Journey into the unknown

Chapter 10: Flowing-Sandy River

The sun beat down mercilessly on the weary pilgrims as they finally reached the banks of the Flowing-Sand River. It was a vast expanse of water, wider than any river they had encountered on their long journey west. The current looked deceptively gentle, but Tang knew better than to underestimate its power.

"How are we to cross this?" He sighed, his brow furrowed with worry. "There is no bridge in sight, and the water looks too deep to wade through."

Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, scratched his head, his golden eyes scanning the riverbank. "Maybe we can find a ferryman? Though I doubt anyone would want to risk their boat in this place." He suggested, though his tone lacked conviction.

As if summoned by his words, the sand beneath their feet began to tremble. A low growl echoed across the water, and then, with a roar that shook the very air, a monstrous figure emerged from the depths of the river. It was a demon, tall and powerfully built, with skin the color of deep blue sand. Its eyes glowed with malevolent intent, and a wicked-looking crescent blade was clutched in its massive hand.

"Mortals!" the demon bellowed, its voice like the grinding of stones. "You dare trespass in my domain! Prepare to meet your doom!"

Without hesitation, Pigsy charged forward, his nine-toothed rake held high. "You big brute! You'll have to get past me first!"

The battle was fierce and chaotic. Pigsy, despite his gluttonous nature, was a formidable warrior, and he fought with surprising agility. He swung his rake with all his might, forcing the blue-skinned demon to parry and dodge. But the demon was strong and relentless, and the river seemed to grant him unnatural speed and power.

Wukong watched the fight with a critical eye. He could easily defeat the demon, but he sensed something was amiss. The demon seemed to be deliberately avoiding a direct confrontation, retreating back into the river whenever Wukong made a move to intervene.

"He's playing with us," Wukong muttered to himself. "He doesn't want to fight me."

Just as Pigsy began to tire, Long, the dragon princess disguised as a human, stepped forward. She had been quiet until now, observing the situation with a thoughtful expression. An idea sparked in her mind. It was a long shot, but it was worth a try.

"I know what to do!" She announced excitedly, her friends' attention immediately turning toward her. "Step aside, boys, and let me handle this." She smiled confidently.

With that, the dragon Princess cleared her throat and, using her most melodious voice, called out across the water. "O, handsome and mighty blue man! I bring you good tidings! Your master, the scripture pilgrim, Tang Sanzang, is here!"

Wukong, and Pigsy exchanged bewildered glances. They had no idea what Long was planning. Pigsy was particularly skeptical. "What are you doing, Long?"

Tang, equally bewildered, could only stammer, "Handsome?" He wondered aloud with a smirk.

Long ignored them, her gaze fixed on the river. "Please come out of the water!!" She called out again, adding a note of impatience to her voice.

A moment of tense silence hung in the air. Then, slowly, hesitantly, the blue-skinned demon emerged from the water. He lowered his crescent blade and bowed his head in shame.

"Forgive me, Holy Monk," He said, his voice now subdued. "I did not recognize you. I have been waiting here for centuries, guarding this river, and I have grown... weary."

He then turned to Wukong, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and respect. "Great Sage Equal to Heaven, I apologize for my rudeness. I did not wish to fight you. I know of your power, and I feared the consequences of defeat."