After bidding farewell to the old dragon, the Monkey King headed toward the Black River accompanied by Mo Ang, and in the blink of an eye they arrived at its banks.
Dragon Prince vs. River Usurper
Prince Mo Ang sent a soldier to the monster’s palace with this message:
“The Prince Mo Ang has arrived on behalf of the honorable Dragon King of the Western Ocean.”
As soon as the palace gates were opened, the crocodile(Iguana Demon) confirmed that indeed, a force of brave marine soldiers had set up camp to the right of the entrance.
Bowing slightly, the Iguana Demon said:
“This morning I sent your father an invitation, and I assumed that, due to his many duties, he had sent you in his place. However, why have you brought your troops if this is merely for a banquet? Please forgive me, but I don’t quite understand why, instead of entering my humble palace, you are camping right in front of it. Moreover, you come out to meet me fully armored and holding a deadly weapon in your hand. What is the reason for such a display of military force?”
The prince asked:
“Would you care to explain why you invited your uncle to come here?”
The Iguana Demon replied:
“Of course. He is the one who gave me everything I am, and I will never forget that. Besides, it’s been a very long time since I last saw him, and I wanted to express all the affection I feel for him by inviting him to share what little treasure I possess. The fact is that yesterday I captured a monk from the Eastern Lands, who, as I understand, has cultivated virtue through ten reincarnations. He is so special that anyone who tastes his flesh will greatly extend their lifespan. That is why I wanted to offer him to my respected uncle as a birthday gift.”
A Foolish Boast
The prince rebuked him:
“You are terribly ignorant! Do you even know who that monk really is?”
The crocodile admitted:
“Yes. He comes from the Tang court and is heading westward to the Western Paradise in search of sacred scriptures.”
The prince commented:
“I see you know something about him. But what about his disciples?”
The monster answered:
“One is called Zhu Bajie. He also fell into my hands, and I planned to serve him along with Master Tang. Another is known as Monk Sha. He actually came yesterday demanding the release of his master. A few strikes from this whip were enough to make him flee like a coward. Would you mind explaining what’s so special about those two?”
The prince exclaimed contemptuously:
“How poorly informed you are! The Tang Monk has another disciple—the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, Sun Wukong—an immortal of the Great Monad who, about five hundred years ago, threw the Heavenly Palace into chaos. Now he serves as protector of Master Tang on his journey to reach the Western Paradise and obtain the sacred scriptures. He was personally converted by the compassionate bodhisattva Guanyin, who resides on Mount Potalaka. Therefore, I advise you to release Bajie and Master Tang so peace may return to these waters. If you wish to keep your life, simply ask for forgiveness. I assure you that if you refuse, you will be driven from your dwelling and fall into death’s grip.”
The monster roared furiously:
“How dare you speak to me like that—you, who belong to my own family! It’s unbelievable that you would side with someone completely outside our clan! You must be mad if you think I’ll just let Master Tang go like that! When has anything like this ever been seen in the world? Perhaps this Sun Wukong frightens you terribly, but who told you I’m as cowardly as you are? If he truly has all the powers you claim, let him come here and prove them. I promise that if he can withstand three attacks from me, I will immediately release his master. But if he fails, he can say goodbye to this life, because I will catch him too and steam him alive afterward.”
Clash of Kin
The prince exclaimed:
“O ignorant monster! I’ve never seen anyone more reckless than you. Without even considering facing Sun Wukong directly, do you dare to fight me?”
“Do you think I’d start trembling?” the monster replied. Then turning to his subordinates, he ordered:
“Bring me my armor!”
Seeing that words were useless, the two cousins began fighting.
The prince pretended to flee, and the monster immediately gave chase. But soon the prince turned around and struck the beast’s right arm with such force that it knocked him flat to the ground. Not satisfied, he delivered a second blow that sent the monster rolling like a ripe fruit. The marine warriors then quickly bound his hands behind his back, pierced his breastbone, and loaded him with chains. In this manner, he was taken to the riverbank.
Judgment at the Shore
The Dragon Prince shouted proudly:
“Great Sage, as I promised, I have now captured the crocodile. Decide what should be done with him.”
Addressing the monster, the Monkey King declared solemnly:
“You did not heed the orders given to you. When your respected uncle allowed you to live in this place, it was with the intention that you cultivate virtue and perhaps later be entrusted with a higher position. Why did you drive the river god from his palace and mistreat all who opposed you? You deserved to be beaten with this iron bar of mine. It is so heavy that even the lightest tap would end your life.”
As soon as Bajie saw the monster chained and defeated, he raised his trident, shouting furiously, ready to finish him off:
“Cursed beast! Still want to eat me?”
Fortunately, the Monkey King stopped him, saying:
“Don’t kill him. For Ao Shun and his son’s sake.”
Return to Order
After thanking him, Prince Mo Ang said:
“I’m afraid I cannot stay by your side any longer. Your master has been happily liberated, and I must return to my father with the prisoner. Although you have shown mercy, I have no doubt my father will give him a severe punishment. We will keep you informed, Great Sage. You cannot imagine how deeply this incident has affected us.”
Sun Wukong concluded:
“All right. You may leave whenever you wish. Greet your father for me and thank him for his invaluable cooperation.”
The God of the Black River turned to the Pilgrim and thanked him, saying:
“I am forever in your debt, Great Sage, for returning my realm of water.”
The river god made a magical gesture, and instantly the water stopped flowing, forming a great wall, allowing the travelers to cross the dry riverbed safely. In this way, they reached the western shore unharmed.
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