Journey to the West 096: The Pilgrims Face the Red Boy Again

The Return of the Red Boy

After their encounter with the Spider Demonesses, Tripitaka and his disciples continued their journey westward. As they traveled, they once again entered the treacherous region of the Flame Mountains, where they had previously faced the formidable Red Boy (红孩儿). Despite their earlier victory and the Red Boy’s supposed redemption under the guidance of the Bodhisattva Guanyin, the pilgrims soon discovered that the Red Boy had returned, still harboring resentment and a desire for revenge.

The Red Boy had regained his powers and, fueled by anger, had reverted to his old ways. Determined to capture Tripitaka and prove his strength, the Red Boy once again used his control over fire to create a barrier of flames around the pilgrims, trapping them in the mountains.

The Fiery Trap

As the flames grew hotter and more intense, Tripitaka struggled to endure the heat, and the disciples realized they were in grave danger. The Red Boy appeared before them, taunting the pilgrims and challenging them to face him once more. Wukong, remembering their previous encounter, knew that they could not underestimate the Red Boy’s power.

The Red Boy unleashed a barrage of fiery attacks, summoning flames and explosions that threatened to overwhelm the pilgrims. Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing fought valiantly to protect Tripitaka, using their abilities to counter the Red Boy’s fiery onslaught. However, the heat was unbearable, and the flames showed no sign of abating.

Seeking Help from Guanyin

Realizing that they needed divine intervention to defeat the Red Boy, Wukong called upon the Bodhisattva Guanyin once again. Guanyin, hearing Wukong’s plea, descended from the heavens, her serene presence contrasting sharply with the chaotic flames surrounding the pilgrims.

Guanyin approached the Red Boy, reminding him of the path of redemption he had once accepted. She urged him to let go of his anger and hatred and to embrace the teachings of the Dharma once more. The Red Boy, still consumed by his desire for revenge, initially resisted her words, but Guanyin’s calm and compassionate demeanor began to wear down his resolve.

The Final Confrontation

Despite Guanyin’s efforts, the Red Boy refused to surrender easily. He intensified his attacks, using his full power to create a massive inferno that threatened to consume everything in its path. Wukong, determined to protect his master, faced the Red Boy head-on, using his Ruyi Jingu Bang to deflect the flames and strike at the young demon.

The battle between Wukong and the Red Boy was fierce, with both sides pushing their limits. However, Wukong’s experience and skill, combined with Guanyin’s divine intervention, gradually turned the tide in the pilgrims’ favor. Guanyin used her magical vase to summon a torrent of pure water, which she poured over the flames, extinguishing them and neutralizing the Red Boy’s power.

The Red Boy’s Redemption

With his power neutralized and his strength depleted, the Red Boy finally realized the futility of his actions. Guanyin offered him one last chance at redemption, urging him to fully embrace the path of compassion and righteousness. Humbled by his defeat and moved by Guanyin’s unwavering kindness, the Red Boy accepted her offer.

This time, the Red Boy’s transformation was sincere. He vowed to follow the teachings of the Dharma and to use his abilities for good rather than for evil. Guanyin took him under her wing once more, guiding him on the path of enlightenment.

Continuing the Journey

With the Red Boy redeemed and the flames of the Flame Mountains extinguished, the pilgrims were able to continue their journey westward. They reflected on the lessons they had learned from their encounters with the Red Boy, understanding the power of forgiveness and the potential for change in even the most troubled beings.

The chapter ends with the pilgrims leaving the Flame Mountains behind, their spirits strengthened by their victory and the knowledge that they had helped another soul find the path to redemption. They knew that their journey would continue to test their faith and resolve, but they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, with the Dharma as their guide.