Bajie led the way, with Monk Sha carrying the luggage behind. As evening fell, they sought shelter for the night, but resumed their journey when the roosters crowed. Finally Monk Tang, Bajie and Monk Sha arrived at the Kingdom of the Sacred Elephant.
Monk Tang then approached one of the palace gates and said to the officer guarding it:
“Inform your lord that a monk from the Tang Empire has arrived and humbly requests permission to pass through his lands.”
The guard hurried into the palace and respectfully reported:
“Outside, Majesty, there is a monk from the Tang Empire who seeks your gracious permission to cross your realm.”
The King was greatly pleased and ordered:
“Bring him in at once.”
He asked the monk:
“May I ask why you have chosen to visit our kingdom?”
Tripitaka bowed slightly and replied:
“Your humble servant is a Buddhist monk sent by the imperial court of the Tang. By the Emperor’s express command, I journey westward in search of sacred scriptures. I bring you a letter from His Imperial Majesty, and this is the reason for my bold request for an audience.”
The King concluded:
“I would very much like to see it.”
Tripitaka extended both hands and placed the document upon the royal table.
After reading it carefully, the King took out his own jade seal and stamped the precious scroll alongside those already present.
The King’s Anguish and the Court’s Despair
He returned it to Tripitaka, who, after expressing his gratitude, added:
“There is a second reason for which I have dared to come before you, and that is to deliver a letter from one of your own family.”
“A member of my family?” the King repeated in surprise.
The monk confirmed:
“Yes, Your Highness. From your third daughter, Princess Hundred Flowers, who was abducted many years ago by the Yellow-Robed Demon and now resides in the Cave of the Moonlit Stream(Moon Flow Cave) on the Mountain of the Cauldron(Pot Mountain).”
The King cried aloud, tears streaming down his face:
“It has been thirteen years since we last saw her! Because of her disappearance, countless officials—civil and military alike—have been punished. At first we thought she had simply wandered away from the palace and could not find her way back. Mad with grief, we questioned every citizen in the city, but no one could tell us where she had gone. She had vanished without a trace. Who could have imagined that a monster had taken her?”
Tripitaka reached into his sleeve and produced the letter.
As soon as the King finished reading it, he let out piercing cries of sorrow, and all the ministers felt the weight of unbearable grief.
When at last the King managed to recover from his deep sorrow, he turned to his officials and asked:
“Who among you will take command of the troops to capture the monster and rescue Princess Hundred Flowers?”
He repeated the question several times, but none dared answer. Tears streamed down his cheeks like torrents. Many officials fell to their knees and said:
“We, your humble servants, are but mortal men. Though we have studied countless military treatises and tactics throughout our lives, our knowledge applies only to defending our nation’s borders from attacks by other humans. But this monster travels on mist and rides the clouds. How can we possibly capture him and rescue the princess, when he never reveals himself and surpasses us in cunning and power?”
Bajie Volunteers to Confront the Monster
Then Monk Tang spoke:
“My two companions are mighty spirits, Your Majesty. I am certain they can rescue your daughter.”
The King asked:
“Which of you is skilled in capturing demons?”
Without hesitation, the pig answered:
“That would be me.
I once served as Marshal in Heaven. When I disobeyed the Lord of Heaven’s commands, I was banished to the mortal world. Since then, I have subdued all manner of monsters on this journey.”
The King remarked:
“Since you are a celestial warrior now dwelling on earth, you must surely master the arts of magical transformation. Is that not so?”
Bajie replied:
“I do not mean to boast, but what you say is true. Indeed, I know a few tricks.”
Bajie’s Display of Divine Power
“Why not demonstrate one for me?” suggested the King.
Bajie made a magical gesture with his fingers, recited the proper incantation, and shouted:
“Grow!”
In the blink of an eye, he transformed into a giant, reaching a height of eighty or ninety feet. Everyone in the hall trembled with fear.
“Enough, enough!” cried the King in horror.
“I see that transformation holds no secrets for you. Please return to your normal size.”
Bajie complied, standing proudly before the palace steps.
The King was greatly satisfied and did not wish to press the warrior further. He turned to the ladies of the court and ordered:
“Bring forth some of that special wine stored in my cellars.”
Once the ladies had obeyed, the King filled a cup and offered it to Bajie, saying:
“This toast, venerable Master, is for the success of the mission you are about to undertake. Once you have captured the monster and freed my daughter, I shall host a grand feast and reward you with no less than one thousand pieces of gold.”
Bajie drained the cup in one gulp. Then, beneath his feet formed a carpet-like cloud, propelling him high into the sky.
Amazed, the King exclaimed:
“What wondrous powers this wise Pig possesses! Even the clouds bow to his steps!”
Monk Sha’s Warning and Pursuit
Monk Sha turned to his Master and said:
“Earlier, even when we were two against one, we could not defeat the Yellow-Robed Demon. Now that Bajie goes alone, I fear he may not prevail.”
Tripitaka admitted:
“You speak wisely. The best course is for you to follow him and offer all the help you can.”
With that, the Sand Monk leapt into the air, quickly vanishing among the clouds.
Battle with the Yellow Robe Demon
They soon reached the mouth of the Moon Flow Cave(Moon Stream Cave). They leapt immediately from the clouds, and raising his trident, Bajie struck the stone gate with such force that he broke a hole in it.
The demons ran to report to their master:
“Great misfortune, Great King! The monk with the long snout and big ears, and the grim-faced monk have returned. With a single blow, they shattered the gate!”
Surprised, the monster exclaimed:
“They must be Zhu Bajie and Monk Sha. I don’t understand how they dare return seeking trouble, after I set their Master free.”
He hastily donned his armor, seized his saber, and stepping outside the cave, shouted:
“Will you explain why you have returned to destroy my door? Have I not spared your Master’s life?”
Bajie admitted:
“Indeed, you have. But this time, we come for someone else.”
“Who might that be?” the monster demanded.
Bajie replied:
“You kidnapped the third princess of the Kingdom of the Sacred Elephant and forced her to become your wife. Thirteen years have passed since then, and we believe it is time you set her free. In fact, we are here by the King’s direct order, tasked with capturing you and bringing you before him. So surrender now and save us all unnecessary trouble.”
Upon hearing these words, the monster flew into a rage. Raising his saber above his head, he brought it crashing down upon Bajie.
They fought on that slope for eight or nine rounds, and Bajie began to feel exhausted.
Turning to the Sand Monk, Bajie said:
“You continue fighting him while I go take care of something.”
Without waiting for a reply, he slipped away alone.
Seeing Bajie abandon the battlefield, the monster unleashed his full fury upon Monk Sha, who barely had time to escape. The beast seized him and dragged him inside the cave.
The Monster’s Fury and the Princess’s Peril
The monster muttered to himself:
“The King knows the Princess is here. But how?”
Thinking for a moment, he spoke again:
“It must have been the Princess who asked the monk to go to the King.”
His heart filled with rage.
“She deceived me!”
Suddenly consumed by violent anger, the monster resolved to kill the Princess.
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