Pilgrim took his leave of the Bodhisattva, lowered his cloud and hung the cassock on a fragrant nanmu tree. Drawing his cudgel, he fought his way into Black Wind Cave, but not a single little demon was left inside. When they had seen the Bodhisattva appear and subdue the old monster until he rolled on the ground, they had all scattered in haste. Pilgrim went on with his rampage. He piled dry firewood against the cave’s several gateways and set it all alight, front and back, burning Black Wind Cave into a Red Wind Cave. Then he took the cassock, mounted an auspicious light and headed straight back north.

Now, Sanzang waited anxiously for Pilgrim, who did not return, and his heart filled with doubt. Perhaps he had failed to bring the Bodhisattva; perhaps he had used the errand as an excuse to run away. In the midst of these wild guesses, bright coloured mist appeared in the air, and Pilgrim suddenly dropped down before the steps and knelt. “Master, here is the cassock.” Sanzang was overjoyed. Every monk was delighted too. “All is well, all is well! Only now are our lives saved!” Sanzang took the cassock. “Wukong, when you left this morning you promised to be back around midday, when the meal was done. Why have you only come back now, with the sun already in the west?” Pilgrim gave a full account of how he had fetched the Bodhisattva and how she had used transformations to subdue the demon. When Sanzang heard it, he had an incense table set up and bowed towards the south. Then he said, “Disciple, now that we have the Buddha robe, pack our things quickly and let us go.” Pilgrim said, “No hurry, no hurry. It is late today, no time to travel. Let us wait and leave early tomorrow.” The monks all knelt together. “Lord Sun is right. For one thing, it is late; for another, we made some vows. Now that we are safe and the treasure has been found, let us fulfil them1 and invite the venerable sir to share the blessed offerings. Tomorrow morning we shall see you off to the west.” Pilgrim said, “Quite right, quite right.” Look at those monks: every one emptied his purse to the bottom, bringing out all the money he had salvaged from the fire. They prepared vegetarian offerings, burned paper in thanksgiving for their safety and chanted several scrolls of sutras to dispel calamity and deliver them from peril. By that evening the rites were done.

When Pilgrim had looked, he said, “Come along, Master. It is surely a village of good people, just the place to ask for lodging.” The elder urged on the white horse and soon reached the entrance to the street. There they saw a young man with a cotton cloth wrapped round his head and a blue jacket on his body, carrying an umbrella and a bundle on his back. His trousers were gathered up and tied tight, and on his feet were straw sandals with three fastening loops. He was striding briskly out of the street. Pilgrim reached out and caught him. “Where are you going? Let me ask you something: what place is this?” The man struggled hard and shouted, “Is there no one else in our village? Am I the only one you can ask?” Pilgrim smiled at him. “Do not be angry, benefactor. ‘Make things easy for others, and things will be easy for you.’ What harm can it do to tell me the place’s name? I may even be able to ease your troubles.” Unable to wrench himself free, the man jumped about in fury. “Bad luck, bad luck! I can’t stand the bullying at home, and now I run into this bald head and have to take his nonsense too!” Pilgrim said, “If you have the strength, pry my hand open, and off you go.” The man twisted left and right, but could not budge him: it was as if a pair of iron pincers held him fast. In a rage he flung down his bundle, threw away his umbrella and clawed at Pilgrim with both hands, fast as falling rain. Pilgrim steadied the luggage with one hand and held the man off with the other. Whatever the fellow tried, he could not get his hands on him. Pilgrim only held on harder, until the man’s rage burst out like thunder. Sanzang said, “Wukong, isn’t someone else coming over there? Ask that man instead. Why keep holding this one? Let him go.” Pilgrim laughed. “You do not understand, Master. There would be no fun in asking anyone else. This is the fellow to ask if we want some business.” Held fast by Pilgrim, the man could only tell him. “This is within the borders of the kingdom of Wusizang2, and the place is called Gao Village. More than half the families here are named Gao, so that is what we call it. Let me go!” Pilgrim said again, “You are not dressed like a man going a short way. Tell me honestly where you mean to go and exactly what you have to do. Then I shall let you go.”

The man had no choice but to tell him the truth. “I am a servant of Old Master Gao, and my name is Gao Cai. My master has a youngest daughter, just twenty years old, who had never been married. Three years ago a demon took possession of her and became his son-in-law. He has been one these three years. My master was displeased. ‘Having a demon for a daughter’s husband cannot go on,’ he said. ‘For one thing, it ruins the family name; for another, there is no family on his side to keep up relations with.’ He has been trying to send the demon away, but the demon refuses to go. Instead he has shut the daughter up in the rear quarters for nearly half a year, refusing to let her out to see anyone in the family. My master gave me a few taels of silver3 and told me to find a ritual master to catch the monster. I have scarcely stopped walking all this time. I have brought back three or four men, but every one was a useless monk or a good-for-nothing Daoist, and none could subdue the demon. Just now my master gave me a scolding and said I could not do my job. He gave me another half-tael of silver for expenses and told me to fetch a good ritual master to subdue him. Then I had to run into a pest like you, grabbing me and keeping me from going on my way! I get nothing but trouble, inside the house and out. That is why I shouted at you: I could do nothing else. I did not expect you to have a trick or two yourself. Since I cannot break your grip, I have told you the truth. Now let me go.” Pilgrim said, “Good fortune for you, and work for me! That makes a perfect match. You need not travel far or spend that silver. We are no useless monks or good-for-nothing Daoists. We have real powers and are well practised at catching demons. Just as the saying goes: ‘One kindness done to the doctor, and your eyes are cured into the bargain.’ Kindly go back and tell your master that we come from the Eastern Land: a holy monk, the Emperor’s brother, sent by His Majesty, bound for the Western Heaven to worship the Buddha and seek the scriptures. We are well able to subdue demons and bind monsters.” Gao Cai said, “Do not get me into trouble. I am already full of anger. If you fool me and have no powers to catch that demon, won’t you only bring more trouble down on me?” Pilgrim said, “I promise I shall not let you down. Take me to your door.” The man could do nothing else. He picked up his bundle and umbrella, turned back and led master and disciple to the entrance of the house. “You two elders, sit here a little while on the mounting block. I shall go in and tell my master.” Only then did Pilgrim release his hand. He set down his load and led the horse over, and master and disciple waited beside the gate, one sitting, the other standing.

Gao Cai went through the main gate and straight towards the central hall, where he happened to run into Old Master Gao. His master cursed him. “You thick-skinned beast! Why aren’t you out looking for someone? What have you come back for?” Gao Cai put down his bundle and umbrella. “Let me report to my master. I had only just reached the end of the street when I met two monks, one riding a horse and one carrying a load. One of them caught hold of me and would not let go, asking where I was going. Again and again I refused to tell him, but he kept after me until I could do nothing, and I could not free myself. So I told him all about my master’s affairs. He was delighted and wants to catch the monster for us.” Old Gao asked, “Where are they from?” Gao Cai said, “He says they come from the Eastern Land: a holy monk, the Emperor’s brother, sent by His Majesty, bound for the Western Heaven to worship the Buddha and seek the scriptures.” His master said, “If they are monks who have come so far, perhaps they really have some powers. Where are they now?” Gao Cai said, “Waiting outside the gate.”

The old master hurriedly changed his clothes and went out with Gao Cai to welcome them, calling, “Elder!” Sanzang heard and turned round at once; already the old man stood before him. He wore a black damask headcloth, a pale greenish-white robe of Sichuan brocade, a pair of calfskin boots with a coarse, grainy surface and a black-green woven sash. Smiling as he came to meet them, he said, “My respects to you, elders.” Sanzang returned his greeting, but Pilgrim stood still. Seeing his fierce, ugly face, the old man did not dare bow to him. Pilgrim said, “Why don’t you give Old Sun a greeting?” More than a little frightened, the old fellow said to Gao Cai, “You young rascal, are you trying to kill me? There’s already one ugly-headed, monstrous son-in-law in the house whom I can’t get rid of. Why bring this Thunder God4 here to plague me too?” Pilgrim said, “Old Gao, you have lived all these years and still have no sense. If you judge a man by his looks alone, you are quite wrong. Old Sun may be ugly, but I have some powers. If I catch your demon, seize your evil spirit, take that son-in-law of yours and give you back your daughter, that is a good thing. Why keep harping on my face?” At these words the old master trembled, but had to pull himself together and say, “Please come in.” Only once he had been invited did Pilgrim lead in the white horse, telling Gao Cai to carry the luggage, and go inside with Sanzang. Without a thought for what was proper, he tied the horse to a pillar of the open hall, pulled over a folding chair with polished lacquer and asked his Master to sit. He pulled up another chair and sat beside him. Old Gao said, “This little elder certainly makes himself at home.” Pilgrim said, “Let me stay here half a year, and I shall be more at home yet.”

When they had settled into their seats, Old Gao asked, “My servant said just now that you two elders come from the Eastern Land?” Sanzang said, “We do. This poor monk has been commanded by the throne to go to the Western Heaven, worship the Buddha and seek the scriptures. Passing through your honoured village, we ask only for a night’s lodging and shall leave early tomorrow.” Old Gao said, “So you came to ask for lodging. How is it that you say you can catch monsters?” Pilgrim said, “Since we need lodging, we may as well catch a few little demons for amusement while we are here. May I ask how many monsters you have in the house?” Old Gao said, “Heavens! How many could we stand? This one demon son-in-law has worn us out already.” Pilgrim said, “Tell me his whole story from the beginning, and what powers he has. Then I can catch him for you.” Old Gao said, “From ancient times to the present, this village has never known ghosts, goblins or evil demons making mischief. It is only my own misfortune: this foolish old man has no son, only three daughters. The eldest is called Xianglan, the second Yulan and the third Cuilan. The first two were promised in childhood to families here in the village. For the youngest I wanted a husband who would live here with us5, to look after me in old age, support the household, do the work and meet our obligations. Three years ago, unexpectedly, a man appeared whose looks were quite presentable. He said he came from Blessing-Mound Mountain, that his surname was Zhu, that he had neither parents nor brothers, and that he was willing to become a son-in-law in someone’s home. Seeing a man with no roots and no ties, this foolish old fellow took him in. At first he was hardworking and careful. He ploughed and harrowed without oxen or tackle, and reaped the grain without a blade or stick. He went out at dusk and came back at dawn and was really very good. There was only one thing: he had a way of changing his face.” Pilgrim asked, “Changing it how?” Old Gao said, “When he first came, he was a fat, dark fellow. Later he turned into the Idiot (Daizi), with a long snout and great ears, a row of bristles down the back of his head and a coarse, frightful body. His head and face look just like a pig’s. And what an appetite! At a meal he needs rice enough to fill three or five dou6, and even for his morning snack a hundred or so baked cakes are only just enough. Thank goodness he eats vegetarian food. If he took meat and wine as well, he would eat up all this foolish old man’s property and fields in less than half a year.” Sanzang said, “It is only because he can work so much that he can eat so much.” Old Gao said, “Eating is a small matter. Now he raises winds, comes in clouds and goes in mist, sends stones hurtling and sand flying. My family and all our neighbours are so frightened that none of us can live in peace. Besides, he has shut my youngest daughter Cuilan up in the rear quarters. It has been half a year since we saw her face, and we do not even know whether she is alive or dead. That is how we know he is a demon. We want to find a ritual master to drive him away.”

Pilgrim said, “What is difficult about that? Set your mind at rest, old man. Tonight I promise to catch him, make him sign a paper ending the marriage and give you back your daughter. How would that be?” Old Gao was delighted. “Taking him in would have been nothing, but he has ruined so much of my good name and driven so many of my relations away. If you can catch him, what do I want with papers? Just do me the favour of getting rid of him, root and all.” Pilgrim said, “Easy, easy. Once night comes, you shall see how things stand.”

The old man was very pleased and ordered the tables and chairs wiped down and vegetarian food laid out. When they had eaten, evening was near. He asked, “What weapons do you need? How many men to go with you? Tell me now so I can have them ready.” Pilgrim said, “I have my own weapon.” The old man said, “All you two have is that monk’s staff. How can a monk’s staff beat that demon?” Pilgrim took an embroidery needle from his ear, rolled it between his fingers and waved it in the wind. It became an iron cudgel with gold bands, as thick as a bowl. He said to Old Gao, “Look at this cudgel. How does it compare with the weapons in your house? Can it beat the monster?” Old Gao asked again, “Since you have a weapon, do you need men to follow you?” Pilgrim said, “I need no men. Only a few elderly gentlemen of good character to sit quietly with my Master and chat, so that I can leave him and go. When I bring the demon back, I shall take his confession before everyone and get rid of him for you, root and all.” The old man at once called his servants and had them invite a few relations and friends. Soon they had all arrived. When the greetings were over, Pilgrim said, “Master, sit easy and set your mind at rest. Old Sun is off!”

She came forward, saw Old Gao, clung to him and burst into sobs with her head against his. Pilgrim said, “Do not cry yet, do not cry. Tell me: where has the demon gone?” The girl said, “I don’t know. These days he leaves at dawn and only comes back at night. He comes and goes in clouds and mist, and I have no idea where. Since he knows Father wants to drive him away, he is always on his guard. That is why he comes at dusk and goes at dawn.” Pilgrim said, “Say no more. Old man, take your daughter to the front of the house and tell each other all you have missed. Leave Old Sun here to wait for him. If he does not come, you must not blame me. If he does, I promise to pull up the weeds root and all.” Old Gao happily led his daughter away to the front.

As the wild wind swept past, a demon appeared in the air. He was ugly indeed: a black face with short bristles, a long snout and great ears. He wore a straight-cut robe of woven cotton, neither quite green nor quite blue, with a strip of flowered cloth tied round his waist. Pilgrim laughed to himself. “So this is the fellow we are dealing with.” A fine Pilgrim! He neither greeted him nor asked him anything, but lay on the bed pretending to be ill, groaning and moaning without a pause. Unable to tell the false from the true, the monster came into the room, put his arms round him and tried to kiss him. Pilgrim laughed to himself. “He really means to have his fun with Old Sun!” At once he used a grappling trick, caught the monster under his long snout and gave him a little throw. He gave the monster’s head a jerk and flung him off the bed with a thump. The monster scrambled up and leaned against the bedside. “Sister, why are you cross with me today? Is it because I came late?” Pilgrim said, “I’m not cross, not cross.” The demon said, “If you aren’t cross, why throw me down like that?” Pilgrim said, “Why be so ill-mannered, hugging and kissing me the moment you come in? I’m not feeling well today. If I were as well as usual, I would have got up and opened the door to wait for you. Take off your clothes and go to sleep.” The monster did not understand what he meant and really did start to undress. Pilgrim sprang up and sat on the chamber pot. The monster came back to the bed and felt about, but found no one. “Sister, where have you gone? Do take off your clothes and come to bed.” Pilgrim said, “You go to sleep first. Let me relieve myself.” The monster did indeed undress and get into bed first.

Suddenly Pilgrim sighed. “What wretched luck I have!” The monster said, “What are you upset about? How can your luck be wretched? Since I came to your home, I have eaten some of your food, but I have never eaten it for nothing. I have swept the floors and cleared the drains, carried bricks and hauled tiles, rammed earth and built walls, ploughed fields and harrowed ground, sown wheat and planted rice, built up the household and made a living for it. Now you wear brocade on your body and gold on your head, have flowers and fruit to enjoy in all four seasons and vegetables cooked for you at the eight festivals9. What is there left to displease you, that you sigh and sigh like this and talk of wretched luck?” Pilgrim said, “That is not what I mean. Today my parents stood on the other side of the wall and threw bricks and tiles at me, beating and cursing me terribly.” The monster said, “Why did they beat and curse you?” Pilgrim said, “They said that since you and I became husband and wife, you have been a son-in-law of their house but shown no manners at all. With that ugly face, you can’t meet my sisters’ husbands or show yourself to our relations. And you come in clouds and go in mist: no one knows where you really come from, or your surname or given name. You spoil Father’s good name and disgrace his household. That is why they beat and curse me, and why I am upset.” The monster said, “I may be a little ugly, but looking handsome would be easy enough if I wanted to. I told him all this when I first came, and he agreed before he took me in. Why bring it up again today? My home is Cloud-Stack Cave on Blessing-Mound Mountain. I chose my surname from my looks, so it is Zhu, and my formal name is Zhu Ganglie10. If he asks you again, just tell him that.”

Pilgrim was secretly delighted. “This monster is quite honest. Without any torture, he has confessed so clearly. Now that I have his home and his name, I shall catch him whatever happens.” Aloud he said, “Father means to bring a ritual master to catch you.” The monster laughed. “Go to sleep, go to sleep, and pay him no mind. I have transformations to match the number of the Heavenly Stars11 and a nine-toothed rake. What ritual master, monk or Daoist should I fear? Even if your father’s devotion brought the Demon-Quelling Patriarch of the Nine Heavens12 down to earth, he and I have met before. He would not dare do anything to me either.” Pilgrim said, “Father says he is bringing the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, surnamed Sun, who made havoc in the Heavenly Palace five hundred years ago. He is coming to catch you.” At that name the monster grew a little frightened. “If that is what he says, I had better go. We can’t be husband and wife any more.” Pilgrim said, “Why go just like that?” The monster said, “You don’t know. That Keeper of the Horses who made havoc in the Heavenly Palace has some powers. I am afraid I may not be able to beat him. It would bring down my name and make me look a fool.”

With that he pulled on his clothes, opened the door and headed out. Pilgrim caught him with one hand, passed the other over his own face and revealed his true form. “You fine demon! Where are you going? Lift your head and see who I am!” The monster turned his eyes upon him and saw Pilgrim baring his teeth and curling his lips, with fiery eyes and golden pupils, a knobbly head and a hairy face, like the Thunder God come to life. So frightened that his hands went numb and his legs weak, he tore himself out of his clothes with a ripping sound, turned into a wild wind and escaped. Pilgrim rushed forward, drew his iron cudgel and struck once at the wind. The monster turned into ten thousand streams of fiery light and headed straight back to his mountain. Pilgrim mounted a cloud and gave chase, shouting, “Where are you going? If you go up to Heaven, I shall follow you to the Palace of the Dipper and the Ox. If you go down into the earth, I shall pursue you to the Hell of Wrongful Death13!”

Ah! Where did this pursuit take them, and who won or lost? To learn what happened next, read the next chapter.