The Demon under the Ice

Journey to the West 61 The Demon under the Ice

Wukong leaped into the air. His three companions and the horse fell into the water with a splash. Bajie climbed back out, coughing. Wujing came up next, pulling the horse behind him. “ Where’s the Tang Monk?” cried Wukong. Below the ice the Tang Monk struggled as the demon carried him deep underwater.

The demon laughed. “ You all fell for my trick! I froze the river and waited for you to cross it. Once you were above me, I cracked the ice open. As soon as your friends leave, I will eat you and live forever! ” They arrived at a palace. A sign over the door read “ Residence of the River Turtle. ” The demon went inside and locked the monk in a stone box.

Up on the ice, Wukong paced back and forth. “ The ice didn’t crack by accident, ” said the monkey. “ I’m sure it was the demon. The demon probably caused this strange cold weather too. ” He made a fist. “ I can’t believe we fell for his trick! We must save the Tang Monk! ”

Wukong stopped pacing and looked at his companions. “ My powers aren’t very strong underwater. You two must go down there and get the demon to come back up. I’ll surprise him. ” Wujing and Bajie nodded and dived into the river. They soon spotted a palace. Wujing read the sign over the door: “ Residence of the River Turtle. I wonder if the demon is in here. ”

Bajie knocked on the door. “ Open up! ” he shouted. The door opened, and the demon stepped out. He was holding a large hammer. “ What do you want?” he asked. “ Did you kidnap our master?” asked Wujing. “ Yes, ” said the demon. “ And I plan to eat him. Now go away! ”