Chapter three
All within the Four Seas and a thousand mountains bow in submission.
From the Ninefold Darkness, the names of ten kinds are erased.
sìhǎiqiānshānjiēgǒngfú四海千山皆拱伏jiǔyōushílèijìnchúmíng九幽十类尽除名
How to read this chart:
Wukong's Training and Concerns
Water-Curtain CaveThe Monkey King trains his monkeys with bamboo weapons but worries about their adequacy. He decides to seek real metal weapons for his army.
Magical Storm and Weapon Theft
Ao-lai CountryUsing magic, Wukong creates a storm to paralyze Aolai Country. He steals weapons from their armory using body-division magic with his monkeys.
Return and Distribution of Weapons
Water-Curtain CaveWukong returns with stolen weapons, distributes them among the monkeys, who then celebrate with military drills.
Expansion of the Mountain's Forces
Water-Curtain CaveThe mountain becomes a fortified kingdom as wild animals and demon kings join Wukong’s ranks, contributing to its military strength.
Quest for Divine Weapons
Water-Curtain CaveFinding his current scimitar unworthy, Wukong chooses to pursue a divine armament to match his abilities, planning a trip to the Dragon Palace in the Eastern Ocean.
Wukong Arrives at the Dragon Palace
Dragon Palace of the Eastern OceanWukong arrives at the Dragon King's palace seeking a weapon. He dismisses several offered weapons until he encounters the magic iron rod, which shrinks to his preference and bears the inscription 'The Compliant Golden-Hooped Rod'.
The Request for Martial Apparel
Dragon Palace of the Eastern OceanAfter acquiring the staff, Wukong demands suitable armor from the Dragon King. The Dragon King refuses, stating he lacks appropriate martial attire for Wukong. Wukong insists on immediate improvisation.
Summoning of the Three Dragon Kings
Dragon Palace of the Eastern OceanThe Dragon King summons his brothers and warns them not to confront Wukong directly due to his power. The three Dragon Kings present Wukong with a golden cap, chain-mail cuirass, and cloud-treading shoes. Wukong accepts the gifts, fights his way out mockingly, and leaves the Dragon Kings enraged.
Return to Flower-Fruit Mountain
Water-Curtain CaveWukong returns with his new gear, astonishes the monkeys by lifting the Compliant Golden-Hooped Rod. He demonstrates its size-shifting abilities and establishes dominance among the troop.
Demonstration of Power
Water-Curtain CaveWukong transforms into a colossal figure using the rod, terrifying local demons so much that they come to pay homage.
Establishing Leadership
Water-Curtain CaveWukong organizes military ranks among the monkeys. The Monkey King made the four old monkeys mighty commanders of his troops by appointing the two female monkeys with red buttocks as marshals Ma and Liu, and the two bareback gibbons as generals Beng and Ba.
The Seven Demon Kings' Alliance
Water-Curtain CaveWukong enters into fraternal alliance with six other monarchs: the Bull Monster King, the Dragon Monster King, the Garuda Monster King, the Giant Lynx King, the Macaque King, and the Orangutan King. Together with the Handsome Monkey King, they formed a fraternal order of seven.
The Summons to the Region of Darkness
UnderworldWhile asleep, Wukong is involuntarily apprehended by underworld messengers and taken to the Region of Darkness.
Confrontation with the Ten Kings
UnderworldThe Ten Kings explain Wukong's name in their records, but he challenges their authority. He erases his and other monkeys' names from the ledger, declaring freedom from death.
Return to Reality
Water-Curtain CaveWukong awakens from his dream, recounting his confrontation with the Underworld. His followers celebrate as he reveals their newfound immortality due to erased names.
Aoguang's Memorial to the Jade Emperor
HeavenDragon King Aoguang presents a memorial detailing Sun Wukong's destruction in the Eastern Ocean. He describes Wukong's threats to dragons and the failed attempt to pacify him with divine gifts.
King Qinguang's Memorial on Disrupted Death Records
HeavenMinister of Darkness King Qinguang submits a second memorial, explaining how Wukong disrupted the Underworld by defying death records and granting immortality to monkeys. The immortality of the entire monkey clan is now recognized as an urgent celestial crisis. The Jade Emperor orders action.
Debate on Subduing the Baneful Monkey
HeavenImmortals discuss Wukong's origins and power. Several immortals warn that Wukong could not be subdued by force alone. The Great White Golden Star suggests offering him an official position in Heaven to pacify his defiance, avoiding military conflict.
The Heavenly Invitation for Sun Wukong
Water-Curtain CaveThe Gold Star delivers the Jade Emperor's decree to invite Wukong to Heaven. Wukong accepts with enthusiasm, preparing to ascend while instructing his followers.