Home > Journey to the West > 09-old-gaos-village

09 Old Gao's Village

Once his true shape was out, the demon husband made no more secret of it, coming and going on cloud and wind, raising sand and flying stones. The whole neighbourhood was left in turmoil; those who heard of it turned pale; every household shut its doors, and neither fowl nor dog had any peace. Squire Gao, ashamed to have taken a demon for a son-in-law, proposed to end the marriage. The demon flew into a rage, drove his father-in-law out by force, and shut Cuilan up in the house at the back. For half a year no one in the family had seen her, and whether she was alive or dead they did not know. At his wit's end, the squire sent Gao Cai out to fetch an exorcist to subdue him — but that worthless fellow took one look at the demon and fainted clean away, and the demon mocked him roundly for it. The exorcist was sent packing, and a monk who claimed he could catch demons was brought in instead. This monk had some small power, but he was routed and fled after only a few rounds. Three times and four times it went on, and the demon grew ever more insolent. Having heard Squire Gao out, Wukong said, "This demon is no utterly wicked and murderous creature. Set your mind at rest — tonight I will take him and bring your daughter out." "If you can take him," said the squire joyfully, "then root him out entirely, I beg you." Wukong promised readily. The squire had a vegetarian meal set out. When they had eaten he asked, "What weapon will the young master use, and how many helpers will you bring?" "I have my own weapon," said Wukong, and took from his ear an embroidery needle. "The demon is a terrible one," said the squire. "What use is a needle?" Wukong rolled the needle between his fingers and shook it in the wind, and it became an iron rod as thick as a bowl. "How does that compare with the weapons in your house?" he asked. The squire gaped, speechless. "Will you need men to help?" asked the squire. "Only ask a few old and worthy men to sit and talk with my master," said Wukong. "To catch this demon, I am enough on my own." When night fell the squire and Gao Cai led Wukong to the house at the back, where a great lock hung across the door. Wukong told the squire to bring the key and open it. "If a key would serve," said the squire, "why should I have sent for you?" "You old man," said Wukong with a laugh, "you are old in years but you have no ear for a jest. I was only teasing, and you take me in earnest!" He stepped forward, thrust with the iron rod, and the doors flew open at the sound. Inside all was black and silent. "Call your daughter," said Wukong, "and see whether she is within." Squire Gao plucked up his courage and called out several times. Cuilan heard her father's voice, answered and came out, and father and daughter clung together weeping. "Do not weep yet," said Wukong. "Tell me: where is that demon husband of yours?" "He knows my father is looking for an exorcist to destroy him, and so he is on his guard. He comes at dusk and goes at dawn, wrapped in cloud and mist. Truly I do not know where he has gone." "Take your daughter to the front and talk at your leisure," Wukong said to Squire Gao. "Old Sun will wait here for him. If he does not come, you must not blame me. But if he does come, I will root him out for you, stem and branch."

 3/8   Home Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next Last