The Race, The Monsters, and Joru’s Conflicts

The horse race was in full swing. Chao Tong, riding the Yuja horse, was leading the pack, while Joru, on his steed Jiangga Peibu, was trailing behind. Jiacha, whipping his horse forward, occasionally turned back to look at Joru, but Joru paid him no attention. Instead, Joru appeared to be enjoying the beautiful scenery, riding leisurely as if he were on a casual stroll.

 

The grand horse race was unprecedented in scale. As the racers reached the halfway point, Joru instinctively nudged his horse’s side with his legs, and his steed sped up slightly. The other competitors whipped their horses harder, pushing forward with all their might. Chao Tong and his Yuja horse remained firmly in the lead.

 

At that moment, a small cloud resembling a sheep appeared in the sky. Strangely, it began to grow larger and larger, darkening the heavens. A clap of thunder split the sky, and it seemed as though hail was about to fall.

 

Was this sudden change due to the unpredictable mountain weather, or were the gods displeased with the horse race? Neither. It was the work of three demonic spirits from Ayudi Mountain: Tiger-Head, Leopard-Head, and Bear-Head.

 

The Tiger-Head demon grumbled, “Ling Gabu is holding a horse race today. All the human legs bend backward, their knees stick out forward, and their horses kick up dust and manure everywhere. They’re polluting our mountain!”

 

“That’s right! They’re not only shaking the snowy mountains but also ruining the grasslands!” added Bear-Head, speaking clumsily but clearly agitated.

 

Leopard-Head, always sharp-tongued, chimed in, “I don’t understand how the neighboring mountain gods tolerate these humans messing around here. If we don’t teach them a lesson today, anyone will think they can trample our sacred grounds! The merchants, horsemen, nobles, and even poor shepherds will stop offering us tributes. This is unacceptable!”

 

The three demons agreed to retaliate. They summoned their dark army, covered the sky with clouds, and sent thunderbolts to announce their fury. Just as they were about to unleash a hailstorm, they suddenly felt uneasy.

 

Joru had already noticed their actions. How could Joru, the son of the gods, allow demons to disrupt the grand horse race? If the three demons were not subdued, the people of Ling Gabu would suffer endlessly. In an instant, Joru threw his divine lasso into the air, capturing the three demons and binding them in front of his horse.

 

Realizing they were in the presence of a divine child, the demons immediately lost their power. They knelt down repeatedly, begging for mercy and pledging their loyalty to Joru.

 

Joru commanded, “Dismiss the clouds immediately, return to your mountain, and await my orders. From now on, you must not harm humans again. If you disobey, I will not forgive you.”

 

The clouds vanished instantly, and the sunlight became brighter and more radiant than before. A celestial maiden from the Mamei region appeared and presented Joru with three treasures: a crystal vial filled with divine nectar, a key to unlock the treasures of the ancient Hot Mountain, and an auspicious silk scarf adorned with eight symbols. Joru accepted the treasures and resumed the race.

 

Joru’s Encounter with Gulu and Others

In an instant, Joru caught up with the hunchback Gulu, who was trailing at the back of the race. Joru, seeing Gulu struggling with his hunched posture, found it amusing and decided to tease him:

 

"I am Joru, standing tall and proud,

You are Gulu, bent and bowed.

Why don’t we team up for this race,

Together we’ll run at the same pace.

If we win, we’ll split the prize in two,

If we lose, we’ll share the debt too."

 

Hearing this, Gulu became agitated. He looked at Joru, with his poor and ragged appearance, and scoffed at the idea of Joru winning anything. “Team up with him?” Gulu thought. “What he really means is that he wants me to share his debt!” With a stern face, Gulu said, “Don’t even think about it! Gulu isn’t foolish enough to pay your debts for no reason. We’ve already lost hope of winning anything. If the gods help me win, I won’t share it with you. And if you win, I wouldn’t even want your prize, let alone repay your debts! You and I are as incompatible as snow and fire. There’s no way we can work together.”

 

Joru, still smiling, replied, “Gulu, I only mean well. I see you struggling with your hunchback, and I genuinely want to help you. Are you sure you won’t regret your words?”

But Gulu laughed mockingly and said, “Help me? Regret? Hah! You don’t know who I am, do you? I, Gulu, am the sacred camel of Ling Gabu. Without me, even the gods would decline. I am the prosperous camel of the land, bringing wealth to all. And I am the lucky camel of Ling Gabu—without me, blessings would wither away. Haven’t you heard the song sung by the people of Ling Gabu?”

 

"The crescent moon bends beautifully,

Decorating the azure sky so gracefully.

The bountiful grain bends with pride,

Filling the barns, feeding far and wide.

The rainbow bends across the vast blue,

Linking heaven and earth with its brilliant hue.

A man bends his back to show his might,

A woman bends hers to gain insight.

Weapons bend for fierce combat,

Roads bend for racers like that."

 

Gulu continued smugly, “Joru, compared to wealthy men, I may not be much. But compared to you, I’m rich! I have nine oxen, nine plots of farmland, nine sons, and nine daughters. In spring and winter, my wine never runs out, and in summer and autumn, my dairy is abundant. How could I ever team up with someone like you? I absolutely refuse!”

 

Joru chuckled and replied, “Gulu, do you think I don’t desire the golden throne and Zumu? Of course, I do. But Zumu is so perfect, and I, Joru, am so poor. The heroes competing for her are all so powerful—I don’t even know what to do. This morning, I heard Zumu say that no matter who wins the prize, it must be shared between Gulu and me. That’s why I told you the truth. When I win, will you really refuse to take your share? Won’t you regret it later? Let me tell you, Gulu, whether I participate in the race or not, the treasures of Jialuo, Zumu as my wife, and the throne of Ling Gabu are all destined to be mine. But since you don’t want to team up, we’ll go our separate ways. Just don’t follow behind my horse. Be careful—it might kick you!”

 

Joru then sang, teasing Gulu further:

 

"A curved blade cuts its wielder’s hand,

A bent horn blinds the eye on command.

A crooked arm punches its own face,

A hunchback’s mouth bites its leg in disgrace.

An overturned jar holds no water,

A bent rainbow is no robe for a daughter.

A twisted body comes from disease,

When it flares, it robs your ease.

A twisted heart reflects selfish desire,

Too much greed turns one into a liar.

A hundred climb the mountain steep,

The hunchback bends like legs for feet.

A hundred stand tall, proud and straight,

The hunchback lies as if it’s too late.

Brothers race forward with ambition,

Gulu rides backward in opposition!"

 

Joru whipped his horse and sped forward. Gulu, furious, trembled with rage. He tried desperately to straighten his back and argue with Joru, but no matter how hard he tried, his hunched back remained. “That wretched Joru!” Gulu thought. “Even if I can’t win the prize, I’ll make sure he doesn’t either!” Enraged, Gulu began whipping his white-faced camel recklessly. The camel, confused and frightened, bucked and swayed, blocking Joru’s path.

 

Joru laughed at Gulu’s foolishness. He gently tapped his horse’s ear. The divine steed understood immediately, kicked Gulu’s camel into a ditch, and swallowed Gulu whole. Inside the horse’s body, Gulu found himself in what looked like a golden temple with glowing red walls and shining statues. Just as Gulu knelt to pray, the horse spat him out, along with a pile of dung, onto the ground. Gulu landed on the dung unharmed. His camel licked his hand, and Gulu stood up, trembling and disheartened. Watching Joru disappear into the distance, Gulu sighed deeply, mounted his camel, and turned back.

 

Joru’s Encounters with Beautiful Oro and Others

The divine steed Jiangga Peibu carried Joru forward like the wind, overtaking one excellent horse after another and surpassing group after group of racers. Soon, Joru caught up with one of the three handsome men of Ling Gabu, Oro. Joru, seeing that there was still plenty of time, patted Jiangga Peibu’s neck. The steed immediately understood that its master wanted to chat and slowed its pace.

 

Joru observed Oro closely. Oro was indeed handsome: a glowing forehead, rosy cheeks, pearl-like teeth, and starry eyes. He wore a plain white silk robe and rode a “Tibetan Snow Mountain” horse. He was a striking figure, like a youthful nobleman dressed in radiant silver. Joru admired Oro silently but wondered whether this beautiful young man’s heart was as good as his appearance. He decided to test him.

 

“Hey, handsome Oro, do you know who I am?” Joru called out.

 

Oro was so focused on the race that he hadn’t noticed Joru watching him. Hearing Joru’s voice, he turned and immediately recognized him. “Of course, Joru! The people of Ling Gabu may not know every lion in the land, but no one fails to know you!” Oro replied with a smile.

 

“Oh? Then can I ask you for a favor?”

 

“Of course, just tell me!” Oro answered without hesitation.

 

“Look at the two of us. We are so different! You are so handsome, and I am so plain. You are so wealthy, and I am so poor. We live under the same sky and share the same earth—why should there be such differences? Shouldn’t we be equals? Will you help me become as handsome and rich as you?” Joru asked. He didn’t look at Oro while speaking, but when he finished, he stared at Oro intently.

 

Oro thought to himself: “This Joru is a divine being with great power and wisdom. He is said to be a Bodhisattva who took human form to save all beings. If Ling Gabu is fortunate enough to have him, he could lead not only humans but also gods and spirits. His current disheveled appearance and his song must be a test for me.”

 

“Well… of course, I’m willing to help you. After the race, come to my home, and I’ll share half of my wealth with you,” Oro replied, hesitating only slightly but remaining generous.

 

“But I can’t wait that long,” Joru said.

 

“Then what can I give you right now? Hmm… how about this? I’ll give you my precious ceremonial hat,” Oro offered.

 

Joru, knowing the hat’s extraordinary value, had already seen that Oro’s heart matched his outward beauty. However, he wasn’t sure if Oro truly understood the significance of the hat or if he was just offering it as an ordinary gift. Joru pretended to be unimpressed. “What’s the use of a hat? Can it make me handsome or rich?”

 

“Joru, don’t you know the value of this hat? It’s a treasure from our family shrine. You want to be handsome? Physical beauty doesn’t fill an empty stomach. True beauty isn’t just about appearance—it comes from within. Haven’t you heard the song?

 

‘Youthful boys are handsome with arms,

Without courage, they’re just cowards.

Beautiful girls shine in fine clothes,

Without wisdom, they’re nothing but fools.’

 

“This hat may not make you more handsome, but it can give you something far greater,” Oro explained.

 

“Oh? Then tell me,” Joru said, intrigued.

 

“Look at the four feathers on its top—they symbolize the ability to travel unhindered across the land. And look closer:

 

Four sides represent the four great continents,

Its eight corners symbolize the eight sub-continents.

Fold it, and it lies flat on two sides,

Unfold it, and it forms a perfect square.

Three tassels hang down gracefully,

Guarding you against the Five Poisons and Three Defilements.

The four sides, pure white and soft,

Wearing it, your heart will shine bright.

Six petals of a green lotus,

Grant liberation to all beings in six realms.

The high ear flaps on both sides,

Endless wisdom and knowledge to guide.”

 

“This ceremonial hat suits you perfectly, Joru. Please accept it,” Oro said sincerely.

 

Joru, secretly delighted, took the hat and placed it on his head, tucking his old sheepskin hat into his robe. In return, he gave Oro the crystal vial and the auspicious silk scarf gifted to him by the celestial maiden, wishing Oro even more beauty and wealth.

 

Joru then galloped forward, overtaking more riders. Soon, he spotted the fortune-teller Gunxie Tibu and thought, “Everyone says his predictions are incredibly accurate. Since there’s still time, why not let him read my fortune?” With this in mind, Joru approached Gunxie Tibu and rode alongside him.

 

“Great Fortune-Teller, I’ve heard of your fame. Today, I, Joru, would like to ask for a reading,” Joru said with a smile.

 

“Oh, Joru, what would you like to know?” Gunxie Tibu asked without slowing his horse.

 

“I’ve been wondering—how did the treasures of the Dharma King, the empire of the Jiana Emperor, and the thrones of the eighteen border kingdoms come to be? None of these were won by racing fast horses. Yet here in Ling Gabu, why does the throne depend on having the fastest horse? If your horse is fast, you’re the king. If it’s slow, you’re a slave. Isn’t that strange?”

 

“That’s not a question I can answer,” Gunxie Tibu said with a frown.

 

“I understand. I don’t need you to answer that. I just want you to tell me—will I win the prize?”

 

“Joru, if this were a normal day, I would lay out my prayer mat, calm my mind, and pray sincerely to the gods for guidance. But today, with horses racing and reins snapping, I can only give you a quick fortune. I hope you don’t mind,” Gunxie Tibu said.

 

“Of course! As long as it’s accurate, I will reward you generously,” Joru replied.

 

Gunxie Tibu prayed and cast his fortune while riding. After a few moments, he shouted excitedly, “Joru, this is an excellent omen!

 

The first sign descends from the heavens,

Symbolizing the vast sky above.

It’s an omen of securing the land,

A sign that you will be king of Ling Gabu.

The second sign rises from the earth,

Symbolizing solid foundations.

It’s an omen of peace and prosperity,

A sign that you will be a great ruler.

The third sign emerges from the ocean,

Symbolizing unity and harmony.

It’s an omen of family happiness,

A sign that you will marry Zumu.”

 

Joru laughed, delighted by the accuracy of Gunxie Tibu’s fortune. He gifted the fortune-teller a pure white scarf as a token of gratitude.

 

Joru’s Feigned Illness and the Advice of the Doctor

Joru ran a bit further before suddenly groaning and clutching his chest. His face turned pale, his body appeared weak, and he fell from his saddle, collapsing to the ground. He lay there moaning, “Oh no! I’m in so much pain! It hurts so badly!”

 

At that moment, the renowned physician Gongga Nima happened to pass by. He immediately stopped his horse and asked, “Joru, what’s wrong? Are you sick?”

 

“Yes, Doctor. Eight years of wandering have left me with chronic illnesses. Can you give me some medicine to help?” Joru replied weakly.

 

Gongga Nima hesitated because he didn’t have his full medicine bag with him. While he had some emergency remedies, he wasn’t sure if they could treat Joru’s condition. Seeing Joru in such apparent pain, the doctor felt pity. He dismounted, crouched beside Joru, and asked, “Joru, where does it hurt? Is the pain severe? Let me check your pulse and see if I can help.”

 

The doctor placed his fingers on Joru’s wrist as Joru continued to complain. “Oh, it hurts so much! My upper body feels like it’s burning—like a fever scorching my heart. My waist feels icy cold—like frost stabbing into my bones. My lower body feels like it’s boiling—like hot water searing my skin. Inside, it feels like my heart is breaking apart; outside, my body feels like it’s decaying. Doctor, am I dying?”

 

After listening to Joru and finishing his pulse check, Gongga Nima looked at him with a puzzled expression. “Joru, illnesses are caused by three imbalances: wind, bile, and phlegm. They arise from greed, anger, and ignorance. When these three mix, they cause 424 types of diseases. But your pulse… it doesn’t match your symptoms. You have no signs of illness. Your body is balanced, harmonious, and clear of impurities. Either my diagnosis is wrong, or your pulse is an illusion—or perhaps, Joru, you’re faking this illness. Joru, there’s no need for this. Your pulse is strong, your future is bright, and you will succeed in your endeavors. The prize is already yours to claim.”

 

Hearing this, Joru immediately jumped to his feet, his sickly appearance vanishing in an instant. He smiled, draped a white scarf around the doctor’s neck, and said, “The people of Ling Gabu say you, Gongga Nima, are the most skilled physician. Now I’ve seen it for myself—you’re truly extraordinary! Doctor, I’ll see you again after the race.”

 

Joru mounted his horse and sped off, and in no time, he caught up with the overseer, Wang Rongchacha Gen. Joru called out cheerfully, “Uncle!”

 

“Where have you been all this time? If you don’t catch up soon, Chao Tong will take the throne!” the overseer said sternly, his tone filled with frustration.

 

“Don’t worry, Uncle. That won’t happen. You should know better than anyone—how could the throne, destined by the heavens, be taken by a mere beast? The masters and gods can testify to this. Along the race, I’ve already done many good deeds for everyone. Of course, I’ve also seen quite a lot of excitement,” Joru said, recalling his earlier encounters, especially with the hunchback Gulu, which made him laugh again.

 

“Joru, stop treating this race like a joke. Go now! If you don’t hurry, even the gods won’t help you!” the overseer said, giving Joru’s horse a firm slap on the rear. The divine steed Jiangga Peibu leaped forward like a bolt of lightning, leaving the overseer far behind.

 

Notes 

Jue Ru: Means "to lift upward" or "to straighten up."

Gu Ru: Means "to bend down" or "to hunch over."

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