Chapter thirty-three
Heterodox ways confound the true nature.
The primal spirit aids the original mind.
wàidàomízhēnxìng外道迷真性yuánshénzhùběnxīn元神助本心
How to read this chart:
Bajie's Capture and Disposal
Lotus Flower CaveBajie is captured and brought to the cave. The old demon deems him useless but suggests soaking, pickling, and drying him for later consumption.
Sanzang's Concerns and the Group Proceeds
Level-Top MountainSanzang grows anxious about Bajie’s absence. Wukong reassures him and suggests they proceed, with Wujing handling the luggage.
Demon Patrol for Sanzang
Level-Top MountainThe second demon leads a patrol to find Sanzang, recognizing him by auspicious clouds. Sanzang shudders as the demons approach.
Wukong's Martial Display
Level-Top MountainWukong performs martial arts to calm Sanzang. The second demon, observing, fears Wukong’s power.
The Daoist Deception and Tiger Story
Level-Top MountainThe second demon transforms into an aged, injured Daoist to lure Sanzang, telling a fabricated story about being attacked by a tiger. Sanzang, moved by pity and compassion, agrees to help the demon return to his temple, offering the horse and asking Wujing or Wukong to carry the Daoist.
The Monkey's Dilemma with Mountain Magic
Level-Top MountainAs Wukong carries the demon, he suspects its true nature but reluctantly complies with Sanzang’s orders. The demon uses magic to summon mountains (Sumeru and Emei) to crush Wukong, who fends off the attacks by balancing the weight on his shoulders. The demon uses a final spell to summon Tai Mountain, overwhelming Wukong.
Final Capture at Lotus-Flower Cave
Lotus Flower CaveThe demon ambushes Sanzang and Wujing, defeats Wujing, and drags both to the cave for captivity.
Demonic Strategy and Captured Monks
Lotus Flower CaveThe old demon criticizes the second demon for capturing the wrong monks, emphasizing the need to capture Wukong first. The second demon claims he trapped Wukong under mountains and brought the others back.
Demonic Plot to Capture Wukong
Lotus Flower CaveSilver Horn proposes using magical treasures to capture Wukong. Golden Horn brings out the red gourd and jade vase. Sly Devil and Wily Worm are given instructions to call out 'Pilgrim Sun' and trap Wukong if he responds. The minions accept their orders and depart.
Wukong's Lament Under the Mountains
Level-Top MountainWukong, pinned beneath three mountains, laments his plight and recalls his journey with Sanzang. His sorrowful cries attract divine attention.
Mountain Gods' Intervention
Level-Top MountainThe Mountain God, Local Spirit, and Guardians confront Wukong after hearing his cries. They explain they unknowingly helped trap him and plead for his mercy upon releasing the mountains.
Wukong's Liberation and Confrontation
Level-Top MountainAfter being freed, Wukong threatens to strike the Mountain God and Local Spirit for their role in his suffering. He later confronts them about the demons' exploitation of divine beings as servants.
Discussion of Demons' Treasures
Lotus Flower CaveWukong questions the local spirit about glowing treasures. The spirit identifies them as demonic artifacts; Wukong resolves to confront the demons.
Disguise, Encounter, and Treasure Exchange with Demons
Lotus Flower CaveWukong disguises himself as an old Daoist to intercept Sly Devil and Wily Worm, who are sent with magical treasures. They engage in witty banter; Wukong learns their plan to use the red gourd and jade vase to capture him. Wukong claims his own gourd can 'store up Heaven,' impressing and tempting the demons.
Wukong's Demand for Celestial Assistance
HeavenWukong approaches the celestial deities, requesting their help to deceive the demons. He insists they ask the Jade Emperor for assistance and threatens to cause chaos in Heaven if refused.
Jade Emperor's Consultation with Nezha
HeavenThe Jade Emperor receives the deities' message about Wukong's demand. Initially skeptical, he discusses the situation with Nezha. Nezha proposes using Zhenwu’s black-feather banner to darken the sky as part of Wukong's plan.
Wukong Deceives the Demons
South Heaven GateWukong pretends to “store up Heaven” while Nezha covers the sun, creating darkness. The demons are tricked into believing they will fall into a bottomless sea.
The Demons' Panic
Purple-Gold-Red GourdThe demons panic, fearing they will drown in darkness. Wukong restores light, and the demons exchange their treasures for his fake gourd.
Exchange and Vows
South Heaven GateWukong creates a vow: if either side regrets the exchange, they will be struck by plague. The demons comply, and Wukong departs after thanking Nezha.