Chapter 44: The Primordial Energy Encounters the Carriage Power Righteous Heart Overcomes the Demonic Obstacle

A poem reads:To seek scriptures, overcoming countless obstacles, they journeyed west,Through endless famous mountains, without a moment’s rest.Hares darted, birds flew, rushing day and night,Birds chirped, flowers fell, marking spring and autumn’s flight.Three thousand realms were but a speck in their eyes,Four hundred states beneath their staff, reaching to the skies.Sleeping by water, dining on wind, they trod the imperial road,Not knowing when their long journey would cease its heavy load.

It is said that thanks to the Dragon Prince subduing the demon and the Black River God clearing the way, the master and disciples crossed the Black River. They then followed the main road westward, facing wind and braving snow, traveling by moonlight and starlight. After a long time, it was already early spring. One could see—

The three yang energies turned, all things burst forth in radiance. As the three yang energies turned, the bright sky unfolded like a painting; as all things burst forth in radiance, the earth was adorned with fragrant flowers like an embroidered carpet. Lingering snow clung to plum blossoms, and wheat fields swelled like clouds. Melting ice gave way to flowing mountain springs, and budding sprouts covered the ground without a trace of winter’s harshness. It was truly a time when Taihao presided over the east, and Gou Mang commanded the spring. The air was warm with the scent of flowers, and the clouds were faint, the sunlight fresh. Willows along the road unfurled their green leaves, and nourishing rain gave birth to the spring of all things.

As the master and disciples admired the scenery, riding leisurely, they suddenly heard a shout, like the clamor of thousands. Tang Sanzang was frightened and pulled back his horse, unable to proceed. He quickly turned and asked, "Wukong, where is that loud noise coming from?" Pigsy said, "It sounds like the earth cracking and mountains collapsing." Sandy added, "Like thunder and lightning." Sanzang said, "It sounds more like people shouting and horses neighing." Sun Wukong laughed and said, "None of you are right. Wait, let Old Sun see what it is."

The clever Monkey King leapt up, stepped onto a cloud, and rose into the sky. Opening his fiery eyes, he saw a city in the distance. As he drew closer, he saw faint auspicious light, with no sign of a turbulent evil aura. Monkey King mused to himself, "What a fine place! Why is there such a deafening noise? There are no fluttering banners or gleaming spears and halberds in the city, nor are there cannon blasts. Why then the clamor of people and horses?" As he pondered, he saw a sandy open ground outside the city gate, where a crowd of monks were pulling carts. It turned out they were all exerting themselves in unison, shouting "Great Mighty King Bodhisattva," which was what startled Tang Sanzang. Monkey King gradually lowered his cloud to observe. Ah! The carts were loaded with bricks, tiles, wood, and mud bricks. The slope on the sandy ground was extremely steep, and there was also a narrow, spine-like path with two large gates. The path below the gates consisted of vertically steep cliffs. How could those carts be pulled up? Although the weather was warm, the monks’ clothes were tattered, and they appeared to be in great distress. Monkey King suspected, "They must be building a monastery. Since there's an abundant harvest here, they can't find hired laborers, so these monks are working themselves." As he pondered, two young Taoist priests strutted out from the city gate. Behold their attire and appearance:

They wore star-studded caps and brocade robes.Their star-studded caps gleamed brightly, their brocade robes fluttered like colorful clouds.They wore cloud-patterned shoes and silk sashes around their waists.Their faces were like full moons, intelligent and handsome,Their forms as delicate as celestial beings from the Jade Heaven.

When the monks saw the Taoists approaching, they trembled with fear and redoubled their efforts, straining hard to pull the carts. Monkey King understood at once. "Aha! These monks must be afraid of those Taoists. Otherwise, why would they be pulling so hard? I once heard people say that on the road to the West, there's a place that honors Taoism and suppresses Buddhism. This must be it. I ought to report to Master, but the matter is unclear, and I might just incur his blame. How could a clever person like me not investigate to find out the truth? I'll go down and get clear answers, so I can report back to Master."

And who did he go to question, you ask? The Great Sage lowered his cloud, went to the foot of the city, and transformed himself. He became a wandering Taoist mendicant, with a water-and-fire basket hanging from his left arm. He tapped on a fish drum and sang Taoist folk songs. As he approached the city gate, he greeted the two Taoist priests, bowing before them, "Taoist masters, greetings from this humble one." The Taoists returned the bow, "Sir, where do you come from?" Monkey King replied, "Your humble disciple wanders to the ends of the earth. Today I have come here to seek alms from kind families. May I ask you two Taoist masters, which street in this city favors Taoism? Which alley honors the virtuous? So that this humble one may beg for some food." The Taoists laughed, "Sir, why do you speak such inauspicious words?" Monkey King asked, "What do you mean, inauspicious?" The Taoist replied, "You wish to beg for food, isn't that inauspicious?" Monkey King retorted, "As a monk, begging is our way of life. If I don't beg for food, how can I buy it?" The Taoists laughed and said, "You are from a distant land, so you don't know about matters in our city. In our city, it goes without saying that civil and military officials favor Taoism and wealthy elders honor the virtuous, and little boys and girls bow to us and offer us food. These are not even worth mentioning. The foremost is that His Majesty the Emperor himself favors Taoism and honors the virtuous." Monkey King said, "This humble one is young, and also newly arrived from afar, so I am truly unaware. I trouble you two Taoist masters to explain in detail the name of this place and how the Emperor favors Taoism and honors the virtuous, so as to show the fellowship of our path." The Taoist replied, "This city is called Chechi Kingdom. The King in the imperial palace is related to us." Monkey King chuckled upon hearing this, "So, a Taoist became the emperor, I suppose?" The Taoist said, "No. It's because twenty years ago, the people suffered a severe drought. Not a drop of rain fell from the sky, and no crops grew on the land. Regardless of rulers or commoners, big or small families, everyone bathed and burned incense, every household prayed to heaven for rain. Just as they were hanging by a thread, three immortal masters suddenly descended from heaven to save the living beings." Monkey King asked, "Who were these three immortal masters?" The Taoist said, "They are our masters." Monkey King asked, "What are your masters called?" The Taoist replied, "Our eldest master is called Tiger Strength Great Immortal; the second master, Deer Strength Great Immortal; and the third master, Goat Strength Great Immortal." Monkey King asked, "How much magical power do these three revered masters possess?"

The Taoist replied, "Our masters can summon wind and rain with a mere flick of the wrist. They can turn water into oil and stone into gold as easily as turning around. With such magical power, they can seize the creative power of heaven and earth and alter the subtle mysteries of the stars. The ruler and his ministers respect them, and they have formed a bond with us." Monkey King said, "This Emperor is truly blessed. As the saying goes, 'magic influences officials.' Since your masters have such abilities and have formed a bond with the Emperor, he certainly hasn't lost anything. Alas, I wonder if this humble one has even a glimmer of fate to meet your revered masters?" The Taoist laughed, "You wish to see our masters? What's so difficult about that! We two are his closest disciples. Our masters also favor Taoism and honor the virtuous. Just hearing the word 'Tao' is enough for them to come out and greet one at the gate. If we two introduce you, it would be as easy as blowing away dust." Monkey King bowed deeply and said, "Many thanks for the recommendation. Let us go in now." The Taoist said, "Wait a moment, please. Sit here, and we will finish our official business and then go in with you." Monkey King asked, "As monks, we are unrestricted and free. What official business could you have?" The Taoist pointed to the monks on the sandy ground, "They are doing work for our family. We're afraid they might shirk, so we're going to call their roll and then return." Monkey King chuckled, "Taoist masters, you're mistaken! Both monks and Taoists are renunciates. Why would they work for us and submit to our roll call?" The Taoist replied, "You don't know, but during the drought when we prayed for rain, the monks were on one side praying to Buddha, and the Taoists were on the other side invoking the Big Dipper. Both received imperial stipends. But those monks were useless; they only recited empty scriptures and couldn't help. Later, when our masters arrived, they summoned wind and rain and saved the suffering populace. This angered the court, who declared those monks useless. They demolished their temple gates, destroyed their Buddhist statues, confiscated their ordination certificates, and didn't allow them to return home. Instead, they were bestowed upon our family as laborers, just like servants. Those who fetch firewood for our home are them, those who sweep the floors are them, and those who guard the gates are also them. Because there are still living quarters in the back that are not yet complete, these monks are ordered to pull bricks and tiles, drag wood, and construct the buildings. We are just afraid they might be greedy and lazy and refuse to pull the carts, so we two are sent to check up on them."

Upon hearing this, Monkey King grabbed the Taoist and shed tears, saying, "I said I had no fate, truly no fate, that I would not be able to see your esteemed masters!" The Taoist asked, "Why can you not see them?" Monkey King replied, "This humble one wanders from place to place. Firstly, it is for my destiny, and secondly, to seek relatives." The Taoist asked, "What relatives do you have?" Monkey King said, "I have an uncle who became a monk at a young age, shaving his head. In previous years of famine, he also went out begging. I haven't seen him return home for several years. Remembering my ancestors' kindness, I came specifically to look for him along the way. Perhaps he is detained in a place like this, unable to escape. I wonder if it is possible. How can I find him and meet him before I can enter the city with you?" The Taoist said, "That would be easy. Let us two sit down. I trouble you to go to the sandy ground and check for me. Just confirm there are five hundred monks. See if one of them is your uncle. If there is, out of fellowship, we will let him go, and then we can enter the city, how about that?"

Monkey King thanked him profusely, bowed deeply, bade farewell to the Taoists, tapped his fish drum, and went directly to the sandy ground. He passed through the double gates and turned down the narrow path. The monks all knelt and prostrated themselves, saying, "Grandpa, we haven't been lazy! All five hundred of us are here pulling carts, not one missing!" Monkey King saw this and secretly chuckled, "These monks have been so beaten and intimidated by the Taoists that they are terrified of me, a fake Taoist. If it were a real Taoist, they surely wouldn't survive." Monkey King waved his hand and said, "Don't kneel, don't be afraid. I am not a foreman. I am here to seek a relative." When the monks heard about seeking a relative, they surrounded him in a circle, one by one pushing forward, coughing and making noises, eager to be recognized. They said, "We wonder who his relative is." Monkey King looked for a while and then burst out laughing. The monks asked, "Master, you're not recognizing relatives; why are you laughing?" Monkey King said, "Do you know what I'm laughing at? I'm laughing at how none of you monks look handsome at all! Your parents gave birth to you, but because your lives were marked by the 'Heavenly Canopy' star, you were said to harm your father and mother, or couldn't get along with siblings, so they gave you up for monastic life. Why do you not observe the Three Jewels, not respect Buddhist law, not read sutras or perform repentance rites, but instead work as hired laborers for Taoists, like servants?" The monks said, "Master, you're shaming us! You must be from outside and don't know how dangerous it is here." Monkey King said, "Indeed, I am from outside and truly don't know what dangers there are here." The monks wept and said, "The king of our country is biased and unjust. He only favors those like you, Master, and is angered by us, the disciples of Buddha." Monkey King asked, "Why is that?" The monks said, "It's all because the three immortal masters came here, summoning wind and rain. They destroyed us and deceived the king. They tore down our monasteries, confiscated our ordination certificates, didn't allow us to return home, nor permitted us to serve in public duty. Instead, they bestowed us upon the immortals' families to be used as laborers, and the suffering is unbearable! Any wandering Taoist who comes here is immediately invited to meet the king and receive rewards; but if a monk comes, regardless of distance, he is seized and given to the immortals' families for labor." Monkey King said, "Perhaps those Taoists have some clever magic that seduced the king? If it's just summoning wind and rain, those are merely minor, unorthodox tricks. How could they sway the king's heart?" The monks said, "They can manipulate sand and refine mercury, meditate and preserve their spirits, turn water into oil, and stone into gold. Now they are building the Three Pure Ones temple and day and night they read scriptures and perform repentance rites before Heaven and Earth, praying for the king's eternal youth. That's why they've bewitched the king's heart." Monkey King said, "So that's how it is. Then you should all just leave." The monks said, "Master, we can't escape! Those immortals reported to the king and got approval to have our portraits drawn and displayed everywhere. The territory of Chechi Kingdom is wide; in all prefectures, states, counties, villages, shops, and markets, there is a monk's portrait, with the Emperor's personal inscription on it. If an official captures a monk, they are promoted three ranks; if a commoner captures a monk, they are rewarded fifty taels of silver. That's why we can't escape. Don't even mention monks; even those with cropped hair, bald, or sparse hair are hard to escape. There are many quick hands and a wide network of informers everywhere. No matter what you do, it's hard to escape. We have no choice but to suffer patiently here."

Monkey King said, "Since that's the case, then just die." The monks said, "Master, there are those who died. Those captured from elsewhere, along with the local monks, totaled over two thousand. Of those, six or seven hundred died because they couldn't bear the suffering, endure the torment, withstand the cold, or adapt to the climate. Seven or eight hundred committed suicide. Only we five hundred cannot die." Monkey King asked, "How can you not die?" The monks replied, "When we tried to hang ourselves, the rope broke. When we slit our throats, it didn't hurt. Those who jumped into the river floated and did not sink. Those who took poison felt fine and were unharmed." Monkey King said, "You are truly blessed! Heaven grants you longevity!" The monks cried, "Master, you missed a word! It's 'long-suffering'! We eat three meals a day, which is just thin gruel made of coarse rice. At night, we sleep on the sandy ground, exposed to the dew. As soon as we close our eyes, divine beings protect us." Monkey King said, "Perhaps you are just tired and seeing ghosts?" The monks said, "No, they are not ghosts. They are the Six Ding and Six Jia divine generals and the Dharma-protecting Gālamas. They come to protect us every night. Whenever someone tries to die, they protect them and do not allow them to die." Monkey King said, "These gods are unreasonable! They should let you die early and ascend to heaven early. Why protect you then?" The monks said, "They persuade us in our dreams, telling us not to seek death, but to endure the hardship, and wait for the Arhat, the Holy Monk from the Great Tang in the East, who is going to the Western Heaven to fetch scriptures. He has a disciple called the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, who has vast supernatural powers and always acts with loyalty and integrity, redressing injustices in the human world, helping the distressed and supporting the weak, and caring for orphans and widows. They say that once he comes and displays his powers, destroys the Taoists, your Buddhist faith will be honored again."

Upon hearing this, Monkey King chuckled to himself, "Don't say Old Sun has no power; even the deities know my name in advance!" He quickly withdrew, tapping his fish drum, bade farewell to the monks, and went directly to the city gate to meet the Taoists. The Taoists greeted him, "Sir, which one is your relative?" Monkey King replied, "All five hundred of them are related to me." The two Taoists laughed, "How can you have so many relatives?" Monkey King said, "One hundred are my left neighbors, one hundred are my right neighbors, one hundred are from my father's side, one hundred are from my mother's side, and one hundred are my sworn friends. If you are willing to release all five hundred of them, then I will go in with you. If not, I won't go." The Taoist said, "You must be crazy, talking such nonsense all of a sudden. Those monks were bestowed by the king. If we were to release even one or two, we would first have to submit a sick report to our masters, and then supplement it with a death report before it could be done. How can you say 'release them all'? This logic doesn't hold, it doesn't hold! Not to mention that our family would have no one to use, even the court would blame us. Officials are constantly sent to inspect, and sometimes the Emperor himself comes to check. How dare we release them?" Monkey King asked, "You won't release them?" The Taoist said, "No!" Monkey King asked three times in a row, then suddenly became enraged. He took out the iron staff from his ear, twirled it in the wind until it was as thick as a bowl, swung it once, and scraped it across the Taoists' faces. Piteously, their heads cracked, blood flowed, their bodies fell to the ground, skin ripped, necks snapped, and brains spilled out! The monks on the sandy ground, seeing from afar that he had killed the two Taoists, abandoned their carts and rushed forward, crying, "Oh no, oh no! He's killed imperial relatives!" Monkey King asked, "Who are imperial relatives?" The monks surrounded him like a winnowing basket and said, "Their master doesn't bow to the king in court, nor does he bid farewell to the lord when leaving. The court always addresses him as 'Imperial Preceptor, Elder Brother, Master.' How could you come here and cause such trouble? His disciples came out to supervise, and it had nothing to do with you. How could you kill them? If the immortal master doesn't say you killed them, he'll say that since they came here to supervise, we harmed their lives. What will become of us? We should go into the city with you and account for these lives." Monkey King laughed, "Everyone, stop shouting. I am not a wandering Taoist mendicant. I am here to save you." The monks said, "You've killed people and harmed us, adding to our burden. How is that saving us?" Monkey King said, "I am Sun Wukong, a disciple of the Holy Monk from the Great Tang, specifically here to save your lives." The monks said, "No, no! We recognize that master!" Monkey King asked, "You've never met him; how do you recognize him?" The monks replied, "In our dreams, we often saw an old man who called himself Taibai Jinxing (Venus God). He always instructed us not to mistake the appearance of Sun Wukong." Monkey King asked, "What did he tell you?" The monks said: He said the Great Sage—

Has a protruding forehead and gleaming golden eyes,A round head, hairy face, and no jowls.With protruding teeth, a pointed mouth, and a mischievous nature,His appearance is as strange as the Thunder God.He is skilled with the golden-banded iron staff,And once broke through the Heavenly Gates.Now reformed, he protects the monk,And specifically saves humanity from disasters.

Upon hearing this, Monkey King was both annoyed and pleased. Pleased that his name was being spread for Old Sun! Annoyed that that lazy old rascal had revealed his true form to these mortals! He suddenly blurted out, "If you truly believe I am not Sun Wukong, then I am a disciple of Sun Wukong, here to learn how to cause trouble and play around. Isn't that Sun Wukong coming now?" He pointed east with his hand, tricking the monks into turning their heads. He then revealed his true form. Only then did the monks recognize him, and one by one they prostrated themselves, saying, "Grandpa! We, with our mortal eyes of flesh, did not know that Grandpa was revealing himself. We beg Grandpa to avenge our grievances and dispel our calamities, and quickly enter the city to subdue evil and promote righteousness!" Monkey King said, "Come with me for now." The monks followed closely on either side.

The Great Sage went directly to the sandy ground, used a magical power, pulled the carts through the two gates and past the narrow path, then lifted them up and smashed them to pieces. He threw all the bricks, tiles, and wood down the slope, and ordered the monks, "Disperse! Don't be underfoot. I'll see the Emperor tomorrow and destroy those Taoists!" The monks said, "Grandpa, we dare not flee far. We are afraid that if officials seize us and bring us back, we will be beaten or have to pay ransom, which would only cause more trouble." Monkey King said, "Since that's the case, I will give you a body-protection spell." The Great Sage plucked a handful of his hairs, chewed them into tiny bits, and gave a piece to each monk. He instructed them, "Pinch it under your ring fingernail, clench your fist, and just keep walking. If no one dares to seize you, fine; if someone does, clench your fist tightly and call out 'Great Sage Equaling Heaven!' and I will come to protect you." The monks asked, "Grandpa, what if we go too far and cannot see you, and you don't answer when we call?" Monkey King said, "Just rest assured, even if you are ten thousand li away, I can guarantee your safety." Some of the braver monks clenched their fists and quietly called out, "Great Sage Equaling Heaven!" Instantly, a Thunder God stood before them, holding an iron staff. Even a thousand armies and ten thousand horses could not come close. At that moment, over a hundred monks called out, and indeed, over a hundred Great Sages protected them. The monks prostrated themselves, saying, "Grandpa! It's truly effective!" Monkey King then instructed, "Say the word 'ji' (stillness), and they will return to you." And sure enough, when they said "ji!", the hairs returned to their fingernail crevices. Only then did the monks happily escape with their lives, dispersing all at once. Monkey King said, "Do not flee too far. Listen for news from the city. If an edict recalling monks is issued, then enter the city and return my hairs." The five hundred monks scattered, some to the east, some to the west, some running, some standing, not to be mentioned further.

Meanwhile, Tang Sanzang waited by the roadside, unable to wait for Monkey King's reply. He told Pigsy to lead the horse westward. They encountered some fleeing monks and were nearing the city when they saw Monkey King still there with about ten unscattered monks. Sanzang reined in his horse and said, "Wukong, why did you go to investigate a noise and take so long to return?" Monkey King led the ten or so monks and bowed before Tang Sanzang's horse, explaining the entire affair. Sanzang was greatly alarmed and said, "In that case, what will become of us?" The ten or so monks said, "Master, rest assured. Grand-Grandpa Sun the Great Sage was sent by the gods; his supernatural powers are vast. He will surely protect you, Master, from harm. We are monks from the Imperially built Zhiyuan Temple in this city. This temple was personally built by the former king, the great ancestor. His divine statue is still inside and has not been demolished, whereas all other temples in the city, big and small, have been torn down. We invite you, Master, to enter the city early and settle down in our humble temple. Tomorrow morning, at court, Grand-Grandpa Sun will surely have a plan." Monkey King said, "What you say is right. Very well, let's enter the city early." The Elder then dismounted and walked to the city gate. By this time, the sun was setting in the west. They crossed the drawbridge and entered through the three-layered gate. People on the street, seeing the Zhiyuan Temple monks leading horses and carrying burdens, all avoided them. As they walked, they arrived at the temple gate. They saw a large golden plaque hanging high above the gate, inscribed: "Imperially Built Zhiyuan Temple." The monks pushed open the gate, passed through the Vajra Hall, and opened the main hall door. Tang Sanzang took out his cassock and put it on, then bowed to the golden statue before entering. The monks called out, "Caretakers!" An old monk came out, and seeing Monkey King, he immediately prostrated himself, saying, "Grandpa! You have come!" Monkey King said, "Do you recognize me as that Grandpa, to greet and prostrate like this?" The monk said, "I recognize you as the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Grand-Grandpa Sun. We see you in our dreams every night. Taibai Jinxing often sends us dreams, saying that only when you come will we regain our lives. Today, seeing your revered face is just like in my dreams. Oh, Grandpa, we are so glad you came early! If you had been a day or two later, we would all be ghosts!" Monkey King laughed, "Please rise, please rise. All will be clear tomorrow." The monks prepared a vegetarian meal. After the master and disciples ate, they cleaned the abbot's room and rested for the night.

At the second watch of the night, Sun Wukong had something on his mind and couldn't sleep. He heard music playing somewhere, so he quietly got up, put on his clothes, and leapt into the air to observe. It turned out to be bright lamps and candles to the south. He lowered his cloud for a closer look; it was the Taoists in the Three Pure Ones temple performing star rites. One could see—

A spiritual realm, a high hall; a blessed land, a true sanctuary.The spiritual realm's high hall was grand and majestic, like the scenery of Penglai and Fanghu;The blessed land's true sanctuary was faintly pure, like the Palace of Delights.On both sides, Taoists played reed pipes, while in front, high priests held jade tablets.They recited the "Repentance Sutra for Dispelling Disasters" and lectured on the "Dao De Jing."Several times they scattered dust and transmitted talismans,And during the confession, all prostrated themselves.They blessed water and sent forth official documents, candle flames flickering, reaching the upper realms;They invoked celestial powers and arranged the Big Dipper constellation, fragrant incense permeating the clear sky.On the altars were fresh offerings, and on the tables, an abundant vegetarian feast.

A couplet on yellow silk brocade, embroidered with twenty-two large characters, hung before the hall gate. It read: "May rain be timely and winds gentle, wishing the Heavenly Venerable boundless Dharma; may rivers be clear and seas calm, praying for the Emperor to live for myriad years." Monkey King saw three old Taoists wearing ritual robes; he guessed they were the Tiger Strength, Deer Strength, and Goat Strength Great Immortals. Below them, seven or eight hundred minor Taoists were beating drums, striking bells, attending to incense, and making announcements, all standing on both sides. Monkey King secretly rejoiced, "I want to go down and join them, but a single thread doesn't make a string, one hand alone can't clap. I'll go back and get Pigsy and Sandy, and we can go have some fun together."

He lowered his auspicious cloud and went directly to the abbot's quarters. It turned out Pigsy and Sandy were stretched out asleep. Monkey King first called Sandy. Sandy awoke and said, "Brother, you still haven't slept?" Monkey King said, "Get up, you and I are going to enjoy something." Sandy said, "It's the middle of the night, my mouth is dry and my eyes are tired. What is there to enjoy?" Monkey King said, "There is indeed a Three Pure Ones temple in this city. The Taoists there are performing rites, and in the Three Pure Ones Hall, there are many offerings: steamed buns as big as a bushel, baked cakes weighing fifty or sixty jin each, countless side dishes, and fresh fruits. Come with me to enjoy them!" Pigsy, hearing talk of good food in his sleep, woke up and said, "Brother, aren't you going to include me?" Monkey King said, "Brother, if you want to eat, don't shout loudly and wake up Master. Just follow me." The two of them slipped on their clothes, quietly walked out the door, and followed Monkey King onto a cloud, leaping up. The oaf saw the lamplight and was about to start eating, but Monkey King stopped him and said, "Don't be in a hurry. Wait until they disperse, then we can go down." Pigsy said, "They're just getting into the fervor of their chanting; how would they disperse?" Monkey King said, "Let me do a trick, and they will disperse."

The clever Great Sage pinched his fingers into a magical incantation and recited a spell. He inhaled a breath from the southeast and exhaled with a whoosh, creating a gust of strong wind that swept directly into the Three Pure Ones Hall, knocking down all their flower vases, candle holders, and meritorious hangings on the four walls, extinguishing all the lamps and candles. The Taoists were trembling with fear. Tiger Strength Great Immortal said, "Disciples, disperse for now. This divine wind has passed, extinguishing the lamps, candles, and incense. Everyone return to your sleep. In the morning, rise early and recite a few more scriptures to make up for it." The Taoists indeed all retreated.

Monkey King then led Pigsy and Sandy. They lowered their cloud and entered the Three Pure Ones Hall. The oaf, without any ceremony, grabbed a baked cake and bit into it with his mouth open. Monkey King pulled out his iron staff and was about to strike him. Pigsy retracted his hand and dodged, saying, "I haven't even tasted anything yet, and you're already hitting me!" Monkey King said, "Don't act like a peasant. Observe proper etiquette and sit down to enjoy." Pigsy said, "Aren't you ashamed! Stealing food and still talking about etiquette! What would you do if we were invited?" Monkey King asked, "What Bodhisattvas are sitting up here?" Pigsy laughed, "You don't even recognize the Three Pure Ones, yet you ask what Bodhisattvas they are!" Monkey King asked, "Which Three Pure Ones?" Pigsy said, "The one in the middle is the Jade Pure One, on the left is the Supreme Pure One, and on the right is the Grand Pure One." Monkey King said, "We all need to transform into their likenesses before we can eat in peace." The oaf grew impatient. Smelling the fragrant offerings, eager to eat, he climbed onto the high platform and shoved the Grand Pure One down with his snout, saying, "Old fellow, you've sat long enough; let Old Pig sit for a while." Pigsy transformed into the Grand Pure One, Monkey King into the Jade Pure One, and Sandy into the Supreme Pure One, pushing all the original statues down. As soon as they sat down, Pigsy grabbed a large steamed bun to eat. Monkey King said, "Don't be in a hurry!" Pigsy said, "Brother, we've transformed into them; what are we waiting for if not to eat?" Monkey King said, "Brother, eating is a small matter; leaking heavenly secrets is a serious one. These sacred statues are on the ground. What if a Taoist gets up early to ring the bell or sweep the floor, and trips over one? Wouldn't that expose us? You should hide them somewhere." Pigsy said, "This place is unfamiliar, and I can't find my way around; where would I hide them?" Monkey King said, "When I just came in, there was a small door to my right. There's a foul smell inside; it must be the 'place of the cycle of five grains' (toilet). You can put them in there." The oaf, with his brute strength, jumped down, put the three sacred statues on his shoulders, and carried them out. When he reached the place, he kicked open the door and saw it was a large east latrine. He laughed, "This 'Bimawen' (Monkey King) really knows how to talk big! He even gave an outhouse a Taoist name, calling it 'the place of the cycle of five grains'!" The oaf kept them on his shoulders for a moment and didn't throw them yet, mumbling a prayer:

Three Pure Ones, Three Pure Ones, listen to me:From afar we came, accustomed to vanquishing demons,Wishing to enjoy offerings, but finding no peace.We borrow your seats, resting but a moment.You have sat long enough, now briefly descend to the outhouse.In your daily life, you enjoyed boundless blessings,As pure Taoist masters;Today you cannot avoid enjoying some filth,And be a Heavenly Venerable smelling of stench!

After the prayer, he flung them inside with a splash, and half his clothes were splattered with foul water. He then returned to the hall. Monkey King asked, "Are they well hidden?" Pigsy replied, "They're well hidden. But some water splashed up and stained my clothes; there's a filthy stench. Don't be disgusted." Monkey King laughed, "Very well, then. Come and enjoy, though I wonder if you'll leave with a clean body." The oaf was still transformed as the Grand Pure One. The three sat down and enjoyed themselves to their heart's content. First, they ate the large steamed buns, then platters of food, side dishes, snacks, roasted bread, cakes, pastries, and steamed pastries. They didn't care if it was hot or cold; they simply ate to their hearts' content. Sun Wukong, who didn't eat much cooked food, only ate a few fruits, accompanying the other two. That meal was like a shooting star chasing the moon, or the wind sweeping away scattered clouds – they ate everything completely. There was nothing left to eat, but they still didn't leave, staying to chat and digest, having fun.

Ah! Such a thing happened! It turned out that a young Taoist priest in the east corridor, who had just fallen asleep, suddenly got up and said, "I forgot my handbell in the hall. If it's lost, Master will blame me tomorrow." He told the one sleeping with him, "You stay asleep; I'll go look for it." In his haste, he didn't put on underwear, just pulled on a robe, and went directly to the main hall to find the bell. He groped around and found the bell. Just as he was about to turn back, he heard breathing sounds, which frightened the Taoist. As he hastily tried to walk out, he somehow stepped on a lychee pit, slipped and fell with a thud, and with a snap, the bell shattered into pieces. Pigsy couldn't help but burst into laughter, which frightened the little Taoist, scaring his three hun and seven po (souls/spirits) away and back. He stumbled every step, colliding with the door outside the abbot's room, and knocking on it, he cried, "Grand-master, it's not good! Disaster has struck!" The three old Taoist masters, who had not yet gone to sleep, immediately opened the door and asked, "What disaster?" He stammered tremblingly, "Your disciple forgot his handbell. When I went to the hall to find it, I heard someone laughing loudly, and it almost scared me to death!" The old Taoist masters, hearing this, immediately called out, "Bring lights! Let's see what evil creature it is!" That single command startled the Taoists in both corridors. Big and small, they all got up, lit lamps, and went to observe the main hall. What exactly happened, let's hear in the next chapter.