The people of Tuoluo Village saw that Tang Sanzang and his companions had killed the wicked demon and wanted to reward them generously. But Tang Sanzang refused their kind offer.
The people of Tuoluo Village had no other choice but to invite them to a feast. Tang Sanzang thought that was a fine idea, so he nodded and accepted.
With the demon dead, everyone was overjoyed. They held a grand banquet for seven whole days, so Tang Sanzang and his companions could eat their fill and enjoy themselves.
On the day they left, villagers young and old came to see them off, accompanying them all the way to the entrance of Persimmon Ditch on Seven Absolutes Mountain. But the road ahead was completely blocked by rotten persimmons, making it impassable.
Old Man Li had someone go and open another path.
But the mountain road stretched for eight hundred li. If ordinary people had to clear it by themselves, who knew how long it would take? Sun Wukong glanced at Bajie and grinned mischievously. "Master, why not have Bajie clear Persimmon Ditch? It'd be a great service to the people here."
Bajie was having none of it, so Sun Wukong said, "If you're willing to do it, they'll make sure you get plenty of good food and drink."
As he spoke, he winked at Old Man Li, who quickly chimed in, "Yes, yes! If the great immortal is willing to help, we'll make sure you're well fed and taken care of."
Bajie was still a little hesitant. He thought the job was filthy and didn't want to do it.
Tang Sanzang added to the persuasion. "If you really can clear Persimmon Ditch, I'll give you top honors for your efforts. How does that sound?"
Bajie was satisfied with that. He had