Chapter forty-four
The dharma-body, in its cycle, encounters the power of the cart.
With a righteous mind, demons are overcome at the Spine Ridge Pass.
fǎshēnyuányùnféngchēlì法身元运逢车力xīnzhèngyāoxiédùjǐguān心正妖邪度脊关
How to read this chart:
Journey into Spring
Cart-Slow KingdomMaster and disciples travel west during early spring, marveling at the blooming scenery. A sudden roaring noise halts their journey, prompting speculation about its source.
Investigation of the Roar
Cart-Slow KingdomWukong discovers the noise originates from underdressed monks struggling to haul construction materials up a ridge. He suspects the city favors Daoism over Buddhism and decides to investigate further.
Daoist Encounter at Cart Slow Kingdom
Cart-Slow KingdomDisguised as a mendicant Daoist, Wukong questions two Daoists about the city. He learns it is ruled by devotees of the 'Cart Slow Kingdom' and its three Great Immortals (Tiger-Strength, Deer-Strength, Goat-Strength), who possess miraculous powers to summon rain and transform materials.
Discussion with Daoists
Cart-Slow KingdomWukong and Sanzang encounter two Daoists who claim the Buddhist monks on the beach are their servants. The Daoists explain that the king has forced monks into servitude after they failed to provide rain, while Daoists succeeded. Wukong questions this injustice and is advised to check if his uncle-monk is among them.
Meeting with Monks
Cart-Slow KingdomWukong confronts the five hundred monks, who reveal they are enslaved by Daoists under royal decree. The king rewards citizens for capturing monks and punishes their escape attempts. Monks describe their torment: forced labor, starvation, and failed suicide attempts due to divine intervention (Six Gods of Darkness/Light).
Wukong Confronts Daoists at the City Gate
Cart-Slow KingdomWukong Wukong confronts two Daoist supervisors guarding monks, threatening to release them or face his wrath. The Daoists refuse. Wukong uses his iron rod to kill the both of them.
The Killing of the Daoists
Cart-Slow KingdomMonks nearby react in fear, fearing repercussions for their deaths.
Monks Describe Wukong's Appearance from Dreams
Cart-Slow KingdomThe monks recount how the god Gold Star Venus foretold Wukong's appearance in their dreams, describing his distinctive features and heroic role.
Wukong Reveals His True Form
Cart-Slow KingdomTo prove his identity, Wukong tricks the monks into looking away before revealing his true form. The monks recognize him immediately and beg for help.
Wukong Grants Protection Hairs to Monks
Cart-Slow KingdomWukong gives each monk a magical hair that manifests a guardian spirit when invoked. The monks test it, confirming its efficacy.
Sanzang and Companions Reunite with Wukong
Cart-Slow KingdomSanzang and Zhu Bajie arrive to meet returning monks. They learn of the chaos caused by Wukong and plan to stay at a monastery for further action.
Arrival at Wisdom Depth Monastery
Wisdom Depth MonasteryThe pilgrims arrive at the monastery under sunset. The local monks revere Wukong as the Great Sage, believing he has come to save them based on prophetic dreams. A meal is prepared and accommodations are arranged for the night.
Observation of Daoist Ritual
Three Pure Ones AbbeyWukong discovers a Daoist ritual in progress at night, with elaborate offerings and incantations. He plans to return later after consulting his companions.
Disruption of the Ceremony
Three Pure Ones AbbeyUsing a magical whirlwind, Wukong destroys the Daoist ceremony's atmosphere. The terrified practitioners disperse, allowing the pilgrims to enter undetected.
Hiding Holy Images in the Privy
Three Pure Ones AbbeyWukong warns Bajie that the fallen holy images might be discovered by Daoists. Bajie takes the images to a nearby privy, joking about its 'sacred title,' and hides them inside after reciting a humorous prayer.
Deity Disguises and Feasting
Three Pure Ones AbbeyThe pilgrims transform into the deities being worshipped (Laozi and the Three Pure Ones) to consume the lavish offerings. Bajie eagerly begins eating while Wukong urges caution. The three companions devour offerings left for Laozi, with Bajie and Wujing eating greedily while Wukong eats only fruit.
The Young Daoist's Discovery
Three Pure Ones AbbeyA young Daoist enters, finds his bell in the dark, crashes into a lychee seed, and is frightened by Bajie's laughter.
The Young Daoist's Discovery
Three Pure Ones AbbeyThe old Daoists rush to investigate.