After bidding farewell to the woodcutter, Wukong made his way toward the entrance of the Plantain Cave.
Its gates were tightly shut, yet the surrounding scenery was truly extraordinary.
Wukong at Plantain Cave
The Monkey King shouted:
“Open the gate, Brother Bull!”
The doors opened, and a young girl appeared holding a basket of flowers, with a small rake slung over her back. No ornaments adorned her body, which was entirely covered in rags. Yet one could sense that her spirit possessed extraordinary strength. The Monkey King respectfully greeted her with palms joined and said:
“Would you be so kind as to announce my arrival to the princess? I am a humble monk traveling westward in search of sacred scriptures. Unfortunately, on my journey I have encountered the Mountain of Fire, and I have come to beg your lady to lend me her fan so that I may continue my travels.”
The girl asked:
“What is your name, and from which monastery do you come? You must tell me, so that I may announce you properly.”
The Monkey King replied:
“I come from the Eastern Lands, and my name is Sun Wukong.”
Princess Iron Fan’s Wrath
The girl went back into the cave, and after some time, the Demoness emerged from the cave holding two swords.
“Where is this Sun Wukong?” the Demoness shouted.
“Right here, honorable sister-in-law,” replied the Monkey King, bowing respectfully before her in greeting.
“I am no sister-in-law of yours! And what good are your greetings to me?” the Demoness retorted contemptuously.
The Monkey King responded:
“As for the first point, you are greatly mistaken, for long ago I once formed a brotherhood pact with your husband, the Bull Demon King. As far as I know, that gives me the right to regard and address you as my sister-in-law.”
The Demoness roared even more angrily:
“Cursed monkey! Little thought you gave to those bonds of brotherhood when you captured my son. What do you have to say about that?”
“Your son? Will you explain who your son is?” repeated the Monkey King, feigning surprise.
The Demoness replied:
“The Red Boy, the Holy Child of the Fiery Cloud Cave (Fire-Cloud Cave), located beside the Dry Pine Brook (Withered Pine Creek). You stripped him of his possessions at the Hao Mountain! How dare you think I’d let you leave? I’ve long sought vengeance for his misfortune. Never did I imagine you’d deliver yourself to me!”
Trying to pacify her with a smile, the Monkey King said:
“It seems you have misunderstood what actually happened. Before blaming me so harshly, you should know that your son captured my master and tried to steam him for a feast. Fortunately, Bodhisattva Guanyin stopped him and, instead of punishing him, granted him the title of Sudhana (the Wealthy Youth of Benevolence or the Youthful Minister of Good Wealth). Since then, he has lived in the Bodhisattva’s abode, devoting himself entirely to the practice of virtue—neither illness nor death can touch him. Should you not thank me rather than vent your wrath?”
Clash of Blades
“Stop spouting nonsense, cursed monkey!” roared the Demoness.
“Bow your head and let me strike you a few blows with my sword. If you can endure the pain, I shall lend you the fan. Otherwise, I shall send you straight to King Yama.”
The Monkey King, folding his hands and approaching her with a smiling expression, replied:
“Let’s not waste words. Right now, I will lower my head so that you may deliver upon it all the blows you wish. I allow you to strike until your strength fails. But remember your promise once you are done.”
Without another word, the Demoness raised her blades and slashed viciously at the Monkey King’s head—but to no effect. Over ten blows fell, yet Wukong remained unharmed, treating it as child’s play. Growing fearful, the Demoness turned to flee, but Wukong seized her robe:
“That is not how we agreed. Where do you think you’re going? Lend me the fan immediately!”
The Magic Fan’s Fury
“I will not lend it to you so easily,” the Demoness replied.
The Monkey King concluded:
“In that case, taste the flavor of my iron rod.”
Knowing the weapon’s dreadful power and Wukong’s unmatched skill, the Demoness realized defeat was certain. Swiftly, she took out her Plantain fan and flicked it once toward him. Immediately, a hurricane arose, sweeping him away like a blade of grass.
Triumphantly, she retreated into her cave.
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