The Land of the West

Journey to the West 103 The Land of the West

Wukong returned from the Land of Darkness. Lady Kou brought the travelers back to her house. Inside the coffin the squire’s body was gray and lifeless. Wukong leaned over the coffin and recited a spell. Lady Kou gasped as color returned to her husband’s face. “ It’s working! ” said Wujing. “ The squire is coming back to life! ” said the Tang Monk.

Bajie licked his lips. “ Maybe the squire will thank us with a big feast. ” Squire Kou sat up and smiled. “ Thank you, Wukong. ” He climbed out of the coffin and turned to his wife. Tears filled her eyes. The two embraced. That night Squire and Lady Kou held a feast to thank Wukong. And the next morning they let the travelers leave without any argument.

“ Good luck! ” called Lady Kou as they departed. The Tang Monk and his companions traveled for many more months. Through rain and snow, heat and cold, they slowly continued west.

One day the road went into a beautiful land. There were flowers and magnificent trees. People smiled at the travelers and offered food. The Tang Monk stared in amazement. “ What is this place?” “ We are in the west, ” said Wukong. “ We are very close to the Western Paradise. ” A woman held out a basket of plums.

Bajie scooped up a handful. “ I love this place. ” “ Look up ahead, ” said Wujing, pointing to a row of tall buildings. “ It’s an abbey. ” The road led through a large gate in the abbey. At the gate the monk got down from his horse. A young man greeted them. “ Are you the Tang Monk?” asked the man.