The King's Ghost

Journey to the West 44 The King’s Ghost

The man walked into the Tang Monk’s room. “ Wh-who are you?” asked the Tang Monk nervously. “ I'm king of the Black Rooster Kingdom, ” said the man. “ My kingdom suffered a horrible drought five years ago. Crops wouldn’t grow, and my people were starving. One day a Daoist arrived in the kingdom. He said he had great powers and could pray for rain. ”

“ Did the Daoist’s prayers bring rain?” asked the Tang Monk. The king nodded. “ It rained for days, and our crops began to grow. ” “ Wonderful! ” said the Tang Monk with a smile. But then his smile faded. “ I’m confused. Why do you need my help?”

The king took a deep breath. “ After the Daoist brought the rain, we became close friends. One day we were walking when I noticed a strange light coming from my well. I went to the well and looked in. Suddenly I felt someone push me in. It was the Daoist! He had made the light with magic so he could trick me. I fell deep into the water, and he sealed the well shut. ”

Tears came to the king’s eyes. “ My body is still down there. I’m just a . . . ghost. ” “ That’s horrible! ” said the Tang Monk. “ Your guards punished the Daoist, right?” The king shook his head. “ The Daoist made himself look like me, and now everyone thinks he’s the real king. ” The king paused. “ I’ve been in the Land of Darkness ever since. Tonight a spirit brought me to see you. He said you can help me. ”

“ How can I help you?” asked the Tang Monk. “ I’m just a monk. ” “ Yes, but you’re traveling with Sun Wukong, ” said the king. “ Sun Wukong is very powerful. He can destroy the Daoist! ” The Tang Monk hesitated. “ Wukong can’t charge into the palace and attack the Daoist. People will think the monkey is evil, attacking a king for no reason. ”