After Tang Sanzang and Sun Wukong subdued Zhu Bajie, the three continued their journey westward. They arrived at Yellow Wind Ridge (Huang Feng Ling), where they immediately noticed that the wind felt different from other places. As they were discussing this unusual wind, a fierce tiger suddenly leapt out of the forest, startling Tang Sanzang so much that he fell off his horse.

Unique Skill: Skin Shedding

Seeing this, Wukong quickly went to help his master, while Bajie picked up his rake and swung it at the tiger. The tiger dodged the attack, stood up, clawed at its chest, and astonishingly shed its own skin. This was intended to scare off Zhu Bajie, but Bajie remained unfazed. The tiger then shouted, "I am the vanguard of Yellow Wind Sage, under orders to patrol the mountain and catch some mortals for a feast. Who are you monks, daring to attack me?"

Bajie retorted, "You wicked beast! We are not mere passersby. I am a disciple of the Tang Dynasty's monk, Tang Sanzang, on a mission to the Western Heaven to seek sacred scriptures. If you clear the path and do not disturb my master, we may spare your life. Otherwise, don't blame us for being ruthless!"

Before Bajie could finish his tirade, Tiger Vanguard lunged at him with its claws. After a few exchanges, Tiger Vanguard found itself at a disadvantage and turned to flee. Zhu Bajie gave chase, and they soon reached a pile of rocks, where Tiger Vanguard retrieved its weapons: two red bronze swords. The fight resumed with renewed intensity.

Diversionary Tactic

After settling his master, Sun Wukong saw the fierce battle and said to Tang Sanzang, "Master, don't be afraid. You rest here while I go help Bajie defeat this tiger Yaoguai." He grabbed his Golden Cudgel and rushed to assist. Seeing Sun Wukong approaching, Tiger Vanguard fled again, with Wukong and Bajie in hot pursuit. After running a distance down the mountain, Tiger Vanguard shed its skin once more at a bend, draping it over a large rock. It then transformed into a gust of wind and headed back up the mountain. The plan was to use the shed skin to distract Wukong and Bajie while it circled back to capture Tang Sanzang.

When Wukong and Bajie caught up, they saw what appeared to be Tiger Vanguard exhausted and lying on the ground. They raised their weapons to strike, only to find their hands hurt from the impact. Upon closer inspection, they realized they had been tricked and rushed back to find their master. As they feared, Tang Sanzang was gone, so they split up to search the mountain.

Death by Arrogance

Tiger Vanguard returned to Yellow Wind Cave (Huang Feng Dong) with Tang Sanzang and reported to Yellow Wind Sage, "Great King, while patrolling the mountain today, I encountered a monk from the Tang Dynasty, Tang Sanzang, who is on a pilgrimage to the Western Heaven. He would make a fine meal for you." Yellow Wind Sage had already heard of Tang Sanzang and Sun Wukong and worried that Wukong might come looking for trouble. But Tiger Vanguard reassured him, saying, "Don't worry, Great King. I have already fought them and tricked them easily. They are nothing to worry about." Despite this, Yellow Wind Sage remained uneasy and decided to deal with the two disciples before enjoying the meal. He ordered his minions to imprison Tang Sanzang.

Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie searched for a long time before finally finding Yellow Wind Cave at the foot of a cliff. Wukong, observing the terrain, devised a plan. He instructed Bajie to guard their belongings in a mountain hollow while he went to challenge the Yaoguais at the cave entrance.

Hearing Sun Wukong's call to battle, Tiger Vanguard requested permission from Yellow Wind Sage to confront him. Yellow Wind Sage dispatched fifty minor Yaoguais to assist.

At the cave entrance, Tiger Vanguard taunted Sun Wukong, "Where did this monkey monk come from, making such a racket?" Sun Wukong retorted, "You skin-shedding beast! Hand over my master immediately!" Tiger Vanguard replied, "I did capture your master. If you know what's good for you, leave now. Otherwise, I'll eat you too!"

Unwilling to tolerate such insults, Sun Wukong swung his Golden Cudgel at Tiger Vanguard. Though Tiger Vanguard had some skill, it was no match for Sun Wukong. After just a few exchanges, it could no longer hold its ground and turned to flee up the mountain. Little did it know that Zhu Bajie was lying in ambush in the mountain hollow. Caught off guard, Tiger Vanguard was struck dead by Bajie's rake.