Chapter forty
The child's playful transformations disturb Sanzang's mind.
Ape, horse, and spatula returned; Bajie is left empty-handed.
yīngérxìhuàchánxīnluàn婴儿戏化禅心乱yuánmǎdāoguīmùmǔkōng猿马刀归木母空
How to read this chart:
Restoration of the King
Black Rooster KingdomWukong recounts how Bodhisattva Manjusri subdued the demon-spirit, causing officials to bow in adoration. The king reluctantly accepts his throne after refusing to assume power out of gratitude for being revived by Sanzang.
Farewell and Departure
Black Rooster KingdomThe pilgrims prepare to depart. The king hosts a banquet, commissions portraits of the four disciples, and gifts them with tokens refused by Sanzang. They leave in an imperial chariot led by officials, with emotional farewells at the city wall.
Journey Through the Mountain
Roaring MountainTraveling west, the pilgrims encounter a foreboding mountain. Sanzang fears ambushes as Wukong reassures him of their safety. A red cloud forms into a fiery ball, prompting Wukong to pull Sanzang from his horse.
The Demon's Trap
Roaring MountainThe demon muses about eating Sanzang's flesh but fears the pilgrims' defenses. It transforms into a naked boy suspended in a tree, taunting them.
Wukong Uses Magic to Bypass Potential Threat
Roaring MountainAfter observing dissipated red clouds and flames, Wukong convinces Sanzang to continue their journey. The group discusses whether the demon-spirit is a harmless passerby. Despite hearing cries for help, Wukong warns Sanzang not to stop. Using a spell, he moves the group past an unseen threat.
The Demon's Frustration
Roaring MountainAfter failing to intercept Sanzang, the demon-spirit grumbles about his missed opportunity and prepares a new strategy by hanging from a pine tree.
Wukong Alerts the Group to an Approaching Demon
Roaring MountainWukong spots the demon-spirit's red cloud again and throws Sanzang off the horse as a warning. The group forms a defensive formation around their master. An angry Sanzang accuses Wukong of deceit and recklessness over throwing him off the horse. Wujing intervenes to prevent a spell recitation, allowing them to continue.
Sanzang Attempts to Rescue the Demon
Roaring MountainA naked child hanging from a tree claims distress. Though Wukong suspects it's another demon-spirit, he allows Sanzang to investigate the apparent victim.
The Demon's Deceptive Tale
Roaring MountainThe demon pretends to be an abandoned child named Red, recounting fabricated stories of family misfortunes. Sanzang is moved to rescue him. The demon claims to have relatives nearby and insists on being taken to meet them. He refuses to ride with Bajie or Wujing due to their appearances, so Sanzang let Wukong carry him instead.
Carrying the Demon
Roaring MountainWukong tests the demon's weight and discovers he is unnaturally light for a 'seven-year-old'. The demon fabricates excuses about poor childhood nutrition. The demon uses a 'heavy-body' magic to crush Wukong. When exposed, his physical form is destroyed by Wukong's rage.
The Demon's Whirlwind Kidnaps Sanzang
Roaring MountainA demon creates a violent whirlwind to abduct Sanzang while Wukong, Bajie, and Wujing struggle against the storm.
Disciples Debate Disbandment
Roaring MountainAfter the storm subsides, Wukong expresses frustration over Sanzang's kidnapping and suggests disbanding. Bajie agrees but Wujing insists on continuing their mission to uphold their vow of protecting Sanzang.
Mountain Deities Report to Wukong
Fiery Cloud CaveWukong questions local deities about a demon terrorizing the area. The deities reveal that Red Boy, son of Bull Demon King and reared by a Rakshasi, is the culprit. Wukong vows to confront him.
Approaching Red Boy's Cave
Roaring MountainWukong claims kinship with Red Boy due to his father’s past alliance, but Bajie and Wujing mock the claim. Wukong insists on their responsibility as relatives despite the years apart. The group reaches a pine forest with a brook leading to a cave. Wukong and Bajie prepare to confront the demon while Wujing guards their belongings.