The Tiger Immortal

Journey to the West 56 The Tiger Immortal

Wukong led the monks to his companions. The monks told the Tang Monk everything that they had told Wukong. “ That’s terrible, ” said the Tang Monk. “ We must help you. ” “ Yes, ” the monkey agreed. “ I’ll deal with the Tiger Immortal in the morning. ” The monks knew of an empty building nearby. They led the travelers there, and everyone went to sleep for the night.

The next morning Wukong woke up early. Someone was pounding on the door of the building. A voice boomed, “ I am the Tiger Immortal! ” The Tang Monk’s eyes popped open. He and all the other monks trembled with fear. Wujing and Bajie drew their weapons.

Wukong smiled. “ Don’t worry, everyone. I’ll deal with this villain. ” The monkey went outside. “ Who are you?” demanded the Tiger Immortal. “ I am Sun Wukong, ” said the monkey. “ And you should be ashamed of yourself! Just because you’re a little powerful, you think you can treat the Buddhist monks badly. ”

“ A little powerful?” The Tiger Immortal looked offended. “ I am very powerful! ” Wukong laughed. “ You’re not as powerful as I am. Did you know that the Jade Emperor is afraid of me? I once defeated his entire army. ” The Tiger Immortal puffed out his chest. “ I can summon rain, ” he said. “ I doubt you can do that. ”

Wukong snorted. “ I can summon rain. It’s easy. ” “ Well then, let’s have a contest, ” said the Tiger Immortal. “ Whoever summons more rain is the winner. If you win, I’ll let you and all the monks go free. But if I win, you must stay here and be my slaves. ” “ You’re a fool, ” said Wukong. “ I accept your challenge. ”