Chapter fifteen
At Serpent Coil Mountain, the gods give secret protection.
At Eagle Grief Stream, the White Dragon Horse is reined.
shépánshānzhūshénànyòu蛇盘山诸神暗佑yīngchóujiànyìmǎshōujiāng鹰愁涧意马收缰
How to read this chart:
Journey through Serpent Coil Mountain
Serpent Coil MountainSanzang and Wukong struggle through Serpent Coil Mountain as cold and hunger set in. They travel through the harsh winter and eventually arrive at Eagle Grief Stream.
Dragon Attacks and Eats the Horse
Eagle-Grief StreamA dragon emerges from Eagle Grief Stream, swallows Sanzang's white horse and its harness, then disappears. Wukong retrieves their luggage, but the horse is gone.
Divine Protection and the Search for the Horse
Eagle-Grief StreamSanzang mourns the loss of his horse and fears another dragon attack. Divine protectors appear and promise to guard Sanzang while Wukong searches for the dragon.
Battle Between Wukong and the Dragon
Eagle-Grief StreamWukong battles the dragon in the turbulent stream, but is unable to defeat it as it escapes and transforms into a snake, hiding in the marsh.
Wukong Questions Local Deities
Eagle-Grief StreamLocal deities reveal the dragon was sent by Guanyin to await the scripture pilgrim and was forbidden from doing harm, but has now swallowed the horse.
Summoning Guanyin
Potalaka MountainThe Golden-Headed Guardian travels to Potalaka Mountain to request Guanyin's help. Guanyin explains the dragon's origins and agrees to intervene.
Bodhisattva Confronts Wukong
Serpent Coil MountainGuanyin and the Guardian arrive, and Wukong complains to Guanyin about suffering under the Tight-Fillet Spell and his forced servitude to Sanzang.
Dragon Becomes the White Horse
Eagle-Grief StreamThe Guardian summons the dragon, who appears in human form and admits to eating the horse. Guanyin transforms him into a new white horse to serve Sanzang.
Guanyin's Blessing
Serpent Coil MountainGuanyin gives Wukong three lifesaving hairs and encourages him to persevere, promising aid if he faces grave danger.
Return of the White Horse
Eagle-Grief StreamWukong leads the transformed dragon-horse to Sanzang, who is delighted with its improved strength. They prepare to continue their journey.
Crossing Eagle Grief Stream
Eagle-Grief StreamSanzang hesitates to cross the stream without a harness, but an old fisherman arrives and ferries them, their horse, and luggage across on his raft.
The Fisherman's True Identity
Eagle-Grief StreamAfter crossing, the fisherman refuses payment and departs. Wukong reveals he was the Water God of the stream.
Arrival and Hospitality at Lishe Shrine
Lishe ShrineSanzang and Wukong are welcomed at Lishe Shrine. Wukong ties the horse to the caretaker’s clothesline, resulting in a humorous exchange.
The Gift and the Old Man's True Identity
Lishe ShrineThe next morning, the caretaker brings a full set of horse tack and a whip for Sanzang. As they depart, the old man vanishes, and a voice reveals he was the local spirit of Potalaka Mountain sent by Guanyin. Sanzang bows in gratitude while Wukong laughs.
Onward Journey
Eagle-Grief StreamSanzang and Wukong travel safely for two months, encountering only wild animals and barbarians. As spring arrives, they admire the scenery and seek shelter at a distant temple or monastery.