Chapter forty-two
The Great Sage earnestly pays homage at the South Sea.
Guanyin compassionately subdues the Red Boy.
dàshèngyīnqínbàinánhǎi大圣殷勤拜南海guānyīncíshànfùhónghái观音慈善缚红孩
How to read this chart:
Wukong's Transformation and Deception
Roaring MountainWukong transforms into the Bull Demon King and creates fake demons from his hair to deceive six commanders. The commanders kneel in reverence, mistaking him for their king.
Arrival at Fiery Cloud Cave
Fiery Cloud CaveThe group returns to the cave where Red Boy proclaims Wukong (disguised as Bull Demon King) as their king. The demons form a procession, and Wukong is seated in the main hall.
Discussion of Sanzang's Capture
Fiery Cloud CaveRed Boy explains his plan to eat Sanzang for immortality. Wukong (as Bull Demon King) warns against provoking the real Wukong, citing his transformation abilities and destructive powers.
Deception Revealed
Fiery Cloud CaveThe demon king boasts about defeating the real Wukong with true fire, but Wukong (disguised) reveals Red Boy's ignorance of his ability to transform into small creatures like insects or even imitate himself.
Wukong's Vegetarian Diet Deception
Fiery Cloud CaveWukong pretends to be on a 'Thunder Vegetarian Diet' for four days a month, including the current day, refusing to eat Sanzang. The Demon King questions his authenticity but is initially deceived.
Demon King's Doubt and Strategic Planning
Fiery Cloud CaveThe Demon King, suspicious of Wukong's claims, orders his commanders to prepare for a potential attack. He questions their earlier failure to confirm Wukong's identity.
Confrontation and Attack
Fiery Cloud CaveThe Demon King confronts Wukong again, demanding his birth details. When Wukong cannot provide them, the demons attack, but Wukong escapes using a golden light transformation.
Wukong's Escape and Strategy with Wujing
Roaring MountainAfter escaping, Wukong meets Wujing. He explains the failed plan to rescue Sanzang but claims victory over the Demon King by tricking him into thinking he was caught by a demon.
Wukong Seeks Bodhisattva's Help at Potalaka Mountain
Potalaka MountainWukong, injured and desperate after failing to rescue Sanzang from Red Boy, travels to Potalaka Mountain to seek the Bodhisattva Guanyin's help. He explains how Red Boy captured Sanzang and tricked Bajie (Wuneng) by disguising himself as Guanyin, resulting in Bajie's capture. The Bodhisattva is angered by the demon's audacity to impersonate her and throws her immaculate vase into the ocean.
Vase Retrieval in the Ocean
Potalaka MountainA black tortoise, guardian of the vase, brings it back to the ocean's crest. Wukong struggles to carry the vase due to its weight, and the Bodhisattva explains it contains water from all aquatic bodies. The tortoise returns to the sea after nodding in respect.
Crossing the Ocean via Lotus Petal
Potalaka MountainThe Bodhisattva uses a lotus petal to transport Wukong across the ocean. She insists on trust and asks for a pledge of loyalty. The journey ends safely, showcasing her supernatural powers.
Bodhisattva Sends Muzha to Borrow Swords
Potalaka MountainThe Bodhisattva instructs Muzha, the Dharma Guardian, to borrow thirty-six Swords of Constellations from his father, Devaraja Li. Muzha departs for the Palace of Cloudy Towers.
Retrieval and Return of the Swords
Potalaka MountainMuzha visits his father, Devaraja Li, at the Palace of Cloudy Towers to borrow the thirty-six Swords of Constellations. Devaraja Li orders Nezha to bring out the swords and hand them to Muzha. Muzha asks Nezha to greet their mother, promising to visit her after returning the swords. Muzha quickly returns to Potala Peak and presents the swords to the Bodhisattva.
Transformation of Swords into a Lotus Platform
Potalaka MountainThe Bodhisattva transforms the borrowed swords into a thousand-leaf lotus platform. Wukong mocks her for not using her own treasure lotus, but she silences him and departs with the group.
Clearing the Roaring Mountain
Roaring MountainThe Bodhisattva clears three hundred miles around the mountain of living creatures to subdue the demon king. She uses her vase’s water to transform the landscape into a sacred scene.
Bodhisattva's Strategy Against the Demon King
Fiery Cloud CaveThe Bodhisattva writes 'Delusion' on Wukong’s palm and instructs him to provoke the demon king into chasing him. The plan involves letting the demon defeat Wukong, leading back to her.
Battle Between Wukong and the Demon King
Fiery Cloud CaveWukong smashes the cave’s door, leading to a battle with the demon king. After several rounds of combat, Wukong retreats as planned, luring the demon into chasing him back to the Bodhisattva.
Bodhisattva Ignores the Demon; Red Boy Sits on the Lotus Platform
Potalaka MountainRed Boy chases Wukong and confronts the Bodhisattva, who ignores his taunts and questions. Red Boy, thinking he has scared off the Bodhisattva, sits on her abandoned lotus platform, imitating her posture.
Swords of Constellations Trap Red Boy
Potalaka MountainThe Bodhisattva reveals the lotus platform is made of swords and commands Muzha to strike the sword handles. Red Boy is pierced and bloodied, tries to pull out the swords, but the Bodhisattva transforms them into hooks, trapping him. Red Boy, in pain and fear, begs for mercy and agrees to accept the Bodhisattva's commandments.
Red Boy Is Shaved and Renamed
Potalaka MountainThe Bodhisattva shaves Red Boy’s head in the style of Tai Mountain Crowning the Head and renames him 'Boy Skilled in Wealth'. The swords are withdrawn, leaving Red Boy unharmed.
Red Boy Rebels and Is Subdued by the Golden Fillet
Potalaka MountainRed Boy, his wildness not fully subdued, attacks the Bodhisattva again. The Bodhisattva subdues him with a magical Golden Fillet, binding his head, hands, and feet, and recites a spell to force his submission.