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18 Black Water River

The Tang Monk and his disciples, traveling west to fetch the scriptures, were halted on this day by a river — the Black Water River. The water stretched more than ten li across, its dark waves rolling skyward, and no figure could be made out upon it. Bajie gestured as he spoke, "For Old Pig, crossing this river is no trouble. I can ride a cloud above it or wade through it bearing the water; I will be across before the time it takes to eat a single meal." Sandy, not to be outdone, said, "For me, Old Sandy, it is even easier. A stride upon the water, a skip on a cloud, and I will be over in a breath." The Tang Monk called from behind, "Disciples, which of you will carry me across?" Bajie answered quickly, "Hard to carry! As the saying goes, a mortal on one's back weighs as much as a hill. If I were to carry Master, I fear we would both sink to the bottom." As master and disciples were conferring, a small boat came rowing into sight on the river. The Tang Monk said joyfully, "Disciples, a boat is coming! Call it to ferry us across."

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