Journey to the West 073: The Pilgrims and the Fiery Mountain

The Fiery Mountain

As Tripitaka and his disciples continued their journey westward, they arrived at a vast and treacherous region known as the Fiery Mountain (火焰山). The mountain was aptly named, as it was engulfed in flames and intense heat, making it nearly impossible to cross. The flames were so fierce that the air shimmered with heat, and the ground was scorched and cracked.

The Fiery Mountain was a significant obstacle in the pilgrims' path, and they knew they had to find a way to cross it if they were to continue their journey. However, the flames were magical in nature, and ordinary methods of extinguishing them would not work.

Seeking Help

Wukong, using his knowledge of the supernatural, suggested that they seek help from the Iron Fan Princess (铁扇公主), who was known to possess a magical fan capable of extinguishing the flames. The Iron Fan Princess lived in a nearby cave, and Wukong decided to visit her to request the use of her fan.

However, the Iron Fan Princess was not inclined to help the pilgrims. She was the wife of the Bull Demon King, who had once been an enemy of Wukong. Still harboring resentment towards Wukong, she refused to lend him the fan and instead tried to deceive him with a fake fan that had no power to quench the flames.

Wukong’s Strategy

Realizing that he had been tricked, Wukong returned to the Iron Fan Princess and challenged her to a battle. The two engaged in a fierce fight, with Wukong using his Ruyi Jingu Bang to counter the powerful winds and attacks from the princess. Despite her strength and determination, Wukong’s superior skills and cunning eventually forced the Iron Fan Princess to surrender.

Knowing that the fate of the pilgrims depended on the fan, Wukong used his ability to transform into a tiny insect and sneaked into the princess’s body, causing her great discomfort. Unable to bear it, she finally agreed to lend him the magical fan.

Crossing the Fiery Mountain

With the magical fan in hand, Wukong returned to the Fiery Mountain. He used the fan to create a powerful gust of wind that extinguished the flames, clearing the path for the pilgrims to cross safely. The intense heat dissipated, and the ground cooled, allowing Tripitaka and his disciples to continue their journey.

As they crossed the now-passable Fiery Mountain, the pilgrims reflected on the power of perseverance and the importance of overcoming obstacles through determination and strategy.

Continuing the Journey

With the Fiery Mountain behind them, the pilgrims resumed their journey westward. They were grateful for Wukong’s resourcefulness and courage, knowing that they had once again triumphed over a formidable challenge.

The chapter ends with the pilgrims moving forward, their spirits lifted by their victory and their resolve strengthened as they continued their quest for the sacred scriptures.