhang, Yao, and Li, and the two Generals Guo Shen and Zhi Jian. Gathering them before the hall, he said, "Just now, the Jade Emperor dispatched us to Flower-Fruit Mountain to subdue the demonic monkey. Let us go together." All the brothers joyfully agreed to go. They immediately mustered their divine troops, led hawks and hounds, strung crossbows and drew bows. A fierce wind propelled them, and in an instant, they crossed the Eastern Ocean, heading straight for Flower-Fruit Mountain. They saw the celestial net and snare, deployed in dense layers, preventing their advance. So, he called out, "Divine generals of the celestial net and snare, listen! I am Erlang, the Sagely and Illustrious True Lord, dispatched by the Jade Emperor to capture the demonic monkey. Quickly open the camp gates and allow us passage!" Immediately, the various deities relayed the message layer by layer, and the Four Great Heavenly Kings and Heavenly King Li all came out of the main gate to greet him.

After greeting each other and inquiring about the battle's outcome, the Heavenly King recounted the previous events in detail. The True Lord smiled and said, "When this humble sage confronts him, I must engage him in a contest of transformations. Generals, do not spread the celestial net and snare over the top, but keep it tight around the four sides, allowing me to fight. If I lose to him, there's no need for you to assist; my brothers will support me. If I defeat him, there's no need for you to bind him; my brothers will handle it. I only ask Heavenly King Li to wield his Demon-Reflecting Mirror and stand in the sky. If he should be defeated and flee, it is crucial that you illuminate his path clearly, lest he escape." The Heavenly Kings took their positions in the four directions, and the heavenly soldiers arranged themselves in formation.

The True Lord, leading the four Marshals and two Generals, seven brothers including himself, went out of the camp to challenge. He instructed his generals to guard the camp tightly, gather all the hawks and hounds, and his Grass-Head Deities received their orders. The True Lord arrived outside the Water-Curtain Cave and saw a group of monkeys, neatly arranged in a coiled dragon formation. In the center of their ranks stood a flag bearing the four characters: "Great Sage Equal to Heaven." The True Lord said, "How can that insolent demon be worthy of the title 'Equal to Heaven'?" His six Meishan brothers said, "Stop praising him; let's challenge him now." A small monkey at the camp entrance saw the True Lord and quickly ran to report. The Monkey King immediately drew his Golden-Hooped Rod, adjusted his golden armor, put on his cloud-walking boots, straightened his purple-gold cap, and leaped out of the camp gate. He sharply gazed at the True Lord's appearance, which was indeed distinguished and refined. Truly, he was—

His bearing was refined and handsome, his countenance majestic; ears reached his shoulders, eyes shone with light. He wore a Three-Mountain Flying Phoenix Cap on his head, and a light goose-yellow robe on his body. Golden-threaded boots complemented dragon-coiled socks; a jade belt adorned with eight precious floral patterns. A crescent-shaped slingshot at his waist, a three-pointed, two-edged spear in hand. He once cleaved Mount Peach Blossom to rescue his mother; his pellets struck down the pair of phoenixes at Yanluo. His might in slaying eight monsters was widely renowned; he formed sworn brotherhood with the Seven Sages of Meishan. His spirit was lofty, disdaining celestial kin; his nature proud, he returned to reside as a god at Guanjiang. The Sagely and Illustrious Heroic Sage of Chicheng, boundless in transformation, named Erlang.

The Great Sage, seeing him, grinned, raised his Golden-Hooped Rod, and loudly called out, "From what region do you come, minor general, to dare challenge me here?" The True Lord shouted, "You blind fool, do you not recognize me?! I am the Jade Emperor's nephew, formally titled Erlang, the Sagely and Illustrious King. I have received a high command to come here and capture you, this Stable Keeper monkey who rebelled against Heaven! You still don't know your own fate!" The Great Sage said, "I remember that the Jade Emperor's sister, thinking of the mortal world, descended to marry Mr. Yang and bore a son who once cleaved Mount Peach Blossom with an axe. Was that you? I was about to curse you a few times, but alas, we have no real enmity. I was about to strike you with my staff, but it would be a pity to take your life. You young master, you'd better hurry back and tell your Four Great Heavenly Kings to come out." Upon hearing this, the True Lord was enraged and shouted, "Impudent monkey! Do not be rude! Take this blade of mine!" The Great Sage dodged aside, swiftly raised his Golden-Hooped Rod, and struck back. A fierce battle ensued between the two—

Illustrious Erlang, and the Great Sage Sun Equal to Heaven. One, the proud and defiant Handsome Monkey King; the other, the formidable True Pillar of the divine host. The two met for the first time, each eager to prove their might. Never before knowing superficiality or depth, today they learned what was light and what was heavy. The iron staff was like a flying dragon, the divine spear like a dancing phoenix. Blocking left and attacking right, parrying front and countering back. On one side, the six Meishan brothers bolstered the might; on the other, the four generals Ma and Liu conveyed military orders. Waving flags and beating drums, all united; shouting and clanging gongs, all assisting. Two sharp blades, always seizing the moment, moving back and forth without a seam. The Golden-Hooped Rod, a treasure from the sea, transforming and flying, capable of victory. If one's movements were slow, death was due; any misstep meant a stumble.

The True Lord and the Great Sage fought for over three hundred rounds, with no clear victor. The True Lord then roused his divine power, shook his body, and transformed himself to be ten thousand feet tall. With both hands, he raised his three-pointed, two-edged divine spear, resembling the peak of Mount Hua, with a green face, bared fangs, and vermillion hair, fiercely striking at the Great Sage's head. The Great Sage also used his magical powers, transforming himself to be the same size and appearance as Erlang. He raised his Compliant Golden-Hooped Rod, which was like a pillar supporting the sky on top of Mount Kunlun, and parried Erlang's attack. This frightened Marshals Ma and Liu, who trembled and couldn't wave their banners; and Generals Beng and Ba, who were so timid they couldn't wield their swords. On their side, Kang, Zhang, Yao, Li, Guo Shen, and Zhi Jian gave the command, unleashing their Grass-Head Deities. Towards the Water-Curtain Cave, they released their hawks and hounds, strung their crossbows, and drew their bows, launching a unified assault. Alas, the four valiant monkey generals were scattered, and two or three thousand monkey spirits were captured! Those monkeys threw down their spears and armor, discarded their swords and lances; some ran, some screamed; some fled up the mountain, some returned to the cave. They were like startled birds at night, scattering like stars across the sky. The brothers achieved victory.

While the True Lord and the Great Sage were fighting, having transformed into the 'Heaven and Earth Manifestation' forms, the Great Sage suddenly saw his monkey spirits scattered in his camp. Feeling panicked, he ceased his magical manifestation, pulled his rod, and retreated. The True Lord saw him fleeing and pursued him with great strides, saying, "Where are you going? Surrender quickly, and I'll spare your life!" The Great Sage had no desire to fight further and simply ran. Nearing the cave entrance, he ran straight into the four Marshals Kang, Zhang, Yao, and Li, and the two Generals Guo Shen and Zhi Jian, who were leading their troops to block his path. They shouted, "Impudent monkey, where do you think you're going!" The Great Sage, flustered, squeezed his Golden-Hooped Rod into an embroidery needle, hid it in his ear, shook his body, and transformed into a sparrow, perching still on a treetop. The six brothers, in a panic, searched everywhere but couldn't find him. They all shouted, "The monkey spirit has escaped! The monkey spirit has escaped!" Just as they were shouting, the True Lord arrived and asked, "Brothers, you chased him to where, and he disappeared?" The deities replied, "He was just surrounded here, and then he vanished." Erlang opened his phoenix eyes wide and observed, seeing that the Great Sage had transformed into a sparrow perched on the tree. He then ceased his magical manifestation, set aside his divine spear, unslung his slingshot, and with a shake of his body, transformed into a hungry hawk, spreading its wings and flying to pounce. The Great Sage saw this, and with a whoosh of his wings, flew up, transforming into a large cormorant, soaring into the sky. Erlang saw this, quickly shook his feathers, and transformed into a great sea crane, ascending into the clouds to pursue. The Great Sage then descended, entered a stream, and transformed into a fish, plunging into the water. Erlang pursued him to the stream's edge but found no trace. He thought to himself, "That monkey must have gone into the water, surely transforming into some kind of fish or shrimp. I'll transform again to catch him."

Indeed, he transformed into an osprey, hovering over the water downstream. After a short wait, the Great Sage, transformed into a fish, was swimming with the current when he suddenly saw a bird that looked like a green kite but wasn't green; like an egret but without a crest; like a stork but with legs that weren't red. He thought, "This must be Erlang in disguise, waiting for me!" He quickly turned his head, made a splash, and darted away. Erlang saw this and said, "The fish that just darted away resembles a carp, but its tail isn't red; a mandarin fish, but its scales aren't mottled; a blackfish, but it has no stars on its head; a bream, but no spines on its gills. Why did it turn back when it saw me? It must be that monkey's transformation." He chased after it and, with a *swish*, pecked it. The Great Sage then leaped out of the water, transformed into a water snake, swam near the bank, and burrowed into the grass. Erlang, having lost sight of him while chasing, then heard a splash and saw a snake dart out of the water. Recognizing it as the Great Sage, he quickly turned and transformed into a grey crane with a vermillion crest, extending its long beak, which resembled a pair of pointed iron pincers, and flew straight to eat the water snake. The water snake jumped, then transformed into a bustard, standing stiffly and clumsily on the water-pepper bank. Erlang saw that he had transformed into something lowly—a bustard, which is the most vile and promiscuous of birds, mating indiscriminately with phoenixes, eagles, and crows. Therefore, he didn't approach it but immediately resumed his original form, walked over, drew his slingshot to its full extent, and shot a pellet that struck the bustard, causing it to stumble. Taking the opportunity, the Great Sage rolled down the cliff, lay there, and transformed again. He became a small Earth God's temple, its wide-open mouth forming the temple gate, its teeth becoming the doors, its tongue turning into the Bodhisattva statue, and its eyes becoming the windows. Only his tail was difficult to conceal, so it stood upright behind him, transformed into a flagpole. The True Lord pursued him to the bottom of the cliff. He didn't see the fallen bustard, only a small temple. He quickly opened his phoenix eyes and examined it closely, seeing the flagpole standing behind it. He laughed, "It's that monkey again! He's trying to trick me. I've seen temples before, but never one with a flagpole sticking up behind it. This beast is definitely playing tricks! If he tries to lure me inside, he'll bite me. Why would I go in? Let me first smash the windows with my fist, then kick in the doors!" The Great Sage heard this and was alarmed, thinking, "How cruel, how cruel! The doors are my teeth, and the windows are my eyes. What would I do if he smashed my teeth and poked out my eyes?" With a sudden tiger-leap, he sprang into the air and vanished.

The True Lord rushed frantically back and forth when he saw the four Marshals and two Generals approaching together. They asked, "Brother, have you caught the Great Sage?" The True Lord laughed, "That monkey just transformed into an Earth God's temple to trick me. I was about to smash his windows and kick in his doors, and he leaped up and vanished without a trace. How strange, how strange!" Everyone was astonished and looked around, but there was no sign of him. The True Lord said, "Brothers, stay here and patrol. I'll go up to find him." He quickly leaped onto a cloud and ascended into mid-air, seeing Heavenly King Li holding high the Demon-Reflecting Mirror, and Nezha standing on a cloud. The True Lord asked, "Heavenly King, have you seen the Monkey King?" The Heavenly King said, "He hasn't come up. I'm illuminating him right here." The True Lord finished recounting his contest of transformations, display of magical powers, and the capture of the monkeys, then said, "He transformed into a temple, and just as I was about to strike, he escaped." Upon hearing this, Heavenly King Li swept the Demon-Reflecting Mirror around and laughed heartily, "True Lord, quick, quick! That monkey used an invisibility spell and went around the encampment, heading towards your Guanjiang Estuary!" Hearing this, Erlang immediately retrieved his divine spear and hastened back to Guanjiang Estuary in pursuit.

Meanwhile, the Great Sage had already reached Guanjiang Estuary. He shook his body, transformed into the likeness of True Lord Erlang, descended from his cloud, and entered the temple. The ghost officials, unable to recognize him, prostrated themselves one by one in welcome. He sat in the center, inspecting the incense offerings, seeing Li Hu's offerings of three sacrificial animals, Zhang Long's vows for blessings, Zhao Jia's petitions for a son, and Qian Bing's earnest prayers for healing from illness. Just as he was looking, someone reported, "Another Master has arrived!" The ghost officials quickly looked, and all were alarmed. The True Lord then asked, "Has any 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven' recently arrived here?" The ghost officials replied, "We haven't seen any Great Sage. There's only one Master inside inspecting things." The True Lord burst through the door. The Great Sage saw him, revealed his true form, and said, "Young master, no need to shout. This temple is already surnamed Sun!" The True Lord immediately raised his three-pointed, two-edged divine spear and struck at his face. The Monkey King used a movement technique to dodge the spear, then pulled out the embroidery needle from his ear, shook it, and it became as thick as a bowl. He rushed forward and fought back directly. The two, shouting and making noise, fought their way out of the temple, half in mist and half in cloud, traveling and fighting, until they returned to Flower-Fruit Mountain, causing the Four Great Heavenly Kings and others to heighten their vigilance. Marshals Kang and Zhang and the others met the True Lord and worked together, encircling the Handsome Monkey King.

To pick up the narrative, after the Mighty Spirit King had summoned the True Lord and his six brothers to lead troops to capture the demon, he returned to Heaven to report. The Jade Emperor, Guanyin Bodhisattva, the Queen Mother, and the various immortal officials were discussing in the Cloud-Reaching Palace, saying, "Since Erlang has gone to battle, there's still no report after a full day." Guanyin clasped her hands and said, "This humble monk invites Your Majesty and the Daoist Patriarch to come outside the South Heavenly Gate and personally observe the situation." The Jade Emperor said, "That makes sense." He immediately prepared his carriage, and together with the Daoist Patriarch, Guanyin, the Queen Mother, and the immortal officials, proceeded to the South Heavenly Gate. There, some celestial soldiers and divine strongmen were already waiting. Opening the gate, they looked down and saw the heavenly soldiers deploying the net, encircling all sides; Heavenly King Li and Nezha held the Demon-Reflecting Mirror, standing in the air; and the True Lord was fiercely battling the Great Sage, who was surrounded in the center. The Bodhisattva spoke to the Elder Lord, saying, "How about Erlang, whom this humble monk recommended? He certainly has great magical powers and has already surrounded the Great Sage, but has not yet captured him. I will now assist him in one move, and he will surely be captured." The Elder Lord asked, "Bodhisattva, what weapon will you use? How will you assist him?" The Bodhisattva replied, "I will throw down my clean vase with the willow branch to strike that monkey's head; even if it doesn't kill him, it will make him stumble, allowing the sagely Erlang to capture him." The Elder Lord said, "Your vase is made of porcelain. It would be good if you hit his head precisely. But if you miss his head and strike his iron staff instead, won't it shatter? Do not make a move yet; let this old man assist him with one blow." The Bodhisattva asked, "What weapon do you have?" The Elder Lord said, "Yes, yes, yes." He rolled up his sleeve, took a hoop from his left arm, and said, "This weapon was forged from Kun-steel and infused by me with elixir, cultivating an essence of spiritual energy. It is adept at transformations, impervious to water and fire, and can ensnare all objects. It is called the Diamond Girdle, also known as the Diamond Snare. When I passed through Hangu Pass and converted the barbarians into Buddhists, it was greatly instrumental. It is excellent for self-defense, morning and night. Let me throw it down and strike him with it." Having spoken, he hurled it down from the Heavenly Gate. Whizzing, it fell directly into the Flower-Fruit Mountain encampment, landing precisely on the Monkey King's head. The Monkey King was so preoccupied with battling the seven sages that he didn't realize this weapon had fallen from the sky, striking him on the crown of his head. He lost his footing, stumbled, and fell. He clambered up and tried to run, but Erlang's faithful hound caught up, bit him on the calf, and dragged him down again. Lying on the ground, he cursed, "You wretched creature! Why don't you bother your master, instead of biting Old Sun!" He tried to turn over and get up but couldn't. The seven sages rushed forward and pinned him down. They immediately bound him with ropes and pierced his pipa bone (scapula) with a hooked knife, rendering him unable to transform again.

The Elder Lord retrieved his Diamond Girdle and invited the Jade Emperor, Guanyin, the Queen Mother, and all the immortals to return to the Cloud-Reaching Palace. Down below, the Four Great Heavenly Kings and Heavenly King Li, along with the other deities, withdrew their troops and dismantled their camp. They approached the sagely Erlang to congratulate him, all saying, "This is the humble sage's achievement!" The sagely Erlang said, "This is truly the great fortune of the Celestial Venerable and the might of all you deities. What achievement have I made?" Kang, Zhang, Yao, and Li said, "Brother, no need for further discussion. Let's escort this fellow to the Celestial Realm to see the Jade Emperor and receive his decree for punishment." The True Lord said, "Worthy brothers, you have not yet received celestial investiture, so you may not directly meet the Jade Emperor. Let the armored divine soldiers escort him. I, along with the Heavenly King and others, will ascend to Heaven to report the outcome. You all shall lead the troops here to search the mountain. After it is cleared, return to Guanjiang Estuary. Once I have received the rewards and honors, I will return, and we shall celebrate together." The four Marshals and two Generals accepted the instruction. The True Lord and the others then rode their clouds, singing a song of triumph, returning victoriously to Heaven. In a short while, they arrived outside the Hall of Universal Brightness. The Heavenly Master reported, "The Four Great Heavenly Kings and others have captured the demonic monkey, Great Sage Equal to Heaven, and await your proclamation here." The Jade Emperor issued an edict, immediately ordering the Mighty Spirit King and the celestial soldiers to escort him to the Demon-Slaying Platform and hack his body into pieces. Alas! Indeed: His deceptions now bring him the agony of execution; his heroic spirit is destined to cease. But it is yet unknown what fate awaits the Monkey King's life. Please listen to the next chapter for the full explanation.