VIAJE AL OESTE. Las Aventuras del Rey Mono. cap 3

Chapter 3: The Four Seas and the Thousand Mountains

The Beginning of Wun's Training

• Wun begins practicing daily in the art of war, teaching his followers various military skills such as making spears from sharpened bamboo and crafting wooden swords.

• After extensive training, Wun reflects on the seriousness of their situation, considering potential threats from human kings or beast leaders who might perceive their military exercises as a threat.

Concerns About Armament

• Wun expresses concern about facing enemies with only bamboo weapons and wooden swords, realizing they need real arms to defend themselves effectively.

• Four elder monkeys approach Wun, assuring him that acquiring weapons is simple; they inform him about a nearby kingdom rich in soldiers and blacksmiths.

Journey to Acquire Weapons

• The elder monkeys suggest traveling 200 miles east to the country of Aai to purchase or commission weapons for their defense.

• Encouraged by this plan, Wun decides to embark on a journey immediately after expressing his intent to his subjects.

Arrival at Aai

• Upon arrival in Aai, Wun observes a bustling city filled with wide streets and numerous markets, indicating an abundance of resources.

• He contemplates purchasing weapons but considers using his magical abilities instead for easier acquisition.

Harnessing Magic for Power

• Using magic, Wun conjures a powerful wind that terrifies the inhabitants of Aai; chaos ensues as people flee from the storm he creates.

• The intensity of the wind causes widespread panic among both commoners and royalty alike; everyone seeks shelter from the impending doom.

Seizing Weapons

• With minimal effort, Wun breaks into an armory filled with countless types of weapons including swords, spears, and bows.

• Overwhelmed by the variety available, he decides to use magic again to transport these weapons back home efficiently.

Return with Arms

• Transforming some hair into small monkeys capable of carrying multiple weapons each allows for swift collection from the armory.

• As they return home on a strong wind, those left behind are startled by the sight of an army of tiny monkeys carrying their newfound arsenal.

Conclusion at Home Base

The Journey of the Monkey King

The Arrival of Weapons

• The monkeys, overcoming their shyness, approached Wun with respect and inquired about his recent actions. He explained that he had used a powerful wind to transport weapons from afar.

• Excited by the arrival of these weapons, the monkeys spent the day playing with them, creating a lively atmosphere filled with their chatter.

• The next morning, Wun counted his army and discovered he had 47,000 infantry, which greatly impressed various mountain beasts including wolves and tigers.

Strengthening Alliances

• Various creatures began paying tribute to Wun annually and responded to his calls at the start of each season. Some even joined military exercises while others focused on supplying this vast army.

• Despite building a strong force likened to iron or metal cities, Wun felt dissatisfied with the weapons available to him.

Seeking Better Weapons

• The elder monkeys suggested that Wun embark on a journey across the seas since he possessed celestial wisdom and mastery over transformations.

• Wun expressed confidence in his abilities to traverse any terrain without fear of water or fire due to his magical powers.

The Quest for Celestial Arms

• Acknowledging that water under a specific bridge leads directly to the Eastern Ocean Dragon's palace, they encouraged him to seek an appropriate weapon there.

• Determined, Wun performed magic to part the waters and ventured into the ocean depths.

Encountering the Dragon King

• Upon reaching the ocean floor, an official questioned Wun’s identity as he parted waters effortlessly.

• Introducing himself as Sanuk from Flower Mountain, he was recognized by an official who rushed back to inform the Dragon King of his presence.

Welcoming Ceremony at the Palace

• The Eastern Ocean Dragon welcomed Wun warmly along with many dragon descendants and honored guests in attendance.

• During their conversation, Wun shared details about his training in celestial arts and expressed interest in acquiring suitable arms for protection.

Requesting Weapons from the Dragon King

• After explaining his quest for powerful weapons suitable for defense against threats facing his mountain home, he requested if any celestial arms were available.

• In response to this fair request, the Dragon King ordered a long-handled scimitar be brought forth as a gift but learned that it did not suit Wun's skills.

The Quest for the Perfect Weapon

The King's Frustration with Weapons

• The Dragon King laughs at Rung's complaint about the trident being too light, despite its weight of over 3600 kg.

• Rung tries an enormous axe weighing around 7200 kg but finds it equally unsatisfactory, expressing disappointment in its handling.

• The Dragon King insists there are no heavier weapons available and urges Rung to find something more suitable, hinting at his vast treasure trove.

Discovery of a Magical Iron Bar

• The Dragon Mother and her daughter suggest a magical iron piece from their ocean treasure that measures river depths, which has been glowing unusually.

• The Dragon King explains the significance of this magical iron bar used by the great Yu during floods, questioning its utility for Rung.

• Despite skepticism, the Dragon Mother insists on giving it to Rung to expedite his departure from the palace.

Challenges in Retrieving the Treasure

• The Dragon King reveals that none can move the heavy iron bar; only Rung can see it personally.

• Upon seeing the bar, which is over 20 feet long and thick as a barrel, Rung attempts to lift it but finds it cumbersome.

Transformation of the Iron Bar

• As Rung expresses his desire for a thinner and shorter bar, it magically adjusts itself to meet his specifications.

• He discovers it's made of pure black iron with gold ends and inscribed with "the accommodating bar," weighing 13,500 kg—ideal for fulfilling his wishes.

Consequences of Possession

• As he leaves the treasure room with his new weapon now manageable in size, he practices combat moves inside the Crystal Water Palace.

• His actions frighten both dragons and other creatures present; they hide or flee due to fear of potential chaos caused by Rung's newfound power.

Request for Armor

• Grateful yet aware of needing appropriate attire for such a magnificent weapon, Rung requests armor from the Dragon King.

• The Dragon King expresses inability to provide armor but suggests seeking it elsewhere while acknowledging their hospitality towards him.

The Quest for a Suitable Weapon

Introduction of the Dragon Kings

• The speaker mentions their brothers, who are dragon kings from different oceans: Ao Shun (Southern Ocean), Ao Jun (Western Ocean), and another unnamed king.

• Bukun expresses reluctance to visit his brothers, emphasizing that having two in hand is better than three in promise.

The Call for Assistance

• Bukun explains the situation involving a wise man from the Mountain of Flowers and Fruits who demands an appropriate weapon.

• The wise man rejects offered weapons, ultimately taking a celestial iron bar that marks river depth, insisting on proper battle attire.

Rising Tensions Among the Dragons

• Bukun's frustration leads him to call upon his brothers for help; he wishes to rid himself of the wise man.

• Ain suggests capturing the wise man, but Bukun warns against it due to the lethal nature of his weapon.

Strategic Decisions

• The dragons agree that it's wiser not to confront the wise man directly and instead provide him with what he seeks.

• Ao Shun offers cloud-walking shoes; Ao Jun provides armor and chainmail; Ain contributes a golden helmet adorned with phoenix feathers.

Preparing for Battle

• Wuk Kun dons the gifts quickly and pretends to fight using the iron bar, causing anger among other dragon kings.

• They draft a formal complaint regarding Wuk Kun’s behavior while he continues showcasing his strength.

Wuk Kun's Display of Power

Arrival at Iron Bridge

• Wuk Kun emerges from water dry as if untouched, astonishing waiting monkeys who admire their king's abilities.

Attempting to Lift the Iron Bar

• Monkeys try unsuccessfully to lift Wuk Kun's treasure, expressing disbelief at its weight compared to their efforts.

Demonstrating Strength

• Wuk Kun easily lifts the iron bar, explaining its significance as part of ocean treasure history despite its ordinary appearance.

Transformation of Celestial Iron Bar

Historical Significance

• The iron bar has been central in marking river depths for thousands of years but is now seen merely as heavy by others.

Size Manipulation

• Wuk Kun recalls how he wished for it to be smaller multiple times until it finally shrank significantly.

The Transformation of the Monkey King

The Magical Growth of the Monkey King

• The monkey king, upon being encouraged by his subjects, removes a small needle from his ear and commands it to grow larger.

• The needle expands dramatically, reaching a thickness comparable to a large tree and exceeding 20 feet in length, showcasing the power of cosmic imitation magic.

• As he continues to grow, the monkey king's form becomes colossal—10,000 feet tall with features resembling mountains and weapons made from his body parts.

• His immense size terrifies various creatures in the vicinity, causing them to submit and pay their respects by bowing down before him.

• After satisfying his mission of instilling fear, he returns to his original size and stores the needle back in his ear.

Celebrations and Military Organization

• Upon returning home, the monkey king is celebrated with a grand feast that lasts several days filled with exquisite food and drink.

• He appoints four elder monkeys as commanders: two females as marshals and two males as generals responsible for troop discipline.

• While enjoying leisure activities across vast distances, he also forms alliances with six other powerful monarchs known as "the brotherhood of seven."

• These alliances involve daily discussions on military and civil matters while indulging in various pleasures without concern for distance or time.

A Grand Banquet Turns Sour

• The four commanders prepare an extravagant banquet for their allied kings involving sacrifices of horses and cows followed by excessive drinking.

• After successfully hosting their guests, they reward themselves with gifts but soon find themselves exhausted from festivities.

The Capture of the Monkey King

• While resting under pine trees after feasting, two men approach him silently with a summons that leads to his capture without resistance initially.

• Realizing he has been taken to "the region of darkness," where Yama (the king of death) resides, he questions why he was brought there against his will.

Defiance Against Authority

• Despite being told that his life has ended according to orders received by the captors, the monkey king asserts that Yama has no jurisdiction over him due to his superior status.

The Arrival of Wun in the City

Chaos and Fear Among the Inhabitants

• Wun enters the city wielding a bar, causing panic among demons with bull heads who hide in terror, while others with horse faces seek refuge.

• The news of Wun's arrival alarms the ten kings of the underworld, prompting them to adjust their attire and come out to investigate.

Encounter with the Ten Kings

• Upon meeting Wun, the ten kings introduce themselves respectfully, revealing their royal status as emperors of darkness.

• Each king states their name, including titles like King Chinan and King of Spirits Vengadores, emphasizing their authority in the realm.

Accusations and Explanations

• Ukum confronts the kings about their inability to distinguish between good and evil, claiming he has attained immortality through understanding Tao.

• The ten kings suggest that confusion may have arisen due to common names among individuals in this world.

Examination of Records

Seeking Clarity on Identity

• Wun demands access to records regarding births and deaths to clarify his identity after being wrongfully accused.

• The ten kings comply and summon a judge responsible for maintaining these records for immediate examination.

Discovery of His Name

• As Wun reviews various records on different species, he fails to find his name until he examines a separate set labeled "spirit."

• He finally locates his name under "Sanum," indicating he is a stone monkey born from celestial heritage.

Reclaiming His Identity

Erasing His Name from Records

• Expressing dissatisfaction with his recorded age, Wun insists on removing his name from all documents related to him.

• After striking out names hastily with ink using a brush provided by an official, he discards papers contemptuously before leaving.

Departure from Darkness

• As Wun exits the region of darkness without opposition from the ten kings, they decide to consult King Xiti Garba about this incident.

Awakening from a Dream

Realization of Reality

• Upon waking up after what seemed like an intense dream involving arrest by two men, Wun realizes it was all an illusion.

Reflection on Power Dynamics

The Gratitude of the Monkeys and the Celestial Response

The Transformation of the Monkeys

• After a significant event, many mountain monkeys ceased to age, remaining perpetually healthy and youthful as their names were no longer recorded in the underworld.

• The four commanders relayed this news to demon kings from other caves, who expressed deep gratitude. Members of the Brotherhood of Seven also celebrated that their names were absent from the records of ten kings.

The Emperor's Audience

• The Celestial Sage, Emperor Jade, convened a public audience in his treasure hall shortly after receiving reports from celestial officials.

• A dragon named Aokan arrived urgently at the palace to deliver an important report regarding disturbances in his ocean territory.

Report on Sanuk Kun's Offenses

• Aokan detailed how Sanuk Kun, an unscrupulous immortal from Flower and Fruit Mountain, had forcefully entered his water mansion and demanded magical weapons through intimidation.

• He described how Sanuk Kun terrorized his family and caused chaos among other dragons across different oceans.

Request for Justice

• Aokan requested immediate action against Sanuk Kun, emphasizing that without intervention, prosperity would not return to all oceans.

• Upon finishing reading Aokan’s report, Emperor Jade assured him that generals would be dispatched to apprehend the offender.

Arrival of Another Report

• Just as Aokan departed with gratitude towards Emperor Jade, another official named Chin Kanang presented a report concerning disturbances in the realm of darkness.

• This report highlighted issues within the dark realm where life cycles are disrupted due to interference by Sanuk Kun.

Chaos Caused by Sanuk Kun

• The document explained that life and death occur cyclically within nature; however, Sanuk Kun's actions have severely disrupted this balance.

Imperial Decree and the Monkey King

The Call to Action Against the Usurper

• A report is presented, suggesting immediate military action against a usurper to regain control over life and death, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

• After reading the report, the Emperor orders his generals to apprehend the usurper, showcasing his authority and commitment to justice.

Inquiry into the Monkey's Origins

• The Emperor convenes a council to discuss the origins of a rebellious monkey who has achieved remarkable powers in a short time.

• Two celestial beings reveal that this monkey was born under divine influence approximately 300 years ago but lacks special powers initially.

Understanding Immortality

• The Emperor questions which general will confront the monkey; an eternal spirit explains that many beings with nine openings can achieve immortality through practice.

• It is noted that this monkey’s unique formation by heaven and earth contributes to its abilities, including dragon mastery.

Proposal for Reconciliation

• A suggestion is made for a public decree of reconciliation towards the monkey if it shows respect; disobedience would lead to arrest without delay.

• This approach aims to avoid military conflict while welcoming an immortal being into their ranks.

Issuing Imperial Orders

• The Emperor agrees with this prudent strategy and instructs his celestial messenger to draft an official decree inviting the monkey king.

• Once completed, the messenger descends swiftly from heaven with instructions for immediate action regarding this invitation.

Arrival of Celestial Messenger

• Upon arrival at a cave filled with monkeys, he announces himself as a heavenly messenger bearing an imperial order for their king.

• The news excites their king, who had been contemplating visiting heaven just before receiving this invitation.

Reception of Invitation

• The Golden Star introduces itself formally and presents an imperial decree inviting him to ascend and receive high honors among immortals.

• Grateful for such recognition, Wukong (the Monkey King), prepares for departure while ensuring his subjects are taken care of during his absence.

Departure Preparations

• Despite rejecting offers for festivities due to time constraints as a bearer of important documents, Wukong expresses concern about leaving his subjects empty-handed.