Chapter 63: Two Monks Exorcise Monsters and Disturb the Dragon Palace Saints Eliminate Evil and Obtain Treasures

The King of Jisaig, along with his high-ranking officials and ministers, watched as Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie ascended into the clouds, carrying two small demons, and floated away. They all bowed to the sky, exclaiming, "The rumors are true! Only today do we realize that such immortal living Buddhas exist!" When they saw them disappear into the distance, they turned to express their gratitude to Tripitaka and Sha Wujing, saying, "As a mortal with common eyes, I only knew your esteemed disciples were powerful enough to capture the demons. I never imagined they were celestials who could ride the clouds and mists." Tripitaka replied, "This humble monk possesses no magical abilities; throughout our journey, I have relied on these three young disciples."

Sha Wujing said, "To be frank with Your Majesty, my eldest senior brother is the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, who converted to Buddhism. He once caused a great commotion in the Heavenly Palace, wielding his Golden-Hooped Bar, and not a single one of the hundred thousand heavenly soldiers could stand against him. He caused the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord to tremble with fear and the Jade Emperor to be shaken with alarm. My second senior brother is Marshal Tianpeng, a true and righteous immortal. He once commanded eighty thousand heavenly aquatic soldiers. Only this humble disciple has no magical power; I am the Curtain-Lifting General who took Buddhist vows. While my foolish brothers and I are inept at many other things, when it comes to capturing demons, binding monsters, apprehending villains, arresting fugitives, subduing tigers, taming dragons, kicking the heavens, stirring wells, or even churning seas and overturning rivers—we are somewhat proficient. As for riding clouds and mists, summoning rain and wind, changing constellations, shifting stars, carrying mountains, and chasing the moon—these are but minor skills, hardly worth mentioning!" Hearing this, the King grew even more respectful. He invited Tripitaka to the seat of honor, addressing him repeatedly as "Old Buddha," and referred to Sha Wujing and the others as "Bodhisattvas." The entire court of civil and military officials rejoiced, and the common people of the kingdom prostrated themselves in reverence.

Meanwhile, the Great Sage Sun Wukong and Bajie, riding a fierce wind, carried the two small demons to the Irregular Rock Mountain and Azure Wave Lake. They halted their cloud, and Wukong blew an immortal breath on his Golden-Hooped Bar, shouting "Change!" It transformed into a Buddhist knife. He cut off one black fish demon's ear and the catfish demon's lower lip, then threw them into the water, shouting, "Go quickly and report to the Myriad Saints Dragon King! Tell him that I, your Grandfather Sun, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, am here! Order him to immediately return the treasures from the Pagoda of Gold-Shining Temple in Jisaig Kingdom to save his entire family's lives! If he dares to utter even half a 'no,' I will stir this lake dry and exterminate all old and young in his household!" The two small demons, relieved to escape with their lives, fled in pain, dragging their chains as they plunged into the water. This frightened the tortoises, alligators, turtles, terrapins, shrimps, crabs, and fish demons, who gathered around them, asking, "Why are you two dragging ropes and chains?" One covered his ear, shaking his head and wagging his tail, while the other covered his mouth, stomping his feet and beating his chest. All clamoring and shouting, they went straight to the Dragon King's palace to report, "Your Majesty, disaster has struck!" The Myriad Saints Dragon King was drinking with the Nine-Headed Son-in-Law when he suddenly saw the two arrive. He immediately put down his cup and asked what disaster had occurred. The two immediately reported, "Last night, while on patrol, we were captured by Tripitaka and Sun Wukong during their pagoda-sweeping, and bound with iron chains. This morning, when we were presented to the King, that Wukong and Zhu Bajie grabbed us again. One had his ear cut off, the other his lip, and we were thrown into the water, ordered to report to you and demand the treasures from the pagoda top." They then recounted the entire sequence of events in detail. The old dragon, hearing it was Sun Wukong, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, was terrified out of his wits, his spirit scattered to the nine heavens. Trembling, he said to the son-in-law, "My dear son-in-law, if it were anyone else, we could still strategize, but if it truly is him, then things do not bode well!" The son-in-law laughed and said, "Father-in-law, rest assured. This humble son-in-law has learned some martial arts since childhood and has met several heroes within the Four Seas. What is there to fear from him? Let me go out and fight him for three rounds; I guarantee that scoundrel will cower and surrender, not daring to look up."

The formidable demon quickly donned his armor and, wielding his crescent-moon spade, stepped out of the palace. He parted the waters and, on the surface, shouted, "Who is this Great Sage Equaling Heaven? Come up quickly and yield your life!" Wukong and Bajie stood by the shore, observing how the demon was adorned—

He wore a gleaming silver helmet, its brilliance rivaling white snow; encased in a suit of chainmail armor, shining as brightly as autumn frost. Over it, he draped an embroidered battle robe, truly like colorful clouds enshrouding jade; his waist was belted with a rhinoceros-hide patterned sash, indeed resembling a flowery python coiled around gold. In his hand, he held a crescent-moon spade, flashing like rosy clouds and streaking lightning; on his feet, he wore pigskin boots, smoothly parting the water's waves. From afar, he seemed to have one head and one face, but upon closer inspection, he had faces on all four sides. He had eyes in front and eyes behind, seeing in all eight directions; a mouth on the left and a mouth on the right, speaking with nine mouths. His single cry echoed through the vast sky, like a crane's cry piercing the nine firmaments.

Seeing no reply, he shouted again, "Who is the Great Sage Equaling Heaven?" Wukong adjusted his golden fillet and straightened his iron bar, saying, "Your old Grandpa Sun is right here." The demon asked, "Where is your home? From what place did you come? How did you get to Jisaig Kingdom to guard the pagoda with that King, then boldly capture my subordinates, and now dare to act violently and come to my precious mountain to demand battle?" Wukong cursed, "You thieving demon, so you don't recognize your Grandfather Sun! Step forward and listen to what I have to say:

"Your old Grandfather Sun's ancestral home is Flower-Fruit Mountain, the Water Curtain Cave in the midst of the great sea. From youth, I cultivated an indestructible body, and the Jade Emperor appointed me Great Sage Equaling Heaven. It was because I caused a great disturbance in the Palace of Doumu, where all the heavenly deities found it hard to prevail. Then, the Tathagata was invited to display his wondrous and supreme, boundless wisdom with extraordinary power. For a somersaulting wager of magical prowess, his hand transformed into a mountain, pressing heavily upon me. I remained there for five hundred years until Guanyin's persuasion allowed me to escape with my life. Tripitaka of the Great Tang is journeying to the West, reverently bowing at Vulture Peak to seek Buddhist scriptures. I was freed to protect him, refining demons and purifying monsters as part of my spiritual practice. On the road, we encountered Jisaig City in the Western Regions, where monks suffered injustice for three generations. We, out of compassion, inquired into the past, discovering it was due to the pagoda losing its light. My master swept the pagoda to investigate clearly. At the third watch of the night, when nature was quiet, I caught a fish demon and obtained a truthful confession: he said you stole the precious treasures. The entire scheme of theft involved the Dragon King, and his princess, named Myriad Saints. A blood rain drenched the pagoda's light, and their treasures were stolen and used by them. The confession before the palace was absolutely true. I come here by the King's command. That is why I seek battle; there's no need to ask Grandfather Sun's name again. Quickly return the treasures to him, and spare the lives of your entire family, old and young. If you dare to foolishly boast of your strength, I will cause your waters to dry up and your mountains to crumble, leading to your downfall!"

Hearing this, the son-in-law sneered, "So you're a monk on a pilgrimage, meddling in irrelevant affairs! I stole his treasures, and you're seeking Buddhist scriptures; what concern is it of yours that you come to fight?" Wukong said, "You thieving demon are truly unreasonable! Although I haven't received the King's favor or eaten his food and water, it doesn't mean I shouldn't help him. However, you stole his treasures, defiled his precious pagoda, and for years caused suffering to the monks of Gold-Shining Temple. They are of my same order, so how can I not help them and clarify this injustice?" The son-in-law said, "Since that's the case, you must want to wager in combat. As the saying goes, 'war is not gentle.' But I fear that once we begin, I may not be able to show mercy and might accidentally take your life, thus delaying your scripture-seeking journey!" Wukong was furious and cursed, "You impudent thieving demon, what power do you have to speak so boldly! Come forward and take a blow from your Grandfather!" The son-in-law was not flustered at all. He parried the iron bar with his crescent-moon spade. On the summit of that Irregular Rock Mountain, a truly fierce battle ensued—

The demon stole the treasure, leaving the pagoda without light; Wukong captured the demon to report to the King. The little monsters escaped back into the water, while the old dragon, terrified, consulted his family. The Nine-Headed Son-in-Law displayed his might, donning armor to show his inherent strength. The enraged Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, raised his Golden-Hooped Bar with immense power. That monster, with nine heads and eighteen eyes, emitted dazzling light from front and back; this Wukong, with a pair of iron arms of thousand-pound strength, was a magnificent and auspicious sight. The spade was like the moon appearing at the winter solstice, the bar like frost flying across ten thousand miles. He said, "You have no business reporting injustice!" I said, "Your deliberate theft of treasure is truly evil! You impudent scoundrel, stop your arrogance, return the treasures and find peace!" Bar met spade, clashing for supremacy, showing no victor or loser on the training ground.

The two went back and forth, fighting for over thirty rounds without a clear victor. Zhu Bajie stood before the mountain. Seeing them engaged in such a fierce battle, he raised his rake and struck the demon from behind. It turned out that the monster's nine heads each had eyes, allowing him to see clearly. When he saw Bajie approaching from behind, he immediately used his spade to parry the rake, while the spade's head blocked the iron bar. He endured another five or seven rounds, but unable to withstand attacks from both front and back simultaneously, he somersaulted, leaped into the air, and revealed his true form: a Nine-Headed Worm. His appearance was exceedingly terrifying; the sight of his true form would surely kill a man! He was born with—

Plumes of brocade covered his body, which was plump and cotton-like. He was twelve feet in circumference, with a length resembling a large turtle or alligator. His two feet were sharp as hooks, and his nine heads clustered together. When he spread his wings, he was extremely adept at soaring; even the Roc could not match his power. When he cried out, his voice resounded to the ends of the earth, cawing even louder than an immortal crane. His many eyes flashed with dazzling golden light, and his proud demeanor set him apart from ordinary birds.

Zhu Bajie, seeing this, was startled and exclaimed, "Brother! Since I became human, I've never seen such a monstrous creature! What kind of blood and energy could have birthed such a beast?" Wukong said, "Truly rare, truly rare! Let me catch up and strike him!" The Great Sage, agilely mounting an auspicious cloud, leaped into the air and struck at the monster's head with his iron bar. The monster revealed his full size, spread his wings, and flew diagonally, swiftly turning to swoop down to the mountain front. Mid-flight, he extended another head, opening his mouth like a basin of blood, and bit Bajie by the mane. Half-dragging, half-pulling, he carried him down into the waters of Azure Wave Lake. Upon reaching outside the Dragon Palace, he reverted to his previous form, threw Bajie to the ground, and shouted, "Where are my subordinates?" Inside, the fish demons—mackerel, chub, carp, and mandarin fish—and the shelled monsters—turtles, terrapins, and alligators—all swarmed forward, shouting, "Here!" The son-in-law said, "Bind this monk there and avenge my captured patrolmen!" The demons pushed and shoved, carrying Bajie inside. The old Dragon King joyfully came out to greet them, saying, "My worthy son-in-law has performed a meritorious deed! How did you capture him?" The son-in-law explained the preceding events in detail, and the old dragon immediately ordered wine to be served to celebrate the victory.

Meanwhile, Sun Wukong, seeing the demon had captured Bajie, was inwardly worried. He thought, "This fellow is so formidable! If I return to my master now, I fear the King will mock me. If I open my mouth to curse and challenge him to battle, I'm alone, and I'm not accustomed to fighting on the water. Let me transform and go in to see how that monster handles the dullard. If the opportunity arises, I'll sneak him out to get things done." The Great Sage, making a hand seal, shook his body and transformed back into a crab. He plunged into the water and went straight to the ceremonial archway. It turned out that this path was one he had become familiar with when he previously attacked the Bull Demon King to steal the Gold-Eyed Beast. He crawled sideways directly under the palace gates and saw the old Dragon King and the Nine-Headed Worm's entire family joyfully drinking wine. Wukong dared not approach. He crawled under the eastern corridor and saw several shrimp and crab demons frolicking noisily. Wukong listened to their chatter for a while, then imitated their speech and asked, "Has that long-snouted monk, whom the son-in-law brought back, died yet?" The demons replied, "No, he hasn't died. Isn't he moaning, tied up under the western corridor?" Hearing this, Wukong gently crawled to the western corridor. Indeed, the dullard was tied to a pillar, groaning. Wukong approached and said, "Bajie, do you recognize me?" Bajie heard the voice, recognized Wukong, and said, "Brother, what happened! I was captured by this fellow instead!" Wukong, seeing no one around, used his pincers to snap the ropes and told him to go. The dullard, freed, said, "Brother, my weapon has been taken by him. What can we do?" Wukong asked, "Do you know where it's kept?" Bajie replied, "That monster took it up to the palace." Wukong said, "You go wait for me under the archway." Bajie escaped, quietly slipping out. Wukong returned and crawled up to the palace. He saw a shimmering glow from the left, which was Bajie's rake emitting light. He used an invisibility spell, stole the rake, and went to the archway, shouting, "Bajie! Catch your weapon!" The dullard, having received his rake, said, "Brother, you go first. Let Old Pig fight his way into the palace. If I win, I'll capture his entire family; if I lose and am defeated, you can provide aid from the lake shore." Wukong was delighted and just told him to be careful. Bajie said, "I'm not afraid of him! I have a bit of skill in the water." Wukong left him and emerged from the water. Bajie tightened his black robe, gripped his rake with both hands, and with a shout, charged into the palace. The small and large aquatic creatures, in a flurry, scurried up to the palace, shouting, "Oh no! The long-snouted monk has broken free and is fighting his way back in!" The old dragon, the Nine-Headed Worm, and their entire family were caught off guard. They jumped up, hiding here and there. The dullard, heedless of life or death, stormed into the palace, raking his way through, smashing door panels, breaking tables and chairs, and shattering all the drinking utensils and similar items. A poem bears witness to this, saying:

Wood Mother (Bajie) was captured by the water demon, but Heart-Ape (Wukong) refused to give up, painstakingly searching. He secretly used a clever trick to pick the lock, unleashing divine power with deep anger and hatred. The son-in-law hastily hid with the princess, and the Dragon King trembled, utterly silent. The water palace's crimson gates and windows were damaged, and the dragon sons and grandsons were all terrified out of their wits.

In this chaotic scene, Bajie smashed the tortoiseshell screen to pieces and shattered the coral trees until they withered. The Nine-Headed Worm, having safely hidden the princess inside, quickly grabbed his crescent-moon spade and rushed to the front palace, shouting, "You brutish swine! How dare you deceive and alarm my family!" Bajie cursed, "You thieving monster, how dare you capture me! This incident is none of my business; you invited me to your home for this beating! Quickly return the treasures to me so I can report back to the King and settle this matter. Otherwise, I will absolutely not spare a single life in your family!" The monster would not show mercy. He gritted his teeth and engaged Bajie in battle. The old dragon, having just regained his composure, led his dragon sons and grandsons, each wielding spears and knives, to attack them together. Seeing that the situation was unfavorable, Bajie feigned a swing with his rake and retreated. The old dragon, leading his forces, pursued him. In a moment, they surged out of the water, all thrashing about on the surface of the lake.

Meanwhile, Sun Wukong stood waiting on the lake shore. Suddenly, he saw them chasing Bajie, emerging from the water. He stepped halfway onto the clouds and mists, drew his iron bar, and shouted, "Don't run!" With just one strike, he smashed the old dragon's head to pulp. Pitifully, blood splattered into the lake, turning the water red, and the corpse floated on the waves, scales broken! The dragon sons and grandsons were terrified and fled for their lives. The Nine-Headed Son-in-Law collected the dragon's corpse and returned to the palace.

Wukong and Bajie did not pursue. They returned to the shore, where Wukong recounted the earlier events in full. Bajie said, "That fellow's spirit has been crushed! When I raked my way in, I caused utter devastation, scattering their souls and spirits! I was just fighting the son-in-law when the old Dragon King pursued me. It's a good thing you killed him. Those scoundrels, after returning, will surely mourn and wear mourning clothes; they definitely won't come out. And now it's getting late. What should we do?" Wukong said, "What does it matter if it's late? Take this opportunity; you should go down and attack again. We must retrieve the treasures before returning to the court." The dullard was disinclined and reluctant, feigning excuses. Wukong urged him, "Brother, don't hesitate. Just lure him out again as before, and I'll strike him."

As the two were discussing, they heard a violent wind rolling and a dismal mist swirling. Suddenly, from the east, it headed straight south. Wukong observed closely; it was Erlang Shen, accompanied by his Six Brothers of Meishan. They were carrying hawks and hounds, with foxes and rabbits slung over their shoulders, and roebucks and deer being carried. Each had a curved bow at his waist and a sharp blade in his hand, leaping forth through the wind and mist. Wukong said, "Bajie, those are my seven sworn brothers. It would be good to invite them to help me in battle. If we succeed, it would be a great opportunity." Bajie said, "Since they are your brothers, you should definitely invite them." Wukong said, "However, among them is Brother Erlang Shen, who once subdued me. It would be awkward for me to face him. You go stop their cloud and shout, 'True Monarch, please halt for a moment. The Great Sage Equaling Heaven is here to pay his respects.' If he hears it's me, he will certainly stop. Once they have settled, I can properly meet them." The dullard quickly mounted a cloud, went up the mountain to block their path, and loudly shouted, "True Monarch, please hold your chariot! The Great Sage Equaling Heaven requests an audience!" Upon hearing this, the True Monarch immediately ordered his Six Brothers to halt. After meeting Bajie, he asked, "Where is the Great Sage Equaling Heaven?" Bajie replied, "He is currently below the mountain, awaiting your call." Erlang said, "Brothers, go quickly and invite him." The Six Brothers, namely Kang, Zhang, Yao, Li, Guo, and Zhi, each came out and called, "Brother Sun Wukong, Eldest Brother invites you." Wukong stepped forward, bowed to everyone, and then went up the mountain with them.

True Monarch Erlang came forward to meet him, taking his hand and supporting him. Together, they greeted each other, saying, "Great Sage, you have overcome great hardship, received ordination as a monk, and your merits will soon be complete, allowing you to ascend to the lotus throne. This is truly commendable, truly commendable!" Wukong replied, "I dare not accept such praise. I once received immense kindness from you, for which I have not yet been able to show the slightest gratitude. Although I have escaped hardship and journeyed to the West, I do not know what my merits will amount to. Today, on our journey, we encountered Jisaig Kingdom, where we are rescuing monks from disaster, capturing demons, and retrieving treasures. By chance, I saw your esteemed chariot and boldly requested your aid. May I ask where you have come from, and if you are willing to favor me with your help?" Erlang smiled and said, "I was idle with nothing to do, so I was returning with my brothers after a hunting trip. I am fortunate that the Great Sage did not disdain to meet me; your gesture truly touches the sentiment of our old acquaintance. If you command my strength to subdue a demon, how could I not obey? But I do not know what kind of monstrous thief is here?" The Six Sages said, "Eldest Brother, have you forgotten? This place is Irregular Rock Mountain, and below it is Azure Wave Lake, the Dragon Palace of Myriad Saints." Erlang was surprised and said, "The old Myriad Saints Dragon King usually doesn't cause trouble. How dare he steal pagoda treasures?"

Wukong said, "Recently, he took a son-in-law, who is a Nine-Headed Worm demon. The two of them, the father-in-law and son-in-law, acted as thieves. They caused a bloody rain to fall on Jisaig Kingdom and stole the sarira relic treasures from the top of Gold-Shining Temple pagoda. The King didn't understand the meaning and cruelly tortured the monks. My master, out of compassion, swept the pagoda last night, and I happened to catch two small demons on the pagoda; they were sent by him to patrol and scout. This morning, they were brought to the court and confessed everything truthfully. The King then asked my master to subdue them, and my master ordered us to come here. In the first battle, the Nine-Headed Worm extended a head from his midsection and carried Bajie away in his mouth. I then transformed and went into the water, freeing Bajie. Just now, we had a major battle. I killed the old dragon, and those scoundrels have gone to collect his corpse and observe mourning rites. We were just discussing how to demand battle again when we saw your esteemed retinue arrive, and thus I made bold to trouble you." Erlang said, "Since the old dragon is already harmed, it's the perfect time to attack them and prevent that scoundrel from reacting. Wouldn't that destroy their entire nest?" Bajie said, "Although that's true, what about the lateness of the hour?" Erlang said, "Military strategists say, 'Campaigns do not wait for the opportune moment.' What is there to fear about it being late?" Kang, Yao, Guo, and Zhi said, "Eldest Brother, don't rush. That scoundrel's family is here; they have nowhere to go. Brother Sun is also an honored guest, and Zhu Wuneng has returned to the righteous path. In our camp, we have provisions of wine and food. Let our subordinates fetch fire and set up here. Firstly, to congratulate the two of them, and secondly, to renew our friendship. Let us enjoy this night's gathering. How much later can it be to demand battle when day breaks?" Erlang was greatly pleased and said, "My worthy brother speaks very appropriately." He then ordered his lieutenants to prepare. Wukong said, "Your generosity is immense, and I dare not decline. However, since becoming a monk, I have observed a vegetarian diet, so I fear meat and vegetables might be inconvenient." Erlang said, "We have vegetarian fruits, and the wine is also vegetarian." The brothers, under the starlight and moonlight, with the sky as their canopy and the earth as their mat, raised their cups and reminisced about old times.

The lonely night was long, and the joyful night was short. Before they knew it, dawn was breaking in the east. Bajie, having had several cups of wine, was in high spirits and said, "It's almost dawn. Let Old Pig go down into the water to demand battle." Erlang said, "Marshal, be careful. Just lure him out, and my brothers and I will be able to act." Bajie laughed and said, "I know! I know!" See him tuck up his robe, grip his rake, use the water-parting spell, leap down, go straight to the archway, and with a shout, fight his way into the palace. At this time, the dragon son, clad in sackcloth, was weeping over the dragon's corpse, while the dragon grandson and the son-in-law were behind, preparing the coffin. Bajie cursed as he stepped forward. With a swing of his hand, the rake's head struck heavily, creating nine holes in the dragon son's head and brain, terrifying the old dragoness and the others, who ran wildly inside, crying, "The long-snouted monk has killed my son again!" Hearing this, the son-in-law immediately grabbed his crescent-moon spade and, with the dragon grandson, charged out to fight. Bajie raised his rake to meet the enemy, fighting and retreating, then leaped out of the water. On the shore, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven and the Seven Brothers swarmed forward, thrusting with spears and knives, chopping the dragon grandson into several pieces of minced meat. The son-in-law, seeing the situation was dire, rolled before the mountain and revealed his true form again. He spread his wings and flew, circling and soaring. Erlang immediately took his golden bow, fitted a silver bullet, drew the bow to full tension, and shot upwards. The monster quickly flapped his wings, swooped to the side, and tried to bite Erlang. Just as a head extended from his midsection, Erlang's slender dog leaped up and, with a "Woof!", bit off the head, leaving it bloody and dripping. The monster, in pain, fled for his life, heading straight to the North Sea. Bajie was about to pursue, but Wukong stopped him, saying, "Don't chase him. It's 'don't pursue a cornered foe.' He's had a head bitten off by the slender dog; he's more likely to die than live. Let me transform into his likeness. You part the waters and chase me inside. We'll find the princess and trick her into giving us the treasures." Erlang and the Six Sages said, "Not chasing him is fine, but leaving this creature alive in the world will surely be a harm to future generations." To this day, there is a creature called the Nine-Headed Worm whose blood drips, a remnant of its kind.

Bajie followed the instructions, parting the waters. Wukong, transformed into the monster's likeness, walked ahead, while Bajie shouted and chased behind him. Gradually, they reached the Dragon Palace, where they saw the Myriad Saints Princess say, "Son-in-law, why are you so flustered?" Wukong replied, "That Bajie has won and chased me in. I feel I cannot defeat him. Quickly, hide the treasures well!" The princess, in her haste, could not discern the truth. She immediately took a solid gold casket from the back hall and handed it to Wukong, saying, "This is the Buddhist treasure." She then took out a white jade casket and also handed it to Wukong, saying, "This is the Nine-Leafed Nard. Take these treasures and hide them. I'll fight Zhu Bajie for two or three rounds to block him. Once you've secured the treasures, come out and join the battle with him." Wukong took the two caskets and put them by his side. With a wipe of his face, he revealed his true form and said, "Princess, do you see if I am your son-in-law?" The princess panicked and tried to snatch the caskets. Bajie rushed up, raked her across the back, and knocked her to the ground. An old dragoness turned to flee, but Bajie grabbed her. Just as he raised his rake to strike, Wukong said, "Wait! Don't kill her. Keep her alive so we can present her as proof of our success in the kingdom." He then pulled the dragoness out of the water. Wukong followed, carrying the two caskets ashore, and said to Erlang, "Thanks to your brother's mighty power, we have retrieved the treasures and swept away the demon thieves." Erlang said, "Firstly, it is the King's immense good fortune, and secondly, your wise brothers' boundless supernatural powers. What credit do I have?" All the brothers said, "Since Brother Sun has already succeeded, we will take our leave now." Wukong thanked them profusely, wishing them to stay and meet the King. The gentlemen declined and led their forces back to Guankou.

Wukong held the caskets, and Bajie dragged the dragoness. Half-hidden by clouds and mist, they arrived in the kingdom in an instant. The monks who had been freed from Gold-Shining Temple were waiting outside the city to welcome them. When they saw the two descend from the clouds, they came forward, bowed, and escorted them into the city. The King and Tripitaka were discussing matters in the palace hall when one of the earlier-arrived monks, emboldened, entered the court gates and reported, "Long live Your Majesty! Lord Sun and Lord Zhu have returned, having captured the thieves and retrieved the treasures!" Hearing this, the King immediately descended from his throne. Together with Tripitaka and Sha Wujing, he welcomed them, expressing endless gratitude for their divine power. He then ordered a banquet to be prepared to thank them. Tripitaka said, "There is no need for a feast yet. Let my disciples return the pagoda's treasures first, then we can feast." Tripitaka then asked Wukong, "You left the kingdom yesterday, so why have you only arrived today?" Wukong recounted in detail the battle with the son-in-law, killing the Dragon King, meeting the True Monarch, defeating the demon, and transforming to trick the treasures. Tripitaka, the King, and all the civil and military officials, great and small, were overwhelmed with joy. The King then asked, "Can the dragoness speak human language?" Bajie replied, "She is the Dragon King's wife, having birthed many dragon sons and grandsons. How could she not know human speech?" The King said, "Since she knows human speech, quickly tell us the full story of the theft." The dragoness said, "I knew nothing of the theft of the Buddhist treasures. It was entirely my husband, the Dragon Fiend, and the Nine-Headed Worm son-in-law. Knowing that the light from your pagoda was Buddhist sarira relics, they caused a blood rain three years ago and seized the opportunity to steal them." The King then asked, "How was the Nard herb stolen?" The dragoness said, "That was simply my younger daughter, the Myriad Saints Princess, who secretly entered the Great Luo Heavens before the Lingxiao Palace and stole the Queen Mother's Nine-Leafed Nard. The sarira relics, nurtured by the immortal energy of this herb, will remain incorruptible for a thousand years and glow for ten thousand years. If you sweep them underground or in a field, they will immediately emit ten thousand rays of colorful light and a thousand auspicious auras. Now that you have taken it, my husband is dead, my sons are gone, and my son-in-law and daughter are lost. Please, please spare my life!" Bajie said, "Precisely why we won't spare you!" Wukong said, "Not everyone in the family is guilty, so I will spare you, but you must permanently guard the pagoda for me." The dragoness said, "It is better to live a bad life than die a good death. As long as my life is spared, I will do whatever you command." Wukong called for iron chains. An attendant immediately brought one, and Wukong had it passed through the dragoness's shoulder blades. He then told Sha Wujing, "Please invite the King to see us reinstall the pagoda treasures."

The King hastily prepared his carriage and, holding Tripitaka's hand, departed from the court. Along with his many civil and military officials, he proceeded to Gold-Shining Temple and ascended the pagoda. They placed the sarira relic in the precious vase at the center of the thirteenth level of the pagoda. The dragoness was chained to the central pillar of the pagoda. Wukong recited an incantation, summoning the local Earth God, City God, and the temple's guardian deity. He ordered them to deliver one meal every three days to sustain the dragoness. If there was any mistake, they would be executed immediately. The gods silently acknowledged the command. Wukong then used the nard to sweep each of the thirteen levels of the pagoda, then placed it within the vase to nourish the sarira relic. This truly made the old appear new: ten thousand rays of iridescent light and a thousand auspicious auras shone forth, once again visible to all eight directions and revered by the four kingdoms. Descending from the pagoda, the King expressed his gratitude, saying, "If the Old Buddha and the three Bodhisattvas had not come here, how could this matter have been clarified!" Wukong said, "Your Majesty, the name 'Gold-Shining' is not auspicious; it does not signify something that lasts. Gold is a moving substance, and 'shining' is a flickering aura. This humble monk has toiled for you in this matter. I will rename this temple 'Dragon-Subduing Temple' so that your kingdom may endure forever." The King immediately ordered the name changed and a new plaque hung, which read "Imperially Built Dragon-Subduing Temple, Protector of the Nation." On one side, a royal banquet was prepared; on the other, painters were summoned to depict the four pilgrims, and their names were inscribed in the Five Phoenix Tower. The King prepared his imperial carriage to escort Tripitaka and his disciples, offering them gold and jade as reward. The master and disciples firmly declined, accepting nothing at all. This was truly a case where: evil monsters were eliminated, bringing peace to all realms; the precious pagoda regained its light, illuminating the great earth. Ultimately, it is unknown what the journey ahead holds. Listen to the next chapter for the explanation.