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26 The Lesser Thunder Monastery

Wukong mounted a cloud of blessing, rode his somersault cloud, and flew straight to Mount Wudang to seek audience with the Demon-Quelling Heavenly Venerable. Before long he saw the Immortal Realm of the Patriarch and gently descended upon his cloud. Wukong arrived outside the Palace of Supreme Harmony. Amidst auspicious light and blessed vapors he saw five hundred spirit officials gathered. They came forward to welcome him. Wukong explained his purpose, and the spirit officials at once requested the Patriarch to descend from his hall. Wukong bowed deeply and recounted how he and his fellow disciples had strayed into the Little Thunderclap Monastery, how heavenly troops from every quarter had come to their aid, and how all had been captured by the demon king's magical weapon. He concluded, "I have exhausted my means, and so I come to beg the Patriarch for assistance." The Patriarch said, "Since the Great Sage has condescended to visit, I cannot refuse to act. Yet without a decree from the Upper Realm, I dare not wage war unbidden. I will send the Turtle General, Snake General, and Five Divine Dragons to aid you. They will surely capture the demon and deliver your Master from this ordeal." Wukong thanked the Patriarch and returned with the Turtle and Snake Generals and the Five Dragon Gods, each leading elite troops, to the borders of the Western Continent. Before long they reached the Little Thunderclap Monastery and went straight to the temple gate to issue their challenge. The Yellow-Browed King heard the report, donned his armor, assembled his monsters, and marched out the gate, calling loudly, "What dragon-gods are you, that dare tread upon my fairy realm?" The Five Dragons and Two Generals announced their names and shouted, "Hand over the Tang Monk and the star-deities at once, and we will spare your life! Otherwise we will burn every monster on this mountain to ash!" The monster flew into a rage and cried, "What power have you beasts, to speak such arrogance? Taste my blow!" The five dragons summoned clouds and rain; the two generals cast dust and sand. Each wielding spear, sword, halberd, or blade, they attacked as one. Wukong brought up the rear with his iron rod — what a fierce battle it was! They fought for half a watch, when the demon undid the bag and held it ready. Wukong's heart trembled and he called, "Everyone, beware!" The dragon-gods, snake, and turtle, not understanding his meaning, each halted their weapons and pressed forward to resist. With a crash the demon tossed the bag aloft. Wukong launched his somersault cloud and escaped into the highest heavens. But the dragon-gods, turtle, and snake were all swept into the bag. Wukong descended upon his cloud and leaned dispirited against the mountaintop, full of regret and frustration. Suddenly someone called, "Great Sage, hurry and seek reinforcements! Your Master's life hangs by a thread!" Wukong sprang up and saw it was the Duty Deity of the Day. Wukong shouted, "You paltry spirit, where have you been gorging yourself on blood-offerings? You fail to report for duty, yet you come to startle me!" The Duty Deity hastily bowed and said, "We received the Bodhisattva's command long ago to protect the Tang Monk in secret — why does the Great Sage rebuke us instead?" Wukong asked, "Where are the star-deities, Guardian Gods, Kalas, and my Master and fellow disciples being held by the demon?" The Duty Deity said, "Your Master and disciples are suspended beneath the hall portico; the star-deities and the rest are imprisoned in the cellar, suffering." Hearing this, Wukong could not hold back tears. The Duty Deity comforted him, "Great Sage, take heart. I recall a body of elite troops in the Southern Continent, on Mount Xuyi. There dwells the Bodhisattva King of Teachers, the Great Sage, whose divine powers are vast. If you go and ask for his aid, he will certainly capture the demon and save your Master." Wukong's heart leaped with joy. He mounted his somersault cloud and flew straight to Mount Xuyi. Before long he arrived, crossed the Huai River, and reached the outer gate of the Great Sage Chan Temple. There he saw majestic halls, splendid corridors, and a towering precious pagoda. Wukong went straight to the inner gate. The Bodhisattva King of Teachers already knew of his coming and sent Prince Xiao Zhang out to welcome him. After exchanging greetings, Wukong explained his purpose, saying, "Your disciple has nowhere else to turn, and so I come to implore the Bodhisattva to save me from this ordeal."

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