The Monster in the River

Journey to the West 26 The Monster in the River

I hope we reach the Western Paradise soon, ” said the Tang Monk one morning. Wukong and his companions were eating breakfast. The monkey laughed. “ The journey will take many years, Master! And you must face many challenges along the way. Buddha doesn’t give the True Scriptures to just anyone. You must prove you’re worthy by surviving a long and difficult journey. ”

The monk sighed. Bajie put down his bowl. “ I’m tired of this journey! ” he cried. “ My legs hurt. And we never have enough food. ” “ Stop thinking about food, Bajie, ” said Wukong. “ We’re Buddhist monks now. We should think only about reaching the Western Paradise. ”

The pig sighed. After he washed the bowls, the three companions headed down the road. They soon reached a river. The water splashed, and a purple monster leaped from the waves. “ Master, stay back! ” shouted Wukong. He pulled out his iron bar and blocked the monster’s spear. Clang!

Bajie lunged at the monster, swinging his rake. The monster dived back into the river. “ Bajie, my powers aren’t strong underwater, ” said Wukong. “ Dive in, and get him to chase you out of the river. Then I’ll surprise him. ” “ Okay, ” said the pig. “ Let’s wait until he comes all the way up on shore though. Then I’ll block his path so he can’t go back in the river. ”

Bajie dived into the water. Wukong waited. A moment later the pig was back with the monster following. The monkey swung his iron bar—and missed. The monster dived back underwater. “ You didn’t wait until he was on shore, ” said Bajie. “ You’re too impatient! ” Wukong shrugged and laughed. “ Let’s yell at the monster. Maybe he’ll come back. ”