Time flew like an arrow, and seasons turned swiftly as a weaver’s shuttle.
The unbearable heat of summer was soon replaced by the first frosts of late autumn.
The Scorching Path
Nevertheless, as the master and his disciples continued forward, they felt increasingly warm. Surprised, Tripitaka pulled on the reins of his horse and said:
“How strange! It is already autumn. How can it suddenly become so hot?”
Bajie replied:
“You may not know, but there is a kingdom far to the west called Su-Ha-Li, where the sun rests each evening after setting. That’s why people call it the Kingdom at the End of the Heavens. The heat we feel now must be from the sun setting.”
Upon hearing this, Wukong burst into laughter and said:
“You don’t even know what you’re talking about. That Su Ha-Li Kingdom you mentioned is much farther ahead.”
The Flame Mountain
As they were engaged in this discussion, they saw a large house by the roadside in the village. Just then, an old man came out.
Tang Monk dismounted from his horse and said to Wukong:
“Go to that house and ask why it is so hot here.”
The old man seemed startled at the sight of the Monkey King and, leaning heavily on his cane, shouted:
“What kind of strange being are you, and where have you come from? What brings you to my door?”
Wukong bowed respectfully and replied:
“Fear not, elder. I am no strange creature, but a monk sent by the Great Emperor Tang of the Eastern Lands in search of sacred scriptures. With me travel two brothers and a master. Upon entering this noble region where you live, we noticed the peculiar weather, especially this overwhelming heat, so I came to inquire what causes such high temperatures and what this honorable place is called.”
“I hope you will forgive me. My eyesight isn’t what it used to be, and at first I did not recognize you,” replied the old man, smiling with relief.
“Do not worry about it,” responded Wukong.
“Where is your master?” the old man asked again.
“There he is—just by the roadside,” Wukong answered.
The old man invited, “Please ask him to come over. There is always room in my home for travelers.”
After thanking him, Tripitaka asked:
“Why is it so hot in this distinguished region during autumn?”
The old man explained:
“This place is known as the Mountain of Fire, and here there is neither spring nor autumn.”
Tripitaka asked again:
“Exactly where is it located? Is it along the road leading westward?”
The old man replied:
“It is impossible to reach the West directly from here, because approximately sixty miles ahead rises that terrible mountain that blocks the way for all travelers. Its flames spread across eight hundred miles and devour everything around them.”
The Rice Cake Seller
Tripitaka changed color and dared not ask anything more.
At that very moment, a young man passed by the gate pushing a cart and shouting:
“Rice cakes! I sell rice cakes!”
Wukong asked:
“Would you mind telling me where you get the flour to make these cakes?”
“We usually say around here that if you want flour for cakes, you must go and ask the Immortal of the Iron Fan,” the vendor replied.
“What does that immortal have to do with cooking?” asked the Monkey King.
The man explained:
“The immortal owns a very special fan which quenches flames, brings wind, and summons rain. When she shakes it once, the fire goes out; when she shakes it twice, the wind rises; and on the third shake, it begins to rain. Only then can we cultivate our fields and obtain the meager harvests from which we make this flour.”
“Where does the Iron Fan Immortal live?” the Monkey King inquired.
The man replied:
“Why do you want to know? From the looks of you, you don’t have anything to offer him, and I’m afraid the immortal won’t grant your request if you approach him empty-handed.”
“What kinds of gifts does he like?” asked Tripitaka.
The old man confirmed:
“What this vendor has told you is true. People here usually meet with him every ten years. On those occasions, they customarily bring four pigs, four sheep, some money and presents, the best fruits of the season, chickens, ducks, and sweet wine. Before going up the mountain to ask the immortal to come here and use her great power, they bathe carefully and wear their finest clothes.”
“Where dwells this immortal?” the Monkey King asked again.
“It lies toward the southwest, and everyone knows it as the Jade Cloud Mountain. On it lies the Plantain Cave. Those who travel from here take about a month to return, since it is roughly fourteen hundred and fifty or sixty miles away.”
Wukong’s Departure
“That’s no problem. I’ll be back in the blink of an eye,” said the Monkey King, smiling.
The old man exclaimed:
“Wait a moment. You must eat something first and take some dry food with you. Also, at least two other people should accompany you, for there are no human settlements nearby and the entire path is full of tigers and wolves. It’s impossible to complete this journey in a single day. I warn you—it won’t be pleasant at all.”
The Monkey King replied, laughing:
“I appreciate your concern, but I need none of that. Right now, I’m off.”
He had barely finished speaking when he vanished from everyone’s sight.
“What an extraordinary thing! How was I to know he was a holy man capable of traveling above the clouds?” the old man exclaimed again, astonished.
Encounter at Jade Cloud Mountain
Wukong soon arrived at the Jade Cloud Mountain. As he was busily searching for the entrance to the cave, he heard someone cutting wood deep in the forest.
“Accept my sincere greeting,” said Wukong, bowing slightly.
The woodcutter put down his axe, greeted him in return, and asked:
“Where are you headed, Master?”
“Is this the Jade Cloud Mountain?” the Monkey King inquired in turn.
“It is,” replied the woodcutter.
Wukong continued:
“I’ve heard there is a Plantain Cave on it, where lives the Immortal of the Iron Fan. Can you tell me exactly where it is?”
The woodcutter confirmed:
“It is true that there is a Plantain Cave here, but it is not inhabited by the immortal you just mentioned. Rather, it is the home of the Princess Iron Fan, wife of the Bull Demon King.”
“Some say that the immortal—or whoever it may be—owns a fan capable of extinguishing the flames of the Flame Mountain. Is that wondrous treasure in the possession of the lady you just mentioned?” added the Monkey King.
The woodcutter replied:
“Indeed. If some call her the Immortal of the Iron Fan, it’s because she possesses a treasure that puts out the fire consuming families in other regions. For us, however, her powers are of little use. Truth be told, she is merely the wife of the Mighty Bull King.”
Upon hearing this, the Monkey King turned pale with surprise and thought anxiously to himself:
“So the enemy is within sight. Years ago I defeated the Red Boy, he claimed to have been raised by this woman. She’ll never lend the fan willingly.”
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