The poem says:

> In ancient Tang's imperial decree, grand,

> Xuanzang embarked to understand Zen's land.

> With steadfast heart, he sought the dragon's lair,

> On Eagle Peak, he refined his prayer.

>

> Across distant borders, he traveled wide,

> Through countless mountains, his steps did stride.

> Now he departs the palace's dome,

> To the West he goes, to realize truths unknown.

But let's talk about how Tripitaka, in the ninth month of the thirteenth year of the Zhenguan era, with three days left until the full moon, was seen off from Chang'an by Emperor Tang and a host of officials.

The horses never ceased their gallop for a day and a half, and he arrived early at the Temple of the Dharma Gate.

The head monk of the temple, along with over five hundred other monks, stood on both sides in formation, receiving him and offering tea. After the tea, they proceeded to a meal, and then evening had already arrived. It was a scene of:

> In starry river's edge, a gliding sight,

> Moonlight pure, no speck in its light.

> Echoes of geese in distant skies,

> Anvil's rhythm from neighbors arise.

>

> Returning birds rest on withered tree,

> Monk's chant, the sacred syllables free.

> On a rush cushion, on one's own bed,

> Sits until night's end, where dreams are spread.

The monks gathered under the lamplight, discussing the purpose of the journey to the Western Heavens to retrieve the scriptures. Some said the trip would be long and the mountains high, while others mentioned the challenges of facing tigers and leopards along the way. Some spoke of steep cliffs and treacherous terrain, while others noted the presence of poisonous demons and evil creatures.

Tripitaka remained silent, only pointing to his heart and nodding a few times.

The monks couldn't grasp his meaning and joined their palms, asking, "Master, what does it mean when you point to your heart and nod?"

Tripitaka replied, "From the heart, various demons arise; when the mind is extinguished, the demons are vanquished. I once made a solemn vow to the Buddha at the Great Rebirth Monastery, pledging my utmost dedication. It's only natural for me to fulfill this commitment. I'm determined to reach the Western Heavens, meet the Buddha, and seek the scriptures. May the Dharma Wheel turn through this, and may our noble cause endure forever."

Upon hearing these words, the monks praised and admired him, each exclaiming, "Master Tripitaka is truly devoted and fearless!" They couldn't praise him enough and respectfully invited him to rest on the mat.

The bamboo chimes gently struck as the waning moon faded, and the rooster's crow welcomed the rising dawn clouds.

The monks got up, tidied up the tea and breakfast, and Xuanzang put on his monk's robe. He walked into the main hall, bowed before the Buddha, and spoke, "Disciple Tripitaka is setting out for the Western Heaven to retrieve the scriptures. Though my ordinary eyes may be clouded, I don't recognize the true form of the living Buddha. Today, I make a solemn vow: along the journey, I'll light incense at temples, bow to Buddhas, and sweep before sacred pagodas. May the compassionate Buddha manifest in his true golden form, grant the scriptures, and leave a legacy in the Eastern lands." With his prayer finished, he returned to his quarters for breakfast.

After the meal, his two companions readied the horses and saddles, urging them onward.

Leaving behind the temple gate, Tripitaka bid farewell to his fellow monks.

The monks were reluctant to part and accompanied him for about ten miles, tears welling up before they turned back. Tripitaka continued his journey westward.

It was the fall season, and the weather was just right. Everywhere you looked, leaves fell from trees, scattering like broken reeds in several villages. A few maples and poplars had their red leaves scattered on the ground. The road was quiet, with occasional drizzles and scarce familiar faces. Bright yellow chrysanthemums adorned the landscape, the mountains' ridges were delicate, and the blooming lotus broke through the water's surface. White water lilies and red smartweeds stood against the frost, and the setting sun cast a lone wild duck against the vast sky. Faint and dim, wild clouds drifted by, and as dark birds departed, new guest geese arrived with their cries, breaking the quiet of the night.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

The master and disciples journeyed for several days until they reached the city of Gongzhou. Officials and locals from Gongzhou greeted them and escorted them into the city. They rested for a night and set out early the following morning. They traveled with meager meals and quenched their thirst, sleeping at night and continuing at dawn.

After two or three days, they arrived at Hezhou Garrison. This marked the borderlands of the great Tang Dynasty.

Upon hearing that the honored envoy, the Sagharaja, was on a pilgrimage to the West to meet the Buddha, the garrison's commanding officer, and local monks and priests showed utmost respect. They welcomed them and provided accommodations, arranging for them to stay at Fuyuan Monastery. The monks from the monastery greeted them individually and organized a late meal.

After eating, Xuangzang instructed the two attendants to feed the horses and prepare for an early departure before daybreak.

As the rooster crowed, they woke up and called for their attendants. The commotion also startled the monastery monks, who quickly prepared tea and a modest meal.

After finishing their meal, they departed from the borderlands.

Tripitaka was in a hurry, getting up very early. It was the late autumn season, and the rooster's crowing came earlier due to the chill, around the fourth watch of the night.

The group of three, plus their four horses, faced the crisp morning air and admired the bright moon. They traveled for several dozen miles until they came across a mountain range. They had to clear a path through the grass, as the terrain was rugged and challenging. They were worried about losing their way. As they were struggling, they slipped. All three, along with the horses, tumbled into a ravine.

Master Tripitaka was anxious, and his companions were trembling with fear. As their terror peaked, they heard loud shouts and roars from inside a crevice. "Capture them! Capture them!"

Suddenly, a fierce wind swept through the ravine, bringing forth fifty or sixty wicked monsters. They grabbed hold of Master Tripitaka and his companions and lifted them up. The trembling monk cautiously observed the fearsome demon king seated above from the corner of his eye.

> Majestic figure, bold and stern,

> Fierce spirit, a presence to discern.

> Eyes flash like lightning's radiant glare,

> Thunderous voice resonates everywhere.

>

> Jaws extend, teeth sharp and keen,

> Fangs revealed, fierce and mean.

> Robes of silk around the form,

> Patterns grace the sturdy norm.

>

> Steel-like whiskers 'midst sparse flesh,

> Claws as sharp as frost's own mesh.

> Yellow Lord fears the Eastern Sea,

> White-Browed King, South's mountain spree.

Master Tripitaka was so frightened that his soul wanted to flee his body, and his two companions felt their bones turn weak and their muscles go limp.

The tiger demon king ordered them to be tied up, and the group of demons quickly bound the three of them with ropes.

Just as they were preparing to devour their captives, a commotion arose outside, and someone came to report, "Lord Bear Mountain and the esteemed Taoist Bull are here."

Upon hearing this, Master Tripitaka raised his head to look.

Leading the way was a tall and sturdy figure:

> A strong and fearless man, with a robust and agile frame,

> He strides through water with power, through forests he does proclaim.

> Dreams of auspicious signs he's had, now he stands alone,

> Able to bend and break green trees, knows when the cold has shown.

> His divine presence is evident, a ruler of the spirits' den,

> Hence, he's known as Xiongshan, a mountain lord among men.

Following him was a stout figure:

> Wearing a lofty dual-horned crown, with a dignified stance upright,

> Clad in a calm blue robe, his steps a bit slow in their flight.

> Known by his ancestors as Father Bull, he bears his legacy true,

> His original name signifies the male, and thus he's known as Bull too.

> Tilling the fields with great success, his fame has only grown,

> He's honored as the Daoist, in matters of knowledge, he's known.

These two strolled in with a swaying gait, making the demon king rush out to greet them anxiously.

Lord Bear Mountain said, "General Yin Tiger, you've been thriving as always. Congratulations, congratulations."

Daoist Bull replied, "General Yin Tiger, your splendid appearance is even more delightful than usual, truly a cause for celebration."

The tiger demon king inquired, "How have you two been in these recent days?"

Lord Bear Mountain answered, "We've been abiding by our usual ways."

Daoist Bull added, "We've been adapting to circumstances as they come."

After a brief exchange, the three of them settled down, engaging in jovial conversation. Then, they noticed the bound monks, who cried in pain.

Lord Mountain Bear man asked, "Who are these three?"

The tiger demon king replied, "They came on their own accord."

Daoist Bull chuckled, "Is it customary to treat guests this way?"

The tiger demon king nodded, "Indeed, indeed."

Lord Bear Mountain suggested, "Don't use them all up. Consume two and spare one."

The demon king agreed, then called his attendants. They disemboweled and mutilated the two followers, offering their heads and hearts to the guests. They devoured the limbs and shared the remaining flesh with the other demons.

The gruesome sounds of chewing echoed, resembling a tiger feasting on a lamb. In no time, they consumed everything.

The ordeal nearly frightened Xuangzang to death. This marked his first bitter trial since leaving Chang'an. Amidst his anxiety, the eastern horizon gradually lightened.

As dawn approached, the two monsters dispersed, saying, "Today we've troubled you greatly, but another day we'll sincerely repay your kindness." With that, they departed in a rush.