Chapter thirty
A deviant demon attacks the true Dharma.
The White Dragon Horse longs for Wukong.
xiémóqīnzhèngfǎ邪魔侵正法yìmǎyìxīnyuán意马忆心猿
How to read this chart:
The Demon Suspects the Princess Sent a Letter
Current-Moon CaveThe demon (Yellow Robe) holds Wujing captive and confronts the princess, accusing her of secretly sending a letter to her kingdom to arrange a rescue. The princess, terrified, denies any wrongdoing, but the demon threatens her and drags her before Wujing to force a confession.
Wujing's Loyalty Saves the Princess
Current-Moon CaveBound and facing the demon's wrath, Wujing denies the existence of any letter, explaining that their mission was ordered by the king after recognizing the princess from a portrait. His truthful explanation convinces the demon to spare the princess, leading to her release and Wujing being locked up instead.
The Demon Apologizes and Plans His Disguise
Current-Moon CaveThe demon apologizes for his outburst, releases Wujing from restraints, and plans to visit the Precious Image Kingdom.
The Demon Transforms into a Nobleman
Current-Moon CaveThe demon undergoes a transformation, assuming an elegant human form. The princess praises his appearance, and the demon prepares to travel to the kingdom while maintaining his disguise.
The Demon Arrives and Deceives the King
Precious-Image KingdomThe demon convinces the king and officials that the Sanzang is a tiger who carried away the princess thirteen years ago. He tells a fabricated story about the tiger and the princess, gaining the king's trust.
Sanzang Transformed, Court Panic
Precious-Image KingdomThe demon uses a spell to transform Sanzang into a visible striped tiger in front of the court. The court panics and Sanzang is locked in an iron cage.
Demon Feasts and Attacks Palace Lady
Precious-Image KingdomDuring a banquet, the demon-spirit attacks and kills one palace lady. The remaining 17 flee in terror. The demon feasts on human flesh and returns to his original form.
White Horse's Realization and Plan
Precious-Image KingdomA rumor spreads that the Sanzang is a tiger spirit. The White Horse (a transformed dragon prince) resolves to rescue Sanzang.
White Horse Infiltrates and Distracts
Precious-Image KingdomThe little dragon (Sanzang's horse) transforms into a palace maid to infiltrate the Silver Peace Palace. She uses magic water restriction and performs sword dances to distract the demon.
Injury and Retreat
Precious-Image KingdomThe demon evades the little dragon's strikes with a candelabrum. During their midair battle, the demon injures her leg with the candelabrum, forcing her to retreat into the imperial moat.
Bajie's Return and Discovery
Precious-Image KingdomBajie wakes from a nap to find Sanzang missing. He discovers the injured white horse at the post-house, who reveals that they were defeated by a demon who transformed into a scholar and captured Master Sanzang as a striped tiger. The little dragon recounts the failed palace deception and battle with the demon.
Discussing Next Steps with Little Dragon
Precious-Image KingdomBajie and the Little Dragon debate their options after being defeated by a demon-spirit. The Little Dragon suggests summoning Wukong to rescue Sanzang, while Bajie expresses doubts about reuniting with him due to past conflicts.
Journey to Invite Wukong
Flower-Fruit MountainBajie travels alone to Flower-Fruit Mountain, determined to convince Wukong to return and help. He reflects on their strained relationship but resolves to try.
Reuniting with Wukong
Flower-Fruit MountainBajie meets Wukong, who initially doubts his identity. After a comedic exchange and recognition, Wukong questions why Sanzang needs him again. Bajie lies, claiming Sanzang is merely thinking of him.
Exploring Flower-Fruit Mountain's Scenery
Flower-Fruit MountainThe two travel to the mountain's peak, where Wukong shows off its transformed beauty. Bajie urges immediate action to rescue Sanzang, but Wukong insists on a brief tour before agreeing.
Enjoying the Mountain Scenery
Flower-Fruit MountainWukong and Bajie admire the scenic beauty of the mountain, eat fruits offered by little monkeys, and discuss whether to stay or leave.
Conflict Over Leaving the Mountain
Flower-Fruit MountainAfter eating, Bajie urges Wukong to return to Sanzang, but Wukong refuses, declaring his independence and rejecting their mission. Bajie reluctantly departs alone.
Confrontation and Retrieval of Bajie
Flower-Fruit MountainWukong sends monkeys to track Bajie, who complains about Wukong's refusal. The monkeys ambush Bajie, drag him back to the cave, and prepare for further conflict.