Chapter forty-five
At the Three Pure Ones Abbey, the Great Sage leaves his name.
In the Cart Slow Kingdom, the Monkey King shows his power.
sānqīngguāndàshèngliúmíng三清观大圣留名chēchíguóhóuwángxiǎnfǎ车迟国猴王显法
How to read this chart:
The Impostors' Revelation
Cart-Slow KingdomWukong and his companions remain motionless as Daoists examine them. The immortals debate the missing offerings, suspecting divine intervention. During a ritual supplication, Wukong exposes himself by claiming to bring 'holy water' from heaven.
The Holy Water Deception
Cart-Slow KingdomThe Daoists request 'holy water' from the supposed celestial idols. Wukong orchestrates a trick, having his companions urinate into ceremonial vessels presented as divine gifts. The immortals taste the foul liquid but initially accept it.
Exposure and Escape
Cart-Slow KingdomThe Daoists realize the 'holy water' is urine. They attack the impostors with weapons, but Wukong escapes with his companions to Wisdom Depth Monastery while leaving a mocking verse revealing their identities.
The Monks Prepare for Certification
Cart-Slow KingdomSanzang Tang (Sanzang) awakens and instructs his disciples to accompany him for travel rescript certification. They prepare their belongings, with Wujing holding the alms bowl and Wuneng carrying the staff, while entrusting luggage and the horse to the monks.
Arrival at Five-Phoenix Tower
Cart-Slow KingdomThe monks and their master arrive at Five-Phoenix Tower, where they greet the Custodian of the Yellow Gate. They declare their status as pilgrims from Tang China seeking rescript certification.
King's Court and Initial Dilemma
Cart-Slow KingdomThe king, skeptical due to Daoist influence, questions the monks' presence. A Grand Preceptor advises caution and respect for their distant origin, leading to an audience with the pilgrims.
Accusations by State Preachers
Cart-Slow KingdomThe three Daoist State Preachers accuse the monks of killing disciples, vandalizing their temple, and offending their faith. The king is incensed but hesitates to execute them immediately.
Rainmaking Competition Offered
Cart-Slow KingdomVillagers request rain due to drought. The king proposes a competition: if the monks successfully pray for rain, they will be certified and pardoned; failure means execution.
Preparation at Five-Phoenix Tower
Cart-Slow KingdomThe king builds an altar and ascends the tower with officials. Sanzang's group remains below while the Daoist prepares to pray for rain. Wukong challenges the Daoist over credit-sharing, leading to a ritual agreement where each strike of the tablet will mark a stage (wind, clouds, lightning, etc.).
First Ritual Strike and Wind Suppression
Cart-Slow KingdomThe Tiger-Strength Immortal strikes the ritual tablet once, which should summon wind. Wukong secretly confronts the Old Woman of the Wind and the Second Boy of the Wind, and orders them not to release any wind. No wind appears despite the ritual, confusing the onlookers and prompting Bajie to comment on the Daoist's lack of ability.
Second Ritual Strike and Cloud Suppression
Cart-Slow KingdomThe Tiger-Strength Immortal strikes the ritual tablet a second time, which should summon clouds and fog. Wukong ascends to the heavenly realm and confronts the Cloud-Pushing Boy and Mist-Spreading Lad, ordering them not to spread clouds. No clouds appear, the sun shines brightly, and Bajie laughs at the Daoist's failure.
Third Ritual Strike and Thunder Suppression
Cart-Slow KingdomThe Tiger-Strength Immortal strikes the ritual tablet a third time, which should summon thunder and lightning. Wukong intercepts Heavenly Lord Deng, Squire of Thunder, and Mother of Lightning, and instructs them to withhold thunder and lightning. As a result, no thunder or lightning appears.
Fourth Ritual Strike and Rain Suppression
Cart-Slow KingdomThe Tiger-Strength Immortal strikes the ritual tablet a fourth time, which should summon rain. The Dragon Kings of the Four Oceans arrive in response to the summons. Wukong intercepts the Dragon Kings and instructs them to withhold rain. No rain falls, leaving the Daoist's ritual ineffective.
Wukong's Instructions to the Elements
HeavenWukong establishes a system using his golden-hooped rod as a signal to control wind, clouds, thunder, and rain.
Summoning the Wind
Cart-Slow KingdomWukong points his rod upwards, triggering a violent wind that destroys structures and terrifies inhabitants. The Old Woman of Wind releases her bag and the Second Boy loosens its rope.
Cloud Formation
HeavenThe rod's second point generates dense clouds that obscure the sky, darkening three markets and six avenues. The Cloud-Pushing Boy and Mist-Spreading Lad execute their roles.
Thunder and Lightning
HeavenA third rod-point triggers thunderous rumbles and lightning flashes. The Squire of Thunder and Mother of Lightning unleash chaotic energy, terrifying the kingdom.
Rainfall
Cart-Slow KingdomWukong's fourth rod-point summons torrential rain that floods streets and fields. Dragon deities assist in producing the downpour, which lasts through the day.
Ceasing the Rain
Cart-Slow KingdomAfter the king decrees sufficient rain, Wukong points his rod a fifth time to stop the rain. The storm ceases instantly, and sunlight returns.
Debating Credit for Rain
Cart-Slow KingdomThe king seeks to certify a travel permit for the Sanzang while three Daoists claim credit for recent rain, arguing it originated from their magic. The Tiger-Strength Immortal details his summoning rituals and asserts responsibility. The confused king questions this, prompting Wukong to challenge their claims.
Revealing the Dragon Kings
Cart-Slow KingdomThe Daoists claim credit for the rain, confusing the king. Wukong proposes a test: if the Daoists can summon the Dragon Kings, he will concede. The Daoists admit they cannot. Wukong calls out, and the Four Dragon Kings appear above the hall. The king and officials marvel as the dragons return to the oceans.