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11 Flowing Sand River

Not far off stood a stone tablet. The three hurried over. On it were three seal-script characters: "Flowing-Sand River," and four lines of smaller text: "Eight hundred li of flowing sand, three thousand of weak water deep; a goose feather cannot float, a reed flower sinks to the bottom." As they read the inscription, the river suddenly churned and roared, and with a splash there emerged a blue-faced monster with unkempt red hair, round lamp-like eyes, skulls hanging from his neck, and a precious staff in his hand. The monster spun ashore like a whirlwind and rushed straight at the Tang Monk. Wukong hastily seized his master, carried him up the high bank, and whirled his golden-hooped rod to protect him. The monster met him staff-horizontal, and the two fought on the bank, rake against staff, until heaven and earth grew dim, stones flew and sand whirled, and the river surged in waves. Wukong watched Bajie fighting the monster and itched to join in. "Sit still and don't be afraid," he told the Tang Monk. "This old monkey will go and have a little sport." Wukong flew up to the monster and swung his iron club at his head. The monster quickly turned and barely dodged. Before Wukong could strike again, the monster dived into the river with a splash. Bajie complained, "Brother, why did you butt in? That monster was already exhausted; in another three or five rounds I would have captured him. Now you've scared him off." Wukong said, "It's been more than a month since we subdued the Yellow Wind monster and I haven't used my staff. Seeing you two fighting so briskly, I couldn't help myself. Who knew the monster had so little courage?" The Tang Monk grew worried when the monster vanished into the water. "The waters are boundless and a monster blocks the way — how can we cross?" Wukong said, "That monster is at home in the water. We'll catch him and make him ferry you across." Bajie said, "Good idea. Old Pig will watch the Master; you go and catch him." Wukong laughed. "When it comes to water, this old monkey is no match for you, Marshal Tianpeng. You must go into the water and catch him." Bajie said, "Old Pig once commanded the Heavenly River; my water skills need no boasting. I only fear that all the monster's kin may rush me at once and I won't be able to hold them off." Wukong told him not to fight too long, but only to lure the monster out of the water. Bajie approved the plan. "A good plan! I'm off!" He parted the waters, used his old tricks, leaped through the waves, and went straight to the riverbed.

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