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12 The Ginseng Fruit

Everyone followed Guanyin to the ginseng garden, where they saw the ginseng-fruit tree lying on the ground, roots exposed, leaves fallen, and branches withered. The Bodhisattva called Wukong, dipped her willow branch in the vase to draw out sweet dew, and drew a life-restoring talisman in Wukong's palm, telling him to place it beneath the tree's roots. Wukong clenched his fist and poured it at the roots; instantly a clear spring gushed forth. The Bodhisattva said, "This spring water is harmed by vessels of the five elements; a jade ladle must be used." The young Taoists brought jade tea cups and wine cups, scooped the clear spring from the roots, and presented it to the Bodhisattva. After Wukong, Bajie, and Sandy set the tree upright, the Bodhisattva recited a true spell and sprinkled the clear water on the tree with her willow branch. The ginseng-fruit tree immediately turned green with fresh branches and leaves, and even the fruits that had burrowed into the earth returned to the tree. The Great Immortal Zhenyuan was overjoyed to see the ginseng-fruit tree restored to life. He ordered the boys to take the gold mallet and knock down ten fruits for a ginseng-fruit feast. The Bodhisattva, the Three Stars, and Zhenyuan each ate one; the Tang Monk, now knowing it was an immortal treasure, ate one with his disciples; and the immortals of the temple shared one. After seeing off the Bodhisattva and the Three Stars, the Great Immortal Zhenyuan prepared a banquet and swore brotherhood with Wukong. The four travelers rested one night. The next day they resolved to take their leave, but Zhenyuanzi and Wukong had become close and he was reluctant to let them go. They stayed another five or six days before leaving the temple and continuing west.

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