Chapter forty-nine
Sanzang faces disaster and sinks to a watery abode.
Guanyin appears with the fish basket to save from calamity.
sānzàngyǒuzāichénshuǐzhái三藏有灾沉水宅guānyīnjiùnànxiànyúlán观音救难现鱼篮
How to read this chart:
Debating Entry into the River
Heaven-Reaching RiverWukong, Bajie, and Wujing discuss who should enter the river first. Wukong admits he is uncomfortable in water and suggests either Bajie or Wujing carry him.
Underwater Journey
Heaven-Reaching RiverThe trio dives into the river. Wukong transforms into a louse and tricks Bajie, who attempts to play a trick on him by pretending he has fallen. Wukong exposes his deception.
Discovery of Demon's Lair
Heaven-Reaching RiverThey reach the demon's underwater palace marked 'Sea-Turtle House.'
Infiltrating the Sea-Turtle House
Heaven-Reaching RiverWukong, disguised as a shrimp-mother, enters the Sea-Turtle House. Wukong overhears their plans to eat Sanzang the next day if his disciples do not arrive.
Rescue Plan
Heaven-Reaching RiverWukong locates Sanzang in a stone box at the rear of the palace. Sanzang laments his capture and water-related misfortunes. Wukong assures him of rescue and returns to the surface with updates for Bajie and Wujing.
Confrontation at the Gate
Heaven-Reaching RiverBajie and Wujing provoke battle with the Great King of Numinous Power at his palace gates. The demon emerges in full armor with bronze mallet, described as fearsome with blazing helmet and cuirass. Wukong awaits from the surface to intervene if needed.
Confrontation Between Bajie and the Demon
Heaven-Reaching RiverThe demon confronts Bajie, accusing him of false identity as One Load of Gold from Chen village. Bajie refuses to back down, demanding his master's release and threatening with his rake. They exchange weapon descriptions and insults before engaging in combat.
Three-Way Underwater Battle
Heaven-Reaching RiverWujing joins the fierce combat underwater with his treasure staff. The demon mocks their origins while battling them with his nine-pronged bronze mallet. The three-way battle lasts two hours with philosophical commentary on the Five Phases.
Surface Combat and Retreat
Heaven-Reaching RiverBajie and Wujing feign defeat and lure the demon to the surface. Wukong ambushes the demon on the shore with his iron rod. After less than three rounds, the demon weakens and retreats back into the river.
Demon Consults Perch-Mother
Heaven-Reaching RiverThe demon recounts his defeat to the perch-mother, describing Wukong's fearsome appearance. The perch-mother identifies him as the Great Sage Equal to Heaven and strongly advises against further combat. The demon orders his palace sealed with mud and rocks to avoid confrontation.
Planning a New Strategy
Heaven-Reaching RiverWukong proposes a coordinated plan: he will ambush the demon from midair while Bajie and Wujing lure him out. The two disciples return underwater but find the palace sealed with mud and rocks. Unable to provoke further battle, they return to discuss alternatives with Wukong.
Journey to Potalaka Mountain
Potalaka MountainWukong travels to South Sea to consult Guanyin about the demon's origins. He is greeted by deities who inform him Guanyin is in the bamboo grove and cannot be disturbed. Child Sudhana (formerly Red Boy) thanks Wukong for his past kindness in helping him find the right path.
Wukong's Impatience in Bamboo Grove
Potalaka MountainGrowing impatient, Wukong enters the bamboo grove against instructions. He finds Guanyin undressed and peeling bamboo to make a special basket. Guanyin orders him to wait outside until she finishes her preparation.
Guanyin Captures the Demon
Heaven-Reaching RiverGuanyin emerges with purple bamboo basket and travels undressed to the river. She uses a silk sash to lower the basket into the river and recites spells. The basket captures a goldfish - revealed to be the transformed demon. Wukong is instructed to rescue Sanzang from the now-powerless palace.
Creating the Fish-Basket Guanyin Portrait
Heaven-Reaching RiverGuanyin explains the captured demon is her escaped goldfish who gained powers through cultivation. The nine-pronged bronze mallet was originally a lotus bud stalk transformed by magic. Wukong suggests gathering villagers to witness Guanyin's divine presence for their benefit. A skilled painter among the villagers creates the famous fish-basket Guanyin portrait.
Rescuing Sanzang
Heaven-Reaching RiverBajie and Wujing enter the now-empty Sea-Turtle House and find all water spirits dead. They rescue Sanzang from the stone box and bring him to shore for reunion. Chen Qing apologizes for not heeding their warnings and offers to arrange river crossing.
Old Turtle's Gratitude and Offer
Heaven-Reaching RiverAs villagers prepare a boat, an old sea-turtle emerges offering transportation. The turtle explains Sea-Turtle House was his ancestral home, stolen by the demon nine years ago. Grateful for Wukong's help in reclaiming his home and saving the village from sacrifices, he offers to ferry them across. After swearing a divine oath, Wukong controls him with a tiger-skin rein during the crossing.
Crossing the Heaven-Reaching River
Heaven-Reaching RiverSanzang and his disciples safely cross the eight-hundred-mile river on the white turtle's back. The turtle reveals he has practiced cultivation for 1,300 years and requests Sanzang to ask Buddha about shedding his shell for human form. Sanzang promises to inquire when reaching the Western Heaven, and the group continues their westward journey.