Defeat of the Ox-demon

The Ox-demon being of so fierce and terrible a nature, both Buddha in Heaven and the Taoist Celestial Ruler sent down whole legions of celebrated warriors to help the Master’s servant.  The Ox-demon tried to escape in every direction, one after the other, but his efforts were in vain.  Finally defeated, he was made to promise for himself and his wife to give up their evil ways and to follow the holy precepts of the Buddhist doctrine.

The Magic Fan was given to Sun, who at once proceeded to test its powers.  When he waved it once the fires on Flaming Mountain died out.  When he waved it a second time a gentle breeze sprang up.  When he waved it a third time refreshing rain fell everywhere, and the pilgrims proceeded on their way in comfort.

The Lovely Women

Having travelled over many mountains, the travellers came to a village.  The Master said:  “You, my disciples, are always very kind, taking round the begging-bowl and getting food for me.  To-day I will take the begging-bowl myself.”  But Sun said:  “That is not right; you must let us, your disciples, do this for you.”  But the Master insisted.

When he reached the village, there was not a man to be seen, but only some lovely women.  He did not think that it was right for him to speak to women.  On the other hand, if he did not procure anything for their meal, his disciples would make fun of him.  So, after long hesitation, he went forward and begged food of them.  They invited him to their cave home, and, having learnt who he was, ordered food for him, but it was all human flesh.  The Master informed them that he was a vegetarian, and rose to take his departure, but instead of letting him go they surrounded and bound him, thinking that he would be a fine meal for them next day.

An Awkward Predicament

Then seven of the women went out to bathe in a pool.  There Sun, in search of his Master, found them and would have killed them, only he thought it was not right to kill women.  So he changed himself into an eagle and carried away their clothes to his nest.  This so frightened the women that they crouched in the pool and did not dare to come out.

But Pa-chieh, also in search of his Master, found the women bathing.  He changed himself into a fish, which the women tried to catch, chasing him hither and thither round the pool.  After a while Pa-chieh leapt out of the pool and, appearing in his true form, threatened the women for having bound his Master.  In their fright the women fled to a pavilion, round which they spun spiders’ threads so thickly that Pa-chieh became entangled and fell.  They then escaped to their cave and put on some clothes.

How the Master was Rescued