In the nineteenth year of Zhenguan,
Tang Sanzang and his disciples left Tongtian River and continued their journey westward.
At this time,
they were traveling through the mountains.
These mountains were towering and majestic, with precipitous, sheer peaks. Towering and majestic, they pierced the Han heavens; precipitous and sheer, they locked the azure sky. Bizarre rocks piled randomly like crouching tigers, and ancient pines hung askew like flying dragons.
The leaves on the branches of the towering trees in the mountains were withered and faded, devoid of their former vitality. A cool wind blew, and the leaves drifted down in a flurry like snowflakes.
The wild grass on the ground, which withered and flourished year by year, was also undergoing its cycle of reincarnation.
It was the dead of winter, and the weather was chilly and bleak.
All across the mountains and plains were bare tree branches and withered grass drooping to the ground. Even the wild beasts in this primeval forest had grown scarce due to hibernation.
Tang Sanzang and his three disciples hurried along amidst the wind and snow. After passing through the most treacherous and steep peaks, they gazed afar to see towering storied buildings and secluded dwellings nestled in a mountain hollow.
"Disciples, I am starving and freezing once again. Fortunately, there are buildings and houses in that mountain hollow. They are definitely peasant homes, hermitages, or monasteries. Go beg for some vegetarian food, and let us eat before moving on."
Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong looked at the mountain dwelling pointed out by Tang Sanzang, and then spoke. "Master, that dwelling is likely no good place."
Then, under a flurry of explanations from Sun Wukong, Tang Sanzang reluctantly accepted Sun Wukong's assessment.
Sun Wukong drew a circle around Tang Sanzang, repeatedly admonishing him not to