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35 The Prefecture of Fengxian

Wukong brought his cloud down, and the prefect came forward to greet him with a bow at every step. Wukong waved his hand and said, "Do not thank me yet. I have kept the gods of wind, rain, thunder and lightning in the sky above you; lead your people in giving thanks at once, that they may be willing to bring rain here often in days to come." The prefect hastily gathered his officials and his people, and all bowed toward the empty sky. When the gods saw this they parted the cloud and mist and revealed their true forms. When they had worshipped for a full two hours, Wukong sprang once more into the clouds and bowed to the gods, saying, "I have put you to much trouble. From this day on, I beg you to send wind every five days and rain every ten, and so save the people of this place again and again." The gods gave their promise and went their several ways. Seeing the drought ended, the Tang Monk and his disciples gathered their baggage and set out once more upon the road that leads to the scriptures. When they departed, the people of the whole prefecture followed them in tears, escorting them more than thirty li beyond the city. The officials and people of Fengxian, grateful for the kindness of Wukong and his fellows in praying down rain and saving the people, built a temple there in honour of master and disciples, and named it the Temple of Sweet Rain That Succours All. To learn what befell them next, read the following volume: The Rake Feast.

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