Chapter sixteen
At Guanyin Hall, the monks plot for the treasure.
At Black Wind Mountain, a demon steals the cassock.
guānyīnyuànsēngmóubǎobèi观音院僧谋宝贝hēifēngshānguàiqièjiāshā黑风山怪窃袈裟
How to read this chart:
Arrival at the Monastery
Observation Platform MonasterySanzang and Wukong arrive at a well-maintained monastery. A monk greets them, expressing fear upon seeing Wukong's appearance. Sanzang clarifies that Wukong is his disciple.
Ritual in the Guanyin Chan Hall
Observation Platform MonasteryAfter entering the hall, Sanzang and Wukong perform a ritual to pray before an image of Guanyin. Wukong continues striking the bell long after the service ends, amusing himself with a proverb.
Reaction to the Bell Striking
Observation Platform MonasteryThe monks are startled by Wukong's prolonged bell striking. They initially fear him but calm down when Sanzang intervenes, explaining their origins from the Tang court.
Meeting with the Abbot
Observation Platform MonasteryThe abbot hosts Sanzang, Wukong, and their entourage. The group is served tea in a refined setting. The old patriarch questions Sanzang about precious items from the Land of Tang, to which Sanzang humbly responds.
Display of Treasures
Observation Platform MonasteryThe abbot's monks display elaborate cassocks to Sanzang and Wukong. Wukong insists on showing his own crimson, magically imbued cassock from their bag of tricks. Sanzang warns him this may spark greed, but Wukong proceeds, dazzling the crowd.
Plot to Steal the Cassock
Observation Platform MonasteryObsessed with Sanzang's cassock, the old monk and his disciples plot to murder the pilgrims and steal the treasure by arson.
Wukong's Suspicion and Transformation
Observation Platform MonasteryWukong, disguised as a bee, notices monks plotting to set fire to the Chan hall. He suspects treachery but avoids direct confrontation to protect his master.
Requesting the Fire-Repelling Cover
South Heaven GateWukong urgently demands the Fire-Repelling Cover from Devaraja to save Sanzang. The Devaraja reluctantly lends it, questioning Wukong's methods.
Firestorm and Protection
Observation Platform MonasteryWukong uses the cover to protect Sanzang while summoning a firestorm that destroys the temple. The monks panic as flames rage uncontrollably.
The Mountain Demon's Theft
Observation Platform MonasteryA mountain demon from Black Wind Mountain, disguised amidst the chaos, steals the cassock during the fire.
Return of the Fire-Repelling Cover
South Heaven GateWukong returns the Fire-Repelling Cover to the Broad-Eyed Heavenly King. As the fire subsides, he resumes guarding Sanzang.
Morning Discovery
Guanyin HallSanzang awakens to find the monastery's buildings destroyed by fire. Wukong reveals that the monks set a fire to kill them, but he diverted the wind to save their lives.
Confrontation with Monks
Guanyin HallThe monks fear Sanzang and Wukong are vengeful spirits. The group confronts them about the stolen cassock, leading to panic among the monks.
Tragedy of the Patriarch
Guanyin HallHeartbroken and ashamed, the old monk, unable to recover from the loss of the cassock, commits suicide.
Investigating Theft and Planning the Quest
Guanyin HallWukong examines the corpse of the old man for a stolen treasure but finds nothing. The monks reveal that a Black Great King on Black Wind Mountain likely stole it, prompting Wukong to plan a journey there.
Giving Orders to Monks and Demonstrating Power
Guanyin HallWukong instructs the monks to bury the corpse, care for Sanzang, and tend to their horse. He demonstrates his power by destroying walls with a single strike of his rod, ensuring the monks' obedience.
Departure for Black Wind Mountain
Black Wind MountainWukong sets off immediately for Black Wind Mountain to recover the stolen cassock, leaving Sanzang and the monks behind.