Chapter twenty
At Yellow Wind Ridge, the Sanzang faces adversity.
Halfway up the mountain, Bajie strives to be first.
huángfēnglǐngtángsēngyǒunàn黄风岭唐僧有难bànshānzhōngbājièzhēngxiān半山中八戒争先
How to read this chart:
Xuanzang Composes a Gatha
Yellow-Wind RidgeAfter mastering the Heart Sutra, Xuanzang composes a profound gatha, expressing his spiritual insight.
Debate Over Shelter During Summer Journey
Yellow-Wind RidgeBattling exhaustion in the summer heat, the travelers debate whether to seek shelter for the night, revealing their weariness and differing priorities.
Meeting Old Wang
Yellow-Wind RidgeThe travelers encounter Old Wang, whose skepticism and fear challenge their resolve. Wukong’s confident explanation and Bajie’s intimidating appearance test the group’s ability to earn trust.
Villagers' Arrival and Reaction
Yellow-Wind RidgeVillagers are frightened by the monks' appearance, especially Bajie, but Old Wang reassures them and they return to the house.
Rest and Departure
Yellow-Wind RidgeOld Wang serves the monks a meal, and Bajie eats an enormous amount, alarming their host. The next morning, Old Wang warns them about the dangers of Yellow Wind Ridge as they depart.
Encounter at Yellow Wind Ridge
Yellow-Wind RidgeAs the group enters the treacherous Yellow Wind Ridge, a sinister wind and a demonic tiger threaten their safety, raising the tension and sense of danger.
Confrontation with the Tiger Vanguard
Yellow-Wind RidgeBajie fights the tiger demon, but it escapes using a trick, leaving only a tiger skin covering a stone. Bajie’s failure to defeat the demon leaves the group increasingly anxious about Sanzang’s fate.
Tiger Vanguard Transforms and Captures Sanzang
Yellow-Wind RidgeIn a moment of distraction, the tiger demon cunningly transforms into wind and snatches Sanzang away, leaving his companions desperate and alarmed. Neither Wukong nor Bajie can prevent the abduction.
The Sanzang is Captured by Demons
Yellow Wind CaveThe tiger demon brings Sanzang to the Yellow Wind Cave, where the Cave Master orders him to be tied up.
Surveying Yellow Wind Cave
Yellow Wind CaveWukong and Bajie observe the imposing Yellow Wind Cave. Wukong decides to confront the demon while Bajie stays behind.
Wukong Confronts the Tiger Demon
Yellow Wind CaveWukong challenges the tiger demon at the cave entrance, and a fierce battle ensues.
Bajie Joins the Battle
Yellow-Wind RidgeAs Wukong chases the tiger demon, Bajie joins and kills the demon with his muckrake, but Sanzang remains missing.
Aftermath and Planning
Yellow Wind CaveWith the demon defeated, Wukong and Bajie anxiously strategize to rescue Sanzang, determined to confront the greater threat that awaits. The disciples, unsettled by Sanzang’s continued captivity, pledge to confront the greater demon and attempt a rescue.