Journey to the West: The roadblock!

Chapter 107 Battle Against Red Boy (Part 11)
Meanwhile, Wukong taught Red Boy the magic method.

What is being transmitted is a section of the Eight-Nine Arcane Arts, a method for tempering the body, cultivating qi, and preserving spirit, which also includes several spells.

This is a method that Ao Tu once passed on to the Taoist priests of Wuji Kingdom.

Later, it was obtained by Wukong.

This Dharma teaching is incomplete; the rest of the content can be found in the Buddha statues on the thirty-third floor of the Great Prajna Pagoda in Wuji Kingdom.

Previously, when Wukong accompanied Tang Sanzang to sweep the pagoda, he comprehended the subsequent content from the Buddha statue.

However, Wukong only taught Red Boy the first part of the method, and did not teach him the later part.

Because Ao Tu chose to hide the later teachings inside the Buddha statue instead of revealing them as he had before, Wukong naturally couldn't just tell Hong Hai'er the rest of the story.

In the days that followed, Red Boy trained his body and cultivated his inner energy every day. In his spare time, Wukong personally taught Red Boy some martial arts moves.

Pigsy and Sandy weren't going to eat for free, so they joined Monkey in teaching Red Boy.

Red Boy originally specialized in supernatural powers and wasn't particularly skilled in martial arts, but under the combined tutelage of Wukong and the other two, he became quite adept at wielding the Fire-Tipped Spear.

However, there is only one problem: the method is incomplete.

Sun Wukong only passed on a fragment of this incredibly profound martial arts technique to him.

Red Boy asked Sun Wukong for the details of the subsequent Buddhist teachings.

Wukong, not wanting to explain it explicitly, instructed Red Boy to go to the Great Prajna Buddha in Wuji Kingdom and study the Buddha statue inside the pagoda.

Red Boy, however, did not believe it, thinking that Wukong was hiding something.

Although Red Boy was young and inexperienced, he could tell that this method was a legitimate Taoist practice. Wasn't Wukong just making excuses for him to go and study some Buddhist statue?
His Uncle Sun was truly cunning. Despite serving him so diligently for days on end, daring not to be negligent in the slightest, he still held back, refusing to pass on all the secrets of the art to him.

They told him to go to the Buddhist pagoda to meditate.

When he went to the pagoda but couldn't understand anything, his Uncle Sun had another reason to say that he lacked understanding.

Red Boy thought he knew everything, so he didn't go to the Kingdom of Wuji. Instead, he fawned over Wukong every day in hopes of obtaining the next teaching.

Wukong didn't find it annoying at all; on the contrary, he liked Red Boy very much. Back in Flower Fruit Mountain, his little monkeys had also pestered him in the same way, picking fruit for him, offering him fresh peaches, and begging their king to teach them martial arts.

Pigsy had no worries about food and drink every day, and had no troubles at all. In his spare time, he would teach Red Boy a few tricks, and his life was very happy.

When the dead of winter arrived, it snowed outside and the weather turned cold.

Because of Red Boy's fiery aura, the Fire Cloud Cave remained unaffected.

Tang Sanzang and his disciples still lived comfortably.

Pigsy even had the leisure to drag Red Boy outside the cave to make little figures, not even knowing who the real child was.

Over time, Red Boy gradually figured out the personalities and temperaments of the four disciples.

Tang Sanzang is the master of the four. He is a good monk, kind-hearted, easily influenced, but sometimes also stubborn.

Sun Wukong is the most skilled among the four and is usually the kindest to me, but he is too shrewd and has refused to pass on his skills to me.

Pigsy may seem a bit simple-minded and lazy, but he has real skills when it comes to fighting. It is said that he can also perform thirty-six transformations, so he should not be underestimated.

The remaining one is Sha Wujing, and there's a white horse; there's not much to say about that.

Red Boy had spent a long time with everyone and had developed feelings for them, so he no longer wanted to eat Tang Sanzang's flesh.

There are just two things that haven't been accomplished yet.

One is the cultivation method.

The other thing is to seek revenge against the Blood Sea King.

According to Red Boy's original plan, he obtained the cultivation technique, greatly increased his strength, and then went to seek revenge against the Blood Sea King.

However, now, he has not obtained all the cultivation techniques. Although his strength has improved a lot, Red Boy feels that there is still a certain gap between him and the Blood Sea King.

Red Boy could only continue to stall for time and try to obtain the complete cultivation technique.

Spring has arrived, the weather is starting to warm up slightly, and new buds have begun to appear on some sturdy trees.

Tang Sanzang prepared to take his leave.

Red Boy said, "Grandmaster, let's slow down. Although the weather is warming up, the snow in the mountains has not melted. Why not wait a few more days until the snow melts before we set off?"

Bajie also said, "Master, what I said is right. We've been here for so long, a few more days won't make a difference."

Tang Sanzang thought about it and agreed, staying for a few more days.

Soon, the snow in the mountains melted, and Tang Sanzang took his leave.

Red Boy said, "Grandmaster, please wait. These past few days, thick clouds have obscured the moon and the stars have dimmed. In a few more days, it will be the Rain Water season, and there will surely be heavy rain. There may be mudslides in the mountains, so it is not advisable to travel! Let's wait a few more days."

Tang Sanzang, seeing that Red Boy's words sounded very convincing, was unsure of what to do, so he stayed for a few more days.

After the rains subside, the mountains are filled with the signs of spring: willows sprout new branches, pear trees bud, birds sing, and all things begin to grow.

Tang Sanzang was overjoyed and prepared to set off.

Red Boy said, "Grandmaster, why the rush? It's the height of spring, why not enjoy the beautiful scenery first and then continue our journey another day?"

Tang Sanzang resolutely refused, saying, "No, absolutely not! I have already been delayed here for more than four months, and I am truly ashamed before the Tang Emperor. If I stay any longer, when will I be able to obtain the scriptures?"

Seeing Tang Sanzang's resolute words, Red Boy knew he could no longer persuade him, so he said:
"Then please allow me to prepare a banquet to send off my ancestor and uncles. I will also prepare some dry food for them to eat on their journey, so as to show my filial piety."

Tang Sanzang said, "Well...so be it."

Red Boy then ordered his men to make preparations.

The banquet was prepared in no time.

Red Boy invited everyone to enjoy the food.

During the meal, Red Boy said:

"Uncle Sun, Uncle Pig, please wait a moment before heading west. In the 600-mile-long Drill Mountain, there is a Broken Arm Mountain, and in the mountain is a Blood Sea Cave. The Blood Sea King in the cave is my nemesis, and I was defeated by him before."

"Your journey westward will inevitably pass by his cave. These past few days, I have received much instruction in martial arts from you two uncles. I wish to go and eliminate this scoundrel, firstly to clear the path for you on your westward journey, and secondly to avenge my past grievances. What do you two uncles think?"

Wukong laughed and said, "This is a good thing!"

Bajie kept saying as he ate, "It's a good thing! It's a good thing!"

Red Boy said, "But that Blood Sea King is quite skilled. I'm afraid that if I make a mistake and lose to him, I'll embarrass my uncles. Could you please ask Uncle Sun and Uncle Pig to cover for me?"

Upon hearing this, Pigsy patted his chest and said, "Little nephew, don't worry, there's no need for your eldest brother to take action. I'll cover for you. If that Blood Sea King dares to act recklessly, I'll whack him with my rake and give him nine holes in his body!"

Red Boy exclaimed happily, "Thank you, Uncle Pig!"

Wukong laughed and said, "Let's go together, let's go together. I've been quite idle this year, and I'm itching to get my hands dirty."

Red Boy was even more delighted and said, "Thank you, Uncle Sun!"

After the banquet, Wukong, Bajie, and Red Boy walked out of the cave together.

Tang Sanzang said, "Wukong, Bajie, be careful."

Wukong laughed and said, "Master, don't worry. My nephew and I have wiped out that demon. We'll be back in no time and won't delay our journey westward."

Tang Sanzang said, "We must not be careless!"

Wukong said, "I understand, I understand!"

Pigsy said, "Master, don't worry. With me and my eldest brother going together, a little demon will be easy to catch!"

Tang Sanzang nodded.

Red Boy, along with Wukong and Bajie, rode the clouds to Broken Arm Mountain. Below was a cave with a blue stone entrance, on which were engraved the words "Blood Sea Cave".

Wukong said, "Little nephew, you go down and challenge them first. Old Sun and Pigsy will cover you." Red Boy said, "Okay!"

Red Boy descended from the clouds, used his Fire-Tipped Spear to lift a large rock, and smashed a huge hole in the entrance to the Blood Sea Cave.

Ao Tu came out from inside, saw Red Boy, and laughed:

"Red Boy, you've got some nerve! How dare you come here and act so violently!"

Red Boy, confident that he had Wukong and Bajie backing him up, was not afraid of Ao Tu and shouted, "Old demon, you bully me because I am young and have repeatedly insulted me. How can I forgive you? Take this!"

Red Boy charged at Ao Tu with his Fire-Tipped Spear.

Wukong and Bajie watched from the air.

Wukong used his Fiery Eyes to examine the person carefully and, seeing that it wasn't an old acquaintance, felt relieved.

Next, Red Boy thrust forward with his Fire-Tipped Spear, displaying remarkable skill and technique, adhering to the principles of the Six Directions. His movements were concise and swift, encompassing blocking, seizing, stabbing, and striking with precision.

Ao Tu smiled and casually dodged all of Red Boy's moves.

Upon seeing this, Wukong and Bajie exclaimed in surprise, "This monster is indeed quite capable!"

When Red Boy saw that his moves were ineffective, he resorted to magic.

Red Boy used an invisibility spell to conceal his form, and then used an earth-burrowing spell to burrow into the ground, arriving beneath Ao Tu and thrusting his spear at him.

Ao Tu stood still, waiting for Red Boy to show his face. He grabbed Red Boy's Fire-Tipped Spear with his right hand and made a hand seal with his left hand, casting a spell that turned the ground into steel.

Red Boy emerged halfway from the ground, but before the other half could emerge, Ao Tu struck him down, trapping him in the earth, unable to move.

Ao Tu snatched the Fire-Tipped Spear and pretended to stab Red Boy.

Red Boy cried out in fright, "Uncle Sun, Uncle Pig, save me!"

Seeing this, Wukong drew his golden cudgel and leaped towards Ao Tu.

Ao Tu rolled over to avoid it.

Pigsy attacked from behind with his rake.

Ao Tu raised his foot and kicked Bajie in the stomach, knocking him over.

Ao Tu said, "Red Boy, you can't beat me, so you've called for help!"

Wukong could tell that Ao Tu was quite powerful, and said, "What kind of demon are you, daring to come here and bully my nephew!"

Ao Tu laughed loudly, "So what if I've deceived you! I am the Blood Sea King, and you, a little monkey spirit, dare to come here to die?"

Enraged by this, Wukong leaped up and attacked Ao Tu.

Ao Tu used his Fire-Tipped Spear to block Wukong's Golden Cudgel.

Wukong said, "Good monster, it has some strength!"

Ao Tu said, "You little monkey, you've never seen my strength before!"

Enraged, Wukong swung his golden cudgel, and the two resumed their battle.

Bajie also got up, brandishing his iron rake, and the three of them fought together.

The Fire-Tipped Spear was a menace in Ao Tu's hands. It was eighteen feet long and could change shape at will. The shaft was against the Golden Cudgel and the tip was against the Nine-Foot Rake.

Enraged, Wukong raised his golden cudgel and smashed it down. The Ruyi Jingu Bang grew larger and wider, stirring up the power of the four seas and unleashing its full force.

Bajie raised his rake, enraged, and aimed it at Ao Tu's vital points. The precious golden rake was raised, and flames rose from the ground, its nine teeth emitting brilliant light.

Ao Tu was not afraid at all. He wielded his spear, blocking left and right, his arms exerting tremendous strength, and he used his spear to block the powerful enemy. He fought against the Great Sage and Tianpeng alone. When he got excited, he broke the mountain ridge and smashed through the nine heavens.

The three fought from the ground to the sky and back down, going through more than a hundred rounds, having a great time.

Wukong said, "Good demon, you are definitely not a nameless monster!"

Ao Tu laughed and said, "You monkey, you're hard of hearing. My name is Blood Sea King, how come you don't know that?"

Ao Tu is engaged in a fierce battle with Wukong and Bajie.

Red Boy, however, quietly peeked out from behind.

It turned out that the three of them had just fought a fierce battle, from the ground to the sky and back again. After fighting for a long time, the magic that could turn the ground into steel lost its effectiveness, and Red Boy was thus able to escape.

Seeing the three descend from the sky, Red Boy hid behind Ao Tu. Seeing that Ao Tu was unprepared, Red Boy said:
"Uncle Sun, Uncle Pig, watch out! I'm going to set him on fire!"

After saying this, Red Boy unleashed his Samadhi True Fire, spewing forth raging flames and thick smoke as he headed towards Ao Tu.

Upon seeing this, Ao Tu conjured a third-grade black lotus on his body to protect himself and neutralize all magic.

The Samadhi Fire couldn't reach Ao Tu; it went straight for Wukong and Bajie.

Pigsy's body immediately caught fire. He cried out in pain and rolled on the ground, but he couldn't put it out. He quickly took off his clothes and threw them away, which finally extinguished the fire.

Wukong cast a fire-avoidance spell, braving the flames, and attacked Ao Tu.

The golden cudgel struck the black lotus, but failed to move it.

Ao Tu, wielding his Fire-Tipped Spear, fought him again. After twenty or thirty rounds, the fire grew larger and larger, and thick smoke rose everywhere. Wukong could not withstand the smoke and could not open his eyes. He was defeated and transformed into a swallow to fly away.

Seeing this, Ao Tu transformed into a crow and followed Wukong to peck at Fei Yan.

Wukong flew down from the sky, darted into the forest, transformed into a squirrel, and hid in a tree hole.

Ao Tu caught up and looked around, but couldn't find any trace of Wukong.

Such a change is so subtle that not a single breath is leaked, thus it can deceive heaven and earth and avoid the three calamities.

Ao Tu's eyes transformed into double pupils, allowing him to observe the passage of time, glimpse the past, discover Wukong's whereabouts, transform into a lynx, climb a tree, and go to steal the chestnut rat.

Seeing this, Wukong transformed into a centipede and crawled down from the crack in the tree.

Ao Tu transformed into a woodpecker and used his beak to poke the cracks in the tree.

Wukong transformed into an eagle and soared into the sky.

Ao Tu transformed into a giant bow, put his fire-tipped spear into an arrow, nocked it on the bow, and shot it into the sky, hitting the eagle and causing two or three feathers to fall. Wukong then transformed back into his original form and flew away on a cloud.

At this moment, Pigsy and Red Boy came chasing after them from behind.

Seeing this, Ao Tu threw out the black lotus, which enveloped the two and took them away. He then turned to chase after Wukong.

Dry Pine Ravine, Fiery Cloud Cave.

Tang Sanzang stood at the cave entrance, gazing into the distance, waiting to see when Wukong would return.

Sha Wujing said, "Master, don't worry, my eldest brother will be fine."

Tang Sanzang said, "Wujing, I am still a little worried. I don't know why, but I feel uneasy."

Sha Wujing said, "Master, you're overthinking it. With my eldest brother's abilities, how could he not subdue a monster?"

Just then, Wukong flew down from the sky in a disheveled state, urgently saying, "Junior Brother Sha, quickly protect Master!"

Ao Tu followed closely behind, laughing loudly:
"You little monkey, where do you think you're going!"

Seeing this, Wukong drew his golden cudgel, leaped forward, and fought Ao Tu for several dozen rounds.

After fighting for dozens of rounds without a clear winner, Ao Tu took out the Black Lotus and covered Sun Wukong's head with it.

Upon seeing this, Wukong quickly somersaulted away.

Ao Tu lowered the black lotus, covering Sha Wujing, Tang Sanzang, and the white horse within it, and then took them all away.

(End of this chapter)