A considerable while in the past, within a Chinese fishing village, a young girl frolics at the water's edge as her father readies himself for the day's labor. Observing his daughter's dismay at his departure, he wades into the water, engaging in play to dispel her sorrow. Yet, unexpectedly, the man convulses violently in the lake, ultimately succumbing to an unseen force that drags him beneath the surface. Unaware of the danger her father faces, the girl continues to laugh until he vanishes, leaving only blood-stained water behind.
Promptly, the villagers enlist the services of a demon hunter who, with chants and explosive devices, triggers a significant underwater eruption. Seizing a colossal stingray, the hunter asserts that a demon possessed the creature, holding it accountable for the earlier tragedy. Despite the villagers' relief, one dissenting voice insists the captured creature is merely a common stingray.
Identified as Tang, a demon hunter and monk's apprentice, the man is accused by another demon hunter of collusion with the demon. The enraged villagers attack Tang, binding him as punishment. As the villagers jubilantly plunge into the water, believing it to be safe, a monstrous beast emerges, devouring a woman and unsettling everyone. Panic ensues as the monster ensnares villagers with its tongue, causing the little girl from earlier to be perilously seized. Despite a valiant effort, the creature swallows her mother whole.
Amid the chaos, Tang manages to free himself and rescues an infant from impending danger. Seizing an opportunity, he traps the monster on a platform, facilitating the villagers' escape. However, the fake demon hunter hides, and a colossal woman intervenes, causing seismic disruptions with each step. She annihilates the monster, revealing it to be a transformed young man. Despite the villagers' intent to kill the demon, Tang intervenes, proposing an alternative solution.
Tang employs musical instruments and a book titled "300 Nursery Rhymes" in an attempt to convert the demon. His off-key singing, however, drives the creature into a violent frenzy, leading to a brutal confrontation. Before Tang's demise, a woman intervenes, subduing the demon and transforming it into a doll. This woman, Duan, is revealed to be a fellow demon hunter, ridiculing Tang's methods as the villagers hail her as their savior.
Disheartened by the failure, Tang's master advises him that converting evil to goodness is a formidable task. Tang is tasked with conquering a second demon residing in a nearby restaurant, using human flesh in its culinary creations. Arriving at the restaurant, Tang quickly discerns the illusory nature of the establishment and confronts a woman who reveals herself as the demon. Duan arrives to assist, initiating a fierce battle against the demon and her minions.
Despite initial setbacks, Duan gains the upper hand, exposing the demon's true form – a demon pig. With the demon restrained, Tang is tasked with extracting its essence. Reluctantly, Tang overcomes his fear, inadvertently kissing the pig demon and absorbing its essence. However, the demon's power proves overwhelming, leading to a chaotic escape from the collapsing restaurant.
Recovering from their ordeal, Tang tends to Duan's injuries, inadvertently creating an intimate moment. However, their potential connection is cut short when Tang, realizing his monkhood, abruptly withdraws. The next day, Tang confesses his failure to his master, who instructs him to seek the help of Wukong, a powerful entity locked away for causing havoc in the heavens.
Embarking on his journey, Tang falls into a trap set by Duan's associates, leading to a comical misunderstanding. Duan, infuriated by Tang's rejection of her romantic advances, imprisons him while attempting to sway his affections through dance. The plan backfires, resulting in chaos and further humiliation for Tang.
As the group faces the resurgence of the demon pig, Duan sacrifices herself to protect Tang. The demon pig retreats, sensing Tang's detachment from worldly concerns. In grief, Tang unleashes a divine power, summoning a colossal Buddha that confronts Wukong, who has broken free.
A climactic battle ensues, with Wukong overpowering the demon hunters and crushing Duan. In a moment of selflessness, Tang relinquishes his mortal attachments, triggering a cataclysmic event. A transcendent Buddha emerges, overwhelming Wukong and ultimately subduing him. Tang, now unburdened by earthly emotions, takes control of Wukong, making the former demon his disciple.
Tang's master commends his disciple's readiness for the journey to the west, where he will acquire holy scriptures alongside his demonic students to alleviate human suffering. As the film concludes, the stage is set for a heroic journey with the potential for redemption and enlightenment.
About the Creator
Kwandokuhle Ndethi
Born to express, not to impress.
Keep reading
More stories from Kwandokuhle Ndethi and writers in Fiction and other communities.
Shin Godzilla
In the vast expanse of Tokyo Bay, a pleasure craft floats eerily devoid of passengers, catching the attention of the vigilant coast guard. As they explore its interior, a mysterious origami and a document come to light. Suddenly, a thunderous explosion rocks the boat and the adjacent underwater tunnel, releasing what appears to be copious amounts of blood into the waters.
By Kwandokuhle Ndethi5 months ago in Fiction
Peanuts and Crackerjack
Bottom of the ninth inning. The game is tied with two outs, two strikes and a man on second. I tap the bat on home plate. The rigid vibrations it creates reminds my aching digits that this isn't over. The practice swing only adds to the heft of mental burnout... Man on second, willing to chance it. Pitcher eyes him but doesn't give in to the dangerous bluff. I kick up dust, readying the peculiar stance I've had since the days of little league. The bat lays stiff upon my cramping shoulder. Pain has no reason to be acknowledged; it's a fleeting afterthought. The sun sits passed high noon, but the stadium lights are on anyway. They trick my brain into believing they are the cause of this sweltering heat. Sporadic clouds are motionless, they too, don't want to miss this exhilarating predicament. Anticipating the next pitch, intensifying roars from the crowd rumble the stadium... Behind me, the crafty catcher adjusts his stance and spits to the dry dirt. Behind him, the staunch umpire doesn't flinch or even blink; he knows how important his call will be. The pitcher winds up, his grip tells me its gonna curve. The release is fierce! Beads of sweat from his hair and face disperse in every direction as the force of his might is unfailing. My left leg lifts—an instinctual move that will increase the power of my swing. It's all down to my two, bloodshot eyes. They lock onto the speeding, white dot as it instantly becomes the target I intend to destroy. The swing is late, but I manage a solid tip. The ball is taking a fast bounce toward the pitcher who is recovering from the almighty throw! Man on second leaves in a desperate rush! I fling the bat to the side with a sense of urgency and make a mad sprint to the only destination I have—first base. Three defenders race inward to be the first to retrieve the skidding ball. Man is almost on third! I watch the open glove of my adversary, wondering if I’ve done enough to win this race. I switch my attention to his eyes, looking for a clue, some kind of reaction that tells me the ball is in the air and heading his way. All I see is frustration. The deafening roar of the crowd spikes! Something happens that I can’t see! My opponent abandons his post right as my left stride touches the bag. I waste no time turning my head to see the pitcher laying on his stomach, pounding the mound with an open glove. He misses the opportunity to out me and the ball has quickly bounced past him. Excitement grows! This isn’t over yet... It's become an imperative fight to tag out the runner heading homeward. The catcher falls to his knees in obvious despair as he watches my teammate make the run of his life. He knows it’s going to be close when he sees the shortstop fumble the ball a second too long. I jump up and down with no plans on leaving first base. All my chips are on the speed and agility of the active runner. His cleats dig into the dirt, trailing a dust-filled cyclone from the rapid and strenuous strides. With a thrusting dive and an outstretched arm, he lands on his chest to begin the crucial slide to home plate. The shortstop fires the ball to the catcher! It immediately begins closing the gap! Nail-biting doesn't begin to describe the anxious vibe permeating the stadium. The bench begins to celebrate even before he reaches the plate. Forty thousand cheering fans reach maximum crescendo, filling the air with a glorious sound. Everyone knows how this story will end… My teammate is met by the entire bench as his fingers inch across home plate, instantly followed by the unmistakable motion of the catcher's glove attempting to tag him out—its milliseconds too late. The ump swings his arms outward, officially calling him safe.
By Lamar Wiggins3 days ago in Fiction
THE LAST WISH
In the small town of Raven's Hollow, nestled deep within the shadows of ancient, gnarled trees, a chilling legend lurked—a tale whispered in hushed tones and only shared in the darkest corners of the local tavern. The townsfolk spoke of a mysterious entity known as "The Last Wish," a malevolent force said to grant one final desire to those desperate enough to summon it. However, the cost of that wish was far more terrifying than anyone could fathom.
By Keyur Porecha5 days ago in Fiction
Create Your Personal Vocal Homepage
I'm not a Vocal Newbie (not that there's anything wrong with that), and I'm technologically comfortable. But, I'm also perhaps too comfortable. I think I know, even if I know that I don't know what I don't know, I still think I know more that I do know.
By Judey Kalchik 4 days ago in Writers
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.