Chapter thirty-two
On Level-Top Mountain, the sentinel brings a message.
At Lotus-Flower Cave, Bajie meets disaster.
píngdǐngshāngōngcáochuánxìn平顶山功曹传信liánhuādòngmùmǔféngzāi莲花洞木母逢灾
How to read this chart:
Reuniting and Resuming Journey
Level-Top MountainAfter rescuing the princess of the Precious Image Kingdom, Sanzang and his disciples resume their journey westward. Sanzang expresses anxiety about encountering tigers or wolves on a new mountain, while Wukong reassures him with teachings from the Heart Sutra.
Woodcutter's Warning
Level-Top MountainAt Level Top Mountain, a woodcutter warns the group about two demons in Lotus-Flower Cave who intend to eat Sanzang, emphasizing their magical abilities. Wukong dismisses the threat with confidence and discusses strategies for handling the demons, including humorous speculation on whether they will devour them headfirst or feetfirst.
Consultation with the Day Sentinel
Level-Top MountainWukong confronts the Day Sentinel after noticing his disguise. The sentinel warns of powerful demon-spirits and urges Wukong to use caution in protecting Sanzang.
Devising a Plan to Send Bajie
Level-Top MountainWukong fabricates a plan to send Bajie on patrol by feigning distress. He manipulates Sanzang into ordering Bajie to either care for him or explore the mountain, exploiting their dynamics.
Bajie's Patrol of the Mountain
Level-Top MountainAfter being convinced by Wukong’s fabricated tasks, Bajie reluctantly agrees to patrol the mountain alone. He departs with his muckrake despite expressing fears of being captured for food.
Wukong's Suspicion
Level-Top MountainAs Bajie leaves to patrol the mountain, Wukong suspects he will be lazy and avoid doing the task. Sanzang urges Wukong to follow and verify Bajie's actions.
The Woodpecker's Trick
Level-Top MountainTransformed into a woodpecker, Wukong bites Bajie's snout to provoke him. Bajie falsely accuses the mountain of harboring demons.
Fabricating the Report
Level-Top MountainBajie creates an elaborate story of imaginary demons and iron doors to report back. Then practices delivering the message with giant rocks and bows at them.
Wukong Confronts Zhu Bajie About Lying
Level-Top MountainWukong interrogates Bajie about his earlier patrol of the mountain, exposing his fabricated story. After a confrontation, Wukong threatens to punish Bajie for lying.
Zhu Bajie's Paranoia on the Mountain Path
Level-Top MountainBajie is sent to patrol again but becomes extremely paranoid, mistaking natural occurrences (a tiger, falling tree, crow) as Wukong in disguise.
Demons Plan to Capture the Sanzang
Lotus Flower CaveThe demons Golden and Silver Horn discuss capturing the Sanzang's group. They create portraits of the pilgrims for identification.
Zhu Bajie Encounters Demons
Level-Top MountainWhile patrolling, Bajie encounters demons who recognize him from a portrait. They question and threaten him, causing panic as he tries to avoid suspicion.
Zhu Bajie's Rake Showdown
Level-Top MountainSilver Horn confronts Bajie in combat, leading to an exchange of rhyming verses about the rake’s origins and powers. Their one-on-one battle remains evenly matched until the demon calls for reinforcements. Overwhelmed by the demon's little minions, Bajie trips over vines and is captured while attempting to flee.