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13 White Tiger Ridge

Wukong flew out and told Bajie what he had seen. Bajie said, "Brother, this monster is formidable; what can we do?" Wukong smiled. "Don't be afraid; I'll lure him out, and we'll fight him outside the cave." Wukong cursed outside the cave. The Yellow-Robed Monster flew into a rage and came out with his blade. Wukong met him with his club, and the two fought dozens of rounds without a winner. Bajie saw Wukong fighting the monster and raised his rake to help. The Yellow-Robed Monster could not withstand the two of them; he feinted with his blade and fled back into the cave. Wukong pursued into the cave and rescued the Tang Monk and Sandy. The Tang Monk saw Wukong, both glad and ashamed. "Wukong, Master wronged you." Wukong said, "Master, there's no time to lose; let's go quickly." The four left the Moon-Wave Cave and continued westward. Wukong still felt wronged, but seeing his master admit his mistake, he did not mention it again and carefully protected him all the way. After walking a few days, they reached the Baoxiang Kingdom. The Tang Monk presented his passport to the court to have it stamped. The king, seeing the eminent monk from the east, treated him with great respect. The king held a banquet for the Tang Monk and asked about his westward journey. The Tang Monk told of passing the Moon-Wave Cave and rescuing the princess. The king was overjoyed and ordered the princess brought to the hall. Princess Hundred-Flower Shame entered the hall and spoke of her thirteen years of separation. The king and queen embraced her and wept. The king thanked the Tang Monk and his disciples and rewarded them generously. The travelers stayed in the Baoxiang Kingdom for a few days, then took leave of the king and continued westward. Wukong warned his master not to trust strangers easily in the future. They traveled west through autumn turning to winter and spring to summer. One day they saw a high mountain with a perilous aspect and dark clouds covering it. Wukong said, "Master, this mountain has a heavy demonic aura; everyone must be careful." The Tang Monk said, "With you here, what do I fear?" Wukong smiled. "Master, don't be careless; demons have many tricks and are hard to guard against." As they spoke, an old Taoist came out of a mountain hollow, whisking his fly-whisk and saying, "Elder Tang, this poor Taoist greets you." Wukong's fiery eyes had already seen through him as a demon. Before the old Taoist could approach, Wukong raised his club and struck. The Taoist hastily dodged, revealing his true form: a small demon under the command of the Golden-Horned King, sent to scout. Wukong killed him with one blow. The Tang Monk sighed, "Wukong, why do you kill again?" Wukong said, "Master, this was clearly a demon; if not eliminated, there would be endless trouble." The four then cautiously ascended the mountain. They had not gone far when they came to a cave dwelling with a tablet reading "Lotus Cave." Wukong said, "Master, this is the demons' lair; let this old monkey go in first."

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