Chapter 91: Golden Pine Mansion Lantern Festival Xuanying Cave Monk Tang’s Offering

Where does one exert effort in cultivating Zen? Quickly eliminate the unruly horse (mind) and the restless ape (thoughts). Firmly grasp and tie them, and myriad wonders will arise; pause or stay, and you will fall into the three lower realms. If allowed to be free, the divine elixir will leak away; if allowed to be at ease, the jade nature will wither. Joy, anger, worry, and thought must be swept clean; attaining the profound and the marvelous is as if it were nothing.

Master Tang Sanzang and his three disciples departed Jade-Flower City. Their journey was smooth and peaceful, truly a land of ultimate bliss. After five or six days of travel, they saw another city. Tang Sanzang asked Pilgrim, "What place is this?" Pilgrim replied, "It's a city, but there's a pole on the wall with no flag, so I don't know the name of the place. We'll ask when we get closer."

Upon reaching the east side of the gate, they saw bustling tea houses and taverns on both sides, and lively rice and oil shops. On the streets, several idlers, seeing Zhu Bajie's long snout, Sha Wujing's dark face, and Sun Wukong's red eyes, crowded around to stare, but none dared to approach and ask questions. Tang Sanzang felt a pang of anxiety, fearing they might cause trouble.

After walking past several alley entrances, still not quite at the city, they suddenly saw a temple gate with the characters "Ciyun Temple" inscribed on it. Tang Sanzang said, "Why don't we go in here to rest our horses and perhaps have a meal?" Pilgrim replied, "Good, good!" So all four entered together.

Inside, they saw—

Magnificent halls and splendid thrones. Buddhist pagodas reaching beyond the clouds, monks' quarters serene under the moon. Ethereal rosy clouds embraced the tall pagodas, dark green trees shaded the serene sutra repository. A true pure land, yet also a deceptive dragon palace, with purple clouds enshrouding the Grand Hall. In both corridors, idlers constantly played; a pagoda was always open for visitors to ascend. Incense burned continuously in censers, lamp flames flickered nightly on the altars. Suddenly, they heard the golden bell's chime from the abbot's quarters, as monks recited scriptures in response to the Buddha.

As the four were observing, a monk walked out from the corridor, bowed to Tang Sanzang, and said, "Venerable Master, where do you come from?" Tang Sanzang replied, "This humble disciple comes from the Tang Dynasty in China." The monk prostrated himself, startling Tang Sanzang, who quickly helped him up, saying, "Abbot, why such a profound bow?" The monk pressed his palms together and said, "Here, all devout people who read scriptures and chant Buddha's name hope to cultivate themselves to be reborn in your land of China. Seeing your venerable master's refined appearance and attire, it is clear that you attained such blessings through cultivation in a previous life, hence my immediate bow." Tang Sanzang laughed, "Oh, I am deeply humbled! This humble disciple is but a wandering monk, what blessings do I enjoy? It is the abbot, living here in peaceful cultivation, who truly enjoys good fortune."

The monk led Tang Sanzang into the main hall to bow before the Buddha statues. Only then did Tang Sanzang call out, "My disciples, come here." It turned out that when the three disciples saw the monk speaking with their master, they had all turned their backs, holding their horses and guarding their luggage, standing together in one spot, which the monk had not noticed. Suddenly hearing Tang Sanzang call his disciples, the three turned their faces. When the monk saw them, he exclaimed in alarm, "Oh my! How can your esteemed disciples be so unsightly?" Tang Sanzang said, "Though they are unsightly, they possess considerable magical power. I owe them much for their protection throughout our journey."

As they were speaking, several more monks emerged from inside and bowed. The monk who first greeted them said to the others, "This venerable master is from the great Tang Dynasty in China, and those three are his esteemed disciples." The monks were both pleased and apprehensive, saying, "Venerable Master, from the great country of China, what brings you here?" Tang Sanzang replied, "I am carrying out the sacred decree of the Tang Emperor, journeying to Spirit Mountain to pay homage to the Buddha and seek scriptures. Passing through this precious region, I specifically came to your esteemed monastery, first to inquire about the locality, and second, to obtain a vegetarian meal before continuing my journey."

All the monks were delighted and invited them into the abbot's quarters, where several other monks were preparing vegetarian meals for visitors. The monk who first greeted them called out again, "Come, everyone, see these people from China! It turns out China has both handsome and ugly folk. The handsome ones are truly beyond description, and the ugly ones are exceedingly strange!" Many monks and the lay donors came to meet them. After introductions, they all sat down. After tea, Tang Sanzang asked, "What is the name of this esteemed place?" The monks replied, "This is an outer prefecture of India, called Jiping Prefecture." Tang Sanzang asked, "How far is it from your prefecture to Spirit Mountain?" The monks replied, "From here to the capital is two thousand *li*, a distance we have traveled ourselves. As for going west to Spirit Mountain, we haven't journeyed there, so we don't know how far it is, and we dare not speak presumptuously." Tang Sanzang thanked them.

A short while later, the vegetarian meal was served. After the meal, Tang Sanzang wanted to leave, but the monks and lay donors politely urged him to stay, saying, "Venerable Master, please stay for a day or two. It wouldn't hurt to enjoy the Lantern Festival before you depart." Tang Sanzang asked in surprise, "While on the road, this disciple has only known mountains and rivers, fearing encounters with monsters and demons, thus missing the passage of time. I do not know when the auspicious Lantern Festival is." The monks laughed, "Venerable Master, your devotion to Buddha and your Zen enlightenment are profound, which is why you don't pay attention to such matters. Today is the thirteenth day of the first lunar month. Tonight, the lanterns will be lit. The day after tomorrow, the fifteenth, is the Lantern Festival, and the lights will remain until the eighteenth or nineteenth. Here, people are fond of festive events, and the Prefect is benevolent towards his people. Lanterns are hung high everywhere, and flutes and pipes play throughout the night. There is also a Golden Lantern Bridge, handed down from ancient times, which remains magnificent to this day. Sirs, if you stay for a few days, our humble monastery can certainly provide for you." Tang Sanzang had no choice but to agree, so they all stayed. That evening, they heard the resounding of bells and drums from the Buddha hall; it was the local devotees bringing lanterns as offerings to the Buddha. Tang Sanzang and his disciples all came out from the abbot's quarters to view the lanterns, then retired to their respective rooms.

The next day, the temple monks again offered a vegetarian meal. After eating, they walked together to the back garden to relax. It was indeed a beautiful place, truly—

It was the first month, the dawn of a new spring. The gardens were secluded and elegant, the scenery lush and beautiful. Flowers and trees of all four seasons vied for splendor, a continuous stretch of overlapping green peaks. Fragrant grasses stirred at the steps, old plum branches exuded their perfume. Red merged with tender peach blossoms, green returned to fresh willow hues. No need to boast of the opulence of the Golden Valley Garden, nor slowly speak of the charm of the Wangchuan painting. A stream flowed, wild ducks appeared and disappeared erratically; a thousand bamboo stalks grew, inspiring poets to ponder their verses. Peonies, tree peonies, crape myrtles, and banana magnolias, their celestial essence just awakening; camellias, red plums, winter jasmines, and fragrant daphnes, their vibrant beauty already unfurling. On shaded cliffs, lingering snow still held its chill; distant trees with floating mist already hinted at spring. Again, deer mirrored themselves by the pond, cranes came to listen to zither music beneath the pines. Several halls in the east, several pavilions in the west, for guests to stay; several chambers in the south, several pagodas in the north, for monks to peacefully meditate. Among the flowers, one or two "Nourishing Nature" buildings stood with high, multi-eaved arches; within the mountains and waters, three or four "Demon Refining" chambers, with quiet tables and bright windows. Truly a natural place for reclusion, why seek the mythical Penglai or Yingzhou elsewhere?

The master and disciples enjoyed themselves all day. After viewing the lanterns in the hall, they went to enjoy the lantern festivities. They saw—

An agate flower city, a lapis lazuli immortal cave, palaces of crystal and mica, resembling layers upon layers of brocade, intricate and exquisite. Star bridges shimmered, making heaven and earth seem to move; they watched several fire trees sway with red light. Flutes and drums resounded in the six streets, a perfect moon hung above a thousand gates, fragrant breezes wafted from ten thousand households. In several places, towering Ao Mountain lanterns stood tall, with fish-dragons emerging from the sea, and phoenixes soaring into the sky. Admiring the lantern light and moonlight, a harmonious atmosphere permeated everything. Within the throngs of elegant attire, everyone delighted in listening to flutes and songs, as carriages and horses rumbled past. There was no end to seeing beautiful faces, chivalrous heroes, and endless delightful sights.

After viewing the lanterns at the temple, they also went to the streets near the East Gate to enjoy the festivities. They returned to their lodging only at the second watch.

The next day, Tang Sanzang said to the monks, "This disciple has long wished to sweep a pagoda. Taking advantage of this auspicious Lantern Festival, I ask the abbot to open the pagoda gate so I may fulfill this vow." The monks promptly opened the gate. Sha Wujing brought the kasaya (Buddhist robe). Following Tang Sanzang, they reached the first level. Tang Sanzang put on the kasaya, bowed to the Buddha, offered prayers, then swept that level with a broom. After that, he took off the kasaya, handed it to Sha Wujing, and swept the second level, continuing layer by layer until he reached the very top. On each level of the pagoda, there were Buddhas and windows everywhere. As he swept each level, he would admire and praise it.

By the time he finished sweeping and came down, it was already evening, and all the lanterns were lit. This night was precisely the fifteenth, the Lantern Festival. The monks said, "Venerable Master, the night before last, we only saw the lanterns in our humble monastery and the surrounding areas. Tonight is the main festival; how about we go into the city to see the Golden Lanterns?" Tang Sanzang gladly agreed. He, his three disciples, and many monks from the temple entered the city to view the lanterns. It was truly—

The auspicious fifteenth night, the harmonious spring of the Lantern Festival. Flower lanterns hung in the bustling market, everyone singing songs of peace. Again they saw lanterns brightly lit in the six streets and three markets, and a mirror-like moon just rising in the sky. That moon was like Feng Yi pushing up a glittering silver plate; these lanterns were like tapestries woven by immortal maidens spread across the ground. Lanterns reflecting the moon, increasing their brilliance twofold; the moon illuminating the lanterns, adding even more splendor. They couldn't finish gazing at the iron-chain star bridges, nor fully admire the lantern flowers and fire trees. Snowflake lanterns, plum blossom lanterns, like spring ice shattered; embroidered screen lanterns, painted screen lanterns, assembled in myriad colors. Walnut lanterns, lotus lanterns, hung high on lantern towers; green lion lanterns, white elephant lanterns, elevated on tall stands. Shrimp lanterns, turtle lanterns, grandly displayed before sheds; sheep lanterns, rabbit lanterns, lively beneath the eaves. Eagle lanterns, phoenix lanterns, connected and clustered; tiger lanterns, horse lanterns, moving together. Immortal crane lanterns, white deer lanterns, with the God of Longevity seated; goldfish lanterns, long whale lanterns, with Li Bai riding high. Ao Mountain lanterns, where immortals gathered; revolving lanterns, where warriors clashed. Thousands of households with lit towers, a world of clouds and mist spanning miles. On that side, jade saddles clanked as they flew by; on this side, fragrant carriages rumbled past. See the ladies on the balconies, leaning on railings, behind curtains, shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, pairs of beauties reveling in joy; by the green water bridge, boisterous, brightly dressed, tipsy, laughing merrily, pairs of revelers playing with colors. Throughout the city, flutes and drums resounded, pipes and songs were ceaseless all night long.

A poem serves as proof, which goes—

In fields of brocade, they sing of colored lotuses; within peaceful borders, people gather. Lanterns bright, moon shining on Lantern Festival night; timely rain and gentle wind bring a year of abundance.

At this time, with no curfew imposed, countless people bustled about: some dancing, some on stilts, some dressed as ghosts, some riding elephants, clustered here and there, an endless sight. Just as they reached the Golden Lantern Bridge, Tang Sanzang and the monks approached to look, and found there were three golden lanterns. Each lantern was as large as a jar, illuminating two layers of exquisitely carved, transparent pavilions woven from fine gold thread. Inside, supported by thin lapis lazuli sheets, their light shimmered like moonlight, and their oil emitted a fragrant aroma. Tang Sanzang turned to ask the monks, "What kind of oil is this lamp using? Why is its fragrance so wonderfully unique?" The monks replied, "Venerable Master, you may not know, but behind our prefecture there is a county called Mintian County, spanning two hundred forty *li*. Each year, for taxation and levies, there are two hundred forty prominent households responsible for lamp oil. The other county and prefectural levies are manageable, but this particular levy is very burdensome. Each household, when it's their turn for a year, has to spend over two hundred *liang* of silver. This oil is no ordinary oil; it is scented ghee. Each *liang* of this oil costs two *liang* of silver, and each *jin* costs thirty-two *liang* of silver. These three lamps, each jar holds five hundred *jin*, so the three jars together hold fifteen hundred *jin*, totaling forty-eight thousand *liang* of silver. With other miscellaneous expenses, it comes to over fifty thousand *liang* of silver, and they only burn for three nights." Pilgrim said, "How can so much oil be consumed in just three nights?" The monks replied, "Inside each jar, there are forty-nine large lamp wicks, made from bundled rush, wrapped in silk floss, and as thick as a hen's egg. After burning just this night, when the Buddhas manifest, by tomorrow night the oil will be gone, and the lamps will dim." Bajie, standing by, chuckled, "It must be that the Buddhas take all the oil themselves." The monks said, "Precisely! From ancient times to the present, it has been said throughout the city that when the oil runs dry, people say the Buddhas have collected the lamps, and naturally, there will be abundant harvests. If, however, in any year the oil doesn't run dry, then the harvest will be poor, and the weather will be unfavorable. That's why people make these offerings."

As they were speaking, they heard a whooshing sound of wind from mid-air, frightening the lantern viewers, who scattered in all directions. The monks also could not stand still, saying, "Venerable Master, let's go back. The wind is here. It is the Buddhas descending to behold the lanterns." Tang Sanzang asked, "How do you know it's the Buddhas coming to see the lanterns?" The monks replied, "It's like this every year. Before the third watch (midnight), the wind comes, and we know it's the Buddhas descending auspiciously, which is why everyone avoids them." Tang Sanzang said, "This disciple is originally one who thinks of Buddhas, chants Buddhas' names, and worships Buddhas. Now that I encounter this auspicious scene and the Buddhas indeed descend, it would be wonderful to prostrate myself here." The monks repeatedly urged him, but he would not return. A short while later, indeed, three Buddha figures appeared in the wind, approaching the lamps. Tang Sanzang, in his haste, ran to the bridge top and prostrated himself. Pilgrim quickly pulled him up, saying, "Master, they are not good people; they must be demons!" Before he could finish speaking, the lamplight dimmed, and with a whoosh, Tang Sanzang was snatched up and carried away on the wind. Alas! Unbeknownst to them, it was truly a demon from some mountain and cave, who had for years impersonated a Buddha to watch the golden lanterns.

Bajie was so frightened he searched on both sides, while Sha Wujing called out left and right. Pilgrim shouted, "Brothers! No need to shout here. Master, in his excessive joy, has met with sorrow; he has been carried away by demons!" The monks, terrified, asked, "Grandfather, how do you know it was demons who carried him away?" Pilgrim chuckled, "You mortals have been ignorant for years, thus deceived by evil spirits, believing them to be true Buddhas descending auspiciously to receive these lamp offerings. Those 'Buddha figures' that appeared in the wind just now were three demons. My master also failed to recognize them and immediately prostrated himself on the bridge top. They then dimmed the lamplight, scooped up the oil into their vessels, and even carried my master away. I was slightly delayed, which is why those three transformed into wind and fled." Sha Wujing asked, "Elder Brother, what should we do now?" Pilgrim said, "No need to hesitate. You two go back to the temple with the others, guard the horses and luggage, while I, Old Sun, will take advantage of this wind to give chase." The Great Sage, excellent as he was, immediately leaped onto his somersault cloud, rising into mid-air. Following the scent of the foul wind, he sped directly northeast. He pursued until dawn, when the wind suddenly ceased. He saw a towering mountain, exceedingly perilous and truly majestic. What a mountain it was—

Layers of hills and ravines, winding streams and springs. Vines hung from sheer cliffs, pines and cypresses stood tall on desolate rocks. Cranes cried in the morning mist, geese wailed amidst dawn clouds. Towering, majestic peaks stood like halberds; rugged, shimmering stones formed natural foundations. Summits rose ten thousand *ren* high, steep ridges folded into a thousand bends. Wildflowers and beautiful trees knew when spring bloomed, cuckoos and orioles sang in response to the season's beauty. Truly imposing, genuinely rocky, strange, rugged, perilous, and difficult. One could stand and admire for a long time in silence, hearing only the snore of tigers and leopards. Musk deer and white deer came and went at will, jade rabbits and green wolves departed and returned. In deep ravines, water flowed for thousands of *li*, swirling rapids striking rocks with gurgling sounds.

The Great Sage was on the mountain cliff, searching for a path, when he saw four figures driving three sheep down the west slope, all shouting "Kai Tai" (opening of prosperity). The Great Sage flashed his Fiery Golden Eyes and looked carefully, recognizing them as the four Duty Gods of Year, Month, Day, and Hour, who had manifested themselves in human form. The Great Sage immediately drew out his iron staff, shook it once; it became as thick as a bowl and twelve feet long. He leaped down the cliff and shouted, "Where are you hiding your heads and shrinking your necks, trying to run off to?" When the four Duty Gods heard him mention the cessation of the wind, they hurriedly scattered the three sheep, revealed their true forms, stepped to the side of the road, and bowed, saying, "Great Sage, forgive us, forgive us!" Pilgrim said, "I haven't needed you for a while, and seeing Old Sun relaxed, all of you have become lazy, not even bothering to come see me! What's going on? Aren't you supposed to secretly protect my master? Where were you all going?" The Duty Gods replied, "Your master became too relaxed in his Zen cultivation, indulging in pleasure at Ciyun Temple in Jiping Prefecture. Therefore, extreme prosperity bred adversity, and great joy turned into sorrow, leading him to be captured by evil spirits. However, there are Guardian Deities protecting him. We knew that the Great Sage was pursuing through the night and feared you might not recognize the mountains and forests, so we specially came to report." Pilgrim said, "If you came to report, why did you hide your identities, driving three sheep and shouting 'Kai Tai'?" The Duty Gods replied, "We presented these three sheep to correspond with the phrase 'Kai Tai,' forming 'Sanyang Kaitai' (Three Yangs Usher in Prosperity), to break the adversity that blocks your master." Pilgrim, furious, wanted to strike them, but seeing their good intention, he refrained. He put away his staff and, turning his anger into joy, asked, "Is this mountain the dwelling of demons?" The Duty Gods said, "Precisely, precisely. This mountain is called Azure Dragon Mountain, and inside it is a cave named Profound Ying Cave. In the cave live three demons: the eldest is named King Expel-Cold, the second is King Expel-Heat, and the third is King Expel-Dust. These demons have been here for a thousand years. Since their youth, they have loved to eat scented ghee. That year they became spirits, they came here, disguised themselves as Buddhas, and deceived the officials and people of Jiping Prefecture into setting up golden lanterns, using scented ghee as lamp oil. Every year on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, they transform into Buddhas to collect the oil. This year, when they saw your master, they recognized him as a holy monk and captured him, even carrying him into their cave. In a few days, they plan to cut up your master's flesh and fry it in scented ghee to eat! You must quickly put in effort and go rescue him."

Hearing this, Pilgrim dismissed the four Duty Gods, turned around the cliff, and searched for the cave dwelling. Before walking many *li*, he saw a stone cliff by a stream, and beneath the cliff was a stone house with two stone doors, half-open. Beside the door stood a stone tablet with six characters inscribed: "Azure Dragon Mountain, Profound Ying Cave." Pilgrim dared not enter without permission. He stopped and shouted, "Demons! Quickly send out my master!" With a resounding "whoosh," the doors swung wide open, and a swarm of ox-headed spirits rushed out. They stupidly asked, "Who are you, daring to shout here!" Pilgrim said, "I am the eldest disciple of the holy monk Tang Sanzang, who journeys from the Great Tang of the East to obtain scriptures. While passing through Jiping Prefecture to watch the lanterns, my master was captured by your demon lord. Quickly return him, or I will spare none of your lives! If not, I will overturn your lair and turn all your spirits into blood and pus!" Hearing this, the little demons quickly rushed inside to report, "Great Kings! Disaster! Disaster!"

The three old demons had just brought Tang Sanzang deep inside the cave. Without asking any questions, they ordered their minions to strip his clothes, wash him clean with clear water from the stream, and planned to finely slice and mince him, then fry him in scented ghee. Suddenly hearing the report of "disaster," the eldest was greatly alarmed and asked what the matter was. A little demon reported, "Outside the main gate, a monk with a hairy face and a thunder-god's mouth is shouting: 'The Great Kings captured his master and demand he be sent out quickly, or none of our lives will be spared! Otherwise, he will overturn our lair and turn us all into blood and pus!'" Hearing this, the old demons were all startled. "We just captured this fellow, and we haven't even asked his name or background. Minions, put his clothes back on him, bring him over, and we'll question him. Who exactly is he, and where does he come from?" The demons swarmed forward, untied Tang Sanzang, put his clothes back on him, and pushed him to the front of the throne. Terrified, Tang Sanzang knelt trembling below, repeatedly begging, "Great Kings, spare my life, spare my life!" The three demons spoke in unison, "Monk, from what land do you come? Why did you not avoid the Buddha figures, but instead obstructed our cloud path?" Tang Sanzang kowtowed and said, "This humble monk was dispatched by the Great Tang Emperor of the Eastern Land, traveling to the Great Thunderclap Temple in India to worship the Buddha and seek scriptures. Upon arriving at Ciyun Temple in Jiping Prefecture for a meal, I was kindly persuaded by the temple monks to stay for the Lantern Festival to watch the lamps. While on the Golden Lantern Bridge, I saw the Great Kings manifest as Buddha figures. This humble monk, being of mortal flesh and blood, bows whenever I see a Buddha, and thus I inadvertently obstructed the Great Kings' cloud path." The demon said, "Your Eastern Land is very far from here. How many are in your party, and what are their names? Confess truthfully at once, and I will spare your life." Tang Sanzang replied, "This humble monk's mundane name is Chen Xuanzang. From a young age, I was a monk at Jinshan Temple. Later, I was imperially appointed by the Tang Emperor as a monastic official at Hongfu Temple in Chang'an. Furthermore, after Chancellor Wei Zheng dreamed of beheading the Old Dragon of Jing River, and the Tang Emperor visited the underworld and returned to the mortal realm, a Grand Water and Land Mass was established to deliver departed souls. The Tang Emperor again selected and bestowed upon this humble monk the title of Altar Master, to greatly propagate the Buddhist teachings. Fortunately, Guanyin Bodhisattva appeared and enlightened this humble monk, saying that at the Great Thunderclap Temple in the Western Heaven, there are Three Baskets of true scriptures that can deliver the deceased to heaven. She sent this humble monk to obtain them, and thus I was given the title Sanzang, using Tang as my surname. So everyone calls me Tang Sanzang. I have three disciples: the eldest's surname is Sun, his name is Wukong the Pilgrim, who is the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, now reformed." The demons, hearing this name, were greatly startled and asked, "Is this Great Sage Equal to Heaven the one who caused great havoc in the Heavenly Palace five hundred years ago?" Tang Sanzang said, "Precisely, precisely. The second one's surname is Zhu, his name is Wuneng Bajie, and he is the reincarnation of Marshal Tian Peng. The third one's surname is Sha, his name is Wujing the Monk, and he is the Curtain-Raising General who descended to the mortal realm." Hearing this, the three demon kings were all alarmed. "Good thing we haven't eaten him yet. Minions, chain Tang Sanzang up in the back for now. We'll wait until we capture his three disciples, then we can eat them all together." So they summoned a group of mountain ox demons, water ox demons, and yellow ox demons. Each took up their weapons, walked out the door, blew their horns, waved their flags, and beat their drums. The three demons, fully armored, all went outside the gate and shouted, "Who dares to make such a racket here!" Pilgrim hid on the stone cliff, carefully observing. The demons were born with—

Colorful faces with round eyes, two formidable horns. Four pointed ears, with spiritual apertures flashing bright. Their bodies patterned like colorful paintings, their entire forms adorned like flying embroidered splendor. The first, a warm fox fur hat on his head, his face covered in bristling fur, radiating heat; the second, clad in light gauze, flying with fierce flames, his four hooves sparkling like jade; the third, his mighty roar like thunder, his tusks sharp as silver needles. Each was brave and fierce, holding three different weapons: one wielded a battle-axe, another was skilled with a great saber; but look at the third, he carried a *guata* staff across his shoulder.

Again they saw many large and small demons, some tall and short, some fat and thin, all ox-headed ghouls, each wielding spears and staves. There were three large flags, clearly inscribed with "King Expel-Cold," "King Expel-Heat," and "King Expel-Dust." Sun Wukong watched for a while, unable to restrain himself. He stepped forward and shouted loudly, "Villainous monsters! Do you recognize Old Sun?" The demon shouted, "Are you Sun Wukong, who caused havoc in the Heavenly Palace? It's true that I've heard your name but never seen you; seeing you now shames even the gods! So you're just this kind of monkey, daring to speak such boastful words!" Pilgrim was enraged and cursed, "You lamp oil-stealing thief, you glib-tongued monster, stop your idle chatter! Quickly return my master!" He rushed forward, swinging his iron staff to strike. The three old demons raised their three different weapons to hastily parry and meet him. What a battle it was in the mountain hollow—

Battle-axe, steel saber, *guata* staff, the Monkey King dared to meet them with a single staff. The Expel-Cold, Expel-Heat, and Expel-Dust monsters recognized the name of the Great Sage Equal to Heaven. When his staff rose, gods and ghosts feared; when axes and sabers came, they flew about in disarray. What a perfect, formless manifestation of primordial Dao! He withstood the three demons' false Buddha forms. Those three oil-stealing, nose-wetting demons, this year they made a mistake by capturing the imperial envoy monk. This one (Pilgrim) feared not the distant mountain journey for his master; that one (demon) yearly arranged lamp offerings for his appetite. Only the clang of sabers and axes was heard, only the thud of the staff resounded. Rushing and clashing, three ganged up on one; parrying and blocking, each displayed their power. They fought until dusk, not knowing who would lose or who would win.

Sun Wukong fought the three demons with his staff for one hundred and fifty rounds. As dusk approached, victory remained undecided. Then King Expel-Dust flashed his *guata* staff, leaped to the front of the battle line, and waved his flag. The group of ox-headed monsters swarmed forward, surrounding Pilgrim in the center, each swinging their weapons, attacking chaotically. Seeing the situation was unfavorable, Pilgrim, with a whoosh, sprang onto his somersault cloud and fled the battle. The demons did not pursue him further. They summoned their minions back, prepared some evening food, and everyone ate. They also told a small demon to send a bowl to Tang Sanzang, planning to deal with him only after capturing Sun Wukong and the others. As for the master, being a lifelong vegetarian and deeply distressed, he tearfully dared not touch the food.

Meanwhile, Pilgrim rode his cloud back to Ciyun Temple and called out, "Junior Brothers!" Bajie and Sha Wujing were just discussing and anxiously awaiting his return. Hearing his call, they both rushed out to greet him, saying, "Elder Brother, why have you only returned after a full day? What exactly is master's whereabouts?" Pilgrim chuckled, "Last night, I followed the wind and arrived at a mountain at dawn, but found nothing. Fortunately, the four Duty Gods relayed information, saying: that mountain is called Azure Dragon Mountain, and within it is Profound Ying Cave. In the cave live three demons, named King Expel-Cold, King Expel-Heat, and King Expel-Dust. It turns out they have been stealing oil here for years, impersonating Buddhas, and deceiving the officials and people of Jiping Prefecture. This year, they encountered us, and not knowing what was good for them, they even carried off master. Old Sun, having understood the situation, instructed the Duty Gods and others to secretly protect master, while I went near the cave entrance to challenge them. The three monsters came out together, all resembling ox-headed ghouls. The eldest wielded a battle-axe, the second a great saber, and the third a vine club. Behind them, they led a nest of ox-headed monsters, waving flags and beating drums. I fought them for a day, and it was a draw. When the demon kings waved their flags, the little demons all came. Seeing that it was getting late, and fearing I could not win, I therefore rode my somersault cloud back." Bajie said, "That must be the Ghost King of Fengdu City causing trouble." Sha Wujing asked, "How did you guess it was the Ghost King of Fengdu City causing trouble?" Bajie chuckled, "Because Elder Brother said they were ox-headed ghouls, that's how I knew." Pilgrim said, "No, no! In Old Sun's view, those monsters are three rhinoceros spirits." Bajie said, "If they are rhinoceroses, let's capture them, saw off their horns, and they'll be worth a good few *liang* of silver!"

As they were speaking, the monks asked, "Master Sun, would you like some supper?" Pilgrim replied, "I'll eat a little if it's convenient, but it's fine if not." The monks said, "Sir, after fighting all day, aren't you hungry?" Pilgrim chuckled, "How could I get hungry in such a short day? Old Sun once went five hundred years without food or drink!" The monks didn't know this was true and thought he was joking. Soon, food was brought, and Pilgrim ate it, saying, "Let's prepare for sleep. Tomorrow, all of us will go to confront them. Once we capture the demon kings, we can then rescue master." Sha Wujing, standing by, said, "Elder Brother, what are you saying! As the saying goes, delay breeds wisdom. But what if those demons don't sleep tonight and harm master? What then? It would be better to go right now, catch them off guard with a shout, then we can rescue master. Any delay might lead to a loss." Bajie, hearing this, roused his divine power and said, "Brother Sha is right! Let's all go subdue the demons under this moonlight!" Pilgrim agreed. He immediately instructed the temple monks, "Guard the luggage and horses. When we capture the demons, we will present them to the Prefect to expose their false Buddha identities, thereby exempting the lamp oil levy and relieving the suffering of the common people in the county. Wouldn't that be good?" The monks readily assented, expressing endless gratitude. The three of them then ascended on auspicious clouds and departed the city. It was truly a case of: carefree indulgence disrupting Zen nature, and disaster destined to obscure the Dao heart. Ultimately, what the outcome of this expedition would be, remains unknown. Listen to the next chapter for the explanation.