Chapter four
Appointed Heavenly Stable Boy, how could his heart be content?
Named Equal to Heaven, his mind remains unsettled.
guānfēngbìmǎxīnhézú官封弼马心何足míngzhùqítiānyìwèiníng名注齐天意未宁
How to read this chart:
Arrival at South Heaven Gate
South Heaven GateThe Gold Star and Wukong arrive at the South Heaven Gate. Divine guards block Wukong's entry. After a confrontation and explanation from the Gold Star, the guards relent, allowing them to enter.
Exploring the Heavenly Halls
Hall of Divine MistsWukong marvels at the opulent architecture and divine splendor of Heaven’s halls, including jade unicorns, celestial artifacts, and vibrant mythical creatures.
Audience with the Jade Emperor
Hall of Divine MistsThe Gold Star presents Wukong to the Jade Emperor. Wukong's lack of etiquette surprises the court, but the Emperor forgives him. The Star Spirit notes a vacancy for Supervisor of the Imperial Stables, a role known as BanHorsePlague. On this suggestion, Wukong is appointed to the position.
Inspection of Celestial Horses
Imperial Stables in HeavenThe Monkey King meticulously examines the divine horses, observing their care and management. He notes the rigorous oversight by officials who ensure the horses are well-fed and maintained under constant supervision.
Rank Dispute at Banquet
HeavenDuring a celebratory banquet, Wukong questions the value of his 'Ban Horse Plague' title. Upset by the revelation that it is an unclassified and menial rank, he angrily resigns, vowing to abandon his duties.
Return to Flower-Fruit Mountain
Water-Curtain CaveWukong returns to Flower-Fruit Mountain after leaving Heaven in anger. His monkey subjects welcome him back as their king, noting he was gone for what seemed like years due to the difference in time between Heaven and Earth. Wukong explains his humiliating appointment as BanHorsePlague to his followers. His anger at being given a menial post fuels plans for defiance against Heaven. His anger at being given a menial post fuels plans for defiance against Heaven.
The Great Sage Title Bestowed
Water-Curtain CaveTwo one-horned demon kings visit to honor Wukong with a red and yellow robe. They suggest the title 'Great Sage, Equal to Heaven' after hearing about his experience in Heaven. Delighted with this title, Wukong orders a banner made with this inscription and demands all subjects address him by this new title.
Rebellion Reported to Jade Emperor
HeavenHeavenly officials report that Wukong has defied and abandoned his duties, prompting the Jade Emperor to order a military campaign. The Jade Emperor authorizes a military response, appointing Devaraja Li Jing and Third Prince Nezha to lead an expedition against the Monkey King.
Deployment of Heavenly Troops
Flower-Fruit MountainDevaraja Li organizes heavenly troops, appoints Mighty-Spirit God as Vanguard Commander, and leads them to Flower-Fruit Mountain to subdue Wukong. The army establishes camp and prepares for battle.
First Heavenly Battle at Water-Curtain Cave
Water-Curtain CaveMighty-Spirit God confronts Wukong and demands his surrender. Wukong confidently arms himself and meet the challenge. A fierce battle erupts, filled with magical weapons and dazzling transformations. Wukong ultimately shatters the god's axe, forcing Mighty-Spirit God to retreat in defeat.
Nezha's Challenge
Flower-Fruit MountainAfter Mighty-Spirit God's defeat, Nezha volunteers to fight Wukong. Nezha arms himself and approaches the Water-Curtain Cave, where he confronts Wukong and demands his surrender.
Transformation Duel: Three Heads and Six Arms
Water-Curtain CaveNezha and Wukong both transform into fearsome forms with three heads and six arms, wielding magical weapons. Nezha and Wukong both transform into fearsome forms with three heads and six arms, wielding magical weapons. They engage in a spectacular magical duel, filling the sky with countless weapons and transformations, but neither side prevails at first.
Wukong Outsmarts Nezha with Magical Clone
Flower-Fruit MountainDuring their magical duel, Wukong uses a hair to create a clone, distracting Nezha and striking his left shoulder with the rod. Nezha, wounded and unable to continue, retreats from the battle.
Heavenly Consultation on Strategy
Hall of Divine MistsThe Devarāja and Third Prince report Wukong's power to the Jade Emperor. The court fears further conflict and thus seeks a more diplomatic solution. The Gold Star proposes granting Wukong a title without responsibilities as a diplomatic solution.
The Great Sages' Titles and Celebration
Water-Curtain CaveWukong returns to his mountain, declares the title 'Great Sage, Equal to Heaven,' and convinces six demon kings to adopt similar titles. They celebrate with a feast.
Delivery of the Imperial Decree
Water-Curtain CaveThe Gold Star informs Wukong of his new appointment as Great Sage, Equal to Heaven after previous objections and discussions with the Jade Emperor. Wukong is triumphant, embracing the new title as a validation of his power. Wukong is triumphant, embracing the new title as a validation of his power.
Proclamation at Treasure Hall
Hall of Divine MistsWukong is officially proclaimed as Great Sage by the Jade Emperor, assigned a new residence in the Garden of Immortal Peaches with accompanying officials and gifts.
Settling into Heavenly Residence
Wukong receives imperial wine and flowers, settles into his new position, enjoying contentment in Heaven without worry.