Chapter thirty-nine
A single pellet of golden elixir is obtained from Heaven.
A king, dead for three years, returns to life on Earth.
yīlìjīndāntiānshàngdé一粒金丹天上得sānniángùzhǔshìjiānshēng三年故主世间生
How to read this chart:
The Monastery's Dilemma
Precious Forest TempleAs Sanzang prepares to recite the Tight-Fillet Spell again, Wukong pleads for permission to seek a cure in the World of Light. Bajie mocks him and encourages Sanzang's continued recitation, leading to a heated exchange. Wukong vows to visit Laozi’s Tushita Palace to obtain a Soul-Restoring Elixir.
Tushita Palace Confrontation
Tushita PalaceWukong confronts Laozi, requesting elixir to revive the Black Rooster Kingdom’s king. Laozi refuses due to Wukong’s past theft of divine remedies and angrily orders him to leave without assistance.
Laozi Changes His Mind
Tushita PalaceLaozi fears Wukong will steal his elixir. He sends a divine youth to deliver one tablet. Wukong puts it in a pouch under his chin and leaves the palace.
Reviving the King
Precious Forest TempleWukong uses golden elixir and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to revive a king submerged in a well. Sanzang stops Bajie from assisting due to his unclean breath, asking Wukong to use his pure breath instead.
Preparing for the Journey
Precious Forest TempleWukong makes the revived king disguise as a servant to help catch the demon. The group prepares for travel while monks accompany them briefly before returning.
Arrival at the Court
Black Rooster KingdomWukong approaches the court to request certification of their rescript. Wukong refuses to bow to the demon king, leading to a confrontation. Wukong uses his magic rod to immobilize the officials.
The Prince's Intervention
Black Rooster KingdomThe prince warns the demon king against harming Sanzang, citing potential war with Tang. His speech persuades the demon to delay action.
Deposition and Confrontation
Black Rooster KingdomThe demon king interrogates Sanzang, demanding a deposition for the 'servant'. Wukong delivers an incriminating account of the demon's usurpation and the servant's true identity as the rightful king, which terrifies the demon king.
Escape and Pursuit
Black Rooster KingdomThe demon king attempts to flee with a palace guard's scimitar, prompting Wukong to chase him. Bajie and Wujing express frustration over the sudden pursuit. A fierce aerial duel ensues between Wukong and the demon king.
Dual Sanzangs Dilemma
Black Rooster KingdomThe demon retreats into the palace and creates a duplicate of Sanzang. Wukong hesitates to strike, summoning deities for clarity but fails to resolve the duplication.
Recitation Test
Black Rooster KingdomBajie suggests using Sanzang's secret recital to identify the demon. The fake fails, revealing itself through mumbled words and leading to a second battle.
Final Confrontation
Black Rooster KingdomThe demon flees again, pursued by Wukong and his companions. The three monks coordinate an attack to subdue the escaping demon king.
Bodhisattva Subdues Demon Lion
HeavenWukong encounters Bodhisattva Manjusri, who reveals a ferocious demon as his true form—a castrated lion. Manjusri explains the lion was sent by Buddha to punish a king for past mistreatment of him. Despite Wukong's concerns about the lion's harm, Manjusri claims it brought peace during its three-year reign. After resolving their discussion, Manjusri subdues the lion and returns to Wutai Mountain on a lotus seat.