Chapter 8: Seeking the Water-Repelling Pearl; The Bodhisattva Calls to Account

With a crisp snap, the teacup in the hand of Ao Run, the Dragon King of the Western Sea, shattered. His expression was grave as he stared at Hu Rong, his mind turning over possible reasons for the visitor’s arrival. The matter of his third son, Ao Lie, having shattered the precious pearl and thus incurring a fatal punishment was a disgrace to the Dragon Palace—he could not fathom how this meddlesome monkey had caught wind of it.

After a long silence, Ao Run forced himself to appear calm and inquired, “Great Sage, why do you suddenly bring up my third son?”

Hu Rong sipped his tea and replied, “Because, if nothing unexpected happens, the day after tomorrow he will fall by my hand.”

Indeed, counting the days, in two days Tang Monk and his disciples would likely pass by Serpent-Coil Mountain and the Eagle Sorrow Stream, where they would naturally encounter the White Dragon. In truth, at that point, it was just a matter of formalities to acquire a steed, far from the ‘slaying’ Hu Rong so breezily described.

“What?!” Ao Run could no longer remain seated. He sprang to his feet and bowed hastily to Hu Rong, pleading, “May I ask, Great Sage, in what way has my poor third son offended you? Please, speak plainly, so that I may offer my apologies to you on his behalf.”

“Do not be anxious, Old Dragon King! Listen and let me finish,” Hu Rong said, rising to help Ao Run back to his seat before briefly explaining the origin of the journey to the West: that he was now the eldest disciple of the scripture-seeking party, principally charged with subduing demons and protecting Tang Sanzang. As luck—or fate—would have it, in a couple of days, he would pass by the very place where the White Dragon was imprisoned.

If nothing went awry, the White Dragon would undoubtedly attack the scripture-seeking party, and Hu Rong, in turn, would be compelled to strike him down. The Dragon Kings of the Four Seas were well acquainted with Hu Rong’s havoc-wreaking prowess—against such might, the White Dragon would stand no chance.

When Ao Run heard this, he slammed the table heavily and sighed, “That wretched child! Hasn’t he caused enough trouble for me already?!”

Hu Rong, crossing his legs leisurely, looked at Ao Run and said, “You take this too much to heart, Old Dragon King! In truth, this is not entirely a misfortune. If handled well, Ao Lie could not only be absolved of his crime, but might even join my scripture-seeking company and attain golden immortality in the West.”

With these words, Ao Run immediately understood that Hu Rong’s visit was to ask for a favor. Strangely, his heart felt much lighter. He summoned the dragon maidens to prepare a lavish feast and fine wine to entertain Hu Rong.

Hu Rong was delighted to accept. Faced with a table full of delicacies and exquisite spirits, he feasted with gusto. The Dragon King, eager to curry favor, plied him with drink, and soon Hu Rong, a little tipsy, spoke in a slightly slurred voice:

“Old Dragon King, to be frank, this journey to the West will see us face eighty-one ordeals, and in theory, your third son is to be one of them… Slaying him would not bring punishment but would actually count as a merit in the celestial records. Of course, as there is brotherhood between us, how could I bear to harm your worthy nephew? That is why, upon learning of this, I came at once to inform you—to show you the benefit of my goodwill.”

Ao Run was deeply grateful and, raising his cup, said earnestly, “I’m obliged to the Great Sage for remembering my poor son and coming to warn me. All in the Western Sea are in your debt. Should you have any request, speak freely, and if it is within my power, I shall grant it with both hands!”

With a hiccup, Hu Rong grinned and said, “You are indeed generous, Old Dragon King. Then let me be frank: I came to the Western Sea first to secure a future for your son; second, to strengthen the bond between us; and third, to request a Water-Repelling Pearl.”

“A Water-Repelling Pearl?” Ao Run’s heart warmed at the first two reasons, but he paused at the third, repeating, “A Water-Repelling Pearl?”

“Yes, exactly so. You know well I am no born swimmer. Every time I enter the water, I must recite the incantation to part the waves, and it’s a nuisance. So I’ve come to the Crystal Palace to request a Water-Repelling Pearl.”

Ao Run burst into hearty laughter. “I thought you sought some rare treasure! Great Sage, I’ll have one fetched for you at once.” He ordered the treasure vaults to produce a Water-Repelling Pearl.

Hu Rong had not expected the pearl to be such a trifling matter here, and felt he’d perhaps driven too soft a bargain. But since the words had been spoken, he could not go back on them. He thanked the Old Dragon King and prepared to take his leave.

“Great Sage, wait!” Ao Run called, drawing him back. “I see your clothing is worn and tattered—why don’t I present you with a suit of precious garments as well?”

He signaled to the Turtle Prime Minister, who hurriedly brought forward a jeweled box. Hu Rong opened it to find a neatly folded set of clothes and boots, from which emanated a mysterious aura. He asked, “Old Dragon King, what is the origin of these?”

“Great Sage, these are Demon-Repelling Garments from the ancient times. Wearing them, you’ll be impervious to heat and cold, immune to evil spirits, and able to transform at will,” the Dragon King replied with a smile.

“What a marvelous treasure! My thanks, Old Dragon King!” Hu Rong immediately swallowed the Water-Repelling Pearl, then pulled on the Demon-Repelling Garments. As soon as he wore them, they fit perfectly, conforming to his will and comfort.

“Thank you for your generosity, Old Dragon King. I, your Old Sun, shall take my leave!” Hu Rong bowed to Ao Run and dashed out of the Crystal Palace. Behind him, Ao Run called anxiously, “Great Sage, do not forget to look after my third son—!”

…

Meanwhile, after Hu Rong’s departure, Tang Sanzang had remained huddled within the circle on the ground, too afraid to move. Having long since finished his flatbread and with not a drop of water remaining, he endured his hunger and thirst by silently reciting scriptures. Yet inwardly, he wondered why Wukong had not yet returned.

At this moment, an elderly woman approached along the mountain path. Her face was kindly, and she carried in her hands a padded coat with a floral hat resting atop it.

As she drew near, Tang Sanzang hurried to his feet and, standing within the chalk circle, saluted her. The old woman asked, “Elder, from whence do you come, sitting here all alone in such desolation?”

Tang Sanzang replied, “I am a humble monk from the Great Tang in the East, journeying under imperial edict to the Western Heaven to seek the true scriptures from the Living Buddha.”

The old woman smiled. “The Buddha of the West dwells in the Thunderclap Monastery within the borders of India—ten thousand and eight thousand miles from here. You travel alone, without companion or disciple. How do you expect to reach your destination?”

Tang Sanzang answered, “Only yesterday I gained a disciple. Out of concern for my hunger and thirst, he has gone to fetch water and seek alms for me, which is why he is not here.”

Upon hearing Tang Sanzang speak in defense of Hu Rong, the old woman gave a silent, mocking laugh, though outwardly she said, “I think your disciple is rather sly. He’s been gone so long; who knows where he’s off enjoying himself! Pity you, left here alone to suffer hunger and cold.”

Tang Sanzang was displeased at this disparagement of his senior disciple, but said nothing, merely turning aside, unwilling to argue further.

The old woman shook her head, feeling helpless at his failure to appreciate her advice. Yet she could not explain herself fully, nor did she truly know what Hu Rong was up to. She had only seen Tang Sanzang alone from her perch on the clouds, and knowing the monkey’s notorious mischief, had assumed he had abandoned Tang Sanzang and run off.