Guanyin Bodhisattva rode auspicious clouds eastward with her disciple Mu Zha.
As they passed the Flowing Sand River, they saw eight hundred li of surging waters, three thousand depths of Weak Water that even flying birds could scarcely cross.
Above the water, blue-black demonic qi swirled like mist, with a faint aura of murderous ferocity shooting into the skies.
Guanyin raised her hand slightly, signaling Mu Zha to stop.
A spray of water suddenly exploded from the river, and a red-haired, blue-faced monster with nine skulls strung around his neck burst out.
Wielding a Demon-Subduing Staff, the monster lunged straight at their cloud, baring his fangs and brandishing his weapon!
"What fiend dares pass over my Flowing Sand River!"
Mu Zha shouted, "Insolent creature! My master is Guanyin Bodhisattva of Spirit Mountain. Show some respect!"
At those words, the monster abruptly halted midway through his charge, and the vicious gleam in his eyes vanished.
He splashed back into the water, knelt upon the waves, and kowtowed repeatedly:
"Bodhisattva! Merciful Bodhisattva! This disciple would never dare offend you!
"It is just... this disciple has been trapped in this river for so long, suffering flying swords piercing his heart. Please, Bodhisattva, save me!"
Guanyin lowered her eyes to look at him.
The monster pressed his forehead to the water and said in a trembling voice, "Spare me, Bodhisattva! Spare me! This disciple was once General Juanlian of the Heavenly Court. I was banished here for accidentally breaking the Glazed Cup, and every day I suffer flying swords piercing my heart... please have mercy, Bodhisattva, and deliver me!"
Guanyin said calmly, "Since you have learned remorse, I shall touch your crown and confer the precepts upon you, granting you the Dharma name Sha Wujing.
"Wait here for the scripture pilgrim and protect him