Chapter 78: Compassionate Monk Sends Spirit, Recognizing Demon and Discussing Virtue in the Golden Hall

A single thought can stir a hundred demons; cultivation is arduous, yet what can overcome it? Only by thorough cleansing of impurities, and meticulous discipline and refinement, can one sweep away all attachments to achieve stillness, eradicate a thousand monsters without delay. This will surely enable escape from the confines of the world, and once practice is perfected, ascend to the Great Luo Heaven.

It is said that the Great Sage Sun, having exhausted all his cleverness, persuaded the Buddha to subdue the various monsters, thus freeing Tang Sanzang and his disciples from their plight. They departed from Lion Camel Ridge and journeyed westward. After several more months, winter arrived. One could see—

Ridge-top plum blossoms about to break forth like jade,Pond water gradually turning to ice.Red leaves have all fallen,Green pines refresh their hue.Faint clouds drift, promising snow,Withered grass lies flat across the mountains.Everywhere is a stark, cold light,A chilling dampness penetrates to the bone.

The master and disciples endured the cold, braved the wind and rain, and after much travel, they spotted a city. Tang Sanzang asked, "Wukong, what place is that over there?" The Pilgrim replied, "We'll know when we get closer. If it's a royal city in the west, we'll need to have our travel document verified; if it's a prefecture, province, or county, we can just pass through." Before they finished speaking, they had already reached the city gates. Tang Sanzang dismounted. The four of them entered the outer city wall and saw an old soldier dozing against a sunny wall, sheltering from the wind. The Pilgrim approached and shook him, calling out, "Officer!" The old soldier jolted awake, blinking groggily. Seeing the Pilgrim, he immediately knelt and kowtowed, crying, "Grandfather!" The Pilgrim said, "Don't be so startled and strange. I am not some evil god; why are you calling me 'Grandfather'?" The old soldier continued kowtowing, "You are Grandfather Thunder God!" The Pilgrim retorted, "Nonsense! I am a monk from the Eastern Land on my way to the Western Heaven to fetch scriptures. I just arrived here and don't know the local name, so I asked you." Hearing this, the old soldier finally composed himself, yawned, got up, and stretched, saying, "Elder, Elder, please forgive my offense. This place was originally called Bhikshu Kingdom, but it has now been renamed Youngsters' City." The Pilgrim asked, "Is there an emperor in the kingdom?" The old soldier replied, "Yes, yes, yes!" The Pilgrim then turned to Tang Sanzang and said, "Master, this place was originally Bhikshu Kingdom, but it's now called Youngsters' City. I wonder why the name was changed." Tang Sanzang pondered, "Since it's called Bhikshu, why also 'Youngsters'?" Pigsy interjected, "Perhaps the Bhikshu king died, and the newly enthroned ruler is a youngster, hence the name Youngsters' City." Tang Sanzang said, "That makes no sense, no sense at all! Let's go in and ask around in the streets." Sandy said, "Exactly. That old soldier either doesn't know, or he was scared senseless by Elder Brother. Let's enter the city and inquire." They proceeded through three more gates and arrived at the main thoroughfare and market. The people were well-dressed and refined. One could see—

Taverns and singing houses bustled with voices,Colorful shops and tea houses hung their curtains high.Ten thousand households and a thousand doors enjoyed thriving business,Six streets and three markets were rich sources of wealth.People buying gold and selling silks swarmed like ants,Vying for profit and fame, all for money.Courtesy and dignity prevailed, creating a prosperous scene;It was a year of peace, like a clear river and calm sea.

The four master and disciples, leading their horse and carrying their burdens, walked through the market for a long time, marveling at the prosperity. However, they noticed that in front of every house, there was a goose cage. Tang Sanzang said, "Disciples, why do all these households here place goose cages at their door?" Hearing this, Pigsy looked left and right. Indeed, there were goose cages, draped with colorful silk satins. The idiotic Pigsy laughed, "Master, today must be an auspicious day for weddings or gatherings, so everyone is performing rituals." The Pilgrim scoffed, "Nonsense! How could every house be performing rituals? There must be some reason. Let me go forward and take a look." Tang Sanzang held him back, "Don't go. Your face is ugly; people might be offended." The Pilgrim said, "I'll transform myself and go." The Great Sage, pinching a spell and chanting an incantation, shook his body and transformed into a tiny bee. Spreading its wings, it flew close to a cage, darted inside the drape, and saw that it was a small child sitting there! It then went to the second house's cage and saw another small child! After checking eight or nine houses, they all contained small children, all boys, with no girls. Some were playing in their cages, some were crying, some were eating fruit, and some were sleeping. After observing, the Pilgrim reverted to his original form and reported to Tang Sanzang, "Those cages contain small children. The oldest are not yet seven, and the youngest are only five. I don't know why." Hearing this, Tang Sanzang was filled with doubt. Suddenly, turning a corner, they saw a yamen building, which was the Golden Pavilion Posthouse. The Elder rejoiced, "Disciples, let's enter this posthouse. Firstly, we can inquire about the locality; secondly, we can feed the horses; and thirdly, we can find lodging for the night." Sandy said, "Exactly, exactly, let's hurry in!" The four entered cheerfully. The local officials indeed reported to the postmaster, who welcomed them in, and they greeted each other. Once seated, the postmaster asked, "Elder, where do you come from?" Tang Sanzang replied, "This humble monk was sent from the Great Tang of the Eastern Land to fetch scriptures from the Western Heaven. Now that we have arrived in your esteemed locality, it is proper to have our travel document verified. We humbly request a temporary stay at your yamen." The postmaster immediately ordered tea, and after tea, arranged for provisions and instructed the attendants to prepare hospitality. Tang Sanzang expressed his thanks and then asked, "May we be granted an audience with His Majesty today to have our travel document verified?" The postmaster replied, "Not tonight, you must wait until tomorrow morning. Please stay comfortably at this yamen for the night."

A short while later, everything was arranged. The postmaster invited the four to share a vegetarian meal, then instructed his subordinates to clean the guest rooms for their rest. Tang Sanzang was endlessly grateful. Once settled, the Elder said, "There is something that puzzles this humble monk, and I beg your guidance. How do people here raise children?" The postmaster replied, "There are no two suns in the sky, and no two principles for humanity. Raising children involves the father's essence and mother's blood, ten months of pregnancy, birth at the right time, and three years of nursing to gradually form their bodies. How could one not know this?" Tang Sanzang said, "What you say is no different from our land. But when this humble monk entered the city, I saw that every household in the streets had a goose cage, each containing a small child. This matter perplexes me, so I ventured to ask." The postmaster leaned in and whispered, "Elder, don't mind it, don't ask about it, don't concern yourself with it or speak of it. Please rest, you will travel early tomorrow." Hearing this, the Elder firmly grasped the postmaster, determined to get a clear answer. The postmaster shook his head and waved his hands, only saying, "Be careful what you say!" Tang Sanzang refused to let go, insisting on a detailed explanation. The postmaster, having no choice, dismissed all the officials and quietly spoke under the lamplight, "The matter of the goose cages you just asked about concerns the current unrighteousness of our King. Why do you keep asking about it?" Tang Sanzang said, "What do you mean by 'unrighteousness'? You must explain clearly for me to feel at ease." The postmaster said, "This kingdom was originally Bhikshu Kingdom, but recently there's a popular saying that it's been renamed Youngsters' City. Three years ago, an old man, disguised as a Daoist, brought a young girl, barely sixteen years old, to present as tribute to His Majesty. The girl was exquisitely beautiful, her appearance like Guanyin. His Majesty, captivated by her beauty, favored her in the palace, calling her the 'Beautiful Queen.' Recently, he has completely neglected the Three Palaces' ladies and the Six Courtyards' consorts, indulging in pleasure day and night without ceasing. Now, he has become gaunt and weary, his body emaciated, eating very little, and his life is hanging by a thread. The Imperial Medical Academy has tried every excellent remedy, but none can cure him. That Daoist who presented the girl was granted a title by our King and is called the 'Imperial Uncle.' The Imperial Uncle possesses a secret overseas remedy, supposedly very effective for prolonging life. He previously traveled to the Ten Continents and Three Islands to gather medicinal ingredients, all of which are now complete. However, the *primer* for the medicine is terrible: it requires the heart and liver of exactly one thousand one hundred and eleven young children, boiled into a soup and taken with the medicine. After taking it, one can live for a thousand years without aging. The children in these goose cages are all those who have been selected and are being kept there. Their parents, fearing the king's law, dare not weep, so the rumor spread, calling this place 'Youngsters' City.' Is this not unrighteousness? Elder, when you go to court tomorrow morning, just exchange your travel document and do not mention this matter." Having said this, he withdrew. The Elder was so terrified his bones turned to jelly and his muscles became numb. He could not stop the tears from falling down his cheeks and suddenly cried out, "Corrupt ruler, corrupt ruler! For your indulgence in pleasure and beauty, you have brought illness upon yourself, and now you cruelly harm the lives of so many children! How tragic, how tragic! My heart aches!" There is a poem to attest to this, which says:

The wicked ruler, ignorant of truth, lost his rectitude;Indulging in pleasure without reflection, he secretly harmed his body.To seek eternal life, he slaughters children's lives;To avert calamities, he kills common folk.The monk, filled with compassion, finds it hard to let go;The official's words of peril were unbearable to hear.Before the lamp, tears fell with long sighs;It pained the Buddhist cultivator to the core.

Pigsy approached and said, "Master, what's gotten into you? You're always crying over other people's troubles as if they were your own! Don't fret! As the saying goes, 'If the sovereign commands death, a subject who does not die is disloyal; if a father commands death, a son who does not die is unfilial.' He is harming his own subjects; what does it have to do with you? Come, let's take off our clothes and sleep. Don't worry about people from ancient times." Tang Sanzang, with tears still falling, said, "Disciple, you are without compassion! We who have left home to become monks accumulate merit and virtue, and the first thing is to act with expediency. How can this corrupt ruler behave so outrageously! I have never heard of eating human hearts and livers to prolong life. These are all unrighteous deeds; how can I not be heartbroken!" Sandy said, "Master, don't grieve yet. Tomorrow morning, when we exchange the travel document, speak directly with the King. If he doesn't agree, then we can see what kind of Imperial Uncle he is. Perhaps that Imperial Uncle is a demon who wishes to eat human hearts and livers, and therefore devised this method; it's possible." The Pilgrim said, "Wujing speaks reasonably. Master, you should sleep. Tomorrow, let this old grandson accompany you to court to see if the Imperial Uncle is good or evil. If he is human, I fear he has strayed into heterodox paths and does not know the true way, only believing in collecting medicine. I will impart the profound principles of the innate Dao to convert him to righteousness. If he is an evil spirit, I will capture him and show him to the King, teaching him to curb his desires and nurture his body, and by no means allow him to harm those children's lives." Hearing this, Tang Sanzang hurriedly bowed to the Pilgrim and saluted him, saying, "Disciple, this reasoning is excellent, truly excellent! But when we see the corrupt ruler, we must not immediately bring up this matter, lest he misunderstand and accuse us of spreading rumors, then how shall we deal with it?" The Pilgrim laughed, "This old grandson has his own magic. I will first transport the children from these goose cages out of the city, so that tomorrow there will be no objects from which to take hearts. The local officials will naturally present a memorial, and the corrupt ruler will certainly issue an edict, perhaps consulting with the Imperial Uncle or ordering a new selection. At that time, I can use this opportunity to make a formal complaint, and I will certainly not be blamed." Tang Sanzang was overjoyed and said, "How can we get the children out of the city now? If they can truly be freed, it would be a great virtue for you, my wise disciple! Please do it quickly; any delay might be too late." The Pilgrim, stirring his divine might, immediately rose and instructed Pigsy and Sandy: "Stay with Master. Let me perform my magic. When you feel a cold wind blow, that means the children are leaving the city." The three of them simultaneously chanted, "Namo to the Life-Saving Medicine Buddha! Namo to the Life-Saving Medicine Buddha!"

The Great Sage stepped out of the door, gave a whistle, rose into the air, pinched a spell, chanted a true incantation, and called out, "Cleanse the Dharma Realm!" He summoned the city gods, local deities, earth gods, true officials, the Five Directions Guardian Deities, the Four Worthy Merit Officers, the Six Ding and Six Jia Heavenly Generals, and the Guardians of the Buddhist Teachings. They all arrived in the air and saluted him, saying, "Great Sage, why have you summoned us at night? Is there an urgent matter?" The Pilgrim said, "Today, as I passed through Bhikshu Kingdom, the King, being unrighteous, believes a demon and wants to use the hearts and livers of young children as a medicinal primer, hoping for immortality. My Master is truly unable to bear this and wishes to save lives and eradicate evil. Therefore, this old grandson has specifically invited all of you to use your divine powers and help me transport all the children from the goose cages in the city's streets, cages and all, out of the city into mountain hollows or deep forests. Keep them hidden for a day or two, provide them with some fruit to eat so they don't starve; and also secretly protect them, ensuring they are not frightened or made to cry. Once I have eliminated the evil, governed the kingdom, and advised the King to return to righteousness, you may bring them back to me when we depart." The deities received their orders, immediately used their divine powers, descended on their clouds, and a cold wind swept through the entire city, accompanied by a gloomy mist—

A cold wind obscured the stars in the sky,A gloomy mist shrouded the moon for a thousand miles.At first, it swayed gently and leisurely;Later, it surged with mighty force.Gently swaying, each seeking a doorway to save the children;With mighty force, all looking into the goose cages to rescue the flesh and blood.How could people emerge when the cold penetrated them?The chilling power permeated bodies, their clothes felt like iron.Parents were helpless and flustered, brothers and sisters all grieved.The ground was swept by the cold wind, the cages were taken by the gods.Though this night brought desolation, the morning would bring joy.

There is a poem to attest to this, which says:

Compassion in the Buddhist faith has long been profound;True goodness leading to great success is spoken of as Mahayana.Ten thousand saints and a thousand immortals all accumulate virtue;The Three Refuges and Five Precepts must be followed harmoniously.The Bhikshu Kingdom's plight is not solely due to the king's misrule;The fate of a thousand "youngsters" is an error of destiny.The Pilgrim, with his Master, assisted in their rescue;This act of hidden virtue surpassed even the Paramita.

That night, around the third watch, the deities transported the goose cages and hid them in various places. The Pilgrim descended his auspicious light and went directly to the posthouse. He heard the three of them still chanting, "Namo to the Life-Saving Medicine Buddha!" He inwardly rejoiced, approached, and called out, "Master, I'm back. How was the cold wind?" Pigsy said, "What a cold wind!" Tang Sanzang asked, "What about saving the children?" The Pilgrim said, "They have all been safely taken out. We'll return them when we depart." The Elder thanked him repeatedly before finally going to sleep.

At dawn, Tang Sanzang awoke, made all necessary preparations, and said, "Wukong, I will seize the early court session to have my travel document verified." The Pilgrim said, "Master, if you go by yourself, it might not be effective. Let this old grandson accompany you to court to see whether that Imperial Uncle is righteous or evil." Tang Sanzang said, "If you go, you won't bow, and the King might be offended." The Pilgrim said, "I won't reveal my true form; I'll follow you discreetly, serving as your protector." Tang Sanzang was delighted and instructed Pigsy and Sandy to guard the luggage and horse. Just as he was about to set off, the postmaster came to greet them again. Seeing the Elder dressed up, he looked quite different from yesterday. One could see that he—

Wore a brocade cassock adorned with auspicious bats and rare Buddhist treasures,On his head a golden-capped Vairocana hat.In his hand, a nine-ringed tin staff,In his chest, a spark of wondrous divine light.His travel document was close at hand,Wrapped in a brocade cover within his bundle bag.His bearing was like an Arhat descending to the world,Truly like the living Buddha in appearance.

After the postmaster exchanged greetings, he leaned in and whispered, urging him not to meddle in idle affairs. Tang Sanzang nodded in assent. The Great Sage, flashing to the side of the door, chanted a spell, shook his body, and transformed into a tiny gnat. With a buzz, he flew onto Tang Sanzang's hat, left the posthouse, and headed straight for the court. Upon reaching the outer gate of the court, he saw a yellow-gate official and immediately saluted, saying, "This humble monk was sent from the Great Tang of the Eastern Land to fetch scriptures from the Western Heaven. Now that I have arrived in your esteemed land, it is proper to have my travel document verified. I wish to see His Majesty. I humbly beg you to convey my request." The yellow-gate official indeed relayed the message. The King rejoiced, "A monk from afar must possess great spiritual attainment." He ordered him to be invited in. The yellow-gate official, bearing the King's decree, invited the Elder in. The Elder paid his respects at the foot of the steps, then was invited to ascend the hall and granted a seat. The Elder again thanked him and sat down. He saw that the King appeared emaciated and spiritless. When he raised his hand, his gestures of deference were clumsy; when he spoke, his voice was broken and intermittent. The Elder presented his travel document. The King's eyes were dim; he looked at it again and again before finally taking his imperial seal and signing it, then handed it back to the Elder, who received it.

The King was about to ask about the reason for the scripture journey when he heard the attending officer report, "Imperial Uncle has arrived." The King immediately leaned on a close attendant and struggled down from his dragon throne, bowing to welcome him. The Elder, flustered, quickly rose and stood to the side. Turning his head, he saw an old Daoist, swaying as he entered from the jade steps. One could see him—

On his head, he wore a light goose-yellow nine-stitch cloud-brocade silk scarf,On his body, a crane cloak of fragrant sandalwood and soft silk, with chopstick-tip patterns.Around his waist, he tied a dark blue three-strand braided cord,On his feet, he wore a pair of hemp-weaved, grass-braided cloud-toed shoes.In his hand, he held a nine-jointed withered vine staff coiled with a dragon,On his chest, he wore a brocade pouch embroidered with dragons and phoenixes amidst circular flowers.His jade-like face was radiant,His grizzled beard flowed beneath his chin.Golden eyes shot flames,Long eyebrows extended past his temples.When he moved, clouds seemed to follow his steps;As he strolled leisurely, fragrant mist surrounded him.All the officials below the steps bowed in greeting,And unanimously hailed the Imperial Uncle as he entered the imperial court.

The Imperial Uncle reached the front of the treasure hall and did not even bow, walking straight to the high platform with great haughtiness. The King leaned forward and said, "Imperial Uncle's immortal presence is welcome and has graced us early today." He then invited him to sit on an embroidered stool to his left. Tang Sanzang took a step forward, bowed, and saluted, "Esteemed Imperial Uncle, this humble monk pays his respects." The Imperial Uncle sat high and proper, not returning the salute, but turning to the King and asking, "Where does this monk come from?" The King said, "He is sent from the Tang Dynasty of the Eastern Land to fetch scriptures from the Western Heaven, and has come to have his travel document verified." The Imperial Uncle laughed, "The Western Road is dark and desolate; what good can there be?" Tang Sanzang said, "Since ancient times, the West has been known as the land of ultimate bliss; how can it not be good?" The King then asked, "I have heard it said in ancient times that monks are disciples of the Buddha. But I truly do not know, can being a monk make one immortal, and can devotion to the Buddha bring longevity?" Hearing this, Tang Sanzang immediately clasped his palms and responded—

For those who are monks, myriad attachments cease;For those who realize their true nature, all dharmas are empty.Great wisdom is at leisure, tranquil within non-birth;True spiritual essence is silent, free within nirvana.When the three realms are empty, all troubles are cured;When the six senses are purified, all difficulties are overcome.If one is truly sincere in awakening, one must know the mind:When the mind is pure, it shines with solitary clarity; when the mind is present, all realms are clear.The true form has no lack and no excess, it can be seen in life;Illusory forms, though possessing shape, will eventually perish, what more can one seek beyond?Performing meditation is the origin of entering deep concentration;Dispensing charity and grace is truly the foundation of cultivation.The greatest skill appears clumsy, yet one knows that all things are without contrived action;Good planning is not about calculation, but about letting go of everything.As long as the single mind does not wander, myriad practices are naturally perfected;To speak of 'gathering yin to supplement yang' is truly a fallacy, and taking elixirs for longevity is merely an empty phrase.One only needs to abandon all worldly attachments, and make all physical forms empty.Simple, pure, and free from desires, one will naturally enjoy eternal life without end.

The Imperial Uncle heard this and simply scoffed, pointing at Tang Sanzang with his finger, "Ha, ha, ha! You, monk, are full of nonsense! In the gate of nirvana, you speak of realizing one's nature, but you don't know whence that nature perishes! Sitting in meditation is all blind cultivation and futile practice. As the saying goes, 'Sit, sit, sit, and your buttocks will break! Fire's torment brings only disaster.' You know nothing of my—"

Those who cultivate immortality possess strong and refined bones;Those who attain the Dao have the most spiritual essence.They carry a bamboo basket and ladle to visit friends in the mountains,And gather a hundred herbs to help people in the world.They pick immortal flowers to adorn their hats, and fragrant orchids to line their mats.They sing and clap, and after dancing, they sleep on clouds.They expound the Daoist law, proclaiming the supreme and true teachings;They dispense talismans and sacred water, dispelling the world's demonic influences.They seize the essence of heaven and earth, and gather the splendor of the sun and moon.They operate Yin and Yang to form the elixir, and combine water and fire to solidify the embryo.The Yin of the 'Two Eights' dissipates, as if vague and indistinct;The Yang of the 'Three Nines' grows, as if distant and profound.They gather medicinal ingredients according to the four seasons,And cultivate the nine-revolutions to perfect the elixir.They ride blue phoenixes to ascend to the Purple Palace;They ride white cranes to ascend to the Jade Capital.They participate in the splendor of the heavens,Manifesting the diligent practice of the wondrous Dao.Compared to your quiet Zen Buddhist teachings,Which cultivate a quiescent Yin spirit, leaving behind a foul-smelling corpse after nirvana,And yet you cannot escape the mortal dust!Among the Three Teachings, none is supreme; since ancient times, only Daoism has been honored as the sole venerable one!

Hearing this, the King was overjoyed, and all the officials in the court applauded, shouting, "Excellent, 'only Daoism is honored as the sole venerable one,' 'only Daoism is honored as the sole venerable one'!" The Elder, seeing everyone praising him, felt deeply ashamed. The King then ordered the Court of Imperial Entertainments to prepare a vegetarian meal to send the monk from afar westward out of the city. Tang Sanzang thanked him and withdrew. As he left the hall and walked out, the Pilgrim flew down from his hat, landed by his ear, and whispered, "Master, this Imperial Uncle is a demon, and the King has been influenced by demonic energy. You go back to the posthouse and wait for the meal; this old grandson will stay here to listen for news." Tang Sanzang understood and left the court alone, which is not further detailed.

Now, let's look at the Pilgrim. He flew in a single wingbeat and settled on the emerald screen in the Golden Imperial Hall. Just then, a Five Cities Garrison Commander stepped out from the ranks of officials and reported, "Your Majesty, last night a cold wind blew away all the children in the goose cages from every street and house in the city, without a trace." Hearing this report, the King was both alarmed and annoyed. He turned to the Imperial Uncle and said, "This must be Heaven destroying me! My illness has been severe for months, and the imperial physicians are useless. Fortunately, Imperial Uncle bestowed an immortal remedy, and I was just waiting for midday today to perform the surgery and take these children's hearts and livers as a primer. Who would have thought they would be blown away by a cold wind? If this isn't Heaven wanting to destroy me, what is it?" The Imperial Uncle laughed, "Your Majesty, don't fret. The children being blown away is precisely Heaven sending you longevity!" The King said, "They were blown out of the cages; how can you say Heaven is sending longevity?" The Imperial Uncle said, "Just now when I entered court, I saw a marvelous medicinal primer, far superior to the hearts of those one thousand one hundred and eleven children. Their hearts would only extend Your Majesty's life by a thousand years; this primer, combined with my immortal medicine, can extend it for ten thousand times ten thousand years!" The King, unknowingly, asked repeatedly what this primer was. The Imperial Uncle then said, "That monk sent from the Eastern Land to fetch scriptures—I observed him; his demeanor is pure and clean, his appearance refined and dignified. He is a true body cultivated over ten lifetimes. He has been a monk since childhood, his primordial Yang never dissipated. He is ten thousand times stronger than those small children. If we can get his heart and liver to boil into a soup, and take it with my immortal medicine, it will surely ensure ten thousand years of life!" The corrupt ruler believed these slanderous words completely. He said to the Imperial Uncle, "Why didn't you say so earlier? If it's truly so effective, we should have kept him and not let him go!" The Imperial Uncle said, "What's so difficult about that? I just instructed the Court of Imperial Entertainments to prepare a meal for him; he will surely eat it before leaving the city. Now, quickly issue an edict to close all gates tightly, muster troops, and surround the Golden Pavilion Posthouse. Seize that monk! We must politely request his heart. If he agrees, immediately cut him open and take it, then give his body an imperial burial and erect a temple for him to be worshipped. If he refuses, then we'll use force, tie him up immediately, cut him open, and take it. What's so difficult about that?" The corrupt ruler followed his words, immediately issued an edict to close all gates. He also dispatched Imperial Forest Guards, large and small officers, and soldiers to surround the posthouse.

The Pilgrim, hearing this news, flew back to the posthouse in a single wingbeat, revealed his true form, and said to Tang Sanzang, "Master, disaster has struck, disaster has struck!" Tang Sanzang was just about to share the imperial vegetarian meal with Pigsy and Sandy when he heard these words. He was so terrified that his three corpse spirits scattered and smoke billowed from his seven orifices. He collapsed in the dust, covered in sweat, his eyes unfocused, and unable to speak. Sandy hurriedly stepped forward to help him up, crying, "Master, wake up, Master, wake up!" Pigsy said, "What disaster? What disaster? You should speak more slowly; you've scared Master so badly!" The Pilgrim said, "After Master left court, I went back to observe. That Imperial Uncle is a demon. A short while later, the Five Cities Garrison Commander reported the matter of the cold wind blowing away the children. The King was initially angry, but then the Imperial Uncle made him happy, saying it was Heaven sending longevity to him, and that he wanted to take Master's heart and liver as a medicinal primer, which could extend his life by ten thousand years. That corrupt ruler believed the slanderous words, so he has dispatched elite troops to surround the posthouse and sent imperial guards to invite Master to give up his heart." Pigsy laughed, "What great compassion! What excellent saving of children! What a good cold wind! Now disaster has struck!" Tang Sanzang, trembling, crawled up and clutched the Pilgrim, pleading, "My wise disciple! What should we do about this?" The Pilgrim said, "If you want things to go well, the 'big' must become 'small'." Sandy asked, "What do you mean by 'big becomes small'?" The Pilgrim said, "If you want to save your life, Master must act as disciple, and disciple must act as Master, only then can your life be preserved." Tang Sanzang said, "If you can save my life, I am willing to be your grand-disciple or even great-grand-disciple." The Pilgrim said, "Since that is the case, there's no need to hesitate." He instructed, "Pigsy, quickly mix some mud." The idiotic Pigsy immediately used his rake to dig up some earth. He didn't dare go outside for water, so he lifted his clothes and urinated, mixing a lump of smelly mud, which he handed to the Pilgrim. The Pilgrim, having no choice, patted the mud into a flat piece, put it on his own face, making a monkey-like face. He told Tang Sanzang to stand still and not speak, then he pressed it onto Tang Sanzang's face, chanted a true incantation, blew a puff of immortal breath, and shouted, "Change!" The Elder immediately transformed into the Pilgrim's appearance. He took off Tang Sanzang's clothes and put on the Pilgrim's clothes. The Pilgrim then put on Master's clothes, pinched a spell, chanted an incantation, and shook his body to transform into Tang Sanzang's face. Even Pigsy and Sandy could not recognize him. Just as they finished their disguise, they heard gongs and drums sounding, and saw spears and swords densely packed. It was the Imperial Forest Guard officers, leading three thousand soldiers, surrounding the posthouse. Then a brocade-robed officer walked into the posthouse courtyard and asked, "Where is the Elder from the Great Tang of the Eastern Land?" The postmaster, trembling, knelt and pointed, "He's in the guest room below." The brocade-robed officer immediately went into the guest room and said, "Elder Tang, His Majesty requests your presence." Pigsy and Sandy, standing guard on either side of the fake Pilgrim, watched as the fake Tang Sanzang stepped out and saluted, saying, "Esteemed Brocade Officer, His Majesty has summoned this humble monk; what does he wish to say?" The brocade-robed officer stepped forward, grabbed him, and said, "I shall escort you to court. There must be something he wants from you." Ah! This truly is: Evil prevails over compassion, and compassion, conversely, invites calamity. Ultimately, it is unknown what fate awaits him this time. Let's listen to the next chapter's explanation.