Monk Tang was transformed into a tiger by the monster, who cast a powerful spell. Now, word began to spread throughout the palace that Monk Tang was, in fact, a tiger spirit.
A Feast of Horror
The King then ordered the court banquet master to prepare a splendid feast in gratitude to his son-in-law for saving him from the false monk.
That evening, after all the officials had left the court, the monster entered the Hall of Silver Peace, where he was entertained by the eighteen youngest and most beautiful ladies of the palace. The girls sang and danced tirelessly for him, serving wine and fine spirits.
By the second watch of the night, drunkenness overtook him, and he could no longer maintain his disguise. With a sudden leap to his feet, he let out a chilling laugh and resumed his monstrous form.
This transformation reawakened his old instincts. With one sweep of his enormous hand, he seized one of the girls and tore her head clean off. The remaining seventeen were so terrified that they fled in panic, hiding wherever they could.
The White Dragon Horse’s Desperation
Meanwhile, the rumor that Monk Tang was a monster quickly reached the post house—now completely empty, save for the White Horse. Upon hearing people say that his master had been turned into a tiger, the horse was deeply alarmed:
“There’s no doubt in my mind that this monster has transformed him. What am I to do? Sun Wukong has long since departed, and I don’t even know what’s become of Monk Sha or Bajie.”
Unable to contain his anxiety any longer, the White Horse bit through its reins and shook off its saddle. Once again transforming into a dragon, it leapt onto a cloud and soared high into the sky.
A Daring Ambush
From above, the young Dragon Prince spotted the Hall of Silver Peace brightly lit below. He descended from the cloud and peered carefully inside, seeing the monster seated at the head of the table, gorging himself on wine and human flesh.
The Dragon gave his body a slight shake and instantly transformed into a slender, graceful maiden. Approaching the Yellow Robe Demon, she bowed respectfully and said:
“Please do me no harm. I have only come to serve you some wine.”
The monster asked:
“Can you sing?”
“A little,” replied the Dragon, and immediately began performing a tender melody.
Pleased, the monster asked again:
“Can you dance?”
“I fear I can manage only a little,” the Dragon answered.
The monster removed the sword from his waist and handed it to the Dragon, still in its sheath.
The false maiden took the blade carefully and began to dance before the table. Her technique was truly admirable. With astonishing skill, she moved the weapon left and right, up and down, executing complex and dazzling movements. When she sensed the monster was thoroughly mesmerized, she turned and struck with a deadly blow—but the beast dodged just in time.
Clash in the Darkness
The Dragon resumed his true form, leapt from the Hall of Silver Peace, and rose into the air, where he engaged the monster in a fierce and extraordinary battle. Though darkness reigned, it did not hinder the intensity of their clash, which reached heights rarely seen.
After exchanging eight or nine blows among the clouds, the Dragon began to feel fatigued. The monster was extremely strong and formidable.
Knowing he could not prevail, the Dragon hurled his sword like a spear. The beast caught it with one hand as he simultaneously dropped the candelabrum.
The Dragon could not evade in time—the candelabrum struck his hind leg. He plummeted swiftly from the clouds, landing in the moat of the imperial palace, thus saving his life. The monster tried to chase him, but the Dragon sank into the water and vanished from sight.
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