Journey 064: Bull Shite

Welcome to the Chinese Lore Podcast, where I retell classic Chinese stories in English.

This is episode 64 of Journey to the West.

Last time, the pilgrims were stuck in front of a literal mountain of flames.

They got some good news from the locals, however.

There was a Princess Iron Fan nearby who possessed a magical banana leaf fan that could extinguish the flames long enough for them to cross.

But the bad news was that she was the mother of Red Boy, a demon that Wukong had subdued earlier on the journey with Guan Yin's help.

From Sun Wukong's perspective, Red Boy was now living the high life as Guan Yin's attendant, but Princess Iron Fan didn't quite see it that way, and she held a huge grudge against Wukong.

But then, Wukong used a little dirty trick, slipped inside her stomach, and held her innards hostage until she produced the fan.

At that point, he came out, took the fan, said thanks, and went off.

Wukong now flew back to the house where the rest of the pilgrims were waiting.

He landed, went inside, leaned the fan against the wall, and asked the old man who was hosting them whether that was the magic fan.

The old man said, Yup, that looks like it, and San Zhang was elated.

Good pupil, you have done great service, he exclaimed.

It must have taken a lot of work to borrow this treasure.

Oh, not that much work, actually, Wukong said.

He then recounted his bad blood with Princess Iron Fan and how he eventually, um, convinced her to give up the fan.

Sanzang thanked him profusely, and then the pilgrims took leave of their host and headed toward the Mountain of Flames.