This is a fresh, complete English translation of Wu Cheng’en’s public-domain one-hundred-chapter novel, produced with GPT-5.3-Codex-Spark assistance. It is an AI-assisted first edition, not a reproduction of an existing translation.

Now the King of Jisae and his high and low ministers saw Great Sage Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie rise through clouds and mist, carrying the two little demons and flying away in a flash. One after another they faced heaven and bowed, saying, 'The rumors were no idle talk. Only today have we truly known that such immortals of living Buddha nature exist.' When he saw they had vanished from sight, he bowed and thanked Tripitaka and Sha Wujing: 'I am but a mortal flesh-body; I only knew my accomplished disciple had enough strength to seize demon brigands, never imagining he was one of the sky-riding immortals.' Tripitaka said, 'This poor monk has no power. All along on this road, it has been all due to these three junior disciples.' Sha Wujing said, 'I will not hide it from Your Majesty. My elder senior brother, Sun Wukong, is the Great Sage, Equal to Heaven. He once raised great havoc in Heaven, and with the Golden-Hooped Staff not one of ten thousand heavenly soldiers could face him. He frightened even Taishang Laojun, and the Jade Emperor was aghast. My second senior brother, the Marshal Tianpeng, is straightforward and upright; he once commanded eighty thousand water soldiers in the heavenly river. As for me, I am a disciple without power, formerly the Curtain-Raiser General after taking vows. My ignorant brethren are not able in other arts, though in catching demons and binding monsters, taking thieves, seizing criminals, subduing tigers, calling down dragons, kicking heaven and stirring wells, and even churning sea and turning rivers, we know a little. Matters such as riding clouds and driving mist, calling rain and summoning wind, and shifting stars and moving mountains and chasing the moon are but trivial extras—hardly worth speaking of.' Hearing this, the king’s respect only deepened. He invited Tripitaka to sit and called him repeatedly 'Old Buddha,' while he addressed Sha Wujing and the others as 'Bodhisattva.' The whole court of civil and military officials rejoiced, and the entire populace of the kingdom paid their obeisance; this need not be set down.

Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie whipped up a furious wind and brought the two little demons to the Bi-Po Pond of Luanshi Mountain, fixing their cloud foothold in place. He breathed one breath of immortal qi into the Golden-Hooped Staff and cried, 'Transform!' and it became a jiedao blade. He cut off one black-fish demon’s ear and the eel-spirit’s lower lip, then cast them into the water, and shouted, 'Go at once to the Dragon King of Wansheng and report this: Great Sage Sun Wukong, Equal to Heaven, is here. He must at once send down the original treasure from the Jinguang Monastery tower of Jisae Kingdom, and he will spare the lives of his entire household. If he even utters one word of denial, I will churn this pond clean and have both young and old of his family put to the sword.'

The two little demons, having been spared, dragged themselves in pain to escape and sank back into the water with their bonds. The startled tortoises, turtles, crabs, shrimps, and fish spirits gathered around and asked, 'Why are you both dragging ropes and shackles?' One covered its ear, wagged its head and tail; one pinched at its mouth, stamped its feet, and pummeled its chest. They all shouted and hurried straight to the Dragon King’s palace: 'Report, Great King—the calamity has come.' The Dragon King of the Myriad Saints was drinking with his Nine-Headed Son-in-Law when, seeing the two, he at once set down his cup and asked what the trouble was. The two said, 'Last night, on patrol, we were caught by Tripitaka and Sun Wukong while they were sweeping the tower; we were bound with iron chains. This morning, after appearing before the King, we were seized again by that same Sun and Zhu Bajie. One cut my ear, the other cut my lip, and we were thrown into the water, and told to report here and demand that treasure from the top of the tower.' They then described the whole affair in full. When the old Dragon heard it was Sun Wukong, Great Sage, Equal to Heaven, he was so terrified that his soul seemed not to cling and his spirit scattered to the Nine Heavens. Trembling, he told his son-in-law, 'Son-in-law, with another person there is room to calculate; but if this is he, he is not to be taken lightly.' The son-in-law laughed: 'Great Lord, be at ease. Your humble son-in-law learned some martial arts from childhood. In all the four seas I have met a few heroes. Why should I fear him? Let me go out and engage him in three rounds; I will surely make that brute bow his head and submit, not daring to look up.'

A fierce demon indeed: he leaped up in haste, donned his accoutrements, and took up a weapon called a Moon-Crescent Spade. He stepped out of the palace, split the waterway, and from the surface called, 'Who is this Great Sage, Equal to Heaven? Come up and give your life.' Wukong and Zhu Bajie stood on the bank, watching how the demon was dressed:

He wore a tarnished silver helmet whose brightness mocked white snow; over it was a headgear-and-armor coat gleaming like autumn frost. On top he wore a brocade campaign robe, truly like rainbow clouds enclosing jade. At his waist was tied a rhinoceros-patterned sash, like a flower python winding with gold. He held the Moon-Crescent Spade, fast as light from rosy flying clouds. Pigskin boots on his feet made the water part into ripples. Seen from afar it was one head and one face, yet when seen closely there were all sides filled with men: eyes in front, eyes behind, all eight directions seen through. On the left a mouth, on the right a mouth, nine mouths speaking all at once. One roar shook the high sky, like a crane cry crossing nine heavens. He saw no answer and called again, 'Who is that Great Sage, Equal to Heaven?' Wukong tapped his golden band once, smoothed the iron staff, and said, 'It is old Sun himself.' The demon said, 'Where is your home? From where do you come? How did you get to Jisae and, while that king stands guard at the tower, dare to seize my superior and dare to act violently, then come to my treasure mountain to seek battle?' Wukong cursed him: 'You wretch, you truly do not know your Master Sun. Come forward and hear me: Old Sun lives on Flower-Fruit Mountain, in Water-Curtain Cave in the Great Sea. Since childhood I cultivated to become a body that cannot be ruined. The Jade Emperor appointed me Great Sage, Equal to Heaven. It was only because I once threw the heavens into turmoil in the Douniu Palace that the gods above could not win over me. Then the Buddha was called to show the sublime height, whose boundless wisdom has immeasurable use. In that contest of wondrous tricks my palm was made into a mountain and pressed heavy upon me. Up to this day, five hundred years have passed; only through Guanyin's persuasion have I escaped to keep my life. Tripitaka of Great Tang goes westward, far to Ling Mountain, to bow and seek the Buddha's sutras. I was rescued to free my own body and protect him, to refine demons and cleanse monsters through cultivation. On the road we met the westward Jisae city and your line has harmed three generations of monks. Out of compassion we asked of the old truth, but the top of your tower had no holy light. My master swept the tower and investigated clearly; it was the third watch, and heaven-silence had fallen. We caught the demon spirit and took the facts. He says you stole the treasure. The charges are assembled and named as theft involving the Dragon King; the Princess too calls you among the myriad gods. Blood rain soaked the light atop the tower as he stole the treasure and made use of it. The indictment before the Hall Gate has no falsehood. By your command I have hastened to this place. So we have come here seeking battle—there is no need to ask again the name of Master Sun. Quickly return the treasure and spare your old and young family all together. If you dare in ignorance to force a contest and boast of strength, I will let the waters run dry and make your mountains collapse and your lands stumble.' After hearing this, the son-in-law smiled slightly and said, 'So you are the monk on a scriptural quest; this is no business of your weaving and administration. I stole his treasure, and you pursue Buddhist scripture. What concern is yours, that you come here to brawl?' Wukong said, 'This robberous demon is most unreasonable. Though I have not received the king's favors, and do not live on his water and grain, and therefore should not labor for him, yet he stole his treasure, defiled his pagoda, and year after year has harassed the Jinguang Monastery monks. He is one of my household of the Dharma; how could I not exert myself to set this injustice right?' The son-in-law replied, 'If you insist, then you are seeking a duel. It is said, "One who is not good at martial art should not fight." Only, I fear that at the first exchange I may not spare you, and in a moment your life might be harmed, bringing your western quest astray.'

Sun Wukong raged and snapped, 「You ragged villain! How dare you show such strength and roar so loud? Come up here and take a proper strike of the elder’s staff!」 The Nine-Headed Groom did not flinch. He blocked with the crescent-moon shovel against the iron staff. There, on the broken-stone heights, the battle was truly murderous:

A demon stole the treasure tower’s light, and Wukong seized the fiend and reported to the king. The little monster fled to the water, while the old dragon and the others hastily planned. The Nine-Headed Groom strode out, brandishing power in full display. Great Sage Equal to Heaven flew into a rage; the Golden-Hooped Staff rose hard as tenfold steel. The monster had nine heads and eighteen eyes, pouring forth radiant glows in every direction; this Great Sage had a pair of iron arms with thousand-catty strength, his radiance and omens fluttering everywhere. The shovel shone like the first moon of spring; the staff flashed like frost racing ten thousand li. He said, 「You have no right to rest while the grievance remains unpaid.」 I said, 「You meant to steal the treasure with no better intent. You reckless rabble, boast less and return the treasure if you want peace and safety.」 The staff and shovel met in contest, each vying for the upper hand, with no winner or loser yet in the practice arena. They closed and parted, over and over. They fought through more than thirty rounds with no clear edge. Pigsy stood before the rocks. When he saw the two near their most exact match, he raised the hooked spade and rushed in from the demon’s rear. It turned out the monster, with nine heads, had eyes revolving everywhere and saw all plainly. As Pigsy came from behind, he even caught the spade with the hooked shovel, the shovel head pressing against the iron bar. After another five or seven rounds, unable to hold him from both front and back at once, the demon suddenly rolled, sprang upward into the air, and leapt high, showing its true form: it was a creature of nine heads and insectlike body. Its shape was so cruelly terrible it was enough to make one think of death. It was like this: Feathers and down were spread like rich brocade; its body was knotted and packed like a wad of fluff. Its round and square form measured roughly two zhang; in length and breadth it resembled a turtle and giant salamander. Two pointed forefeet, sharp as hooks; nine heads clustered together in one frame. It spread its wings and flew with uncommon skill, as if Great Wild Peng’s strength were nothing to it. Its cry, when raised, echoed far to the ends of heaven and earth, soaring higher than the cry of an immortal crane. Its many eyes flashed with searing gold light, its spirit proud and unlike any ordinary bird. Pigsy, seeing it, said in alarm, 「Brother, though I am human, I have never seen such a beast so wicked. Of what cruel blood was this creature born?」 Wukong said, 「It is truly rare, truly rare. I will chase and strike him.」 The Great Sage then whipped himself high on a cloud of auspicious air, leapt into the sky, and with the iron staff struck him down on the head. The demon flashed open his true body, spread its wings and flew on a slant; with a hiss it spun, darted to the front of the mountain, and from its half-thigh another head burst forth, mouth opening like a basin of blood. It bit Pigsy by the mane, dragging and hauling him half by half, and carried him off into the Blue-Wave Pond. When they reached the Dragon Palace exterior, it changed back to the earlier form, threw Pigsy to the ground and called, 「Where are my subordinates?」 Inside were fish spirits of mackerel, flounder, carp, and eel, and strange creatures of tortoise, turtle, and great softshell. They crowded together and shouted in one voice, 「Here.」 The Nine-Headed Groom said, 「Bind this monk there and send it to my roving underlings; let them avenge this wrong." The spirits pushed and shouted as they hauled Pigsy up. The Old Dragon King, delighted, came forth: 「Brave son-in-law, you have done well. How did you catch him」? The Nine-Headed Groom explained from start to end. The old dragon then ordered wine to be served in celebration; no further account is needed.

Sun Wukong saw the demon had taken Pigsy and in his heart was afraid: 「This brute is formidable indeed. I meant to go back and report to the Master; I feared the king would laugh at me. If I open my mouth to curse and fight, I am alone, and besides I am not used to affairs on water. I will transform and go in first, and watch how that demon handles the brute. If there is a chance, I will slip him out as well and make use of it.」 The Great Sage twisted the formula and transformed, becoming a crab. He plunged into the water and made directly for the gate pavilion. This route, in fact, was one he had already learned from an earlier raid on Bull Demon King’s stolen golden-eyed beast. All the way to beneath the palace gate, he crawled across sideways. Once he came to the foot of the palace towers, he saw the Old Dragon King and the Nine-Headed Groom’s household rejoicing and drinking. Wukong did not dare to approach too closely. He crossed beneath the east corridor and saw several shrimp and crab spirits chattering in a clamor. After listening for a while, he imitated their speech and tone and asked, 「How is the long-snouted monk your groom brought in now? Is he dead yet」? The spirits answered, 「Not yet. Is he not tied and groaning beneath the west corridor」?

Wukong heard this and quietly crawled along to the west corridor. Indeed Pigsy was tied to a pillar, still groaning. Wukong came up close and whispered, 「Pigsy, do you recognize me?」 Pigsy heard the voice and knew it was Wukong. He said, 「Brother, what has happened? I have been seized by this brute as well.」 Wukong looked around and saw no one nearby, then snapped the gag and the ropes apart and told him to go. Once freed, Pigsy said, 「Brother, my weapon has been taken by him—what shall I do」? Wukong said, 「Do you know where he took it」? Pigsy said, 「The monster carried it into the palace just now.」 Wukong said, 「You go first and wait beneath the gate pavilion.」 Pigsy slipped away and escaped. Wukong returned and crawled back up through the palace. On the left below was a dense brilliance—this was Pigsy’s hooked spade emitting light. Using an invisibility method, he slipped the spade out and went down to the gate platform: 「Pigsy, take your weapon.」 Once Pigsy had it back, he said, 「Brother, you go first. Let Old Pig charge into the palace. If he wins, he may seize their whole household. If he fails and is beaten back, come out to this shore and rescue him.」 Wukong rejoiced deeply and merely instructed him to be careful.

Pigsy buttoned his rough black robe and wrapped both hands around the spade. With one shout, he rushed in. The whole water clansfolk, great and small, rushed in confusion like floodwater. They ran up to the palace crying, 「Disaster! The long-nosed monk has broken his bonds and returned to fight!」 The Old Dragon and the Nine-Headed Groom and their whole household were taken by surprise, jumping and hiding in every direction. Pigsy did not care whether he lived or died. He stormed into the palace, smashing through doors and folding screens with the spade, toppling tables and chairs, and breaking all the wine vessels and household fittings to pieces. For witness, there is a verse:

The mother of wood was seized by a water monster; the heart-monkey could not let the bitterness go, kept searching. By hidden stratagem the lock was forced open, and divine fury flared in righteous wrath. The Nine-Headed Groom hurried to shelter the princess, while the Dragon King trembled and lost his voice. The vermilion gates and windows of the watery palace were torn, and dragon sons and dragon grandsons all lost their spirits. In that bout Pigsy shattered the tortoiseshell screen into powder and hurled it down; he battered a coral tree so badly it withered.

The Nine-Headed Caterpillar hid the princess inside and hurried for the crescent-moon shovel, running to the front hall, and shouted, 「You slinging boorish swine! How dare you frighten our clan by your deceitful heart?」 Pigsy spat back, 「You scoundrel, how dare you capture me? This fight has nothing to do with your own quarrel. It is you who called me to your house to brawl. Return my treasure and I will go back to the king to settle it. If not, not one of you will be spared.」 But that monster gave no room. It ground its teeth and traded blows with Pigsy. The Old Dragon finally steadied himself and led dragon sons and dragon grandsons, each armed with spear and knife, and they all came together to attack. Seeing that the situation did not suit him, Pigsy feinted with the spade once, withdrew his body and withdrew. The dragon then led his band in pursuit. In a moment they emerged from the water and rose in churning waves at the pond’s surface.

Sun Wukong remained on the lake bank waiting. Suddenly he saw them chasing Pigsy, leaving the water. He stepped half into the drifting cloud mist, drew the iron staff, and shouted, 「Do not run!」 At once he struck and split the old dragon’s head to ruin. To pity it, blood splashed across the pond, turning the water red, and bodies floated on the waves with broken scales drifting. The Dragon Prince with nine heads gathered up his corpse and withdrew back to the palace.

Wukong and Pigsy did not pursue, but returned up to shore and reported what had happened. Pigsy said, 「His edge has been blunted; when I went in with the spade, I beat him till he was like flowers falling into running water, with mind and spirit scattered. I was still grappling with that Nine-Headed Groom when the Old Dragon King drove in behind, and my stroke that killed him was due to you. Those fiends have gone back; they will surely hold mourning and hang out mourning robes. They will not dare come out. And now evening has come. What can be done?」 Wukong said, 「What does evening matter? Seize this chance and go back in and fight. You must bring out the treasure, then we can return to court.」 Pigsy was lazy in spirit and evasive, wavering and finding excuses. Wukong urged him, 「Brother, do not doubt. Come as before and draw them out again, then let me take them.」

The two were still conferring when suddenly fierce wind rolled and dark mist thickened. At once, from the east it swept swiftly southward. Wukong looked closely and saw what it was: Erlang Xiansheng, leading the six brothers of Mei Mountain, each with eagles and hounds, balancing foxes and rabbits, carrying roe deer, every one with a bent bow at his waist and a sharp blade in hand, bounding through wind and mist. Wukong said, 「Pigsy, those are my Seven-Sage brothers. Invite them in and have them assist our battle. If this succeeds, it will be a great opening.」 Pigsy said, 「If they are truly brothers, it is only proper to invite them.」 Wukong said, 「But among them is Big Brother Xiansheng Erlang, who once subdued me; it is not good to meet him directly. Go block the cloud front and call out:『Erlang Zhenjun, hold a little, Great Sage Equal to Heaven has come to make courtly obeisance』. If he hears that it is me, he will at once halt. Once he settles down, then I can meet him."

The fool bounded ahead on cloud-hooves, rushed up the mountain to block the path, and shouted in a hard voice: “True Lord, hold the carriage; the Great Sage Equal to Heaven wishes an audience.” Hearing this, the lord gave orders at once, stopped the six brothers, and after meeting with Pigsy asked, “Where is the Great Sage Equal to Heaven?” Pigsy answered, “He is below the mountain, calling out now.” Erlang said, “Brothers, go bring him at once.” The six were Kang, Zhang, Yao, Li, Guo, and Zhi. Each came out from camp and called, “Brother Sun Wukong, our elder brother summons you.” The Monkey came forward and bowed to the assembly, then climbed up together. Erlang welcomed him, took his hand, and said, “Great Sage, you have escaped the Great Peril, taken the monk vows, nearly completed your merit, and can soon mount the lotus seat. Congratulations, congratulations.” Sun Wukong replied, “I dare not. I have only just received your immeasurable kindness and have not yet repaid it even in this short time. Though I have escaped great danger and gone west to seek the Dharma, I know not how good my conduct yet is. By chance I met Ji-sai Kingdom on the road and responded to its plea to save the monks; I am here to capture demons and recover treasure. Seeing your procession, I have the boldness to ask that one of us stay to help. I do not even know from where you came or whether you would be inclined to show favor.” Erlang laughed. “I had nothing to do and, with my brothers, had returned after hunting. It is good that the Great Sage did not turn away this chance of reunion; it suits our old companionship. If ordered to suppress demons by force, how could I not obey? But I do not yet know what strange bandit is this.” The six said, “Elder brother, have you forgotten? This is Luanshi Mountain, and under it, at Bibo Pond, is the Dragon Palace of Wansheng.” Erlang was astonished. “If old Wansheng Dragon never causes disorder, how could he dare to steal the tower treasure?” Sun Wukong said, “He recently took in a match as bridegroom who was a nine-headed worm in spirit-form. The two of them committed banditry together, brought a blood-rain on Ji-sai Kingdom, and stole the Buddha-relic treasure from the top of Golden-light Temple’s pagoda. That king, not understanding the matter, tortured monks in torment. My master came in compassion and swept in at night; I seized two little fiends at the pagoda who had been sent by him to scout. This morning they were brought to court and confessed truly. Then the king asked my master to take them in submission, and my master ordered us to come here. In the first battle the nine-headed monster extended one head from its waist and swallowed Pigsy. I transformed and went under water to rescue him. Then in the real struggle, it was I who slew old Dragon; his fellows took away the body and went to hang mourning cloths. Zhu and I were just ready to press for another battle when your ceremonial retinue arrived; so this was only a light transgression.” Erlang said, “Now that old Dragon is already hurt, it is fitting to attack so that villain cannot find his way; why not wipe out his whole nest as well?” Pigsy said, “Even so, what of the lateness of day?” Erlang said, “As the strategists say: ‘A campaign need not wait for a season.’ Why fear that night is near?”

Kang, Yao, Guo, and Zhi said, “Elder brother, do not rush. That villain’s household is here; surely they have nowhere to flee. Brother Sun is also a worthy guest, and this pig-skinned one has returned to proper fruit. In our camp we have wine and dishes with us; tell the younger men to fetch firewood and set a spread here. One, we celebrate joyfully with the two of you; two, we should also exchange feelings. Let us keep this festivity this very night and, if it is late by morning, what is the delay in seeking battle?” Erlang was greatly delighted and said, “The worthy younger brother spoke very fittingly.” He then gave orders for arrangements. Sun Wukong said, “Your many kindnesses overwhelm me, I do not dare to refuse. But I am now a monk and everyone keeps vegetarian precepts; I fear mixed flesh and fruit will be inconvenient.” Erlang said, “There are fruits that are pure and the wine is also pure.” Beneath the starry moonlight, the brothers raised awnings, sat upon the ground, and lifted their cups to recall old days.

It was a lonely night that only grows longer, while delight grows shorter. Before anyone noticed, dawn had already begun whitening the east. After several cups, Zhu Bajie, half drunk and swaying, said, “Daybreak is near; let old Pig go down into the water to seek battle.” Erlang said, “Commander, pay close attention. So long as he is lured out, my brothers can seize him.” Pigsy laughed, “I know, I know.” See him now: he tightened his robe, wound his spade, used the art of splitting water, and leapt down, going straight beneath the gate tower. He shouted and burst into the hall. At that moment the dragon-son, wrapped in hempen rags, sat crying over the dragon corpse; the dragon-grandson and the groom were behind him arranging a coffin. Pigsy cursed forward; with one heavy blow from the spade’s head he clamped the dragon-son’s brain with it and with one strike punched nine holes into him. That frightened the dragon-mother and the rest into running about inside, crying, “The long-faced monk has struck down my son again!”

Hearing this, the groom drew a crescent-shovel and, with the dragon-grandson, came out to kill them. Pigsy raised his spade to meet him, fighting and retreating at once, then leapt out of the water. On this bank Sun Wukong and the seven brothers surged forward together, thrusting spears and sabers in confusion, chopping the dragon-grandson into chunks of flesh. The groom saw this and did not stop; he rolled in front of the mountain, then returned to his true form, spread his wings, and whirled up in flight. Erlang at once took a golden bow, fitted silver bolts, drew the bow to full, and shot upward. The fiend hurriedly folded its wings, darted to the edge to bite Erlang. Only halfway in its torso did a head come out, and that little dog leapt at it; with one bark-and-bite it tore the head down, blood-soaked, from its body. Wounded, the monster fled in pain and rushed directly to the North Sea. Pigsy moved to chase it, but the Great Sage restrained him: “Do not chase now. It is truly, ‘Do not pursue a driven-out brigand.’ His head is bitten by the little dog; he is certain to die, or at most survive poorly. Then let me change into his likeness; you split the water routes and drive me in, seeking the princess to trick and seize her treasure as well.” Erlang and the six brothers said, “Not chasing him is enough, but leaving this kind in the world will surely harm later generations.” To this day, the nine-headed worm has left a drop of blood, a lingering spawn.

Pigsy obeyed and divided the water channels. Sun Wukong changed into the monster’s form and went ahead; Pigsy gave loud cries and followed behind. Gradually he pursued up to the Dragon Palace, where Princess Wansheng called out, “Groom, why are you in such panic?” Sun Wukong said, “Piggy is winning; he drove me here. I can sense he cannot match me. Hide the treasures quickly.” The princess, unable at once to judge the truth, hurried and from a rear hall brought out a gilt box and handed it to Sun Wukong: “This is the Buddha treasure.” She brought out also a white-jade box and handed that to him as well: “This is the Nine-Leaf Lingzhi. Take these treasures and hide them. Wait until I have fought with Pig Bajie for two or three exchanges to hold him back. When your treasures are hidden, you come out and join the battle.” Sun Wukong tucked both boxes at his side, swiped his face, and resumed his own form: “Princess, am I the groom?” The princess panicked and tried to seize the boxes. Pigsy then ran up and struck her on the back with his spade, knocking her down.

There was also an old dragon-mother who withdrew to leave at once; Pigsy grabbed her and was about to strike down with the spade when Sun Wukong said, “Wait. Do not kill her. Leave one alive so we can report merit in court.” So they brought the dragon-mother up to the water’s surface.

Sun Wukong afterward carried the two boxes ashore and said to Erlang, “By your force, I obtained the treasures and swept away the demon-thieves.” Erlang answered, “First it is the king’s great good fortune under heaven; second, you have boundless divine arts, worthy one—what merit is there in me?” The brothers all said, “Since Brother Sun has already accomplished the task, we shall part here.” Sun Wukong, full of thanks, wished to stay to present himself before the king as well, but the lords refused and so led their men back to Guankou.

Sun Wukong carried the boxes, and Pigsy dragged the dragon-mother, in half cloud and half mist, and in a moment reached the capital. In truth, the monks released from Golden-light Temple were already waiting outside the city. As they came, still amid the drifting cloud and mist, the two knelt forward in reverence and were brought inside the city. The king and Tripitaka were discussing in the hall. A monk who had arrived first, emboldened by his courage, entered the palace gate and reported, “Long live the king, Sun Wukong and Pigsy have captured the demon and recovered the treasure and have come.” Hearing this, the king came down at once, and with Tripitaka and Sha Wujing he received them, praising their divine merit as immeasurable and ordered a feast of thanks. Tripitaka said, “There is no need to offer drink yet. Command your small disciples to retrieve the tower treasure first, then feast may proceed.” He also asked Sun Wukong, “You left the kingdom yesterday; how is it that you only arrive today?” Sun Wukong gave a full account of fighting the groom, striking down the Dragon King, meeting the True Lord, defeating the demon spirit, and using transformed treasure stratagems. Tripitaka, the king, and the civil and military ministers all rejoiced beyond measure.

The king then asked, “Can this dragon-mother speak human language?” Pigsy said, “She is the Dragon King’s wife, mother of many dragon sons and grandsons; does she not know human speech?” The king said, “Since she knows human speech, tell us quickly of all the thefts from beginning to end.” The dragon-mother said, “As for stealing the Buddha treasure, I knew nothing of it. My husband, the Dragon King, and that groom, the nine-headed worm, are the ones. They knew the light above your pagoda was a Buddha relic-casket. Three years ago, during a blood-rain, they stole it. You ask how the Lingzhi was stolen?” She was asked. “It was only my young daughter, Princess Wansheng; she secretly entered before the Lingshao Hall in Great Dipper Heaven and stole the Queen Mother of Heaven’s Nine-Leaf Lingzhi. That relic had been nourished by the herb’s immortal qi and does not decay for a thousand years while giving light for ten thousand ages. Wherever it is swept under ground or on a field, ten thousand rays of rosy light and a thousand auspicious streams appear. Now you have taken it back, and it has killed my husband, destroyed my sons, and taken my son-in-law and my daughter; spare my life.” Pigsy said, “I was not going to spare you.” Sun Wukong said, “There is no household without fault. I will spare you, but only on condition that you guard this pagoda forever.” The dragon-mother said, “Living a cursed life is worse than dying. Since you spare my life, command me as you will.” Sun Wukong called for an iron chain. The charioteer at once brought a length of chain and passed it through the dragon-mother’s pipa-bone. Then he ordered Sha Wujing, “Ask the king to come and see us as we settle matters at the pagoda.”

The king at once hastened to prepare his carriage, and then left court with Master Tripitaka, followed by many civil and military officials, and went to Jinguang Temple. The Monkey King ascended the pagoda, placed the relic in the center of the treasure vase atop the thirteenth storey, and bound the dragon girl to the central pillar of the tower. He intoned the true mantra, summoning the native Land God, the City God, and the temple guardians, and commanded them to send one meal of food for three days to feed this dragon girl; if there was even the slightest error, heads were to be struck off at once. All the spirits took note of this silently. The Monkey King then swept each of the thirteen levels with mugwort, placing the sweepings in the vase to warm and nurture the relic. In an instant it was mended, whole as in former days: myriad rays of rosy light, a thousand streams of auspicious air, visible in all eight directions, and all four realms looked on together. After he came down through the gate of the tower, the king said in gratitude, “Had it not been for the Buddha and the three Bodhisattvas arriving here, how could this matter have been understood?”

The Monkey King said, “Your Majesty, the phrase ‘Jinguang’ is not suitable, for it is not for long residence. Gold is a thing that flows; radiance is flashing qi. Since this humble monk has labored for you in this affair, I shall change this temple into Fulong Temple so it may endure forever.” The king immediately ordered the characters changed and hung up a new plaque reading, “Imperially Established Huguo Fulong Temple.” In one hall an imperial banquet was arranged; in another, painters were summoned to paint the four living figures in red pigments, and in Wufeng Tower the names were inscribed. The king arranged his carriage and saw Master Tripitaka and the disciples off, rewarding them with gold and jade. The disciples politely and firmly refused, accepting no gifts at all. This truly is:

Evils and monsters cut down bring all realms to stillness; the reliquary stupa returns its light and makes the earth shine.

In the end, no one yet knows what the path ahead holds. Listen now for the explanation in the next chapter.