After escaping the Yellow Wind Ridge , the three pilgrims—Tang Sanzang, Sun Wukong, and Zhu Bajie—traveled for several days, finally leaving the eight-hundred-mile expanse of wind-scoured peaks behind. Ahead, the land stretched flat and open. Time passed swiftly, turning summer into autumn. Along the road, cicadas chirped mournfully among withered willows, and the setting sun cast long shadows westward. As they walked, they suddenly saw a great river before them, its waves surging and churning with terrifying force.
Tang Sanzang, reining in his horse from atop his saddle, called out urgently, "Disciples, look at that river ahead—so wide, with no boat in sight! How shall we cross?"
Zhu Bajie squinted and said, "Indeed, the waves are fierce. There's no vessel to ferry us."
Sun Wukong leaped into the air, shading his eyes with his hand as he surveyed the scene. He too frowned and said, "Master, this is a true trial! A true trial! If I were to cross this river, it would take no more than a twist of my waist. But you, Master, are a mortal man—this is a thousand times harder, ten thousand times more difficult."
Tang Sanzang asked, "I cannot see the far bank. How wide is this river?"
Sun Wukong replied, "As the crow flies, it must be eight hundred miles ."
Zhu Bajie asked, "Brother, how can you be so certain of the distance?"
Sun Wukong said, "I won't hide it from you. These eyes of mine can see a thousand miles in broad daylight. From up there just now, I could tell that the river stretches endlessly upstream and downstream, but its width is certainly eight hundred miles."
The elder sighed deeply, his face clouded with worry. He turned his horse's head and suddenly noticed a stone stele on the bank. The three of them went over to examine it. On the stele were three seal-script characters : " Flowing Sands River " (Liu Sha He). On the front of the stele were four lines of smaller text:
Eight hundred miles of Flowing Sands' domain,Three thousand fathoms of Ruo water 's depth.No goose feather can float upon its surface;A reed flower sinks to the bottom without a trace.
As the master and his disciples were reading the inscription, they heard a sound from the river—waves rose like mountains, churning like ridges. With a great splash, a demon burst forth from the middle of the river, hideous in appearance:
His hair was a tangled mess of red flames,His two round eyes shone like lanterns bright.His face was neither black nor blue but indigo,His voice like thunder or a drum, an ancient dragon's might.He wore a cloak of yellow goose-down,And a belt of white rattan wound twice around his waist.Nine skulls hung from his neck on a string;In his hand he held a jeweled staff of fearsome grace.
The demon summoned a whirlwind and charged onto the bank, lunging straight at Tang Sanzang. Sun Wukong quickly grabbed his master and pulled him up onto a high bank, dodging the attack. Zhu Bajie set down the luggage, drew his nine-pronged rake , and struck at the demon. The demon blocked with his jeweled staff, and the two of them began a fierce battle on the banks of the Flowing Sands River, each displaying their full prowess. This was a truly violent clash:
The nine-pronged rake and the demon-subduing staff—Two foes clashed on the river's bank.The first was the Grand Marshal of the Heaven ly River ,The second was the exiled Curtain-Raising General .In former days they had met in the Hall of Miraculous Mist;Now they fought with savage might. The rake struck like a dragon testing its claws;The staff parried like an elephant grinding its tusks.They spread their stances wide, charging into the wind.One struck without aim at head and face;The other struck without pause, never missing a blow.One was a man-eating fiend who long ruled the Flowing Sands;The other was a monk who cultivated the Buddha's law .
They fought back and forth for twenty rounds, neither gaining the upper hand.
Sun Wukong, guarding Tang Sanzang and holding the horse while watching over the luggage, saw that Zhu Bajie and the demon were locked in an even struggle. He ground his teeth in frustration and clenched his fists, unable to restrain himself. He drew his Golden-Hooped Rod and said, "Master, sit still and don't be afraid. Let me go have some fun with him." The master tried to stop him, but it was too late. Sun Wukong let out a whistle and leaped down to the riverbank.
At that moment, the demon and Zhu Bajie were locked in fierce combat, evenly matched. Sun Wukong raised his Golden-Hooped Rod and struck at the demon's head. The demon twisted aside and, in one swift motion, plunged back into the Flowing Sands River, disappearing from sight. Zhu Bajie stamped his feet in rage: "Brother! Who asked you to come! That demon was already on the verge of defeat. In another three or five rounds, I'd have caught him! He saw you were too strong and fled. What do we do now!"
Sun Wukong laughed and said, "Brother, I won't lie to you—since we subdued the Yellow Wind Monster, I haven't swung my staff in a month. Seeing the two of you fighting so fiercely made my feet itch, so I jumped in. I didn't expect the demon to be so easily frightened and run off."
The two of them returned to see Tang Sanzang, hand in hand, chatting and laughing. Tang Sanzang asked, "Did you catch the demon?"
Sun Wukong said, "He couldn't match us, so he dove into the water and fled."
Tang Sanzang said, "Disciples, that demon has lived here for a long time. He must know the depths of this river. This is a vast expanse of Ruo water, with no boat to be found. We need someone who understands the water to guide us."
Sun Wukong said, "Well said! As the saying goes, 'He who stays near ink gets stained black; he who stays near vermillion gets red.' That demon lives here, so he must know the water's ways. If we capture him, we shouldn't kill him—let him escort Master across the river first."
Zhu Bajie said, "Brother, don't hesitate. You go catch him while I watch Master."
Sun Wukong laughed and said, "Brother, I can't boast about this. I'm not very skilled in water work. If I go in empty-handed, I'd have to chant the Water-Avoiding Spell ; otherwise, I'd have to transform into a fish, shrimp, crab, or turtle. For other tasks—whether on high mountains or in the clouds—I can handle the strangest things. But when it comes to water, I'm not the expert."
Zhu Bajie said, "When I was in Heaven as Marshal Tianpeng , I commanded eighty thousand water soldiers, so I know a thing or two about water. But I'm worried that the demon might have relatives, old friends, or a whole den of allies in the water. If I can't beat them all, what if they catch me?"
Sun Wukong said, "When you fight him in the water, don't get stuck in a prolonged battle. Deliberately lose—don't win—and lure him to the shore. I'll help you there."
Zhu Bajie said, "Well said! I'm off!"
With that, Zhu Bajie took off his blue brocade robe and shoes, gripped his rake with both hands, and parted the waters. Using the skills he had honed as a water marshal in his former life, he dove into the river, leaping over waves and churning the currents as he made his way to the riverbed.
Meanwhile, the demon had retreated to his cave after his defeat. As he caught his breath, he heard someone pushing through the water. He quickly rose and saw Zhu Bajie approaching with his rake raised. The demon lifted his jeweled staff to block the way and shouted, "Monk! Where do you think you're going? Taste my staff!"
Zhu Bajie blocked with his rake and said, "What kind of demon are you, daring to block our path?"
The demon said, "You don't recognize me? I'm no ordinary goblin or fiend. I have a name and a history."
Zhu Bajie said, "If you're not a demon, why do you harm people here? Tell me your name, and I might spare your life."
The demon said, "Since childhood, my spirit has been strong; I roamed across heaven and earth for ten thousand miles. My heroic name spread throughout the world; I was a model among the bold. I traveled freely through all nations and continents, crossing the five lakes and four seas. All because I sought the Dao, wandering to the ends of the earth, searching for a master to teach me the way. I always kept my robes and bowl close; my mind and heart were never at rest. I roamed the land dozens of times, journeying here and there over a hundred journeys. Thus I met a true immortal, who opened the great path of golden light. First, I collected the 'Infant' and the 'Maid'; then I released the 'Wood Mother' and the 'Metal Father.' The kidney water entered the Flowery Pool; the liver fire entered the heart. After three thousand merits, I bowed before the Heavenly Court, and the Jade Emperor promoted me. He personally appointed me as the Curtain-Raising General. I was honored in the Southern Heavenly Gate; I was esteemed before the Hall of Miraculous Mist. A tiger-head plaque hung at my waist; in my hand, I held the Demon-Subduing Staff.
"My golden helmet shone like sunlight; my armor gleamed with radiant clouds. I led the vanguard in escorting the imperial carriage; I attended the court and stood above all others. But when the Queen Mother held the Peach Banquet and invited all the generals to the Jasper Pool, I accidentally broke a jade glass, and the heavenly spirits were terrified. The Jade Emperor grew furious and ordered the Left Minister to strip me of my official hat and armor, remove my rank, and send me to the execution grounds. Thanks to the Barefoot Immortal, who stepped out of rank and pleaded for my life, I was spared from death. Instead of execution, I was banished to the eastern shore of the Flowing Sands River. When full, I sleep in these mountains; when hungry, I stir the waves in search of food. Woodcutters who meet me lose their lives; fishermen who see me perish. I have devoured many people, again and again causing harm. And now you dare to come to my door with murderous intent? Today, my belly shall be satisfied! Don't say my flesh is coarse and unfit to eat—I'll catch you and mince you into sauce!"
Zhu Bajie flew into a rage and cursed, "You blind fool! I, Old Pig, have tender skin and delicate flesh, and you dare call me coarse and want to mince me into sauce? You must think I'm some dried-up old man! No more nonsense—taste your ancestor's rake!"
The demon saw the rake coming and dodged with a move called "Phoenix Nods Its Head." The two of them fought from beneath the water up to the surface, battling atop the waves. This fight was even more intense than before:
The Curtain-Raising General and the Marshal of the Heavenly River—Each displayed their divine powers, a truly wondrous sight. The Demon-Subduing Staff swung around his head; the nine-pronged rake moved with lightning speed. They leaped through the waves, shaking mountains and rivers; they pushed the current, darkening the world. Fierce as the God of Pestilence crashing into banners, vicious as the God of Death overturning canopies. One, with a loyal heart, protected the Tang Monk; the other, guilty of a crime, had become a water fiend. A single rake stroke left nine bloody gashes; a staff blow shattered the soul. They fought with all their might, determined to win. All for the sake of the scripture seeker, their anger soared to the heavens, unbearable to contain. They stirred up the river, driving away the carp, bream, and mandarin fish; the turtles, softshells, and alligators were wounded on their tender shells. Red shrimp and purple crabs lost their lives; all the water gods bowed in submission. The waves rolled and crashed like thunder; the sun and moon dimmed, and heaven and earth were in chaos.
They fought for a full two hours, still unable to decide the victor. Truly, a copper basin met an iron broom; a jade chime faced a golden bell—they were evenly matched.
Meanwhile, Sun Wukong stood guard with Tang Sanzang on the bank, watching the battle on the water with helpless eyes, unable to intervene. He saw Zhu Bajie feign a losing strike, turning to flee toward the eastern bank, with the demon in hot pursuit. As they neared the shore, Sun Wukong could no longer contain himself. He abandoned his master, drew his Golden-Hooped Rod, and leaped to the riverbank, striking at the demon's head. The demon, unwilling to face him, dove back into the river with a splash.
Zhu Bajie yelled, "You Horse-Tending Plague! You're too impatient! If you'd waited just a little longer, I could have lured him onto high ground. If you'd blocked the river's edge and kept him from returning, we'd have caught him! Now that he's gone back in, when will he ever come out again?"
Sun Wukong laughed and said, "Fool, don't shout! Don't shout! Let's go back and see Master first."
Zhu Bajie and Sun Wukong returned to the high bank and met Tang Sanzang. The elder bowed slightly and said, "Disciples, you've worked hard."
Zhu Bajie said, "Hard work is nothing. The key is to subdue that demon and get you across the river. Only then will it be done."
Tang Sanzang asked, "How did the fight go just now?"
Zhu Bajie said, "That demon's skills are about equal to mine. As we fought, I deliberately pretended to lose and lured him to the shore. But as soon as my elder brother showed his staff, he fled."
Tang Sanzang said, "What shall we do?"
Sun Wukong said, "Master, don't worry. Don't be anxious. It's getting late now. Let's sit here on the cliff. I'll go beg for some vegetarian food. You eat, get some sleep, and we'll think of something tomorrow."
Zhu Bajie said, "Well said. Go quickly and come back soon."
Sun Wukong immediately mounted his somersault cloud and flew to the north, where he begged a bowl of vegetarian food from a household. He returned and presented it to his master. Seeing him back so quickly, Tang Sanzang said, "Wukong, we could ask the people at that house about how to cross the river. Wouldn't that be better than fighting that demon?"
Sun Wukong laughed and said, "That house is far away—five or seven thousand miles from here. How would they know the nature of this river? Asking would be useless."
Zhu Bajie said, "Brother, you're lying again! Five or seven thousand miles—how did you get there and back so fast?"
Sun Wukong said, "You don't understand! One turn of my somersault cloud covers one hundred and eight thousand miles. For a distance of five or seven thousand miles, I just nod my head and bend my waist—it's easy to go back and forth. What's so hard about that?"
Zhu Bajie said, "Brother, if it's so easy, why don't you carry Master on your back, nod your head and bend your waist, and leap across? Why bother fighting that demon to the death?"
Sun Wukong said, "Can't you ride a cloud? Why don't you carry Master across?"
Zhu Bajie said, "Master is a mortal with a mortal body, as heavy as Mount Tai. I can't carry him on my cloud. Only your somersault cloud can do it."
Sun Wukong said, "My somersault cloud is still just a cloud—it just goes farther. If you can't carry him, how can I? Since ancient times, it's been said: 'Moving Mount Tai is as light as a mustard seed, but carrying a mortal is hard to escape the dust.' The methods demons use—like the 'capture technique' or riding the wind—all involve dragging a person along the ground; they can't lift them into the air. I know those tricks too. I also know the Invisibility Spell and the Earth-Shrinking Spell. But Master must travel through foreign lands to seek the scriptures. He cannot escape the sea of suffering, so every step is a trial. You and I can only be his protectors, guarding his life. We can't take his place in his hardships, nor can we fetch the scriptures for him. Even if we could go see the Buddha first, he wouldn't easily give us the scriptures—this is called 'What comes easily is not valued.'"
The Fool nodded repeatedly at this. The master and disciples ate a simple vegetarian meal without any side dishes and then rested for the night on the cliff by the eastern bank of the Flowing Sands River.
The next morning, Tang Sanzang said, "Wukong, what shall we do today?"
Sun Wukong said, "There's no other way. We'll have to send Bajie into the water again."
Zhu Bajie said, "Brother, you're taking it easy while making me go into the water."
Sun Wukong said, "Brother, this time I won't be impatient. I'll just let you lure him up. I'll guard the riverbank and keep him from going back. We'll catch him for sure."
Good Zhu Bajie! He wiped his face, mustered his spirits, gripped his rake with both hands, and walked to the river. He parted the waters and dove in, heading straight for the demon's lair. The demon had just woken up. Hearing the sound of water being pushed aside, he turned his head, opened his eyes, and saw Zhu Bajie coming down with his rake. He leaped out to block the way and shouted, "Hold! Hold! Taste my staff!"
Zhu Bajie blocked with his rake and said, "What kind of 'mourning staff' is this? How dare you show it to your ancestor!"
The demon said, "You fool, you don't understand! This precious staff of mine is no ordinary thing: 'This staff's fame is truly great; it comes from the cassia tree on the moon. Wu Gang cut down a branch, and Lu Ban crafted it with skill. Inside, a golden core fits the heart; outside, ten thousand strands of pearls adorn it. Named the Demon-Subduing Staff, it subdues all fiends; it once guarded the Hall of Miraculous Mist and tamed all monsters. Because I was appointed a great general, the Jade Emperor gave it to me to carry. It can be long or short as I wish; it can be thick or thin at my will. I once escorted the Peach Banquet; I once attended court in the upper realm. In the palace, I received all the sages; as Curtain-Raising General, I saw all the immortals bow. This divine weapon has a spirit of its own; it's no ordinary mortal tool. Since my banishment from the Heavenly Gate, I've roamed freely across the seas. I'm not bragging when I say this—no spear or sword under heaven can match it. That rusty rake of yours is only good for hoeing fields and digging vegetables!"
Zhu Bajie laughed and cursed, "You deserve a beating! Don't care if my rake can hoe fields or not—if it hits you, it'll leave nine bloody holes, and no plaster will stop the bleeding! Even if you don't die, you'll end up with a lifelong case of tetanus!"
The demon didn't argue further. Under the water, he and Zhu Bajie clashed again, this fight even more intense than before:
The staff swung, the rake struck; their words didn't match, for they were not kin. Because the Wood Mother overcame the Metal Gate, the two sides clashed in battle. No winner, no loser, no turning back—they churned the waves in discord. How could this one contain his rage? How could that one bear the humiliation? The rake and staff clashed in a display of heroism; the water of the Flowing Sands River boiled with venom. High-spirited, toiling endlessly—all because Sanzang journeyed west. The rake was ferocious; the staff was well-wielded. One grabbed to drag to the shore; the other seized to plunge into the water. Their shouts were like thunder, stirring fish and dragons; the sky darkened, and gods and demons cowered.
They fought back and forth for thirty rounds, still unable to decide who was stronger. Zhu Bajie used his feigned defeat tactic again, dragging his rake toward the shore. The demon pursued, riding the waves. Zhu Bajie cursed, "You vicious fiend! If you've got guts, come up here! On solid ground, we can have a real fight!"
The demon cursed back, "You cheat! You want to lure me ashore so your helper can ambush me! If you've got skill, come down here and fight in the water!"
The demon had learned his lesson and refused to come ashore, staying at the river's edge to argue with Zhu Bajie. On the bank, Sun Wukong saw that the demon wouldn't take the bait. He scratched his ears and cheeks in frustration, wishing he could grab the demon in one hand. He said, "Master, sit still for a moment. I'll use the 'Hungry Eagle Snatching Its Prey' move!" With that, he mounted his somersault cloud, leaped into the air, and swooped down like a falling star, aiming to grab the demon. The demon was arguing with Zhu Bajie when he heard the wind and turned his head. Seeing Sun Wukong descending from the clouds, he quickly withdrew his staff and dove into the water, vanishing without a trace.
Sun Wukong stood on the bank and said to Zhu Bajie, "Brother, this demon has grown cunning. He won't come ashore anymore. What do we do?"
Zhu Bajie panted and said, "Hard! Hard! Hard! I've used all the strength I had, even the strength I used to suckle as a baby, and I could only match him blow for blow."
Sun Wukong said, "Let's go back and see Master first."
The two returned to the high bank and told Tang Sanzang about the difficulty of catching the demon. The elder was so distressed that tears fell from his eyes. "This is so difficult! How can we ever cross this river!"
Sun Wukong said, "Master, don't worry. That demon hides at the bottom of the water, and it's truly hard to deal with him. Bajie, you stay here and protect Master. Don't fight him anymore. I'll make a trip to the Southern Sea."
Zhu Bajie asked, "Brother, what are you going to the Southern Sea for?"
Sun Wukong said, "This scripture-seeking mission was arranged by Bodhisattva Guanyin. She also saved you and me. Now that the Flowing Sands River blocks our path, who else should we turn to but her? Asking for her help is better than fighting this demon to the death."
Zhu Bajie said, "Right! Right! Elder Brother, when you go, please tell the Bodhisattva for me: thank her for her guidance."
Tang Sanzang said, "Wukong, if you're going to ask for the Bodhisattva, don't delay. Go quickly and return quickly."
Sun Wukong immediately mounted his somersault cloud and flew toward the Southern Sea. In less than half an hour, he saw Mount Putuo ahead. He quickly descended and landed outside the Purple Bamboo Grove. The twenty-four guardian deities came forward to greet him and asked, "Great Sage, what brings you here?"
Sun Wukong said, "My master is in trouble. I've come to see the Bodhisattva."
The deities said, "Please wait a moment. We'll announce you." The duty deity went to the entrance of the Tide Sound Cave and reported, "Sun Wukong has business and wishes to see the Bodhisattva."
At that time, the Bodhisattva was with the Pearl-Holding Dragon Maiden, leaning on the railing by the Precious Lotus Pond, admiring the flowers. Hearing the report, she turned back to the Cloud Rock, opened the gate, and let Sun Wukong in. The Great Sage knelt respectfully and bowed.
The Bodhisattva asked, "Aren't you supposed to be protecting Tang Sanzang? Why have you come to see me again?"
Sun Wukong reported, "Bodhisattva, my master recently took on a disciple named Zhu Bajie at Gao Village, whom you graciously gave the Dharma name Zhu Wuneng. We just crossed the Yellow Wind Ridge and have now reached the eight-hundred-mile Flowing Sands River. This river is three thousand fathoms of Ruo water, and my master finds it hard to cross. There's also a demon in the river with formidable martial skills. Wuneng has fought him three times on the water's surface but couldn't prevail. The demon blocks our way, and we can't get past. So I've come to beg you, Bodhisattva, to take pity on us and help us cross."
The Bodhisattva said, "You monkey, you're being arrogant again. Why didn't you tell him that you came to ask him to protect Tang Sanzang?"
Sun Wukong said, "We only wanted to catch him and make him ferry my master across. I'm not good at water work, so only Wuneng could find his lair and fight him. Perhaps we never mentioned the scripture-seeking mission."
The Bodhisattva said, "The demon in the Flowing Sands River is the Curtain-Raising General, who was banished to the mortal world. I have already converted him and instructed him to protect the scripture seeker. If you had told him that you were from the East seeking scriptures, he would not have fought you and would have submitted willingly."
Sun Wukong said, "But now the demon is afraid and won't come ashore. He hides in the water and won't come out. How can we make him submit? And how can my master cross this Ruo water?"
The Bodhisattva immediately called for Muhca. She took a red gourd from her sleeve and instructed him, "Take this gourd and go with Sun Wukong to the surface of the Flowing Sands River. Call out 'Wujing,' and he will come out. First, let him submit to Tang Sanzang. Then take the nine skulls hanging around his neck, string them together in the pattern of the Nine Palaces, place this gourd in the middle, and they will form a Dharma boat to ferry Tang Sanzang across the Flowing Sands River."
Muhca received his master's instructions and, together with the Great Sage, holding the gourd, left the Tide Sound Cave and bid farewell to the Purple Bamboo Grove. There is a poem to testify:
The Five Elements, when matched, unite with the Heavenly Truth;One recognizes the former master from of old.Refining the self and establishing the foundation is the wondrous use;Distinguishing the right from the wrong reveals the cause.When Metal returns to its nature, it joins its own kind;When Wood goes to seek its kin, they restore the natural order.When the Two Earths complete their work, they achieve stillness;Water and Fire are harmonized, leaving not a single speck of dust.
The two quickly descended from the clouds and arrived at the banks of the Flowing Sands River. Zhu Bajie recognized Muhca the Pilgrim and quickly led his master forward to greet him. Muhca exchanged courtesies with Tang Sanzang and then greeted Zhu Bajie.
Zhu Bajie said, "In the past, thanks to your guidance, I was able to see the Bodhisattva. I, Old Pig, have since followed the Buddha's law and become a monk. We've been in such a hurry on the road that I haven't had time to thank you properly. Please don't take offense."
Sun Wukong said, "Stop your chatter. Let's call that demon out."
Tang Sanzang asked, "Call who?"
Sun Wukong said, "I saw the Bodhisattva and told her everything. She said that the demon in the Flowing Sands River is the Curtain-Raising General, who was banished from Heaven for a crime and turned into a spirit in this river. She had already converted him and instructed him to protect the scripture seeker. It's just that we never mentioned the scripture-seeking mission, so we fought him for so long. The Bodhisattva sent Muhca here to use this gourd to form a Dharma boat with him and ferry you across."
Tang Sanzang, upon hearing this, quickly kowtowed in gratitude and said to Muhca, "I beg you, Venerable One, to act quickly." Muhca held the gourd, half-floating in the clouds and half-skimming the water's surface, and arrived in the middle of the Flowing Sands River. He called out loudly, "Wujing! Wujing! The scripture seeker has been waiting here for a long time. Why haven't you submitted yet!"
The demon, who had been hiding in his underwater lair, fearful of Sun Wukong, heard someone calling his Dharma name. He knew it was someone sent by Bodhisattva Guanyin. When he heard "the scripture seeker is here," he was no longer afraid. He quickly parted the waves, stuck his head out, and saw that it was indeed Muhca the Pilgrim. Smiling, he came forward and bowed: "Venerable One, how have you been? Where is the Bodhisattva now?"
Muhca said, "My master hasn't come. She sent me to instruct you to quickly become a disciple of Tang Sanzang. Take the skulls from your neck, string them together with this gourd in the pattern of the Nine Palaces, and make a Dharma boat to ferry him across the Ruo water."
Wujing asked, "Where is the scripture seeker?"
Muhca pointed to the eastern bank and said, "The one sitting on the bank over there."
Wujing saw Zhu Bajie and said, "This reckless creature from who knows where fought with me for two days and never said a word about seeking scriptures!" Then he saw Sun Wukong and quickly said, "That one is his helper—too powerful. I dare not go near him."
Muhca said, "That is Zhu Bajie, and this is Sun Wukong. They are both disciples of Tang Sanzang and were both converted by the Bodhisattva. What are you afraid of? I'll take you to meet Tang Sanzang."
Only then did Wujing put away his staff, straighten his yellow brocade robe, leap ashore, and kneel before Tang Sanzang on both knees: "Master, your disciple had eyes but failed to recognize your noble countenance. I have offended you greatly. Please forgive my sins."
Zhu Bajie said, "You weakling! If you were going to submit, why didn't you do it earlier? Why did you have to fight me? What's the use of saying all this now!"
Sun Wukong laughed and said, "Brother, don't blame him. It was our fault for not mentioning the scripture-seeking mission."
The elder asked, "Do you truly wish to sincerely submit to my Buddhist faith?"
Wujing said, "Your disciple was previously converted by the Bodhisattva. She named me after the river and gave me the Dharma name Sha Wujing. How could I not follow my master!"
Tang Sanzang said, "In that case—Wukong, bring the ordination knife and shave his head."
The Great Sage quickly brought the ordination knife and shaved Wujing's head. Wujing then bowed to Tang Sanzang, bowed to Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie, and acknowledged them as his senior and junior brothers. Seeing that his bowing manner had the decorum of a monk, Tang Sanzang also called him Sha Monk.
Muhca said, "Now that you've entered the Buddhist faith, don't delay. Quickly make the Dharma boat."
Wujing dared not be negligent. He took the skulls from his neck, tied them together with a rope in the pattern of the Nine Palaces, placed the Bodhisattva's gourd in the center, and invited his master to descend to the bank. The elder stepped onto the Dharma boat and sat down. It was as steady as a light skiff. With Zhu Bajie supporting him on the left and Wujing supporting him on the right, and Sun Wukong leading the white horse behind, half in the clouds and half in the mist, they followed. Above them, Muhca provided protection. Thus, the master crossed the Flowing Sands River steadily. The river was calm and windless, and in no time, they reached the opposite shore. Their feet were not stained with mud, nor their hands wet with water—they stepped ashore clean and dry.
After the master and disciples had set foot on solid ground, Muhca mounted his auspicious cloud and retrieved the gourd. As for the skulls, they instantly transformed into nine gusts of yin wind and vanished without a trace. Tang Sanzang bowed in thanks to Muhca and then kowtowed in the direction of the Bodhisattva. Truly: Muhca returned to the Eastern Sea; Tang Sanzang mounted his horse and headed west. When will they finally achieve their spiritual cultivation and obtain the true scriptures? Let's listen to the explanation in the next chapter.