Chapter thirteen
In the den of tigers, the Gold Star brings deliverance.
At Double-Fork Ridge, Boqin detains the monk.
xiànhǔxuéjīnxīngjiěè陷虎穴金星解厄shuāngchālǐngbóqīnliúsēng双叉岭伯钦留僧
How to read this chart:
Departure from Chang'an
Chang'anThe Tang emperor sends Sanzang on a journey to the West. Sanzang leaves with his attendants and begins traveling.
Arrival at Law Gate Temple
Temple of the Law GateUpon arriving at the Temple of the Law Gate, Sanzang is greeted by monks. They discuss Buddhist doctrines and potential dangers on his journey. Sanzang vows to complete his journey with unwavering faith.
Arrival in Gongzhou
GongzhouSanzang and his attendants arrive at Gongzhou, where they are met by local officials.
Departure from the Tang Empire's Border
HezhouAt the Hezhou border, Sanzang is honored by local officials and priests. They prepare for departure at dawn.
Ambush in the Mountain Range
Double-Fork RidgeWhile traveling early, Sanzang and his attendants fall into a pit. They are captured by demons under General Yin's command until Bear Mountain Lord and Steer Hermit arrive.
Feast of the Demon Lair
Double-Fork RidgeSanzang's attendants are captured and devoured by General Yin, Steer Hermit, and Bear Mountain Lord (all demons). Sanzang is traumatized and helpless as he witnesses this gruesome ordeal, left fearing for his own life.
Rescue by Gold Star and the Prophetic Note
Double-Fork RidgeAn old man appears, reveals his identity as the celestial Gold Star of Venus, frees Sanzang from restraints, and exposes the true nature of the demons. He leads Sanzang to safety before vanishing on a crane, leaving a prophetic note about coming hardships and help.
Perilous Journey and Boqin's Tiger Battle
Double-Fork RidgeExhausted and threatened by wild beasts, Sanzang despairs as his horse collapses. Hunter Liu Boqin appears, drives away the animals, and offers Sanzang shelter. Boqin battles and kills a fierce tiger, then invites Sanzang to his home for safety.
Arrival at Mountain Village
Double-Fork RidgeBoqin brings Sanzang to his mountain village after slaying a tiger. His family, including his mother and wife, greet Sanzang. Houseboys skin the tiger and prepare meat for Boqin, while Sanzang refuses meat due to his vows. Boqin’s mother and wife clean a pan and prepare a vegetarian meal for Sanzang.
Buddhist Rituals for the Deceased
Double-Fork RidgeWhile the family prepares food, Sanzang performs Buddhist rites for Boqin's deceased father, reciting sutras and offering prayers for redemption.
The Father's Redemption in a Dream
Double-Fork RidgeThat night, Boqin and his family each dream of the father’s ghost thanking them for Sanzang’s rituals, his sins expiated and rebirth assured—proving the power of Buddhist merit.
Expressing Gratitude to the Priest
Double-Fork RidgeAfter sharing their identical dreams of the father's redemption, Boqin and his family thank Sanzang for his Buddhist rituals. They prepare a vegetarian meal and offer a tael of silver as a token of gratitude, but Sanzang refuses any payment. Sanzang only accepts some travel biscuits and asks Boqin to escort him partway on his journey.
Journey to the Mountain of Two Frontiers
Mountain of Two FrontiersThe family escorts Sanzang partway. They reach a border where Boqin must turn back due to territorial divisions between Tang and Tartar lands.
Farewell at the Mountain's Foot
Mountain of Two FrontiersAt an emotional farewell, Boqin departs as Sanzang continues alone. After Boqin leaves, Sanzang hears a mysterious voice cry, 'My master has come!'