Nigkala Tales Pt. 16: Riders of the storm

A whirlwind of an adventure

Thanks to my editor kenjisato. Also, to LanguageTool. Combined, they put me right. Any problems left all belong to me.

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I arrived in China to help find suitable places to film the story of Tang Sanzang, also known as 'Journey into the West'. Knowing how difficult it is to learn Chinese; I hired a former language teacher to be my translator, and to teach me the language. While she was skeptical, she agreed to try. Gong Huan told me her name meant 'to give joy'. She was rather surprised at how fast I was learning the language.

The first few locations were easily found, as the story described real places. When the story goes outside the civilized area, the places are fantastical. For this, I sought out places that looked very strange or very beautiful. I also wanted some in mountainous terrain. The Buddhist temples at Fanjingshan were suggested as an otherworldly site. The online information looked good, but we needed permission to shoot there, and to also have a battle. That would require a visit, and talking with the monks.

We arrived in the area, and I booked the fancy tour for both of us. It would take over a week, but would cover a number of the temples close by. I looked forward to seeing the Temple of Buddha and the adjacent Maitreya Temple. These temples were the highest, and were at the summit, separated by a great chasm. There were nearly nine thousand steps to get to them. When I got there, I thought they were very pretty, but ill-suited to a battle scene. The Cheng'en Temple, lower down the same mountain, was much better suited.

Once the tour was over, I went back to the Cheng'en Temple. While my ability was limited, I spoke directly to the monks to state my request and ask their permission.

In Chinese, with the assistance of Gong Huan, I asked, "Master Li, I am here from Hollywood. I want to make a movie of the tale of Tang Sanzang's 'Journey into the West'. This mountain would be a great location for a battle. This temple, has plenty of flat areas that would be a suitable battlefield. Is this possible?"

He replied, "Ms. Tate, while we have on rare occasions had fighting here, it has been by monks who have been blessed by the mountain. I do not see an outsider being so blessed. The taking of pictures, is not an issue if the ones who do so are respectful, and participate in a daily cleansing ritual."

"Is this blessing something I can achieve?"

"You can if you are truly worthy, and if the mountain accepts you."

"How can I prove my worthiness?"

"First, you must climb all the stairs, from the bottom to the top, without rest or stopping. Next, you must show knowledge of the art by performing a series of taolu. Last will be a test of strength. If you pass all three, you, alone, will be allowed to fight. If another wishes to fight, they must pass this test also."

"When might I undertake the test?"

"Any time. Technology is wonderful. We will give you a necklace at the bottom, and it will transmit your vitals, and location. The helper who gave you the necklace will call us, and we will monitor your trip. We will also use a telescope to observe you as you climb. There will be another helper at the top who will take the necklace and return it to us. If you succeed, the next day, you may come, and a monk will name various taolu, and see how well you perform them. If you pass that test, you will be allowed further into the temple, where your strength will be tested. That will determine if you may fight on the outside space, or also the inside space, and also how long you may fight."

"Are there any here that are allowed to fight?"

"Yes, several. Why do you ask?"

"I think some of my people might be able to pass this test, but most will not. If we are to have a great fight scene, more fighters would be better. If any of your fighters wanted to help us have a great fight, we would be appreciative. This includes money, which they could use as they desire, and also the temple would be given some for giving us the privilege of filming."

"We welcome the money the tourists provide, as it helps maintain the temple. We have some work that needs to be done that such a payment would no doubt cover. But you must pass the tests and prove yourself acceptable first."

"The day is still young. May I begin climbing today?"

"It will be dark by the time you get back."

"I am willing, even so."

"Then you may. Wait here." The monk left, and a few minutes later returned with a young man in tow.

"Hello, lady. I am to take you to the bottom of the stairs."

We took our leave to begin our journey. We had covered about half the distance when we came to the cable car station. There, the helper said, "We can save time if we take the car down."

"Will that affect my test?"

"No. Your test starts when I call them at the bottom. Don't try to cheat, as they can see enough to tell."

"Then let us take the easy way down and save time." I paid his fare, round trip, and mine just down. We arrived, and exited the lower station.

"Here, please put this necklace on. I don't think I can reach that high."

Rather than take the necklace, I got on my knees and sat down. He then placed the necklace on me and switched it on. He then made a call, and spoke too rapidly for me to follow.

"I have told them to begin. When you get to the top, look for a young man in a green windbreaker. He will come to you and ask for the necklace."

I thanked him, and began my journey. I made good time, as my size tended to open a path for me. It was a lot of work, but my air blessing meant I had no trouble with the altitude. My usual exercise routine meant I did not tire from this amount of work. So I arrived at the top before I was expected. Not seeing the described windbreaker, I looked in the initial small temple. Looking about again, I didn't see anyone, so I crossed the bridge over the crevasse to look in the other temple. It was when I was crossing back that I saw him. When I walked in front of him, he was startled.

"Where did you come from?"

"I was just in the far temple looking for you."

"I'm supposed to get your necklace."

I again got on my knees and sat to let him take it. He told me I could return, but to hurry, as it was getting dark soon. I got up and began my descent. I got back to the Cheng'en Temple just at dusk. They told me my translator would be back in the morning, but I would stay the night. I thanked them for the hospitality. I inquired if I had time to grab a bite to eat at the nearby food stand. They told me I would eat with them, as that would let them ask about me in a less formal setting.

Dinner was simple, but excellent. Then the others noticed how quickly my plate was empty, they asked if I would like more. I told them I usually ate twice as much or more of what regular people ate because of my size and metabolism. I told them I would love to have more, but did not wish to put them out. Especially as I could easily get more food in the morning from the local food stands. The cook must have liked me, as they gave me two more full meals. After finishing, I thanked them for their generosity.

Next, they took me to a chamber kept for visiting monks. There was a mat on the floor, and a wide stone for a pillow. There was no door, so I asked what the usual routine was. They told me I was expected to lie down and sleep. In the morning, they would wake me. I thanked them and lay down, getting as comfortable as I could on a short mat and hard pillow. It was not that comfortable, so after half an hour, I meditated on the Everest talisman, thinking about being comfortable on this simple bed. Five minutes later, the discomfort went away, and I could get to sleep. When they came for me in the morning, they found me doing one-handed push-ups.

"Did you sleep well?"

"I needed to meditate a bit at first, but soon got to sleep. I usually wake at dawn, or before, and do light exercise."

"Interesting. Come, it is time for breakfast, and your translator will come soon."

Breakfast was also simple, yet I was served a triple portion. I quietly thanked them, and ate in silence, as did the others. After breakfast, we left the private area, and I met my translator. She had brought a change of clothes. I thanked her, and soon changed.

I was brought to the courtyard, where three elder monks quizzed me about Wushu, better known to the west as Chinese Martial Arts. They would name a taolu, and I would perform it slowly. After a few minutes, they asked why I was so slow. I told them I did it, so they could see my accuracy. I asked if they would also like to see it full speed. For the rest of this testing, I did I slow to show I knew it, and then fast to show my skill. When it was lunchtime, they called a halt, and invited both of us to eat lunch. As expected, it was simple yet good.

One of the elders said, "Young lady, I am surprised you chose to study Wushu and not Karate. It is not often Westerners choose our country's art over Japan's."

"I regret to inform you, Master, but I am actually more proficient in that art. I felt it would show more respect to be tested in the art of your home."

"You have mastered two arts?"

"No, Master, I have mastered five. I also teach them, and show other actors, how to look like they know what they are doing when a role requires it."

"How do you plan to fight in this film?"

"I will be playing The Monkey King, with the twist of being female. As he is of Chinese origin, I will fight in Chinese style, Wushu."

"Most interesting. Tell us more of your role."

I spent the rest of lunch describing my thoughts on the role, but with the caveat that it is the director's decision, not mine, that he has the final say. After lunch, they tested my Karate, but not as extensively. They broke after only an hour. I was told to meditate, while they discussed my skill, and if I was qualified to take the test of strength.

"We have decided you are qualified. While the idea of a Monkey Queen is unsettling, we realize this will happen no matter what we think. Also, you have shown yourself worthy in other ways, so you may proceed to the test of strength. Come with us."

I followed them, although my translator was held back. They led the way to the back of the temple, and behind a large double door was a tunnel carved into the mountain. We walked over half a mile until it opened up into a secret room. There, I beheld a series of spherical rocks to one side on the sand-covered floor. I counted twelve stone balls, of increasing size, and four copper ones, of increasing size. Around the walls were reliefs of several ancients, and even the ceiling had a relief of a dragon.

"Here is the test. It is simple enough. Pick up the smallest ball and carry it to the other side, then repeat with the next smallest. When you cannot pick up a ball, the test ends. You will have sufficient time to try when it gets hard. Each ball is twice the weight of the one just smaller than it, so each lift will double the amount you can pick up. Of those outsiders who have tried, they usually can lift from seven to nine balls, but no more. This allows them to fight on the outside patio for a time. It is extremely rare for someone to lift the tenth ball. But if they do, they are allowed to fight in the inner courtyard. Just as the balls double in weight, they grant double the time of the one before, except for the tenth, which grants location and not time."

"What is the most anyone has ever carried?"

"Of the monks, eleven, but he was blessed by the power of the earth."

"What is this power?"

"He was so in harmony with this mountain, that he was able to summon forth the strength of the very mountain to lift the ball. Over the centuries, we have had a visitor, or two, who was not human, and did more. Only one creature lifted the last one. You see his countenance above you."

"A dragon? It would be most interesting to meet such a being. I imagine they could teach a lot."

"They can, if they wish. Finding one is extremely difficult. Convincing it to teach you is just as difficult. Enough talk, it is time for doing. Let us see what you are made of."

I began with the smallest, and carried from one side to the other, then went back for the next. After I carried six over, I switched to a two-handed hold, as they were getting wide enough that I wanted the stability. On the eleventh, I was unable to pick it up.

"You say monks who are blessed by the mountain can summon strength?"

"Yes, why?"

"Because, I have been so blessed. But I have never done this before."

"Later, you must tell the tale. Please, try to summon the strength."

I stood beside the ball, and began to meditate, desiring the strength of the mountain. I began to feel something, and then it seemed to click. Placing my hands under it, I lifted it, and carried it over.

"That is heavy. I don't know if I can do the next one, but I have another trick up my sleeve."

I continued holding the strength of the mountain, but also gained the weight of pumice. This should gain me about a hundred-fifty pounds I might carry, since my body would weigh less. When I was ready, I tried the twelfth, it felt just outside my range. I used a Ki shout to pump adrenaline and used it to make those last few pounds. That was the quickest carry, as I felt my strength was about to give up.

"I need a rest. I think I am at my limit."

"You may rest for five minutes, then you must try or finish."

I lay on the floor for three minutes when I had an epiphany. Maybe I could lend the next ball I was about to move, the weight of pumice? I would have to be holding it, as that seemed the most likely. With this inspiration, I stood back up early.

I walked over to the first copper ball, and put my arms around it as though I was about to lift it, then I instead called forth the pumice weight and pushed it into the ball. When I felt I had achieved this, I lifted. The monks were surprised, but aside from their indrawn breaths, they were silent. I carried this over, and went for the next ball. Still in this state, I carried it and the next one over, as well.

For the last ball, even this was not enough, so I added the strength of the mountain. That was enough. I carried it over, set it down and released my mountain blessings. I then sat down next to it and leaned back.

"That was hard. I need rest."

"Take as much time as you need. Your miraculous feat of strength has earned it, and more."

"More?"

"Yes. You may fight within or without this temple as often and as long as you desire, without limit. The only other to move these balls was the one who founded this temple."

"You mean the dragon?"

"Yes. Rest now, while we move these back for the next person we test."

"Why? They are all on one side. It will be easy to see which have moved."

"... You are wise. We, in our habit, would have done hard work that is not needed. Thank you. We shall meditate on this while you rest."

I decided fifteen minutes was sufficient for now. When I got up and walked out, they got up, bowed, and followed me. My translator and I took our leave and went to our next destination.

Two months later, I was back with the film crew. I had already alerted the producer of the requirements of testing that the cast needed to pass. She, in turn, had the fighting cast do some strength training to prepare. The advance team had already hired over a dozen monks for the fighting scenes. The first day was spent getting the monks to learn their roles, and setting up a big green screen to one side of the outside fighting area. Since the stone-tile floors were the same outside and in the courtyard, this would allow us to seem like all the fighting was in the courtyard. Only the close-ups and boss fight would be in the courtyard. I offered to tell my story of the mountain's blessing. The monks invited me to dinner to tell it.

The monks put forth a monk named Jiao-long as the boss we had to fight. We had a short sparring match, so I could see the level of his skill. I was surprised to find he was better than I. We decided on a longer fight in the courtyard, with a lot of acrobatics by me, as Monkey. We also felt we didn't need as many rehearsals, as we both could remember various sequences. He was to be the Yaogui in charge here, and the one behind the kidnapping of Tang Sanzang, the holy man we followed. There were five other monks that would also fight in the courtyard, as lesser demons.

The first day of shooting, all the monks were made up as lesser demons, and there was a great brawl on the outer pavement. I was made up as Sun Wukong (Monkey), with Zhu Bajie (Pigsy) and Sha Wujing (Sandy) at my side. We plowed through the minions, and didn't need any reshoots. The next day, four monks were made up as mid-level demons, and one as the greater demon. That day's filming had two mid-level demons fighting Pigsy and two fighting Sandy. The fight took less than thirty minutes. While my co-stars retired, the four lesser demons had their makeup changed to appear as though they were different mid-level demons. I then fought them four on one, and used my acrobatic flips to jump over them, which surprised all the monks and a number of our own crew. I used the mountain strength I had learned to make the jumps even higher. In the end, per the script, I defeated the lesser demons, and I faced the greater one.

The battle with the monk, Jiao-long, was different. It was clear to any knowledgeable martial artist that we were near-equals. But after an hour of fighting, I got the upper hand by the script. The second half of the fight was somewhat off script, as it was faster than it was supposed to be, and Jiao-long stopped pulling his punches. As we had already spoken of this, I was okay with it, as it meant I also would not pull my punches, and the fight would thus be more real. Our throws would send the other flying farther, and the final opening he made was not easily seen by the camera. In the end, I finished him off by a mighty leap where I landed on his shoulders and drove him into the ground.

The following scenes, where we interrogate the demons, and rescue our holy man, were shot immediately after the fight. We did take a quick break to refresh our makeup. When the director indicated we were done for the day, everyone got their makeup washed off. Jiao-long came up to me and congratulated me on a good sparring match. He asked if I was up for a private match where we could show our stuff. I agreed, but asked for a break for dinner. He offered dinner at the temple, so I went with him, telling the others I would see them the next day.

Dinner was as before, simple and good. There was a lot of discussion about today's activities, and Jiao-long and I were the main topic. Afterwards, Jiao-long took me to his room, or so he said. We entered a room, and there was a mural of a lake scene on the far wall. Unlike other rooms, this one had a door, actually, a double door. When he closed them, he stood beside me looking at the mural, and he clapped his hands. Suddenly, the mural became real, and I could even feel a breeze that smelled of the lake. There was no way this was on the mountain. I turned around, and saw the doorway was no longer there. Instead, there was a mural of it.

"It seems we are no longer at the temple, and that you are no ordinary monk."

"True. Shall we spar?"

"Gladly. What are the bounds, or limits?"

We walked out towards the lake, and he said, "The bounds are to stay near the lake. No hiding to avoid me, but you must do your best. Show me all you have. In turn, I shall do the same. But this is a sparring match, so no lethal attacks."

"Very well." I placed my purse on the ground. "I am ready."

As I said that, he attacked, and I went flying. He hit far harder than I expected, so even before I stood back up, I summoned the mountain's abilities to harden my skin and to have more weight. This would make it harder for him to shove me around. I also summoned the mountain strength. Getting back up, I rushed him, to return the favor. He allowed it, but its effect was much less than I expected.