The Monster in the River

Journey to the West, Chapter 26, The Monster in the River.

《西游记》第二十六章 河中的妖怪

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.

一天早上，唐僧说道：“真希望我们能快点到达西天灵山啊。” 悟空和同伴们正在吃早饭。 猴子笑了起来。 师父，这趟路程要走好多年呢，您一路上还要面对好多考验哦。 佛祖可不会随便把真经交给别人的。 您得走完这漫长又艰险的路程，证明自己有资格取真经才行。

The monks 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.

唐僧叹了口气。 八戒放下了手里的碗。 他嚷嚷道：“这赶路的日子我可受够了。” 我腿都走疼了，还从来都吃不饱饭。 悟空说道：“八戒，别总想着吃的。” 我们现在是佛门弟子了。 应该一门心思想着抵达西天灵山才对。

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 leaked from the waves. Master, stay back! shouted Wukong. He pulled out his iron bar and blocked the monster's spear. Clang!

猪八戒叹了口气。 他洗完碗之后，三个同伴就沿着路出发了。 没走多久他们就来到了一条河边。 水花飞溅，一个紫色的妖怪从浪里钻了出来。 悟空大喊：“师父，往后退！” 他掏出金箍棒，挡住了妖怪的长矛。 当啷！

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.

八戒挥着九齿钉耙，朝妖怪冲了过去。 妖怪一头钻回了河里。 悟空说道：“八戒，我在水里本事发挥不好。” 你潜进去把他引到岸上来。 到时候我给他来个出其不意。 八戒应道：“好的。” 不过咱们得等他完全走到岸上再动手哦。 到时候我拦住他的去路，他就没法逃回河里了。

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.

八戒一头扎进了水里。 悟空在岸上等着。 没过一会儿，八戒游了回来，妖怪在后面追着他。 猴子挥起金箍棒打过去，结果打空了。 妖怪又钻回了水里。 八戒抱怨道：“你都没等他走到岸上来。” 你也太心急了。 悟空耸耸肩笑了。 咱们冲着妖怪喊吧。 说不定他就出来了呢。