
Journey to the West - An Audio Drama Series· Folge 66
Journey to the West - Chapter 31 Part 1
Freitag, 5. September 2025 · 21 min
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Wu Kong to the rescue!
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This is an independent project funded by no one else but our listeners. For subtitles, please visit our YouTube channel. To access all the locked content, please consider becoming a paid subscriber for a minimum of three U.S. dollars per month on Spotify, YouTube, Patreon, or drop a donation on Kofi.
Details are in the descriptions. Thank you. Journey to the West, an audio drama series, Chapter 30. One Part 1, we speak of the foe who was captured by a swarm of monkeys. After all the pulling, tugging and carrying around, his shirt was torn apart repeatedly. He muttered to himself. Forget about it, forget about it, once I go, it will be a matter of violent death.
Soon enough, they made it to The Cave entrance. Sitting on a rocky Cliff, The great sage shouted. You stuffed creature, all you had to do was leave. Why insult me at all? Prostrated on the ground, Bhaji said. Oh, Big Brother, I never insulted you. If I ever did, I would bite on the root of my tongue. All I said was that if Big Brother wouldn't go, I will just go.
Repay Master's favour on my own. How would I dare insult you? Sinjar said, How could you ever hide this from me? When I pull my left ear upward, I can hear chattering from those up there on Heaven of 33. When I pull my right ear downward, I can hear the 10 kings of the underworld and their judges making sense of their registers.
Just now you were insulting me as you walked. How could I not hear it? Badger said. Oh, Big Brother, I am aware of that. You are cunning like a rat. You must have transformed into something and eavesdropped as you followed me. Singja then said. Little ones bring over the bigger sticks, let's hit him 20 times on the ankle as greeting before another 20 times on the back and after that I shall send him on his way with my iron rod. Panicking, Baja kowtow and begged. Big Brother please for the sake of master spare my life. Singja mocked.
And I surely know what a kind one master is. Baja then said Big Brother, forget about Master please for the sake of Bodisatwa on the seas, spare me. Hearing him bring up Bodisatwa seemed to became slightly more inclined to change his mind and said, Brother if you say so, I shall not hit you for now, but you have to be honest and hide nothing from me. Where is the tongue monk and what suffering has brought you here to coax me back?
Bazi answered. Oh Big Brother, there is no suffering, he really does miss you. Singjo shouted. You curse a creature really deserve a beating. Why are you still trying to dupe me? Elderson's body may be back in the Water curtain cave, but my heart never left the scripture seeking monk. That master of ours is destined to suffer every step of the way and is bound for disaster everywhere he goes. Tell me everything as soon as possible and spare yourself a beating.
Bazi heard his words and kowtowed to report. Oh, Big Brother, I clearly wanted to invite you back while hiding everything from you. I never thought that you would be this clever. Spare the beating and let me go first so I can tell you everything. Singja said. Fine, then get up and talk. The monkeys thereby released their hands.
The fool then jumped up and stared frantically at his sides. Singja asked. What are you staring at? Bazi explained. I'm checking which Rd. is wider and easier to run away on. Singja said. Where do you think you can escape? Even if I let you leave three days ahead of me, Elderson still has the power to catch up to you.
Do make your case now. If you dare ignite my anger, you will not be forgiven. Baje then detailed how Sun Zong was captured by the Yellow Robe monster, met the Princess, and was turned into a tiger. He concluded by bringing up the white dragon horse, saying It was he who instructed me to invite you, Elder brother. He said Elder brother is a kind and just gentleman, and gentlemen do not dwell on past grievances. He will certainly come save master from his suffering. Big Brother, please consider the bond from the saying. To be teacher for a day is to be parent for a lifetime. I beg you to save him.
Sinjar complained. You fool, when I left, I instructed you again and again that if a monster spirit captured the master, you would tell them Elders 1 is his eldest disciple. Why didn't you mention me? Bazia thought to himself. To enrage a general is better than to invite a general. Let me ignite his temper a little bit. He then said.
Oh Big Brother, it would've been better if we had never brought you up. It was all because we did that he became even more insolent. Simja asked. How so? Bazia said. I told him the following Monster spirit, don't you get unruly and don't you dare hurt my master. I have an elder brother and his name is Sun Xinjua. He's got immense powers and is an expert in subduing monsters. When he comes, I bet you will die without having a place to bury your corpse.
The monster heard that and became increasingly outraged. He shouted. What even is that Sun Sinjo? Why would I be afraid of him? If he ever comes, I will skin him and pull out his tendons before taking a bite on his bones and devouring his heart. Even if that monkey is a skinny one, I can still chop him into pieces and cook him in oil.
Singjo heard that and became so mad he was pulling on his ears and scratching his cheeks, jumping up and down in fury. He asked who dared insult me like that. Bhatia said Big Brother, calm your anger. It was the yellow robe monster who spelled those insults, that's why I just repeated his words to you.
Sinja said get up my wife's younger brother. I'm not saying that I won't make the trip, but since the monster spirit dared insult me, how could I not go subdue him. I will go with you. 500 years ago, Elder soon created a havoc in the heavenly palace. When all those divine generals across heaven see me, each and every one of them would bend their backs and call me grace. Sage, how very insolent this master spirit is that he dared insult me behind my back.
I shall go and capture him. I will tear his body into 10,000 pieces just to make him pay for insulting me, and after I have avenged, I shall come back here. Bazia said. That's right Big Brother, all you have to do is capture that monster and avenge for yourself afterwards. Whether you come with us or not is all up to you.
Only then did the Great Sage jump off the Cliff and burst into his cave. Taking off his master attire, he tidy his brocade shirt and tightened the tiger skin skirt. Wielding his iron rod, he came straight out the gate. Panicking, the group of monkeys gathered in his way and said. Kindred Lord the Great Sage, where are you going?
Wouldn't be better if you could just look after us and enjoy another few years of fun. Sinja said. Little ones, listen to what you're saying. The fact that I am escorting the Tongue Monk is known across the realms from up in heaven to under the Earth. Everyone knows that Sun Wukong is a disciple of the Tongue Monk. He didn't banish me back here.
He only told me to come pay a visit home and enjoy some carefree fun. Because of the matter at hand, you all must carefully watch over our home and properties. Plan your willows and Pines on time and don't leave anything untended. Wait a while as I go to protect that tongue monk, so we can bring the scriptures back to the land of the East. Once the merit is complete, I will certainly come back and enjoy all the freedom and happiness with you. The monkeys thereby receive their orders. The Great Sage only then held Bazia's hand as they rode on clouds and departed The Cave.
When they were crossing the East seas and approaching the West Coast, the Great Sage stopped the clouds and light before saying. Brother, go ahead slowly for now while I head down to the seas and clean myself. Bazia said. We are in a hurry, why clean yourself at all? Singja explained. You have no idea. Since I've been back, I have the odor of a master myself. Master is someone who likes things clean. I fear that he might not like me that way. That was when Bazia realized that Singja had a sincere and truthful heart with no second thought in mind. In moments he was done bathing.
So they resumed their journey westward on clouds. Soon they saw the golden pagoda emitting light. Bhatia pointed and said, Isn't that where the yellow robe monster lives? Shamanc is still in his home. Simja said, You stay in the air, let me go down there and see what it is like in front of the gates so I can fight it out with the monster. Bhatia explained.
Don't go, the monster is not home. Simja said. I am aware of that splendid monkey king. He then descended from auspicious light and came straight outside The Cave entrance to look. What he saw were two young children playing with Ben sticks and furry balls to see who can hit the most balls in the right holes.
One was older than 10 while the other was about 8 or 9 years old. As they were playing, seemed to rush forward and without asking who they even were, pulled on the tuft of hair on top of their heads and lifted them away. The children were so frightened they began throwing wild insults while crying non-stop, which disturbed the Imps in the WAVY moon cave. They hurried inside to report to the Princess. Madam, some unknown person had snatched the two young masters away.
It turned out that they were the two children the Princess had with the monster. The Princess heard that and hastily ran out of The Cave entrance. What she saw was Singjua lifting the two kids while standing on a tall Cliff. It looked like he was about to throw them off. Terrified, The Princess cried in a loud voice. That man over there, we have nothing to do with each other. Why are you taking my sons?
Their father is a powerful one. Should anything go wrong, he will not forgive you. Singju asked. Don't you recognize me? I am Sung Wu Kong Singjua, the eldest disciple of the Tongue monk. I've got a younger brother, a Shaw monk in your cave. You go release him and I will return the kiss to you.
Exchanging 2 for one like this is honestly a great bargain for you. The Princess heard that and immediately went inside. She told the Imps guarding the door to get out of her way before untying Shamanc with her own hands. Shamanc said. Princess, don't you untie me. I fear that master of yours will come home and ask you for me. That will throw the blame on you again. The Princess explained.
Oh elder, you have done me a great favour. You made an excuse to cover up my letter home and saved my life. Setting you free has always been on my mind and what I didn't expect was that outside The Cave entrance, your elder brother Sung Wu Kung is here telling me to let you go. Huzzah. The moment Shamak heard the name Sung Wu Kung, he felt as if the essence of wisdom showered upon his brain and sweet dew moistened his heart. As joy grew from his face, the air of spring filled his chest. It was as if he didn't just hear that a certain person was coming his way, but instead discovered a pile of gold and jade. Look at him.
Stretching his hands and straightening his clothes as he walked out the door to pay courtesies to Sinjo, saying, Big Brother, you really did descend from heaven. I beg that you saved my life. Laughing, Sinjo replied, You monk. When Master was reciting the tightening bands though, did you ever try arguing on my behalf?
But you can talk now if you want to escort master. Why aren't you on your way westward and are squatting here instead? Shamak said. Big Brother, say no more. The Virtuous Man does not seek revenge for past grievances. We are merely generals of the losing side. We have no right to discuss courage. Do save me, won't you?
Sinha said. Come up here. And so Shamak made the jump and headed up the rocky Cliff. We speak of Bazier who stayed in mid air. When he saw Shamanc exit The Cave, he quickly descended from the clouds and called out. Brother Shah, my heart goes out to you. My heart goes out to you. Shamanc saw him and asked. Second elder brother, where did you come from? Bazier explained.
Yesterday after I lost the battle, I returned to the city in the evening. Upon meeting the White Horse, I learned the master was in trouble. Middle Robe did a magic trick and turned him into a tiger. The White Horse had a discussion with me, so I invited Elder brother here. Singda said Full quit the chattering. Take these two kits, you can each hold one. Head to the city of Precious Elephant and provoke the monster while I wait here to fight him, Shamon cast. O Big Brother, how are we going to provoke him? Singda answered.
The two of you ought to send on clouds and stand above their horde of gold carriage. Don't ask questions, just drop the children down on the White Jay steps. If people ask who they are, say they are the sons of the Yellow Rd. monster and the two of you caught them. When the monster hears that, he is bound to return here.
That way I won't have to head inside the city to fight him. If we have to fight above the city, there will certainly be some puffing of cloud and fog and stirring of soil and dust that would frighten those in the palace as well as the officials and residents. Everyone would be disturbed. Bazia laughed and said, Big Brother, every time you do a deed, you trick us? Simda asked.
What do you mean tricking you? Bazia explained. So you brought the two children all the way here. Both already had their nerves shattered. They will soon lose their voices from all the prying, and in moments they are certain to die. If we throw them off, they will turn into meat patties. How can the monster possibly let us off? He will surely demand the two of us pay with our lives, and you can stay clean from all of this, can't you? There won't even be a witness, isn't that tricking us? Sinha answered.
If he tracks you, you 2 can keep fighting him all the way here. We've got a spacious battlefield, I will be waiting right here to strike him. Shamong said. That's right, that's right, Big Brother has got a point, let's go do this. Only then did the pair put on their mighty aura and take the children away.
Sindo then hopped off the rocky Cliff and arrived at the entrance of the pagoda. The Princess said. You monk, having a shred of honesty. You said if I let your younger brother go, you will return my children to me. Now that I have set your younger brother free, you are still keeping my children.
Why are you at my door laughing along? Sindo answered. Don't you blame me Princess, you've been here long enough. We are only taking your boys to go see their grandfather. The Princess said Don't you get disrespectful? My loyal robe is not like others, If you frighten my children, pat them on their heads and calm them down. Sinjo smiled and asked, Oh Princess, as someone born between heaven and earth, what constitutes us a crime? The Princess said I know the answer. Mukun said, You are a woman, what do you know? The Princess answered.
I grew up in the palace and received teachings from my parents. I remember ancient texts said that there are 5 penalties which apply to 3000 varieties of criminal behaviour. And the biggest crime of all is being unfilio. Singto asked. And aren't you an unfilio person? Because as the ancient poem says, Oh my father who begat me, Oh, my mother who nourished me, Alas, alas, my parents, With what toil ye gave me birth? That is the reason why filial piety is the origin of all actions and the foundation of all virtues. Why are you staying by a monster's side and not thinking of your parents?
In what way do you not deserve the verdict of being unfilio? Having heard this, the princess's ear slowly turned red as her face blushed in a state of shame. Suddenly, she uttered Elda, what you say were the truest of words. How could I not miss my parents? It is because the monster spear snatched me here.
He enforces strict rules, which makes it impossible for me to travel around. Being so far away from home, I had no one to deliver a message. I thought about killing myself, but I fear my parents would think I had run away, and there would never be a clear explanation for all this. Therefore, I had no choice but hold on to my gasping breath.
I am truly 1 great Sinner of this world. When she was done talking, tears dropped from her eyes like spring water. Singja said. No need to be set now. Princess Jubazya told me that you wrote a letter that saved my master's life. In the letter, you also expressed how much you missed your parents. Elderson is here with a promise to capture that monster for you and we'll bring you back to the Royal Court to see the throne. You can find another good spouse then and serve your parents till old age.
How does that sound? The Princess said Oh monk, don't you seek your own demise? Your younger brothers from yesterday were mighty looking men, yet even they couldn't defeat my Lord Yellow Robe. You're 1 skinny ghost with more tendons than bones, looking like a crab whose skeleton grows on the outside. What power do you have that you dare claim you could capture a monster?
Singer laughed and said, Well you certainly have bad eyesight and cannot recognize the right people. As the EDM says, the bladder may be big but lacks weight. A steel yard weight may be. Small, but offers. Heavy counterbalance, they just look big but are of no use. When they walk, the wind slows them down.
When you make clothes for them it takes more cloth. They are a stick too hollow to start a fire and a plank too soft to qualify as a door boat. Feeding them leads to nothing. Otterson here may be small in size, but I'm strong and steady. The Princess asked. Do you really have what it takes? Sinjo answered.
You have never seen what I am capable of. I promise you that I can subdue a monster and tame a beast. The Princess said. Don't you let me down. Sinjo said. In no way I would. The Princess said. If you really can subdue a monster, how will you capture him? Sinjo said you will need to stay away for now.
If he comes in with you still here, it will be hard for me to take action. I fear that you are so smitten with him that you won't want to let him go. The Princess said why wouldn't I want him to go? The reason I'm stranded here is completely out of my control. Sinda said you were his wife for 13 years, how can there be no feeling at all? If I see him, I will not play around. A strike is a strike, and a punch is a punch. Only when I defeat him can you return to the Royal Court and meet the throne.
The Princess indeed listened to Sinjo's advice and hid herself somewhere quiet. Their romance was met to end here, for the Great Sage has arrived. The Monkey King hid her away before shaking his body and transforming into the spitting image of the Princess. Turning back into The Cave, he did nothing but wait for the monster. Journey to the West and Audio Drama series is an independent production by The 5th Monkey.
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