Chapter 45

But to resume: The Great Sage Sun gave a pinch to Sha Wujing with his left hand, and a pinch to Zhu Bajie with his right hand, whereupon the two of them understood. They sat in the high place, faces solemn, without speaking a word. Though the Daoists lit lamps and torches and searched all about, the three of them were just like clay statues plated with gold. Tiger-Strength Great Immortal said, "If there are no ill-intentioned persons, how is it that all the offerings have been eaten?" Deer-Strength Great Immortal said, "It rather looks like the doing of men—those with skin have had their skin peeled off, those with pits have had their pits spat out; yet why is no human form to be seen?" Goat-Strength Great Immortal said, "Elder Brother, do not doubt. It must be that because we have been reverent and devout, reciting scriptures day and night here and presenting memorials, and moreover using the imperial title, we have surely moved the Heavenly Worthies. It must be that the sacred chariots of the Three Pure Ones have descended and have enjoyed these offerings. Taking advantage that the immortals have not yet returned and their crane carriages are still here, we may worship and make our plea to the Heavenly Worthies, earnestly begging for some Holy Water and Golden Elixir to present to His Majesty—would that not give him long life and eternal years, and also display our merit?" Tiger-Strength Great Immortal said, "Well spoken." He ordered, "Disciples, strike up music and recite scriptures. Meanwhile take the ritual vestments, and let me pace the Dipper and offer my prayers." Those junior Daoists all obeyed orders, arranging themselves in two rows. With a clang of the chime, they all chanted one scroll of the _Yellow Court Classic of the Dao and Virtue_. Tiger-Strength Great Immortal donned his ritual vestments, held his jade tablet, danced and raised dust before the altar, prostrated himself on the ground, and addressed upward: "In fear and trembling, I bow my head and take refuge. We your ministers promote the teaching, looking up to the pure void. We destroy the vulgarity of monks and revere the radiance of the Dao. By imperial command we have restored this precious hall, and the court chambers have been made by the royal hand. Widely we set out offerings, high we hang the dragon banners. Through the night we burn candles, all day we kindle incense. With single sincerity we reach above, with a jot of reverence we offer our devotion. Now we have been honored by your descent, and your immortal chariot has not yet returned. We beg you to bestow some Golden Elixir and Holy Water, to present to the court, that the sovereign may enjoy a lifespan equal to the Southern Mountain." When Bajie heard this, his heart grew uneasy, and he said silently to the Pilgrim, "This is our fault: we have eaten the things, and instead of leaving, we wait for this kind of prayer. How are we to answer?" The Pilgrim gave another pinch, then suddenly opened his mouth and called out, "You junior immortals of later generations, cease your worship and prayers. We have come from the Peach Festival and have not brought any Golden Elixir or Holy Water with us; we shall wait for another day to bestow it." When those Daoists, great and small, heard voices issuing forth, they trembled in their robes and said, "Heavens! A living Heavenly Worthy has come down to the mortal world—we must on no account let him go; at all costs we must beg for some method of long life." Deer-Strength Great Immortal stepped forward and again prostrated himself, saying: "I raise dust and bow my head, carefully preparing my sincere devotion. Your humble servant surrenders his life, prostrating himself before the Three Pure Ones. Since coming to this realm, we have promoted the Dao and removed the monks. The king rejoices in heart and honors the age of the Mysterious. We have held a Great Heavenly Mass and read scriptures through the night. We are fortunate that the Heavenly Worthies have not rejected us, but have descended their sacred chariots to this court. We humbly beg you to look upon us with favor, and we look up to your gracious bounty. We pray that you will surely leave some Holy Water, to prolong the lives of your disciples." Sha Wujing pinched the Pilgrim and said silently, "Brother, he is most insistent—he is praying again." The Pilgrim said, "Give them some." Bajie said quietly, "Where is there any to give?" The Pilgrim said, "Just keep your eyes on me. When I have some, you will all have it too." When the Daoists had finished their music and chanting, the Pilgrim spoke: "You junior immortals of later generations need not prostrate yourselves. If I were unwilling to leave some Holy Water for you, I would fear cutting off your posterity; yet if I give it to you, it is all too easy." When all the Daoists heard this, they prostrated themselves together and knocked their heads, saying, "We earnestly beg the Heavenly Worthy to consider the reverent intention of your disciples, and we implore you to graciously bestow a little. We your disciples will widely proclaim the Dao and persuade the king to honor the Mysterious Gate everywhere." The Pilgrim said, "Since that is so, bring vessels." The Daoists all knocked their heads and gave thanks. Tiger-Strength Great Immortal, being fond of ostentation, had a large vat brought and placed in the hall; Deer-Strength Great Immortal brought a earthen basin and set it on the offering table; Goat-Strength Great Immortal took the flowers out of a vase and moved it to the center. The Pilgrim said, "All of you go out before the hall, close the lattice doors, and do not leak the heavenly secret, so that I may leave you some Holy Water." All the Daoists knelt together below the red steps and closed the hall doors. Then the Pilgrim stood up, lifted his tiger-skin kilt, and let a vaseful of foul urine. When Zhu Bajie saw this, he said joyfully, "Brother, I have been your sworn brother for these years, and this is the only thing we have never done. I have just eaten some things, and now I too want to do this business." That blockhead pulled up his clothes, and with a roar like the sluice of the Lüliang Rapids opening, he noisily filled the earthen basin with urine. Sha Wujing also let half a vatful. Then they straightened their garments and sat upright above, saying, "Junior immortals, receive the Holy Water." Those Daoists pushed open the lattice, knocked their heads and gave thanks, then carried out the vat and brought the vase and basin together, saying, "Disciples, take a cup and let us taste it." The junior Daoist immediately took a tea cup and handed it to the old Daoist. The old Daoist ladled out a cupful, drank it down, and could only smack his lips and suck his teeth. Deer-Strength Great Immortal said, "Elder Brother, is it good to eat?" The old Daoist pursed his lips and said, "Not very good to eat; it has a somewhat briny flavor." Goat-Strength Great Immortal said, "Let me taste it." He too took a sip and said, "It has a smell of pig urine." The Pilgrim, sitting above, heard these words and realized they had seen through it. He said, "I will use a trick and leave my name outright." He called out loudly: "Dao-title, Dao-title, you are prone to foolish fancies. How would the Three Pure Ones ever descend to mortal haunts? I will tell you my true surname, and make it known to you: Monks of the Great Tang, by imperial order come west. On this fine night, with naught to do, we came down to your halls. We ate your offerings, and sat at ease in mirth. You bowed to us—how could we make reply? What Holy Water? What you have drunk is nothing but my urine." When the Daoists heard these words, they blocked the door and together attacked with pitchforks, brooms, tiles, and stones, pelting inward without regard for face. The splendid Pilgrim, with Sha Wujing under his left arm and Zhu Bajie under his right, burst through the door, mounted the cloud-light, and went straight back to the abbot's quarters of the Zhiyuan Monastery. Not daring to disturb his master, the three of them lay down again. It was now the fifth watch, just past the third drum. The king held court, assembling the two ranks of civil and military officials and four hundred courtiers. The crimson gauze lamps shone brightly, and fragrant clouds rose from the precious tripods. At this moment Tang Sanzang awoke and called, "Disciples, disciples, attend me to exchange the travel document." The Pilgrim, Sha Wujing, and Zhu Bajie quickly rose, put on their clothes, and stood on either side, saying, "We report to Master. This king believes in those Daoists, promoting the Dao and suppressing monks. If words go amiss, he may refuse to exchange the document. Let us escort Master and all enter court together." Tang Sanzang was greatly pleased. He put on his brocade cassock. The Pilgrim took the travel passport, bade Wujing carry the alms bowl, and Wuneng take the monastic staff. The luggage and the horse were left in the care of the monks of Zhiyuan Monastery. They went straight to the front of the Five-Phoenix Tower, saluted the gate official, announced their names, saying they were monks from the Great Tang in the East on a pilgrimage for scriptures, come to exchange their travel document, and begged him to transmit their request. The grand usher of the gate entered the court, prostrated himself at the golden steps, and reported, "Outside there are four monks, who say they are from the Great Tang in the East on a pilgrimage for scriptures, and wish to exchange their travel document. They are now before the Five-Phoenix Tower awaiting your decree." When the king heard this report, he said, "These monks have nowhere else to seek death, so they come here to seek death. Why did the patrol officers not seize them and bring them in?" The Grand Tutor, who was in attendance, stepped forward and memorialized, "The Great Tang in the East is in the Southern Jambūdvīpa Continent, and is called the Central Great Kingdom. From here it is ten thousand leagues distant, and the road is full of monsters. These monks must have some magical power to dare come west. We beg Your Majesty, considering them as far-off monks from the Central Land, to summon them, verify their passport, and let them pass. That would not lose the meaning of good affinity." The king approved the memorial, and had Tang Sanzang and the others summoned to the Golden Luan Hall. The master and disciples arranged themselves before the steps, holding out the travel document to the king. The king unfolded the document and was about to look at it when the Yellow Gate Officer again announced: "The three state preceptors have arrived." Flustered, the king put away the customs clearance, hastily descended from his dragon throne, ordered his attendants to set up embroidered cushions, and bowed to welcome them. Tripiṭaka and the others turned their heads to look, and saw that great immortal swaggering in, followed by a pair of young boys with double topknots and disheveled hair, walking straight inside. The two rows of officials bent their backs and bowed, not daring to look up. He ascended the Golden Chime Hall and made no obeisance at all to the king. The king said, "State Preceptor, I did not send for you; why have you deigned to come today?" The old Daoist said, "I have something to tell you, and that is why I am here. From which country do those four monks come?" The king said, "They were sent by the Great Tang of the East to fetch scriptures from the Western Heaven, and have come here to exchange their customs clearance." The three Daoists clapped their hands and laughed loudly, saying, "I said they had fled, but they are still here." The king, startled, said, "State Preceptor, what do you mean? They have just reported their names, and I was about to have them delivered to the state preceptor for use, but the Chief Minister who attended the throne made a reasonable plea. Because I considered their distant coming and did not wish to quash the good affinity from the Central Kingdom, I just summoned them to verify their credentials. I did not expect the state preceptor to ask about them. Could it be that they have offended you and done something to displease you?" The Daoist smiled and said, "Your Majesty does not know. They arrived yesterday, killed two of my disciples outside the East Gate, released five hundred imprisoned monks, and smashed the carts; at night they broke into the monastery, destroyed the sacred images of the Three Pure Ones, and stole the imperial offerings. We were deceived by them, thinking it was the Heavenly Venerables descending, and sought some holy water and golden elixir to present to Your Majesty, hoping to prolong life and achieve immortality. But they left behind some urine and fooled us. Each of us took a sip, tasted it, and were about to seize them when they fled. Today they are still here—truly, 'enemies' paths are narrow.'" When the king heard this, he grew angry and wished to execute the four. The Great Sage Sun pressed his palms together and spoke, crying out in a stern voice, "Your Majesty, please restrain your thunderous anger and allow us monks to state our case." The king said, "You have offended the state preceptor. How could the state preceptor's words be wrong?" Pilgrim said, "He says I killed his two disciples outside the city yesterday—who bears witness? We may reluctantly admit to that, and let two monks pay with their lives, while releasing the other two to go fetch the scriptures. He also says I smashed the carts and released the imprisoned monks—this likewise has no witness, and surely does not deserve death; let one more monk take the blame. He also says I destroyed the Three Pure Ones and caused havoc in the monastery—this is another frame-up against me." The king said, "How is it a frame-up?" Pilgrim said, "I am a monk from the land of the East, newly arrived here; I do not even know the streets, so how could I know what happened in his monastery at night? If we left urine behind, we should have been caught on the spot, yet now, so late, they name us for harm. There are countless people in the world who assume false names—how can you say it was me? I beg Your Majesty to turn aside from anger and investigate carefully." The king was muddled to begin with, and after Pilgrim’s explanation, he could not decide. While he was still in doubt, the Yellow Gate Officer again announced, "Your Majesty, many village elders outside request an audience." The king said, "What business do they have?" He ordered them summoned. When they were brought before the hall, there were thirty or forty village elders, who kowtowed and said, "Long live Your Majesty. This spring there has been no rain at all; we fear summer drought, and have therefore come to beg that one of the state preceptor immortals pray for sweet rain to relieve the common people." The king said, "Elders, withdraw for now; rain will come soon." The elders thanked him and withdrew. The king said, "Monks of the Tang court, why do I honor Daoism and suppress Buddhism? It is because in past years when we prayed for rain, our monks never obtained a single drop; fortunately heaven sent the state preceptors to rescue us from misery. You have come from afar and offended the state preceptors; you should be sentenced immediately, but I will for now pardon you. Dare you compete with my state preceptors in praying for rain? If you can obtain a sweet rain to succor the myriad people, I will remit your crimes, exchange your customs clearance, and let you go west. If you cannot compete and there is no rain, I will have you taken to the execution ground and put to death as an example to all." Pilgrim laughed and said, "Your little monk does know a bit about praying." When the king heard this, he ordered the altar grounds swept and prepared. On one side he commanded, "Prepare the royal carriage; I shall personally ascend the Five Phoenix Tower to watch." At once the many officials arranged the carriage, and in a short while he ascended and took his seat. Tripiṭaka Tang, following Pilgrim, Sha Monk, and Eight Rules, stood in attendance below the tower. The three Daoists accompanied the king, sitting on the tower. Before long, an official rode in on horseback to report: "All preparations for the altar are complete; we invite the state preceptor immortals to ascend the altar." The Tiger Strength Great Immortal rose slightly, made a bow, took leave of the king, and went straight down from the tower. Pilgrim stepped forward and blocked his way, saying, "Where are you going, Master?" The Great Immortal said, "To ascend the altar and pray for rain." Pilgrim said, "You think too highly of yourself, not giving way to this monk from a distant land. Very well—as they say, 'A strong dragon cannot suppress a local snake.' Master, go first, but you must make it clear before the sovereign." The Great Immortal said, "Make what clear?" Pilgrim said, "If both of us ascend the altar to pray for rain, how will we know whether the rain is yours or mine? We will not know whose achievement it is." The king, hearing this above, secretly rejoiced and thought, "This little monk’s words have some logic." Sha Monk, hearing this, laughed inwardly and thought, "They don’t know that a bellyful of logic hasn’t even been brought out yet." The Great Immortal said, "No need to say more—His Majesty naturally knows." Pilgrim said, "Although he knows, I am a monk from afar and have not met you before. If we then mix things up, it will not be proper. We must clarify things before proceeding." The Great Immortal said, "Once I ascend the altar, I will use my command token as a signal: at the first sound of the token, wind comes; at the second, clouds rise; at the third, thunder and lightning both sound; at the fourth, rain arrives; at the fifth, the clouds disperse and the rain stops." Pilgrim laughed and said, "Wonderful! We monks have never seen this. Please, please." The Great Immortal strode forward, and Tripiṭaka and the others followed, arriving at the gate of the altar. Looking up, they saw a high platform, about three zhang tall. On the left and right of the platform were planted banners with the names of the Twenty-Eight Constellations. At the top was placed a table, on which was an incense burner with curling smoke. On both sides were two candlesticks with blazing flames. Beside the burner leaned a gold tablet engraved with the names of the Thunder Gods. Below were five large vats, each filled with clear water, on which floated willow branches, and on each willow branch rested an iron tablet inscribed with the talismanic characters of the Thunder Department. On the left and right were five large stakes, inscribed with the names of the Five Direction Barbarian Thunder Envoys. Beside each stake stood two Daoists, each holding iron hammers, waiting to strike the stakes. Behind the platform were many Daoists writing documents. In the center was set up a paper furnace, along with several effigies of the talisman-holding envoys and the earth spirits and exhorting deities. The Great Immortal walked in without any modesty and went straight up to the high platform, where he stood still. Beside him, a young Daoist presented several talismanic characters written on yellow paper and a treasured sword. The Great Immortal took the sword, recited an incantation, and burned one talisman over the candle flame. The two or three Daoists below took an effigy of the talisman-holder and a document, and also set them afire. Then, with a *ping* sound from above, the command token struck—and they saw a leisurely wind rising in midair. Zhu Eight Rules muttered, "Bad, bad, this Daoist truly has skill. As soon as the token sounded, the wind indeed came." Pilgrim said, "Brother, keep quiet. None of you speak to me anymore; just guard the master well while I go about my business." Great Sage, the Great Sage, plucked out a single hair, blew on it with a breath of immortal air, and cried, "Change!" It at once became a false Pilgrim, standing beside Tang Monk. His true body, having left his primal spirit, hurried up into midair and called out loudly, "Which of you is in charge of the wind?" The Wind-Mother was so startled that she clutched her bag, and the Earl of Wind tied up the mouth-rope, then came forward to pay their respects. Pilgrim said, "I am escorting the holy monk of Tang to fetch scriptures from the Western Heaven, and we are passing through the Cart Slow Kingdom, where I am competing with those demonic Daoists in a rain-making wager. Why did you not help old Sun but instead aided those Daoists? I shall spare you this once — withdraw the wind at once. If even the faintest breeze stirs a single hair on those Daoists' beards, each of you shall receive twenty blows of my iron staff." The Wind-Mother said, "We dare not, we dare not." Thereupon not a breath of wind arose. Unable to contain himself, Bajie shouted, "You gentlemen, pray step down. The token has already sounded — why is there not a single trace of wind? Come down, and let us go up." That Daoist once more took up the token, burned the talisman, and with a thud struck it again. At once the sky was covered over with clouds and mist. Great Sage Sun again came to the fore and called out, "Which of you is in charge of cloud-making?" The Cloud-Pushing Lad and the Mist-Spreading Lord were so alarmed that they came forward and paid their respects. Pilgrim then related the whole matter once more. The Cloud-Lad and Mist-Spirit thereupon withdrew the clouds and mist, releasing the blazing sun to shine brilliantly, with not a cloud for ten thousand li across the sky. Bajie laughed and said, "This fellow is good only for fooling the emperor and deluding the common people — he has no real ability whatsoever. The token has sounded twice, so why still no clouds?" The Daoist grew vexed in his heart. Leaning on his precious sword, he let down his hair, chanted incantations, burned talismans, and once more struck the token downward. Then, from within the Southern Heavenly Gate, Lord Deng of Heaven led the Thunder Duke and the Lightning Mother into the sky, where they encountered Pilgrim and saluted him. Pilgrim again related the foregoing matter and said, "Why have you come so earnestly? By whose decree?" The Heavenly Lord said, "That Daoist's Five-Thunder Method is genuine. He issued a document and burned a talisman, which alarmed the Jade Emperor, who cast down his decree directly to the mansion of the Heavenly Lord of Universal Response and Thunderous Sound, the Nine Heavens. We received the decree and came here to assist in producing thunder and lightning for the rain." Pilgrim said, "Since that is so, all of you stop and wait for old Sun to act." Sure enough, the thunder did not rumble, nor did the lightning flash. The Daoist grew ever more frantic. He added more incense, burned talismans, chanted incantations, and struck the token again. In midair, the four Dragon Kings of the Four Seas all arrived together. Pilgrim blocked their way and shouted, "Ao Guang, where are you going?" Ao Guang, Ao Shun, Ao Qin, and Ao Run came forward and saluted. Pilgrim again related the whole matter and said, "I troubled you before, but the task was not completed. For today's business, I look to you for assistance." The Dragon Kings said, "We obey, we obey." Pilgrim also thanked Ao Shun, saying, "The other day, thanks to your son, we captured that monster and rescued my master." The Dragon King said, "That wretch is still chained in the sea; I dared not act presumptuously without your leave, and was just about to invite the Great Sage to dispose of him." Pilgrim said, "Deal with him as you see fit. But for now, lend me your aid in this task. The Daoist has finished striking his token four times, so it is now old Sun's turn to go up and do the work. However, I do not know how to issue documents, burn talismans, or strike tokens. All of you must help me carry this out." Lord Deng of Heaven said, "If the Great Sage commands, who dares to disobey? But we must have some signal before we can follow your orders; otherwise, if the thunder and rain are disordered, it will make the Great Sage appear remiss." Pilgrim said, "I shall use my staff as the signal." The Thunder Duke was greatly alarmed and said, "Grandfather! How could we endure such a staff?" Pilgrim said, "I am not going to strike you. But when you see this staff point upward once, there must be wind." The Wind-Mother and the Earl of Wind replied without hesitation, "We shall release the wind." "When the staff points a second time, clouds must be spread." The Cloud-Pushing Lad and the Mist-Spreading Lord said, "We shall spread clouds, we shall spread clouds." "When the staff points a third time, thunder must roll and lightning flash." The Thunder Duke and Lightning Mother said, "We shall comply, we shall comply." "When the staff points a fourth time, rain must fall." The Dragon Kings said, "We obey, we obey." "When the staff points a fifth time, the bright sun must come out in a clear sky. Do not fail or delay." Having given these instructions, he then descended from the clouds, shook his hair, and reattached it to his body. Those mortals with ordinary eyes and fleshly bodies — how could they know? Pilgrim then called out loudly from the side, "If you please, sir. The token has now sounded four times, yet there is no wind, no clouds, no thunder, no rain. It is time to yield the platform to me." The Daoist, helpless and not daring to remain any longer, descended the platform and let him take his place. Pouting, he went straight up the tower to see the king. Pilgrim said, "Let me follow him and see what he has to say." All that was heard was the king asking, "We have been listening with utmost reverence. Your token sounded four times, yet we saw no wind or rain — why?" The Daoist said, "Today the Dragon Gods are all away from home." Pilgrim cried out sharply, "Your Majesty, the Dragon Gods are all at home. It is merely that this National Master's arts are ineffectual, and he could not summon them. Let the monk summon them, and you shall see." The king said, "Go at once to the altar platform; We shall remain here to await the rain." Having received the decree, Pilgrim hurried to the altar, took Tang Monk by the arm, and said, "Master, please ascend the platform." Tang Monk said, "Disciple, I do not know how to pray for rain." Bajie laughed and said, "He is doing you harm. If no rain comes, they will pile up brushwood and make a clean end of you with fire." Pilgrim said, "If you do not know how to pray for rain, you at least know how to recite sutras. Let me assist you." The elder then stepped up to the platform, sat down properly at the top, composed his mind and returned to his spirit, and silently recited the Heart Sutra. As he sat there, an official suddenly galloped up on horseback and asked, "Monk, why do you not strike the token or burn the talisman?" Pilgrim answered loudly, "No need, no need. Ours is a quiet cultivation of prayer." The official rode back to report, and we shall say no more of that. When Pilgrim heard that the old master had finished reciting the sutra, he then took the iron staff from his ear, shook it in the wind, and it became twelve feet long and as thick as a bowl. He pointed the staff once into the sky. When the Wind-Mother saw this, she hastily opened her leather bag, and the Earl of Wind untied the mouth-rope. At once there was a howling of wind, and throughout the city tiles were torn up and bricks overturned, sand and stones sent flying. Indeed it was a mighty wind, unlike any ordinary breeze. One could see: It broke the willows and wounded the flowers, Toppled forests and uprooted trees. In the nine-tiered palace, walls crumbled and ramparts collapsed; On the Five-Phoenix Tower, beams groaned and pillars quaked. The red sun in the sky lost its light, The yellow sand on the earth grew wings. Before the Drill Hall, the generals were terrified; Within the Literary Assembly Hall, the civil officials quaked. The palace beauties' black tresses flew in disarray; The harem ladies' jeweled coiffures came undone. The silk tassels fell from the nobles' golden caps, The spread wings of the prime ministers' black gauze hats fluttered. Those attending the emperor dared not speak; The yellow-robed gatekeepers held their documents but could not present them. Goldfish and jade belts no longer kept their ranks, Ivory tablets and silk robes had no order. The painted pavilions and emerald screens were all damaged; The green windows and vermilion doors were all in ruin. Tiles flew and bricks ran from the Golden Luan Hall; In the Brocade Cloud Hall, doors were crooked and lattices broken. This blast of wild wind was truly fierce, Blowing so that the king and his son could hardly meet; In the six streets and three markets, no trace of people remained, And the myriad doors and thousand gates were all shut tight. Such was the mighty gale that arose. Sun Pilgrim once more displayed his divine powers, twirled the Golden-Banded Cudgel, and pointed it again into the sky. Then: The Cloud-Pushing Lad and the Mist-Spreading Lord — The Cloud-Pushing Lad displayed his divine might, Rolling and tumbling, touching the rocks and brushing the sky; The Mist-Spreading Lord exerted his magic power, Thick and heavy, spreading smoke to cover the earth. Boundless, the three markets dimmed; Slowly, the six streets grew dark. Following the wind, they came from the sea; With the rain, they issued from Mount Kunlun. In an instant they covered heaven and earth; In a moment they veiled the world of dust. All was as in chaos primeval; The Phoenix Tower gate could no longer be seen. At this time, the dusk mist was hazy, and the thick clouds were overcast. Sun Pilgrim once more twirled his Golden-Banded Cudgel and pointed it again into the sky. This alarmed: Lord Thunder grew angry, and Mother Lightning became enraged. Lord Thunder grew angry—he rode backwards on his fiery beast down from the heavenly pass; Mother Lightning became enraged—she wildly brandished golden serpents and left the Dipper Palace. With a crashing roar the thunderbolt struck, shattering the Iron Fork Mountain; with a pattering flash the red silk ribbons flew out of the Eastern Ocean. Rumbling and rumbling, rolling like chariot wheels; blazing and blazing, floating like tossed rice. The spirit of myriad sprouts and creatures all changed; countless insects, long dormant, now opened their eyes. In the palace, the sovereign and his ministers were terrified; merchants and traders, hearing the sound, fled in fear. The thunder roared and the lightning flashed, bang-bang-boom-boom, as if the very earth were splitting and mountains crumbling. The whole city was so frightened that every household burned incense and every home offered paper money. Sun Wukong called out loudly: "Old Deng, take careful note for me—strike down a few corrupt officials and unfilial sons as a warning to all!" The thunder crashed even more violently. Sun Wukong then pointed his iron staff upward once more. There appeared: The Dragon gave the command, And rain flooded heaven and earth. Its force was as though the Milky Way poured from the sky's rampart, Its swiftness like clouds streaming past the sea-gate. From the rooftops came dripping sounds, Beyond the windows a pattering roar. The celestial river poured down from above, White waves surged in the streets below. Gushing like water from a vat, Rolling like slops from a basin. Lone hamlets were nearly flooded, Wild shores were about to bridge the river. Truly, mulberry fields turned into blue seas, And in an instant, the land was swept by rolling waves. The divine dragons came to render aid, Lifting the Long River to pour it down below. This rain began at the hour of Chen (7-9 a.m.) and lasted until about noon; it flooded the streets both inside and outside the City of Chechi. The king issued an order: "Enough rain, enough rain! If there is too much more, it will damage the young crops and that would not be good." The attendant at the Wufeng Tower rode a horse through the rain to report: "Holy monk, there is enough rain." When Sun Wukong heard this, he pointed his golden-banded staff upward once more. In an instant, the thunder ceased, the wind died down, the rain scattered, and the clouds withdrew. The king was overjoyed, and all the civil and military officials praised him, saying: "What a fine monk! Truly, 'beyond the strong, there is always one stronger.' Although our state preceptor is efficacious in calling rain, if he wanted it to clear, it would still drizzle for half a day before becoming fine. But this monk—when he wants clear weather, it clears at once; in an instant the bright sun emerges, and for ten thousand li there is not a cloud!" The king ordered the return of the imperial carriage and the exchange of the travel pass, to send Tang Sanzang on his way. Just as he was about to affix the imperial seal, the three Daoists stepped forward and stopped him: "Your Majesty, this rain is not at all the work of the monk—it is still the power of our Daoist sect." The king said: "You just said that the Dragon King was not at home and there would be no rain; then he went up and with quiet cultivation prayed, and the rain came down. Why do you now dispute his merit?" Tiger Strength Great Immortal said: "I went up to the altar, sent out the documents, burned the talismanic summons, and struck the command token—how would the Dragon King dare not come? I suppose the Wind, Cloud, Thunder, and Rain offices were all away on other summons, but upon hearing my command they rushed over. Just then, he happened to take my place below while I descended, and the opportunity came together, and so it rained. Tracing it back from the root, it was still I who summoned the dragons and caused the rain—how can it be counted as his achievement?" The king, muddled, heard this and became uncertain again. Sun Wukong stepped forward, pressed his palms together, and addressed the king: "Your Majesty, these heterodox arts amount to no true achievement, and it cannot be counted as mine or his. Right now, the Four Dragon Kings of the Four Seas are in the air above; I, the monk, have not yet dismissed them, so they dare not leave hastily. If the state preceptor can call the dragons to appear, then that shall be counted as his merit." The king was greatly pleased and said: "In my twenty-three years as emperor, I have never seen a living dragon with my own eyes. You two sides should each display your powers—whether monk or Daoist, whoever can summon them shall have merit; whoever cannot shall be held guilty." How could those Daoists have such ability? When they called, the Dragon Kings, seeing the Great Sage present, dared not show themselves. The Daoists said: "We cannot do it—you call them." The Great Sage raised his face to the sky and cried out sharply: "Ao Guang, where are you? Brothers, all of you appear in your true forms and come!" The Dragon Kings, hearing the summons, immediately appeared in their own bodies—four dragons. In midair, passing through mist and threading clouds, they flew in dance toward the Golden Bells Hall. There could be seen: Soaring in transformations, Coiling in mist and cloud. Jade claws hung like white hooks, Silver scales shimmered like bright mirrors. Whiskers drifted like white silk, each one crisp; Horns rose majestically, each one clear. Brows like beetling crags, round eyes flashing bright. Hidden or revealed, none could fathom them; Soaring and wheeling, beyond all praise. When rain was prayed for, they brought rain at once; When clear weather was sought, the sky cleared straightaway. These were true dragon forms—spiritual and sacred, Auspicious and brilliant, circling the palace court. The king burned incense in the hall, and all the ministers bowed in the courtyard. The king said: "We thank you for the trouble of your noble descent. Please return, and We will offer sacrifices of thanks another day." Sun Wukong said: "All you deities, return to your places; the king will offer thanks another day." The Dragon Kings returned to the sea, and all the deities went back to heaven. Thus it was: Vast and boundless, the true wondrous Dharma; The utmost truth, cleaving the heterodox paths. If you do not know how the evil was subdued, listen to the next chapter for its explanation.