The Iron Immortal

Journey to the West 76 The Iron Immortal

Wukong was once again traveling west with the Tang Monk. “ Master, ” said Wukong. “ While I was at Mount Potalaka, I thought a lot. I realize now that it’s wrong to harm people. I won’t ever do it again. ” “ I’m glad, Wukong, ” said the Tang Monk. “ Can we please slow down?” Bajie moaned. “ I’m tired and it’s hot! ”

Wukong laughed. “ Not much has changed since I left. Bajie still complains all the time! ” Wujing wiped his brow. “ It is hot. Maybe we should take a break. ” “ Yes, ” said the Tang Monk. “ But I don’t understand why it’s so hot. It’s not summer. ” The travelers soon reached a village. An old man offered to take them in for the night. Later that evening they were all eating dinner.

“ Is it always so hot here?” asked Bajie. The man nodded. “ The Mountain of Flames is near here. It’s always burning. ” “ Well, I’ll be happy when we continue on our journey, ” said the pig. “ Then we can get away from this heat. ” “ Where are you going?” asked the man. “ We’re going to the Western Paradise, ” said the Tang Monk.

The man frowned. “ You can’t travel west from here. ” Everyone stopped eating and looked at the old man. “ Why not?” asked the Tang Monk. “ The Mountain of Flames is to the west, ” said the man. “ It’s impossible to pass. ” “ We’ll go around it, ” said the Tang Monk.

The old man shook his head. “ All the land around the mountain is covered in flames. The land stretches far to the north and the south. It’s impossible to go around. ” “ Then we must wait for a strong rainstorm, ” said Bajie. “ That will put out the flames. ” “ No, ” said the man. “ The flames are magical. There is just one spirit who can put them out. ” “ Who?” asked Wujing.