Journey to the West 069: The Pilgrims and the Golden-Winged Great Peng

The Enchanted Mountain

As Tripitaka and his disciples continued their journey westward, they encountered a magnificent and imposing mountain known as Golden-Winged Mountain (金翅山). The mountain was named after its guardian, the Golden-Winged Great Peng (金翅大鹏), a massive bird demon with wings that glimmered like gold in the sunlight. The Great Peng was known for its incredible speed and strength, as well as its insatiable appetite for destruction.

The Golden-Winged Great Peng was a fearsome creature, and it had terrorized the region for years. It was said to have the ability to create powerful whirlwinds with a single flap of its wings, and it could snatch up entire villages in its talons. The pilgrims knew that they would have to confront the Great Peng if they were to continue their journey safely.

The Ambush

As the pilgrims made their way through the mountain pass, the Golden-Winged Great Peng suddenly appeared from the sky, its massive wings casting a shadow over the land. The Great Peng swooped down with incredible speed, its talons outstretched to snatch Tripitaka.

Wukong, ever vigilant, sprang into action to protect his master. He used his Ruyi Jingu Bang to deflect the Great Peng's attacks and to keep it at bay. Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing joined the fight, using their weapons to fend off the demon's powerful strikes.

The Fierce Battle

The battle with the Golden-Winged Great Peng was intense and relentless. The demon used its immense strength and speed to outmaneuver the pilgrims, creating powerful gusts of wind that knocked them off their feet. The Great Peng’s screeches echoed through the mountains, causing rocks to tumble and the ground to shake.

Wukong, realizing that the Great Peng's power came from its wings, devised a plan to clip its wings and weaken its ability to fly. Using his shape-shifting abilities, Wukong transformed into a small insect and flew onto the Great Peng’s back. He then used his staff to strike at the base of the wings, causing the demon to lose control of its flight.

The Demon’s Defeat

With its wings injured, the Golden-Winged Great Peng struggled to maintain its advantage. The pilgrims, seizing the opportunity, launched a coordinated attack to subdue the demon. Wukong delivered a series of powerful blows, while Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing struck from both sides, forcing the Great Peng to the ground.

Realizing that it was defeated, the Golden-Winged Great Peng begged for mercy. Tripitaka, always compassionate, offered the demon a chance at redemption, urging it to abandon its destructive ways and seek peace through the Dharma.

Humbled by its defeat and moved by Tripitaka’s words, the Great Peng accepted the offer of redemption. It vowed to protect the mountain and the surrounding villages rather than terrorize them.

Continuing the Journey

With the Golden-Winged Great Peng redeemed and the mountain now safe to traverse, the pilgrims continued their journey westward. They left the enchanted 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.