Journey to the West: The roadblock!

Chapter 15, The Wind Rises at Dusk (Part Two)
However, after Ao Tu revealed his past in a single sentence, the Yellow Wind Great Sage's momentum weakened by three points.

He hadn't carefully observed his surroundings when he stole the oil that day, so he didn't remember whether Ao Tu was present or not.

However, he never mentioned this matter to anyone. The fact that Ao Tu knew about it must mean there was some truth to it.

Looking more closely at Ao Tu's appearance, one could see that he was dignified and imposing, with divine eyes; he had dragon horns on his head and golden scales on his forehead; he wore a brocade robe embroidered with gold thread and a flying dragon crown with a dragon son holding a pearl in his mouth. He was definitely not an ordinary person.

Upon closer inspection, he discovered that Ao Tu's cultivation was equal to his own. The Great Sage Huang Feng was now seven or eight parts convinced of his claim and cupped his hands in greeting:

"So that's how it is. I was only concerned with stealing oil that day and didn't remember your kindness, brother. I hope you will forgive me!"

Ao Tu laughed heartily and said, "It's alright, it's alright!"

The Great Sage Huangfeng then invited Ao Tu into his cave for a chat.

After Ao Tu entered Huangfeng Cave, Huangfeng Dasheng asked Ao Tu about the various sights of Lingshan Mountain, and Ao Tu answered fluently.

The Great Sage Huang Feng became even more convinced and was overjoyed. He ordered the Tiger Vanguard to go into the mountains and catch some wild oxen, wild boars, fat deer, and wild sheep to enjoy here.

After receiving the order, Tiger Vanguard soon captured the wild animal, and Yellow Wind Great Sage shared the wine with Ao Tu.

After enjoying the meal, the Great Sage Yellow Wind asked Ao Tu:
"Brother, you're not here at Mount Ling to keep the bell, so why do you have time to come here?"

Ao Tu said, "I've come here to offer my worthy brother a great deal!"

The Great Sage Huangfeng asked, "What kind of business is it?"

Ao Tu said, "Soon, a monk on his journey to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures will pass through this place. My brother, you can take advantage of that to rob him."

The Great Sage Huang Feng laughed, "What's a single monk? If you want to eat monks, I'll send Tiger Vanguard to capture ten or eight for you to enjoy. Tiger Vanguard!"

Tiger Vanguard said, "Here!"

The Great Sage Huang Feng said, "Quickly go and capture ten monks."

Tiger Vanguard replied, "Yes."

Ao Tu quickly stopped him, saying, "Wait. My dear brother, you don't know this, but that monk is no ordinary monk!"

The Great Sage Yellow Wind asked, "Oh, what kind of monk is he?"

Ao Tu explained, "This monk is the reincarnation of Jin Chanzi, a virtuous person who has cultivated for ten lifetimes. If you eat a piece of his flesh, you will live forever! Even if you have already attained the Dao of immortality, eating him will greatly enhance your cultivation!"

The Great Sage Huangfeng exclaimed in surprise, "Is this really true?"

Ao Tu said, "That monk will arrive soon, you'll know as soon as you see him, my brother."

Upon hearing this, the Great Sage Huang Feng began to ponder.

The little demons in the cave, upon hearing that it could grant them immortality, eagerly exclaimed:
"Your Majesty, let's capture that monk, eat his flesh, and become immortals together, living a carefree life as gods!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"What a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

The Great Sage Huang Feng did not immediately agree, but instead asked:

"Brother, since you have such a good business, why don't you go and capture that Tang Sanzang yourself?"

Ao Tu said, "Brother, you may not know this, but Tang Sanzang has two disciples. One is Sun Wukong, who caused havoc in the Heavenly Palace five hundred years ago, and the other is the Water God Tianpeng who descended to the mortal world. I am weak and alone and cannot defeat them, so I have come to ask you for help."

The Great Sage Huang Feng said, "I see. I've also heard of Sun Wukong, who wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Palace five hundred years ago. He's not someone to be trifled with!" Ao Tu laughed and said, "Brother, with your Samadhi Divine Wind power, are you afraid of a mere Sun Wukong?"

The Great Sage Huang Feng asked in surprise, "You even know this?"

Ao Tu laughed and said, "I also know that the Buddha sent the Bodhisattva Lingji to subdue you, bestowing upon you a 'Wind-Fixing Pill' and a 'Flying Dragon Staff' specifically to break your supernatural powers."

Upon hearing this, the Great Sage Huang Feng cupped his hands and said, "Brother, you are indeed incredibly powerful! That's right, that's why I dared not act rashly, lest Sun Wukong invite the Bodhisattva Lingji to subdue me."

Ao Tu said, "Brother, there's no need to worry. As the saying goes, every creature has its counter. I have my own magic weapon to help you defeat that Lingji Bodhisattva."

Upon hearing this, the Great Sage Yellow Wind was overjoyed. He immediately set up an incense table in the cave, swore eight oaths with Ao Tu, and became sworn brothers, plotting together to obtain the flesh of Tang Sanzang.

As summer fades into autumn, it is said: the sky is clear and bright, the autumn moon is round and full; flowers have faded and butterflies are silent, trees are tall and cicadas are quiet.

After traveling through the border of Tibet for more than a month, Tang Sanzang and his disciples arrived at the Huangfeng Ridge area.

Before entering the mountains, Tang Sanzang and his disciples stayed overnight at a local family's house.

When the family heard that Tang Sanzang and his disciples were heading west, they warned Tang Sanzang, "The Yellow Wind Ridge is eight hundred li long, and it is full of monsters and extremely difficult to travel."

Therefore, after Tang Sanzang entered Huangfeng Ridge, Wukong and Bajie followed closely by his side, never leaving his side, to protect their master.

Ao Tu and the Great Sage Yellow Wind led a group of lesser demons to observe from the Soul-Seizing Cliff. When they saw Tang Sanzang and his disciples approaching, the Great Sage Yellow Wind exclaimed, "This is bad, this is bad!"

Ao Tu asked, "Why are you sighing, my good brother?"

The Great Sage Yellow Wind said, "Look at that Tang Sanzang, he's a frail mortal. If I were to blow my Samadhi Divine Wind, I'm afraid I'd blow him to ashes too. What should we do?"

“This matter is easy to handle.” Ao Tu looked at the leaders of Huangfeng Cave and said, “Whoever is capable can go and distract Tang Sanzang’s two disciples. After the deed is done, we will reward him with a leg to eat and grant him immortality.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Tiger Vanguard stepped forward and volunteered:
"This humble general may not be very talented, but I know a magic trick called 'Golden Cicada Shedding Its Shell.' Without the two kings having to lift a finger, I'm sure I can capture this Tang Sanzang!"

Ao Tu said, "Alright, go ahead. You will be richly rewarded if you succeed!"

Tiger Vanguard received the order, jumped down the mountain, transformed into a striped tiger, and hid in a rocky hollow.

As Tang Sanzang and his disciples approached, Tiger Vanguard suddenly leaped out with a roar that terrified Tang Sanzang so much that he fell off his horse and crashed to the side of the road.

Having made a mistake before, Pigsy was eager to make amends upon seeing the monster. He abandoned his luggage, drew his nine-toothed rake, and stopped Monkey, saying, "Brother, wait! Let me catch this beast!" He shouted, "Take this rake!" and struck at Monkey's head.

Tiger Vanguard stood up straight, took out two red copper swords, and fought with Pigsy for several rounds. He was somewhat outmatched and retreated to the pile of rocks at the foot of the hill to fight again.

Seeing Bajie locked in combat with the monster, Wukong could not contain himself and helped Tang Sanzang up, saying, "Master, do not be afraid. Please sit here and let me help Bajie capture this fellow so we can continue our journey."

Tang Sanzang then sat up tremblingly and recited the Heart Sutra to try and calm his mind.

Wukong drew his golden cudgel, jumped down, and began to strike.

Seeing this, Tiger Vanguard rode away on the fierce wind.

Wukong and Bajie went to chase after them together.

Tiger Vanguard escaped over a mountain, took off his tiger skin, stuck it to a reclining tiger rock, and transformed his true form into a whirlwind, rushing back via another path.

Tang Sanzang was sitting at the crossroads reciting the Heart Sutra when Tiger Vanguard grabbed him.

What a great vanguard! He truly lived up to his reputation. Without Ao Tu and the Great Sage Huang Feng taking action, he captured Tang Sanzang all by himself.

(End of this chapter)