Journey to the West 015: The Encounter with the Red Boy

The Journey Through Flame Mountain

As Tripitaka and his disciples continued their journey westward, they came across a formidable natural barrier—Flame Mountain. The mountain was named for the intense heat and flames that constantly engulfed its peaks, making it nearly impossible to pass through. The group was faced with the challenge of finding a way to cross the mountain safely, as there was no alternative route.

Flame Mountain was also home to a powerful and notorious demon known as the Red Boy (also called Hong Haier). Red Boy was the son of two infamous demons, Princess Iron Fan and Bull Demon King, and had inherited their strength and fiery nature. He was known for his mastery of fire and his ruthless temperament, making him a formidable adversary.

The Capture of Tripitaka

As the group approached Flame Mountain, Red Boy sensed their presence and saw an opportunity to capture Tripitaka. The demon was aware of the monk's sacred mission and believed that capturing him would bring great power and prestige. Using his magical abilities, Red Boy created a fierce firestorm that separated Tripitaka from his disciples.

In the chaos, Red Boy seized Tripitaka and took him to his lair deep within the mountain. The demon planned to offer Tripitaka as a sacrifice to enhance his own powers. Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing, realizing that their master had been captured, quickly regrouped and set out to rescue him.

Wukong's Confrontation with Red Boy

Wukong, determined to save Tripitaka, confronted Red Boy in his lair. The two engaged in a fierce battle, with Red Boy unleashing his powerful fire attacks. Wukong, though agile and powerful, found it difficult to withstand the intense heat and flames generated by Red Boy. The demon’s control over fire was unmatched, and Wukong realized that brute strength alone would not be enough to defeat him.

Despite the overwhelming odds, Wukong refused to back down. He used his shape-shifting abilities and cunning to outmaneuver Red Boy, but the demon's fiery attacks continued to pose a serious threat. The battle raged on, with neither side willing to concede.

Seeking Help from Guanyin

Recognizing the need for divine intervention, Wukong decided to seek help from the Bodhisattva Guanyin. He quickly left the battlefield and traveled to Guanyin’s sanctuary, where he explained the dire situation. Guanyin, known for her compassion and wisdom, agreed to help once again.

Guanyin devised a plan to subdue Red Boy using her divine powers. She transformed herself into a gentle and loving figure—a deity who could appeal to the childlike nature of Red Boy. When she arrived at Flame Mountain, Guanyin called out to Red Boy, addressing him as if he were her own child.

The Subjugation of Red Boy

Red Boy, intrigued by the presence of the divine figure and swayed by her kind words, lowered his defenses. Guanyin used this moment of vulnerability to her advantage, casting a powerful spell that subdued Red Boy and extinguished his flames. She then placed a magical circlet on his head, similar to the one Wukong wore, which would tighten whenever Red Boy disobeyed or acted out of malice.

Under Guanyin’s influence, Red Boy realized the futility of his wicked ways and expressed a desire to change. Guanyin offered him the chance to atone for his past actions by becoming her disciple. Red Boy, now humbled and repentant, accepted the offer and pledged to follow the path of righteousness.

Rescue of Tripitaka and Crossing Flame Mountain

With Red Boy subdued and reformed, Wukong and the disciples were able to rescue Tripitaka unharmed. Guanyin, pleased with the outcome, granted the group safe passage across Flame Mountain. She used her divine powers to temporarily quell the flames, allowing the pilgrims to continue their journey without further hindrance.

As they crossed the mountain, Tripitaka and his disciples reflected on the challenges they had faced and the lessons they had learned. The encounter with Red Boy reinforced the importance of compassion, wisdom, and the willingness to seek help when necessary. It also highlighted the potential for redemption, even for those who have strayed far from the path.

This chapter emphasizes themes of redemption, the power of compassion, and the importance of divine intervention. These values are central to Journey to the West and are explored in modern adaptations like Black Myth: Wukong, where characters undergo significant growth and transformation on their journey.