Sanzang journeyed alone through desolate mountains, his horse trembling under the midday sun. He journeyed for half a day, but not a single human being or dwelling was in sight. He was gnawed by hunger and disheartened by the rough road. Suddenly, a golden-spotted leopard lunged from the brush, sending the horse crashing to the ground in panic.
The Senior Guardian of the Mountain
At this critical moment, a man wielding a steel trident jumped down from the hillside and engaged the leopard in fierce combat. The man and the beast fought for nearly two hours. Gradually, the leopard’s claws slowed, and its movements grew sluggish. Seizing the opportunity, the man thrust his trident and pierced the leopard to the ground.
Turning to the terrified monk, the hunter said, “Fear not—I’m no bandit, but a hunter. My surname is Liu and my given name is Boqin. I also go by the nickname of Senior Guardian of the Mountain. I came here to find some animals to eat, not expecting to run into you. I hope I didn’t scare you. What brings you here?”
“I’m bound for the Western Heaven to retrieve scriptures under Emperor Taizong’s decree,” Sanzang stammered. “This beast nearly ended my quest. You’ve saved my life!”
“A fellow Tang subject! This land still belongs to the Great Tang, and I am its subject.” the hunter exclaimed. “Rest at my home tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll guide you onward.”
The Liberation of the Monkey King
The next day, the hunter accompanied Tripitaka until noon, when they faced a colossal mountain piercing the clouds, majestic and precipitous. As Tripitaka bid farewell to the hunter, a thunderous cry erupted from the mountain’s base: “My master has come! My master has come!” Startled, the hunter said, “That must be the Divine Monkey. Centuries ago, this mountain fell from heaven to trap him. Let me show you.”
At the mountain’s base, a monkey’s head protruded from the rocks, arms flailing. “Master! Free me, and I’ll protect you to the West! I’m Sun Wukong, the Great Sage Equalling Heaven, who rebelled against the Heavenly Palace five hundred years ago. The Buddha imprisoned me here. Guanyin Bodhisattva instructed me to await a scripture-seeker from the Great Tang. I vow to convert to Buddhism and become your disciple!”
Sanzang hesitated. “How can I free you without tools?”
“Peel the golden talisman atop this mountain!” Wukong urged.
Guided by the hunter, Sanzang ascended to a radiant boulder bearing Buddha’s seal. After prayers, he peeled the talisman. Descending, he called, “It’s done! Come forth!”
The monkey exclaimed, “Master, step back! My escape may startle you!”
The hunter led Tripitaka five or six li away. The monkey shouted again, “Farther!” They retreated further until a thunderous crash split the earth and shattered the mountain—the Great Sage burst free!
Finally the Great Sage erupted free. He then kowtowed four times before Sanzang.
“Disciple, I’ll grant you a Dharma name,” said Sanzang.
“I already bear one: Sun Wukong.”
“Then let your epithet be Pilgrim,” Sanzang declared.
As Wukong gathered their belongings, the hunter bowed. “Congratulations on gaining such a disciple. I take my leave.”
Tripitaka returned the courtesy. The hunter departed homeward. With gratitude, Sanzang resumed his journey—now accompanied by his first disciple, the Monkey King.
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