Chapter twenty-two
Bajie battles fiercely at the Flowing-Sand River.
Muzha, by divine command, receives Wujing's submission.
bājièdàzhànliúshāhé八戒大战流沙河mùchāfèngfǎshōuwùjìng木叉奉法收悟净
How to read this chart:
Arrival at the Flowing-Sand River
Flowing-Sand RiverThe group reaches the Flowing-Sand River, discovering a stone slab detailing its dangerous width and depth. They express concern about crossing.
Initial Battle with the River Demon
Flowing-Sand RiverA monstrous demon emerges from the river, attacking Sanzang. Bajie and Wukong engage in a fierce battle with the demon, but it retreats after Wukong interrupts the fight.
Repeated Attempts to Lure the Demon
Flowing-Sand RiverAfter their initial clash, the group devises several strategies to draw the water demon (Sha Wujing) onto land. Despite many efforts—Bajie bravely attempting confrontations in the river with Wukong’s backup—the demon refuses to leave the water and foils all their attempts.
Discussion with Sanzang
Flowing-Sand RiverAfter the battle, Wukong and Bajie return to Sanzang. They discuss strategies for crossing the river and address tensions between impatience and caution.
Next Day's Confrontation
Flowing-Sand RiverThe next day, Bajie returns to the river alone to confront the demon again. The scene ends with Wukong and Bajie preparing for another clash.
Battle Between Bajie and Demon at Flowing-Sand River
Flowing-Sand RiverThe demon fights Bajie in the river for thirty rounds without a clear winner. Wukong joins the battle but cannot force the demon onto land, as it refuses to leave the water.
Discussion on Strategy with Sanzang
Flowing-Sand RiverThe disciples return to Sanzang, who is troubled by the river crossing. Wukong decides to seek help from Bodhisattva Guanyin at South Sea.
Wukong's Audience with Bodhisattva Guanyin
Potalaka MountainWukong meets Guanyin, who reveals the demon is her former disciple. She provides a red gourd and instructions to subdue it, ensuring safe passage for Sanzang.
Arrival at Flowing-Sand River
Flowing-Sand RiverAfter Wukong returns from seeking help, Muzha, acting on Guanyin Bodhisattva's divine command, arrives to mediate with the demon. Wukong explains that the river's demon is Sha Wujing, once the Curtain-Raising Captain, now converted to accompany Sanzang but unaware of their scripture mission.
Conversion of Sha Wujing
Flowing-Sand RiverMuzha summons Sha Wujing, who at first resists but, moved by Muzha's words and Guanyin's orders, finally repents and submits to Sanzang, offering the skulls from his old necklace as a show of sincerity. After a confrontation and apologies for earlier battles, Wujing is shaved and becomes Sanzang's fourth disciple, nicknamed Wujing.
Crossing the Flowing-Sand River
Flowing-Sand RiverWujing constructs a dharma vessel using the nine skulls he once wore as a necklace—symbolizing his complete repentance—and a gourd. Sanzang, flanked by Bajie and Wujing with Wukong leading the dragon-horse and Muzha providing protection, crosses the river safely and dryly in a miraculous journey.