Monk Sha furiously emerged from the waters of the Black River.
The Monkey King asked:
“You’ve been down there so long—what kind of demon is it? Did you manage to see the Master?”
Monk Sha explained:
“There’s a strange structure down there, and on its gate are written in large characters: Heng Yang Gorge, Dwelling of the Black River God. The king of the demons was so strong I couldn’t defeat him. He looks like a turtle or something similar… though now that I think about it, he might be a crocodile.”
The True River God Revealed
He had not yet finished speaking when a man appeared at a distance, kneeling as he shouted:
“Great Sage! The God of the Black River humbly greets you.”
The Monkey King exclaimed:
“What’s this? Don’t tell me that monster has come again just to mock us.”
The old man bowed and wept:
“No, no, Great Sage. I am not a monster—I am the true god of this river. Last fifth month, taking advantage of high tide, that creature came here from the Western Ocean, insulting and threatening me. As you can see, I am weak and already advanced in years; he defeated me with ease. After my defeat, he seized my official residence, the Heng Yang Gorge, and killed countless aquatic beings. I had no choice but to file a complaint against him. However, the Dragon King of the Western Ocean is his uncle. It’s no wonder then that he refused to hear my complaint, advising me instead to make way for his nephew.”
The Monkey King concluded:
“You stay here and keep watch with Monk Sha while I go find the Dragon King. I hope he doesn’t refuse to restore order—otherwise, he himself may end up in serious trouble.”
Emotionally, the River God exclaimed:
“Great Sage, you cannot imagine how deeply grateful I am.”
Justice from the Dragon King
Sun Wukong mounted a cloud and headed directly toward the Western Ocean. He soon arrived at his destination. Making the sign to part the waters, he entered them with the same ease as if walking on solid ground.
Before long, he was spotted by a yaksha patrolling the waters. The yaksha quickly returned to the Crystal Palace to inform the lord:
“The Great Sage Equal to Heaven has just arrived.”
Dragon King Ao Shun immediately rose from his throne and, followed by all his attendants, went out to welcome the distinguished guest.
Wukong gave the Dragon King a detailed account of what had happened at the Black River.
Upon hearing it, the dragon felt his strength leave him. Overcome with shame, he dropped to his knees and began knocking his forehead on the floor, saying:
“Forgive me, Great Sage! That is the ninth son of my younger sister. His father committed a crime and was condemned to death by the celestial judges. Since he had no territory of his own, I advised that he go to the Black River and devote himself to cultivating virtue, so that he might become a true immortal. I never suspected he would commit such terrible crimes as those you describe. Right away I will send someone to arrest him.”
The Monkey King said:
“Now I see the fault does not lie with you, but with that young fellow who openly defied your orders. For this time, I forgive you, considering the friendship between myself and you and your brothers, and also because this dragon is still young and clearly quite reckless. However, it is essential that you send someone immediately to arrest him and free my Master.”
Dragons in Motion
Ao Shun summoned Prince Mo Ang and ordered:
“Take five hundred of our best soldiers and set off at once to arrest the crocodile. While you’re at it, have someone prepare a banquet for the Great Sage. After all, we owe him an apology.”
The Monkey King replied:
“You don’t need to be so courteous with me. I’ve already told you I bear no resentment toward you. Therefore, there’s no need for any trouble. I believe the best thing is for me to accompany your son, for I am very anxious about the fate of my Master—not to mention one of my brothers is waiting for me.”
The Dragon King insisted on the banquet, but upon realizing that Wukong was determined to leave, he ordered one of his daughters to bring some tea.
This time, the Monkey King did not refuse. Immediately, he drank a cup of tea and then left the Western Ocean.
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