Journey to the West 066: The Pilgrims and the Red Boy

The Fiery Encounter

As Tripitaka and his disciples continued their journey westward, they entered a remote and mountainous region known as Flame Mountain (火焰山). This area was notorious for its intense heat, with flames that seemed to emerge from the very ground, making it nearly impossible to traverse. The source of this unbearable heat was a powerful and dangerous demon known as Red Boy (红孩儿), also called the Boy Sage King (圣婴大王).

Red Boy was the son of the Bull Demon King and Princess Iron Fan, and he was known for his fiery temper and mastery over fire. He had been practicing intense meditation and cultivation in the mountains, which gave him the ability to control flames and create powerful fire-based attacks. His fiery powers made him nearly invincible, and he had a deep-seated desire to capture and consume Tripitaka, believing that doing so would grant him even greater powers.

The Ambush

As the pilgrims made their way through the treacherous landscape of Flame Mountain, Red Boy observed them from a distance. He saw this as an opportunity to capture Tripitaka and fulfill his ambitions. Red Boy used his powers to summon a massive firestorm, hoping to trap the pilgrims in a ring of flames.

Wukong, sensing the danger, quickly leaped into action to protect his master. He used his Ruyi Jingu Bang to dispel the flames, but the firestorm was so powerful that even Wukong struggled to keep it at bay. Red Boy, realizing that Wukong was a formidable opponent, decided to lure him away from the group by creating an illusion of a crying child.

Wukong, concerned for the child, pursued the illusion, leaving Tripitaka and the others vulnerable to attack. With Wukong temporarily distracted, Red Boy launched a surprise attack on the remaining pilgrims, capturing Tripitaka and dragging him into the depths of the mountains.

The Rescue

Realizing that he had been deceived, Wukong quickly returned to find that Tripitaka had been taken. Determined to save his master, Wukong confronted Red Boy and demanded that he release Tripitaka. However, Red Boy, confident in his abilities, refused and challenged Wukong to a battle.

The ensuing fight was intense, with Wukong and Red Boy exchanging powerful blows. Red Boy used his fire-based attacks to try and overwhelm Wukong, while Wukong relied on his agility and strength to counter the demon's moves. Despite Wukong’s best efforts, Red Boy’s control over fire proved to be a formidable challenge, and the battle reached a stalemate.

Realizing that brute force alone would not be enough to defeat Red Boy, Wukong decided to seek help from the Bodhisattva Guanyin (观音菩萨). He called upon Guanyin, who arrived in a cloud of divine light. Guanyin, with her serene presence, approached Red Boy and offered him a chance at redemption, urging him to abandon his evil ways and follow the path of the Dharma.

Red Boy’s Redemption

Red Boy, seeing the power and compassion of Guanyin, was moved by her words. He realized that his desire for power had led him down a destructive path and that true strength came from wisdom and compassion. Humbled by his encounter with Guanyin, Red Boy agreed to release Tripitaka and vowed to renounce his evil ways.

Guanyin accepted Red Boy as her disciple and gave him the name Shancai (善财), meaning "Good Fortune." Under her guidance, Red Boy began his journey toward redemption, using his powers for good rather than harm.

Continuing the Journey

With Tripitaka safely rescued and Red Boy redeemed, the pilgrims continued their journey westward. They left Flame Mountain behind, their spirits uplifted by their victory and the knowledge that they had once again overcome a great challenge on their path to enlightenment.

The chapter ends with the pilgrims moving forward, their resolve strengthened by the trials they had faced and the lessons they had learned along the way.