Journey to the West 031: The Encounter with the Red Boy

The Arrival at the Fiery Mountain

As Tripitaka and his disciples journeyed westward, they came upon the Fiery Mountain, a place surrounded by intense heat and flames. This treacherous mountain was home to the Red Boy (also known as Hong Haier), a powerful demon who had inherited his father’s fiery powers and was known for his mischievous and violent nature.

The Red Boy had taken control of the mountain and its surrounding area, terrorizing the local inhabitants and demanding tribute from travelers who attempted to pass through. Upon learning of the pilgrims’ approach, the Red Boy decided to capture Tripitaka, believing that consuming the monk’s flesh would grant him immortality.

The Capture of Tripitaka

The Red Boy, using his control over fire and illusions, created a powerful firestorm that separated Tripitaka from his disciples. In the chaos, the Red Boy captured Tripitaka and took him to his lair on the Fiery Mountain, where he planned to roast and eat the monk.

Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing, realizing that their master had been taken, quickly regrouped and set out to rescue him. Wukong, with his vast knowledge of magic and strategy, took the lead in planning the rescue mission.

The Battle with the Red Boy

Wukong confronted the Red Boy in his lair, challenging him to release Tripitaka. The Red Boy, confident in his fiery powers, refused and engaged Wukong in a fierce battle. The Red Boy unleashed powerful fire-based attacks, summoning flames and scorching winds to try and overwhelm Wukong.

However, Wukong’s agility and magical abilities allowed him to counter the Red Boy’s attacks. He used his Ruyi Jingu Bang to deflect the flames and created a magical barrier to protect himself from the intense heat.

Despite the Red Boy’s strength, Wukong’s experience and quick thinking gave him the upper hand. The battle raged on, with both sides displaying their full range of abilities.

Seeking Help from Guanyin

Realizing that the Red Boy’s control over fire was too powerful to overcome alone, Wukong decided to seek help from the Bodhisattva Guanyin. He left the battlefield and traveled to Guanyin’s sanctuary, where he explained the situation and requested her assistance.

Guanyin, known for her compassion and wisdom, agreed to help. She appeared at the Fiery Mountain and, using her divine powers, subdued the Red Boy. Guanyin then offered the Red Boy a chance at redemption, suggesting that he become her disciple and follow the path of righteousness.

The Red Boy, humbled by his defeat and moved by Guanyin’s kindness, accepted her offer. He pledged to change his ways and became a follower of Guanyin, leaving behind his life of mischief and violence.

Rescuing Tripitaka

With the Red Boy subdued and reformed, Wukong and Guanyin freed Tripitaka from captivity. The group then left the Fiery Mountain, grateful for Guanyin’s intervention and the successful rescue of their master.

Continuing the Journey

After overcoming the challenges of the Fiery Mountain, the group continued their journey westward. The encounter with the Red Boy served as a reminder of the power of compassion and the possibility of redemption, even for those who have strayed far from the path.

This chapter highlights themes of redemption, the power of compassion, and the importance of seeking help when needed—values that are central to Journey to the West and are reflected in modern adaptations like Black Myth: Wukong, where characters often face moral dilemmas and opportunities for growth.