Chapter 64: Thorny Ridge Enlightens Effort Monk Xuanzang Discusses Poetry at Muxian Hermitage

King Jisai thanked Tang Sanzang and his disciples for recovering the treasures and capturing the monsters. He refused all the gold and jade offered, but commanded his officials to make two sets of clothes, two pairs of shoes and socks, and two sashes for each of the four pilgrims, according to their usual attire. He also prepared baked dried provisions, exchanged their travel pass, and then, with a grand imperial procession, civil and military officials, the entire city's populace, and the monks of Furlong Temple, accompanied the four pilgrims out of the city amidst a great fanfare of music.

After about twenty *li*, the King bade them farewell. The crowd continued for another twenty *li* before turning back. The monks from Furlong Temple, however, continued to follow for fifty or sixty *li*, some expressing a desire to go to the Western Heaven, others wishing to cultivate with or serve them. Seeing that none of them would return, Sun Wukong performed a trick. He plucked thirty or forty hairs, blew a puff of immortal breath on them, and shouted, "Change!" They all transformed into magnificent, striped tigers, blocking the path, roaring and leaping. The monks were terrified and dared not advance, so the Great Sage led his master forward on horseback. After a short while, when they were far away, the monks burst into tears, crying out, "Oh, our benevolent and righteous masters! We are fated to be left behind; they refuse to take us with them!"

Leaving aside the weeping monks, the four pilgrims continued along the main road. Sun Wukong then retrieved his hairs, and they proceeded westward. Time passed quickly; winter had ended and spring had arrived. The weather was neither warm nor cold, perfect for comfortable travel. Suddenly, they saw a long ridge with a road running along its crest. Tang Sanzang reined in his horse to observe. The ridge was overgrown with tangled thorns and creeping ivy. Although there were traces of a path, both sides were thick with thorns and brambles. Tang Sanzang called out, "Disciples, how can we possibly walk this path?" Sun Wukong replied, "Why couldn't we?" Tang Sanzang continued, "Disciple, the path is below, and the thorns are above. Only crawling creatures like snakes could pass through. If we walk, we can't even stand straight. How will I ride my horse?" Pigsy said, "No problem! Let me use my rake. I'll clear the thorns aside with my rake. Forget riding a horse, I guarantee you could even be carried in a palanquin!" Tang Sanzang said, "Though you are strong, you can't endure this indefinitely. We don't know how far it stretches. How can we expend so much energy?" Sun Wukong said, "No need to discuss further, let me go and see." He sprang into the air. From his vantage point, he saw an endless expanse. It was truly:

Spreading far across the land, reaching to the sky,Mist and rain condensed, clinging to every bough.Soft grass lay scattered by the path, green canopies wide unfurled,Thickly clustered, leaves just budding,Clinging, pulling, fragrant now.From afar, its end unseen, nearby, a hazy green cloud.Dense and wild, luxuriant and vast.The wind whispered softly,Sunlight shone brightly.Amidst them, pines and cypresses, and also bamboo,Many plums, many willows, and even more mulberries.Ivy entwined ancient trees, vines embraced weeping willows.Twisted like trellises, connected like beds.In places, flowers bloomed like embroidered brocade,Elsewhere, wild blossoms gave forth a distant fragrance.Who among humans has not encountered thorns?But such endless thorns are found only on the road to the West!

After observing for a long time, Sun Wukong descended his cloud and said, "Master, this place is far!" Tang Sanzang asked, "How far?" Sun Wukong replied, "It's boundless, like a thousand *li* distance." Tang Sanzang was greatly alarmed and said, "What are we to do?" Shaseng laughed and said, "Master, don't worry. We'll be like those who clear land by burning. We'll set a fire and burn away the thorns to pass through." Pigsy said, "Don't talk nonsense! Land clearing by burning is usually done around the tenth month, when grass is withered and trees are dry, making it easy to start a fire. Now is the time of lush growth; how could we burn it?" Sun Wukong added, "Even if we could burn it, we might harm people." Tang Sanzang asked, "How then can we pass through?" Pigsy laughed and said, "To pass through, you must still rely on me." The big oaf, he made a gesture, chanted a spell, bent his waist, and shouted, "Grow!" He instantly grew twenty *zhang* tall. He shook his rake and commanded, "Change!" Its handle became thirty *zhang* long. He then strode forward, wielding the rake with both hands, clearing the thorns left and right. "Master, please follow me!" Tang Sanzang was delighted to see this and immediately urged his horse to follow closely. Behind them, Shaseng carried the luggage, and Sun Wukong also used his iron staff to clear the way. They did not stop working that day and traveled for over a hundred *li*. As night approached, they saw a wide, open space. On the path stood a stone tablet with three large characters: "Thorn Ridge." Below them were fourteen smaller characters in two lines: "Eight hundred *li* of thorny entanglement, a path seldom trodden in ancient times." Pigsy saw it and laughed, "Let me, Old Pig, add two lines: 'From now on, Pigsy breaks it open, and the road to the West becomes perfectly flat!'" Tang Sanzang dismounted happily and said, "Disciple, you must be tired! Let's stay here tonight and depart at dawn tomorrow." Pigsy said, "Master, don't stop! While the weather is clear and we are in high spirits, let's clear the way and keep going all night!" The Venerable Elder had no choice but to comply.

Pigsy pressed forward diligently, and the master and disciples did not rest their hands, nor the horse its hooves. They continued for another day and night, and again evening arrived. Ahead, there was a dense tangle, and they heard the rustling of wind through bamboo and the sighing of pines. Conveniently, there was another open space with an ancient temple in the middle. Outside the temple gate, pines and cypresses stood green, and peaches and plums competed in beauty. Tang Sanzang dismounted and looked around with his three disciples. They saw:

An ancient temple by the cliff, nestled by a cold stream,Desolate mist shrouded the abandoned mound.White cranes gathered there through the years,Green weeds beneath the terrace marked the seasons.Bamboos swayed, their rustle like whispering words,Birds sang, their lingering notes like murmurs of sorrow.No chickens or dogs, few human traces,Wildflowers and vines entwined the temple walls.

Sun Wukong looked and said, "This place bodes ill, not good. We shouldn't linger." Shaseng said, "Brother, you are mistaken. In such a desolate place with no human habitation, there are no strange beasts or demonic birds. What is there to fear?" As he spoke, a gust of cold wind blew, and from behind the temple gate emerged an old man. He wore a horned cap, simple robes, held a staff, and wore straw sandals. Behind him followed a blue-faced, fanged, red-bearded, naked ghost attendant, carrying a platter of steamed buns on his head. He knelt and said, "Great Sage, this humble deity is the Earth God of Thorn Ridge. Knowing of your arrival, I have no proper way to greet you, so I have specially prepared a platter of steamed buns for you, Master, for everyone to eat. There are no homes for eight hundred *li* in this area, so please partake to stave off your hunger." Pigsy was delighted and reached out his hand to take a bun. However, Sun Wukong, who had been observing carefully for some time, shouted, "Stop! This fellow is not good! Do not be rude! What kind of Earth God are you, trying to deceive Old Monkey! Take this staff!" Seeing the attack, the old man spun around, transformed into a gust of cold wind, and with a whoosh, carried the Venerable Elder away. Drifting aimlessly, Tang Sanzang was taken to an unknown place. The Great Sage was flustered, unable to follow. Pigsy and Shaseng looked at each other, dismayed, and the white horse neighed in alarm. The three brothers and the horse, all bewildered, looked far and wide, but there was no trace of Tang Sanzang's whereabouts. Searching frantically, they could find nothing.

Now, the old man and the ghost attendant carried the Elder to a misty stone house. They gently set him down, then took his hand and helped him up, saying, "Holy Monk, do not be afraid. We are not evil people. We are the Eighteen Elders of Thorn Ridge. As the wind is clear and the moon bright tonight, we have specially invited you here to meet with friends and converse about poetry, simply to dispel our melancholy." Only then did the Elder compose himself. He opened his eyes and looked closely; it was truly:

Vast misty clouds drifting by,A clear immortal dwelling.Perfect for purifying oneself and cultivating,Suitable for planting bamboo and flowers.Often seen are cranes coming to the green cliffs,From time to time, frogs croak in the clear pond.Even surpassing the alchemical stoves of Mount Tiantai,Still longing for the bright mists of Mount Hua.What is cultivating clouds or fishing for the moon?This place boasts true reclusion.Sitting long, profound thoughts like the sea,As the moon hazily rises above the window screen.

Tang Sanzang was just observing, when he felt the moon grow brighter and clearer. He heard people conversing, all saying, "Eighteen Elders has invited the Holy Monk!" The Elder looked up and saw three old men: the first had a frosty demeanor and rich bearing, the second had green hair flowing freely, and the third had a humble, dark appearance. Each had different features and clothes. They all came to salute Tang Sanzang. The Elder returned their salutations and said, "What virtue do I possess, to dare to trouble you immortal elders with your affection?" Eighteen Elders laughed and said, "We have long heard of the Holy Monk's spiritual attainment and have awaited you for a long time. Now, we are fortunate to meet. If you would not stint your words of wisdom, but sit and share your thoughts, it would truly reveal the true essence of Chan (Zen)." Tang Sanzang bowed and said, "May I ask for your venerable titles, immortal elders?" Eighteen Elders said, "The one with the frosty demeanor is called Solitary-Straight Elder. The one with green hair is called Sky-Lofty Master. The one with the humble, dark appearance is called Cloud-Brushing Senior. And I, the old one, am called Vigorous-Joints." Tang Sanzang asked, "How old are the four venerable elders?" Solitary-Straight Elder replied:

My age now spans a thousand years, ancient and deep,Supporting the sky with lush leaves, evergreen through four seasons.Fragrant branches dense like dragons and snakes,Layered shadows, a body of frost and snow.From youth, firm and enduring age,From now, upright, delighting in true cultivation.Where phoenixes perch and crows nest, no ordinary beings,Standing tall and aloof, far from worldly dust.

Sky-Lofty Master laughed and said:

My thousand years defy wind and frost,Tall and spiritual branches, inherently strong.At night, a quiet sound like falling rain,On clear autumn days, my shade spreads like clouds.Roots firmly planted, I've gained the secret of eternal life,Destined to forever be vibrant and ageless.Hosting cranes and transforming dragons, no common beings,Vast and refreshing, nearing the land of immortals.

Cloud-Brushing Senior laughed and said:

A thousand autumns have passed in quiet solitude,My aged state is serene and secluded.Untainted by worldly dust, ever indifferent,Having endured frost and snow, naturally graceful.Seven sages as companions, discussing the Dao,Six recluses as friends, exchanging poems.Clinking jade and striking gold, no trivial matters,My natural temperament roams with immortals.

Vigorous-Joints, the Eighteen Elders, laughed and said:

I too have lived over a thousand years,Aged yet firm, naturally as I am.Pity the power of rain and dew that nurtured me,Borrowing the creative force of heaven and earth.In myriad ravines, wind and mist, I thrive most,Through four seasons, shedding gracefully, allowing me ease.My green canopy provides shade for immortal guests,Where we play chess, pluck zithers, and discuss Daoist texts.

Tang Sanzang expressed his thanks, saying, "All four immortal elders enjoy great longevity, but Elder Vigorous-Joints is over a thousand years old! To attain the Dao at such an advanced age, with such unique and refined bearing, are you not the Four White-Haired Elders of the Han Dynasty?" The four elders replied, "You flatter us, you flatter us! We are not the Four White-Haired Elders, but rather the Four Disciplines of the Deep Mountains. May we ask, Holy Monk, what is your venerable age?" Tang Sanzang clasped his hands and bowed, replying:

Forty years ago, I emerged from my mother's womb,Even before birth, my destiny held disaster.To escape death, I fell into water, tumbling with the waves,Fortunately, I met Golden Mountain, and my original body was saved.Nurturing my spirit and studying scriptures, never slacking,Sincerely worshipping Buddha, how could I ever delay?Now, by imperial command, I journey west,And on the road, I am met with your immortal elders' affection.

The four elders all praised him, saying, "Holy Monk, since your very birth, you have followed the Buddha's teachings. Indeed, you have cultivated since childhood, truly a profoundly enlightened monk. We are fortunate to meet you. Dare we ask for your profound teachings? We hope you will instruct us on Chan (Zen) Dharma, if only a little, to satisfy our lifelong longing." The Elder heard this and, without hesitation, addressed them:

"Chan is stillness, Dharma is salvation. Salvation in stillness cannot be achieved without enlightenment. Enlightenment means cleansing the mind and purifying thoughts, shedding the mundane and leaving the dust. Moreover, a human body is hard to obtain, birth in the Middle Kingdom is hard to achieve, and the True Dharma is hard to encounter: to possess all three is the greatest fortune. The ultimate virtue and wondrous Dao are boundless and subtle, beyond perception; thus, the six roots and six consciousnesses can be swept away. Bodhi is neither birth nor death, neither excess nor deficiency; it encompasses both emptiness and form, liberating both saints and ordinary beings. Seeking the true means mastering the primal forge, realizing the Buddha's methods. Manifesting the formless, shattering nirvana. One must awaken within awakening, enlighten within enlightenment, fully protecting the single spark of spiritual light. Releasing intense flames to illuminate the娑婆 (Saha) world, the dharma realm unfolds, uniquely revealed. Extremely subtle, yet firmly guarded, who can transcend the mysterious gateway through mere words? I originally cultivated the great awakened Chan, and only those with destiny and aspiration can grasp this enlightenment."

The four elders listened attentively, filled with immeasurable joy. One by one, they bowed in reverence and thanked him, saying, "Holy Monk, you are truly the essence of Chan enlightenment!" Cloud-Brushing Senior said, "Though Chan is stillness, and Dharma is salvation, one must have a resolute nature and sincere heart. Even a truly enlightened immortal will ultimately sit in the Dao of no-birth. Our Xuan (Mysterious Dao) is quite different." Tang Sanzang said, "The Dao is extraordinary; its essence and function are one. How can it be different?" Cloud-Brushing Senior smiled and said:

We are born firm and solid,Our essence and function are different from yours.Conceived by heaven and earth, given form,Nourished and colored by rain and dew.We laugh at wind and frost,Wearing away days and months.Not a single leaf withers,A thousand branches hold their integrity.Such words do not pierce the void,You cling to Sanskrit chants.The Dao, inherently rooted in China,You go seeking validation in the West.Wasting your straw sandals,What is it you seek?A stone lion's heart dug out,Wild fox spittle saturating the bones.Forgetting your origin to seek Chan,Delusionally pursuing the Buddha-fruit,All are like the thorny tangles and confused words of our Thorn Ridge.How can such a gentleman be guided?How can such a pattern be sealed?One must examine one's true face,In stillness, life naturally unfolds.Drawing water with a bottomless bamboo basket,Flowers blooming on a rootless iron tree.Firmly plant your feet on Lingbao Peak,Return to the elegant gathering at Longhua.

Tang Sanzang heard this and prostrated himself in thanks. Eighteen Elders helped him up with his hand, Solitary-Straight Elder pulled him to his feet, and Sky-Lofty Master let out a hearty laugh, saying, "Cloud-Brushing's words clearly reveal the secret. Holy Monk, please rise. Do not believe everything. While the moon is bright, we didn't originally invite you to discuss cultivation, but rather to compose poems and enjoy ourselves, releasing our spirits." Cloud-Brushing Senior smiled and pointed to the stone house, saying, "If we are to compose, why not enter my humble hermitage for tea?" The Elder truly inclined his body and looked at the stone house. On the door were three large characters: "Wood Immortal Hermitage." They then entered and took their seats. Suddenly, the naked ghost attendant appeared, holding a platter of *Fuling* paste and offering five cups of fragrant tea. The four elders invited Tang Sanzang to eat first, but Tang Sanzang was surprised and hesitant. The four elders then partook together, and only then did Tang Sanzang eat two pieces. They all drank the fragrant tea, which was then cleared away. Tang Sanzang paid careful attention, noticing the exquisite splendor within, like a moonlit scene:

Water flowed from the rock,Fragrance drifted from the flowers.The entire place was pure, elegant, and serene,Without a speck of dust.

Seeing this immortal realm, the Elder felt delighted and his heart opened, filled with great joy. He could not help but recite a line: "The Chan heart is like the moon, utterly free of dust."

Elder Vigorous-Joints laughed and immediately added, "Poetic inspiration like the sky, fresh and renewed."

Solitary-Straight Elder said, "Good verses casually spun, weaving brocade."

Sky-Lofty Master said, "Excellent writing, not a single word a common treasure."

Cloud-Brushing Senior said, "Six Dynasties' splendor thoroughly cleansed, 'Four Beginnings' refined, the Odes divided."

Tang Sanzang said, "I merely spoke a few words by chance, truly an attempt to show off before a master. But I hear the words of the immortal elders, fresh and elegant, truly masters of poetry!" Elder Vigorous-Joints said, "Holy Monk, no need for idle chatter. A renunciate begins fully and ends fully. Since you have a starting line, why not a concluding one? Please complete it." Tang Sanzang said, "I cannot, it would be better for Eighteen Elders to complete the poem." Vigorous-Joints said, "You are kind-hearted! You started the line, how can you not finish it? To be stingy with pearls and gems is unreasonable."

Tang Sanzang had no choice but to add the last two lines: "Half a pillow of pine wind, tea not yet ready,A heart for poetry, clear and elegant, filled with spring."

Eighteen Elders exclaimed, "What a 'heart for poetry, clear and elegant, filled with spring'!" Solitary-Straight Elder said, "Vigorous-Joints, you deeply understand the taste of poetry, so you keep savoring it. Why not start another poem?"

Eighteen Elders also readily agreed, saying, "I will use a linked verse start: 'Spring neither blooms luxuriantly nor withers in winter,Clouds come and mist goes, as if they were nothing.'"

Sky-Lofty Master said, "I will also link from the previous two lines: 'Without wind, their swaying shadows dance,Guests delight in admiring the scene of blessings and longevity.'"

Cloud-Brushing Senior also linked: "The scene is like the firm elder of the Western Mountains,Pure as the selfless one from the Southern land."

Solitary-Straight Elder also linked: "Because of the side leaves, he is called a pillar,And a horizontal branch serves as a perch for the raven."

The Elder listened and praised them endlessly, saying, "Truly 'Yangchun Baixue' (high-brow poetry), with a mighty spirit reaching to the sky! I am untalented, but dare I begin two more lines?" Solitary-Straight Elder said, "Holy Monk, you are a man of the Dao, a great cultivator. No need to link verses; please bestow upon us a complete poem, so that we may also humbly harmonize with it." Tang Sanzang had no choice but to smile and recite a *lüshi* (regulated verse):

Bearing staff, westward to worship the Dharma King,Wishing to seek profound scriptures, to spread them far and wide.Golden ganoderma, thrice blooming, an auspicious sign for the poetry realm,Precious trees, a thousand flowers, a lotus's fragrant heart.One must advance further from the hundred-foot pole,Establishing one's presence in the ten directions of the world.Cultivating a majestic body like the Jade Elephant,The Pure Land's gate is the true training ground.

The four elders listened and praised it highly. Eighteen Elders said, "This humble one is untalented, and boldly presumes to offer a harmonization." He recited:

Vigorous-Joints, solitary and tall, laughs at the king of trees,The divine Chinese toon tree is not as renowned as I.In the empty mountains, a hundred *zhang* of dragon-snake shadows,From the spring, a thousand-year amber fragrance.I understand how to give vitality to heaven and earth,And rejoice when wind and rain transform my form.Aging, I lament my lack of immortal bones,Only the *Fuling* paste forms a field of longevity.

Solitary-Straight Elder said, "This poem's opening lines are heroic, and its couplets are powerful, but the concluding line is too humble. How admirable, how admirable! This old one will also harmonize." He recited:

My frosty form always welcomes the king of birds,Before the Hall of Four Excellencies, my greatness is proclaimed.Heavy dew, like pearl tassels, covers my green canopy,Light wind, through rocky teeth, shatters the cold fragrance.In the long corridor, night quiet, murmuring sounds faint,In the ancient hall, autumn shade, my dim form concealed.On New Year's Day, I once offered longevity,In old age, I find pride in this mountain abode.

Sky-Lofty Master laughed and said, "What a wonderful poem, wonderful poem! Truly the essence of the moon and the heavens. How could this old one possibly harmonize? But I cannot let the moment pass without saying a few words." He recited:

Timber for pillars, fit for emperors,Beyond the Supreme Purity Palace, my fame resounds.In the clear pavilion, green energy seems to arrive,In the dark wall, green fragrance often passes.My strong integrity stands firm through a thousand ages,My deep roots are concealed in the Nine Springs.My towering form overshadows other swaying shadows,Not found in the dazzling fields of all other flowers.

Cloud-Brushing Senior said, "The poems of the three elders are lofty, elegant, and serene, truly an unburdening of their poetic genius. I have no strength, no talent, but with the instruction of the three elders, my mind is suddenly opened. I cannot but offer a few doggerel lines; I hope you will not laugh." He recited:

In the Qiao and Wei River gardens, he enjoys the Holy King,A thousand *mu* of Wei River bamboo, freely spread.Green bamboo untainted by the tears of Xiang River goddesses,Bamboo skin fit to transmit the fragrant history of the Han.Frosty leaves naturally retain their color,Misty branches, henceforth, where is their hue concealed?Since Zi You passed, few kindred spirits remain,His name lives on forever in the literary field.

Tang Sanzang said, "The poems of all you immortal elders truly spit phoenix and spray pearls; even You and Xia (Confucius's disciples) could not adequately praise them. Your profound affection and noble sentiments move me deeply. However, the night is already deep, and my three young disciples must be waiting for me somewhere. I do not think I can stay much longer. I dare to ask for leave to search for them, for your boundless love is already fully felt. Please, old immortals, point me to the way back." The four elders laughed and said, "Holy Monk, do not worry. This is a rare encounter in a thousand years. Moreover, the sky is clear and bright; although it's late, the moon shines like day. Please stay a little longer. At dawn, we will personally see you over the ridge, and your disciples will surely meet you."

As they spoke, from outside the stone house, two young maidens in green appeared, carrying a pair of crimson gauze lanterns, leading an immortal lady. The immortal lady held a sprig of apricot blossoms and entered, smiling gracefully to greet them. What did this immortal lady look like? She was born:

Her green posture adorned with kingfisher hues,Her rosy face outshone rouge.Her starry eyes sparkled with color,Her moth-like brows were neat and elegant.Beneath, she wore a five-colored plum-blossom light red skirt,Above, a smoky red light vest.Her tiny shoes curved like phoenix beaks,Silk stockings embroidered with muddy brocade.Bewitching and charming like the maidens of Tiantai,No less beautiful than the captivating Daji of old.

The four elders rose slightly and asked, "Apricot Immortal, why have you come?" The lady curtsied to everyone and said, "Knowing that there are esteemed guests here exchanging poems, I specially came to visit. May I request a meeting?" Eighteen Elders pointed to Tang Sanzang and said, "The esteemed guest is here! No need to ask!" Tang Sanzang bowed, not daring to speak. The lady called out, "Quickly, bring tea!" Then, two more maidens in yellow appeared, carrying a red lacquered platter. On the platter were six delicate porcelain teacups, each holding several exotic fruits. Across them lay spoons, and one maiden carried a white iron teapot inlaid with yellow brass, from which fragrant tea wafted. After pouring the tea, the lady, slightly revealing her slender fingers, held a porcelain cup and first offered it to Tang Sanzang, then to the four elders, and finally took a cup for herself to partake.

Sky-Lofty Master said, "Apricot Immortal, why don't you sit?" Only then did the lady take a seat. After tea, she bowed slightly and asked, "Immortal Elders, this evening's celebration is grand. May I request a few of your excellent verses?" Cloud-Brushing Senior said, "Our words are all crude. Only the Holy Monk's work is truly of the prosperous Tang era, highly commendable." The lady said, "If you would not mind, please allow me to see them." The four elders then recited Tang Sanzang's previous and latter poems, as well as his discourse on Chan Dharma. The lady, with a face full of spring breezes, addressed everyone, saying, "This humble one is untalented and should not display her poor efforts. But hearing these wonderful verses, it seems I cannot let the opportunity pass. May I humbly offer a harmonized poem?" She then recited loudly:

My name recorded by Emperor Wu of Han,During the Zhou Dynasty, Confucius established a sanctuary.Immortal Dong loved me into a dense grove,Sun Chu once pitied my cold food fragrance.Rain moisturizes my red form, making me tender and delicate,Smoke steams my green hue, revealing and concealing it.I know I am overly ripe with a slight sourness,Falling, I accompany the wheat field year after year.

The four elders heard the poem and all praised it, saying, "Clear and elegant, free from dust, the verses contain the essence of spring. What a 'rain moisturizes my red form, making me tender and delicate'!" The lady smiled and quietly replied, "I am humbled, humbled! Hearing the Holy Monk's chapter, truly his heart is like brocade, and his mouth like embroidery. If he would not stint his words, would he bestow a *ci* (lyric) upon us?" Tang Sanzang dared not reply. The lady gradually showed signs of affection, inching closer to his side, whispering softly, "Esteemed guest, why such hesitation? Now is a good night. What else would you do but enjoy yourself? How long is a human life?" Eighteen Elders said, "Apricot Immortal shows such high regard. How can the Holy Monk not respond with some condescension? If you show no pity, you are being insensitive." Solitary-Straight Elder said, "The Holy Monk is a man of the Dao and renown, and would never act improperly. Such actions on our part are our fault, damaging his reputation and corrupting his virtue, which is not far-sighted. If Apricot Immortal truly has intentions, let Cloud-Brushing Senior and Eighteen Elders act as matchmakers, and I and Sky-Lofty Master as guarantors, to form this marital bond. How splendid would that be!"

Tang Sanzang heard this and his expression changed. He sprang up and shouted, "You are all a bunch of evil creatures, trying to seduce me like this! At first, you spoke only of spiritual cultivation and the Dao, but now you use a beauty trap to deceive and harm this poor monk! What kind of logic is this!" Seeing Tang Sanzang's anger, the four elders bit their fingers in alarm and said no more. The naked ghost attendant burst forth like thunder, "This monk is truly unappreciative! What is wrong with my sister? Her talent is elegant, her form graceful and delicate. Not to mention her needlework, just her poetic talent alone is enough to be worthy of you. Why do you refuse so? Don't miss this chance! Solitary-Straight Elder's words are very appropriate. If you truly cannot act improperly, then let me act as your wedding master again!" Tang Sanzang was greatly alarmed. No matter how they talked nonsense, he simply refused. The ghost attendant then said, "You monk, we speak kindly to you, but you won't listen. If we were to act on our wild nature, we would carry you off again, prevent you from being a monk, and prevent you from marrying a wife. Wouldn't that be a wasted life?" The Elder's heart was like gold and stone; he remained firm in his refusal. He thought to himself, "My disciples must be searching for me somewhere!" He uttered a sound, and tears streamed down his face uncontrollably. The lady, with a forced smile, sidled up to him. From her emerald sleeve, she took out a silken handkerchief and wiped his tears, saying, "Esteemed guest, do not be troubled. Let us lean against jade and embrace fragrance, let's go and play." The Elder let out a shout of indignation, jumped up, and tried to leave, but he was pulled and tugged by them until dawn.

Suddenly, he heard a voice calling, "Master! Master! Where are you speaking from?" It was Sun Wukong, Pigsy, and Shaseng. They had led the horse and carried the luggage, not stopping all night, pushing through thorns and brambles, searching high and low. They had just passed the eight hundred *li* Thorn Ridge, half in cloud and half in mist, and were heading westward when they heard Tang Sanzang's shout and called out in response. The Elder struggled out of the gate and cried, "Wukong! I'm here! Come quickly and save me! Come quickly and save me!" The four elders, the ghost attendant, the lady, and the maidens vanished with a flick. In an instant, Pigsy and Shaseng arrived by his side, saying, "Master, how did you get here?" Tang Sanzang grabbed Sun Wukong and said, "Disciple, you have endured much! Last night, the old man I saw said something about the Earth God sending food. When you shouted and threatened to strike him, he carried me to this place. He took my hand and led me into the house, where I met three more old men. They came to meet me, all calling me a Holy Monk, and each spoke elegantly and excelled in poetry. I exchanged verses with them, and it felt like midnight when a beautiful woman appeared with a lantern. She also came to meet me here, recited a poem, and called me an esteemed guest. Seeing my appearance, she wanted to be my partner. Only then did I realize their true intentions. As I refused, they began acting as matchmakers and guarantors. I swore I would not consent, and as I was struggling to leave and arguing with them, you unexpectedly arrived. Firstly, it was dawn, and secondly, they were afraid of you. Just now, they were still pulling and tugging, and then suddenly they vanished." Sun Wukong asked, "Since you conversed and exchanged poems with them, did you not ask their names?" Tang Sanzang said, "I did ask their titles. The old man was called Eighteen Elders, also known as Vigorous-Joints. The second was called Solitary-Straight Elder, the third Sky-Lofty Master, and the fourth Cloud-Brushing Senior. The lady was called Apricot Immortal." Pigsy asked, "Where are these creatures? Where did they go just now?" Tang Sanzang said, "I don't know where they went, but the place where we discussed poetry is not far from here."

The three disciples and their master looked around and saw a stone cliff with the words "Wood Immortal Hermitage" on it. Tang Sanzang said, "This is the place." Sun Wukong observed carefully. It turned out to be a large cypress tree, an old cypress, an old pine, an old bamboo, and behind the bamboo, a red maple. Looking further on the other side of the cliff, there was also an old apricot tree, two winter sweet trees, and two sweet osmanthus trees. Sun Wukong laughed, "Have you seen any monsters?" Pigsy said, "No." Sun Wukong said, "You don't know; these very trees here have become spirits!" Pigsy asked, "Brother, how do you know they are tree spirits?" Sun Wukong replied, "Eighteen Elders is the pine tree, Solitary-Straight Elder is the cypress tree, Sky-Lofty Master is the large cypress, Cloud-Brushing Senior is the bamboo, the naked ghost is the maple tree, Apricot Immortal is the apricot tree, and the maidens are the sweet osmanthus and winter sweet trees." Upon hearing this, Pigsy, without regard for right or wrong, swung his rake. With three or five long thrusts, digging and raking, he felled the two winter sweet trees, the sweet osmanthus, the old apricot, and the maple. Sure enough, fresh blood flowed from their roots. Tang Sanzang came forward and stopped him, "Wuneng, you must not harm them! Although they have gained cultivation, they did not harm me. Let's find our way and go." Sun Wukong said, "Master, you must not pity them. I fear if they grow into great monsters in the future, they will cause immense harm to people." The oaf then, with a final swing of his rake, felled all the pine, cypress, and bamboo trees. Only then did he invite his master to mount, and they all proceeded westward along the main road. After all, what lay ahead is unknown. Let's hear the next chapter's explanation.