As the Master and disciple walked, they suddenly saw a slow and meandering stream, the Quicksand River.

"My disciple, this place is difficult to pass. The chosen one, who will be on the quest for the scriptures, is merely mortal. How do you think they can manage to cross? " The Bodhisattva asked.

"Master, check how far the river extends." The Benevolent Pilgrim suggested.

The Bodhisattva stopped and looked into the distance. She saw that to the east, it connected with sandy wastelands, to the west, it reached various foreign lands, to the south, it extended to Ugo, and to the north, it led to the Tartars. Straight across, it spanned eight hundred miles and covered millions of miles up and down. The water flowed like a turning serpent, and the waves rolled as if the mountains were rising. Vast and boundless, it stretched as far as the eye could see, and its roar could be heard from ten miles away.

No immortal raft could reach this place, and no lotus leaves could float upon it. Weary grasses slanted in the setting sun, and yellow clouds cast shadows over the long dyke. How could merchants come and go there? How could fishermen find a place to settle?

The plain had no geese landing, and the distant shore echoed with the cries of apes. Only the red mallow flowers knew the scenery, and the fragrant duckweed swayed gently.

As the Bodhisattva was observing, a loud splash in the river disturbed her.

Suddenly, a demon jumped out of the water. He looked horrid:

Not quite green, nor truly black,

A face with misfortune, hues off track.

Not long, nor short, a sinewy frame,

Barefooted and wild, a unique claim.

Eyes flicker, like hearth's twin lights,

Mouth's corners forked, fierce sights.

Fangs support a blade-like grin,

Red hair wild, free in the wind.

A thunderous roar, a shout so bold,

Two feet racing, like gales untold.

The monstrous creature wielded a precious staff and rushed ashore to capture the Bodhisattva. "Stop!" The Benevolent Pilgrim shouted and blocked the foe with his iron rod.

The creature then confronted the Benevolent Pilgrim with his own staff.

They engaged in a fierce battle by the side of the Flowing Sands River, and it was truly astonishing:

With wooden staff and iron rod,

Displaying powers, a guardian god.

Against monsters, demons, and their ilk,

A hero strives, with valor and skill.

Silver serpents dance near the river's bend,

Divine monks above, their strength ascend.

One wields might in the Flowing Sands,

The other protects, Kuan Yin's plans.

One churns waves and leaps with grace,

The other breathes mist, wind to embrace.

Chaos and darkness in their wake,

As they battle, worlds tremble and quake.

One's demon-slaying staff, fierce and bright,

Like a white tiger taking flight.

The other's iron rod, strong and grand,

A sleeping yellow dragon, it commands.

One seeks and finds serpents in the grass,

The other throws and parts trees like a flash.

Stars twinkle, skies so bright,

Misty realms, day turns to night.

One dwells in the weak water's deep,

The other's journey, the first step to keep.

The two of them engaged in numerous intense battles, with neither gaining the upper hand.

The monster stopped the iron rod and asked, "Who are you, monk, daring to confront me?"

The Benevolent Pilgrim replied, "I am Muzha, the Second Prince of the Heavenly King Li. Currently, I am protecting my master as she travels to the Eastern Divine Continent to find the person who will obtain the scriptures. Who are you, and why do you dare to block our path?"

The monster recalled, "I remember you were practicing with Guanyin in the Purple Bamboo Grove in the South Sea. Why have you come here?"

Muzha responded, "Don’t you see my master standing on the shore?"

Upon hearing these words, the monster repeatedly nodded and put away his precious staff. He allowed Muzha to take him to see Guanyin, where he knelt down and begged for forgiveness. "Bodhisattva, please forgive my sins and let me explain. I am not a wicked demon but the Grand General of the Drapery and Canopy in Lingxiao Palace. I accidentally broke a glass at the Peach Banquet, and the Jade Emperor punished me with 800 lashes and banished me to the mortal realm, resulting in my current appearance. Additionally, every seven days, a flying sword pierces my chest over a hundred times, causing me great suffering. Helpless and unable to bear hunger and cold, I emerge from the waves every two or three days to find a traveler to eat. Unfortunately, due to my ignorance, I offended the merciful Bodhisattva today."

Guanyin said, "You had committed sins in heaven, and now you are adding more harm by hurting living beings. It's a case of sin upon sin. Buddha instructed me to go to the Eastern Land and find the person to obtain the scriptures. Why don't you join my teachings, embrace virtuous deeds, and become a disciple of the one who seeks the scriptures? You can worship the Buddha in the Western Heaven, and the flying sword will no longer harm you. When you succeed, your past duties will be restored. What do you think?"

"I am willing to embrace the right path." The Monster said, "Bodhisattva, I've devoured countless human beings here, and each time, their heads sank into the Quicksand River and disappeared. This water is so dense that even goose feathers can't float. However, the skulls of nine people who sought the scriptures were floating on the surface and couldn't sink. I found them intriguing and strung them together as a sort of entertainment during my free time. Now, I'm concerned that the person seeking the scriptures might not reach this place, which could harm my future. What should I do?"

Guanyin said, "There's no reason for them not to arrive. You can hang the skulls around your neck and wait for the person who seeks the scriptures. They will be useful."

The monster replied, "If that's the case, I will follow your guidance."

Guanyin then gave him the monastic precepts, and as his surname, he took the name Sha, which means sand and adopted the Dharma name Wujing, Awakened Purity.

Wujing became a monk and escorted Guanyin across the river. From then on, he purified his heart and mind, refrained from harming living beings, and devoted himself to waiting for the person who seeks the scriptures.

After bidding farewell to the monster monk, the Bodhisattva, and Muzha continued their journey to the Eastern Land. After traveling for a long time, they came across a tall mountain covered in evil energy, making it impossible to ascend. They tried to fly over the mountain on clouds, but suddenly, a fierce wind arose, and another demon appeared before them. This demon was extremely vicious and dangerous:

With tangled hair like lotus roots,

mouth agape in a taunting snoot,

Ears like fans, reveal eyes of gold,

sharp fangs gleam, fierce and bold.

A mouth wide open, fiery and grand,

teeth sharp as steel in its command,

A golden helmet snugly tied,

armor's threads, scales they hide.

With a spiked mace held firm and tight,

dragon claws, a fearsome sight,

A curved bow draped across the waist,

moon's crescent, in glory traced.

Defiant, it faces Time's own might,

soaring spirit, gods it'd incite.

The demon charged forward, showing no regard for right or wrong, and aimed to strike the Bodhisattva with his spiked halberd. However, Muzha, the Benevolent Pilgrim, stepped in and blocked him, loudly shouting, "You insolent monster, stop your impudence and face my staff!"

The demon retorted, "This monk doesn't know his own limits. Take this rake!"

The two clashed at the foot of the mountain, engaging in a fierce battle, and it was truly a deadly fight.

Fierce and bold, the demons loom,

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while the virtuous might breaks through the gloom.

Iron rod strikes with force untamed,

rake meets the challenge unashamed.

Earth and sky obscured with dust,

flying stones, the spirits fussed.

The nine-toothed rake, shining bright,

twin rings resound in the fight.

A single staff, darkly sublime,

both hands soaring through the rhyme.

One is heaven's prince, that's true,

the other, a marshal spirit too.

One guards the sacred Mount Potalaka,

while the other dwells in a cavern's saga.

In this encounter, the battle cry,

who loses and who stands high?

As the two fought intensely, Guanyin tossed down a lotus flower from mid-air, separating the halberd and staff.

The monster was startled and asked, "Who are you, trying to deceive me with these flowers in front of my eyes?"

Muzha replied, "You ignorant creature! I am a disciple of Guanyin in the South Sea. This is the lotus flower she threw. Don't you recognize it?"

The monster asked, "Is it Guanyin who sweeps away disasters and rescues from difficulties?"

Muzha said, "Yes, who else could it be?"

The monster put down his rake and bowed. "Brother, where is Guanyin? Please introduce me to her."

Muzha pointed upwards and said, "Isn't she up there?"

The monster kowtowed toward the sky and loudly apologized, "Bodhisattva, forgive me, forgive me."

Guanyin descended from the clouds and asked, "What kind of wild boar are you, or what old pig is causing trouble here, daring to block my way?"

The monster replied, "I am neither a wild boar nor an old pig. I am originally the Great Marshal Tianpeng from the Milky Way. But because I played a trick on Chang'e with alcohol, the Jade Emperor punished me with two thousand hammer strikes and banished me to the mortal world. With my true spirit and nature, I intended to seize an opportunity for rebirth. However, I mistakenly took the wrong path and ended up being born in a sow's womb, resulting in this appearance. I killed the mother pig and beat up the other pigs, occupying this mountain to prey on humans for survival. Unexpectedly, I encountered the Bodhisattva. I sincerely hope for your mercy and salvation."

Guanyin asked, "What is the name of this mountain?"

The monster replied, "It's called Blessed Tomb Mountain. Inside the mountain, there is a cave known as Cloudy Trail Cave. Originally, a female demon named Egg Second Sister lived there. When she saw my martial arts skills, she made me the head of the family. Within a year, she died, leaving all the family belongings for me to enjoy. I have lived here for a long time without any means of subsistence, relying on preying on humans for survival. I sincerely ask for your forgiveness, Bodhisattva."

Guanyin said, "Ancient wisdom says, 'If you want a bright future, don't engage in wrongdoing.' You have violated the laws of the heavenly realm, and now you persist in your evil ways, harming and causing misery to others. Isn't this deserving of double punishment?"

The monster replied, "The future is in the future, but only if I don’t starve in the meantime. There's a saying, 'Punishment by official law leads to death, while punishment by Buddhist law leads to starvation.' No, no, I'd rather catch a traveler, feast on their flesh, and not care about double or triple punishment, or countless crimes!"

Guanyin said, "If people have good intentions, heaven will respond. If you are willing to embrace the right path, there are ways to sustain yourself. In the world, there are five grains to relieve hunger. Why resort to preying on humans for survival?"

Upon hearing these words, the monster felt as if waking from a dream and said to Guanyin, "I desire to turn to the right path, but how can I pray for forgiveness from heaven?"

Guanyin replied, "I have received the Buddha's decree to journey to the Eastern Land and find the person who will retrieve the scriptures. You can follow him as a disciple and travel to the Western Heaven. Doing so allows you to make amends for your wrongdoings and free yourself from calamity and suffering."

The monster eagerly agreed, saying, "I am willing to follow, I am willing to follow."

Guanyin then gave him the ordination, changed his name to "Pigsy", and gave him the Dharma name "Wuneng", Awakened Pig.

From then on, he followed the teachings, refrained from eating meat and pungent food, and patiently awaited the arrival of the person who would retrieve the scriptures.

Guanyin and Muzha left Pigsy and floated through the clouds.

While on the way, Guanyin saw a jade dragon calling for help in the sky. She approached and asked, "What kind of dragon are you, and why are you suffering here?"

The dragon replied, "I am the son of the Western Sea Dragon King, Ao Run. I set fire to the palace's bright pearl, and my father reported it to the heavenly court, accusing me of rebellion. The Jade Emperor suspended me in the sky and punished me with three hundred strikes. I am to be executed soon. I plead for your rescue, Bodhisattva. Please save me."

Upon hearing this, Guanyin and Muzha rushed to the Southern Heavenly Gate, where the two celestial teachers, Qiu and Zhang, were waiting. They asked, "Where are you going?"

Guanyin replied, "I am here to see the Jade Emperor."

The two celestial masters immediately reported to the Jade Emperor, who came down from his throne to welcome Guanyin.

After paying her respects, Guanyin said, "I have received the Buddha's decree to journey to the eastern lands and find the person who will retrieve the scriptures. On my way, I encountered a sinful dragon suspended in the air. I have come to plead for his life, so he can assist the chosen one in his quest."

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor issued a pardon, sending heavenly soldiers to release the dragon and present him to Guanyin. Grateful for being spared, the dragon vowed to obey Guanyin's command.

Guanyin placed him in a deep valley, waiting for the arrival of the chosen one, who the dragon would transform into a white horse to aid on their journey to the Western Heaven. The dragon accepted the task and quietly prepared himself for the mission.

The Bodhisattva led Muzha past the mountains and continued towards the Eastern Divine Continent.

After a while, they suddenly saw countless golden lights and auspicious signs.

Muzha said, "Master, the place emitting such radiance must be Five Elements Mountain, where the decree of the Tathagata is kept."

The Bodhisattva replied, "Indeed, it is the place of the unruly Monkey King, who caused chaos during the Peach Banquet and wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Palace. He is now trapped there."

Muzha nodded in agreement.

They both ascended the mountain and saw the decree written with the six-character mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum."

The Bodhisattva read it and couldn't help but sigh with sorrow. She composed a poem which goes:

In awe of the Monkey King's audacity,

Once wild and proud, a hero he claimed to be.

Disturbing the Peach Banquet with deceit,

Boldly sneaking into Heaven's retreat.

Amongst ten thousand soldiers, none could stand,

A force of nature, feared throughout the land.

Yet, trapped by Buddha's divine might,

When will he rise again and regain his light?

While the master and disciples were talking, they inadvertently alarmed the Great Sage.

The Great Sage's voice echoed from the base of the mountain, "Who's got the nerve to recite poetry and point out my weaknesses right here?"

Upon hearing this, the Bodhisattva went down the mountain to investigate. Underneath the stone cliff, she found the Earth Deity, Mountain Spirit, and the celestial generals who were guarding the Great Sage. They all came forward to welcome the Bodhisattva and led her to the Great Sage. Upon closer inspection, they saw that he was sealed in a stone box, able to speak but unable to move.

The Bodhisattva asked, "Sun Wukong, do you recognize me?"

The Great Sage opened his golden eyes and nodded, exclaiming, "How could I not recognize you? You are the compassionate and merciful Guanyin Bodhisattva of Mount Potalaka in the South Sea, saving the suffering and helping the needy. Thank you for coming to visit me. I've been stuck here for five hundred years, and nobody I know has bothered to visit me. Where are you coming from?"

"I am following the Buddha's order to go to the Eastern Land to find the scriptures. Passing by here, I purposely stopped by to see you." The Bodhisattva replied.

"The Tathagata tricked me, trapping me under this mountain for over five hundred years. I couldn't break out. So, Bodhisattva, I'm asking you to help me out." The Great Sage begged.

"Your sins are deeply rooted, and releasing you might cause further harm. It might not be the best solution," The Bodhisattva said hesitatingly.

The Great Sage insisted, "I've already repented. I'm ready to transform my life through dedicated cultivation. Please guide me on the path of compassion."

At that moment, it was said:

In every heart, a thought takes birth,

The cosmos knows, for all its worth.

Though good and evil may seem concealed,

The universe's secrets won't be shielded.

For every deed, a consequence awaits,

The universe's balance never abates.

Goodness and vice, both hold a sway,

In the grand design, they have their say.

Upon hearing these words, the Bodhisattva felt delighted. She told the Great Sage, "The scriptures say, 'When one speaks good words, they are answered even a thousand miles away. When one speaks bad words, they are contradicted even a thousand miles away.' Since you have such a compassionate heart, I will go to the Eastern Land, the Great Tang Dynasty, to find someone who can save you. You can become their disciple, learn and uphold the teachings, enter the Buddhist path, and cultivate to attain enlightenment. How does that sound?"

The Great Sage eagerly responded, "I am willing to go, I am willing to go."

The Bodhisattva then said, "Since you have good intentions, I will give you a Dharma name."

The Great Sage replied, "I already have a name; it is Sun Wukong."

The Bodhisattva was pleased and added, "There are two others who have surrendered to me before, and their names both start with 'Wu.' Your name also starts with 'Wu,' and it fits well with them. Very good, very good. There's no need for further instructions; I will go now."

Having attained enlightenment and embraced Buddhism, the Great Sage watched the Bodhisattva go with deep appreciation and determination to seek the venerable monk.

After leaving that place, Guanyin and Muzha traveled eastward. They arrived in the capital city of Chang'an in the Great Tang Dynasty in just one day. Disguising themselves as two scabby wandering monks, they entered the city without attracting attention. They didn't realize it was getting late. Walking along the main street, they saw a local deity temple and decided to enter.

The local deity was startled, and the ghost soldiers were frightened, recognizing the Bodhisattva. They bowed down and welcomed them inside. The local deity hurriedly reported the matter to the City God, the Community Officer, and all the gods in various temples across Chang'an, informing them of the presence of the Bodhisattva.

All the gods came to pay their respects. "Bodhisattva, forgive us for being late to receive you."

"You must not leak any information. I am here on the Buddha's orders to find the person to retrieve the scriptures. I will use your temple as a temporary residence for a few days until I find the real monk, and then I will leave."

The gods returned to their respective places, and they temporarily housed the local deity in the City God's temple while the Bodhisattva and her disciple concealed their true forms.

In the end, it's still uncertain when they will find the person to retrieve the scriptures. Let's wait for the following chapter to find out what happens next.