Chapter fifty
Passions in turmoil, nature follows love and desire.
Clouded spirit, stirred heart, they meet the demon chief.
qíngluànxìngcóngyīnàiyù情乱性从因爱欲shénhūnxīndòngyùmótóu神昏心动遇魔头
How to read this chart:
Mountain Blocking Path
Golden Helmet MountainMaster and disciples encounter a treacherous, narrow mountain path. Sanzang expresses fear of tigers and wolves. Wukong assures them they can overcome dangers.
Wukong Draws a Protective Circle
Golden Helmet MountainSanzang sees a distant building but Wukong warns it may be a giant clam's mirage. He draws a protective circle to guard Sanzang and the group while he goes south to beg for food.
Wukong's Request for Food
Golden Helmet MountainWukong arrives at a village and asks an old man for vegetarian food for his hungry master. The old man claims the main road to the West is far north and questions Wukong's story. He refuses to share food, saying his family has only just started cooking rice. Despite the old man's evasions and hostility, Wukong insists on taking food for his master.
Wukong Steals Rice with Magic
Golden Helmet MountainUsing invisibility magic, Wukong enters the kitchen and scoops rice directly from an uncooked cauldron to return to his master.
Bajie Persuades Sanzang to Leave the Circle
Golden Helmet MountainImpatient and cold, Bajie convinces Sanzang to leave Wukong's protective circle. They argue the circle is ineffective and decide to seek shelter at the distant building. The group proceeds toward the towered building while Wukong is away.
Bajie Discovers the Skeleton and Vests
Golden Helmet MountainBajie explores the empty building and discovers a large skeleton in yellow silk curtains. He finds three silk brocade vests in a side room and brings them outside. Sanzang condemns taking them as theft, citing heavenly judgment, while Bajie justifies it due to no witnesses.
The Silk Vests' Trap
Golden Helmet MountainBajie and Wujing ignore Sanzang's warnings and put on the silk vests to warm themselves. The vests magically transform into straitjackets, binding their arms behind their backs. Sanzang fails to free them, and their commotion alerts the demon who created the trap.
The Demon Captures Sanzang and Disciples
Golden Helmet CaveThe One-Horned Buffalo demon emerges and captures all three, along with their horse and luggage. He makes the towered building disappear, revealing it was an illusion to trap travelers. Sanzang is forced to kneel and interrogated about the theft of the demon's garments.
Sanzang Pleads, Demon Plots
Golden Helmet CaveSanzang explains their mission and pleads for mercy, denying any intention to steal. The demon reveals he's heard eating Sanzang's flesh grants immortality. Bajie boastfully reveals Wukong's identity, making the demon apprehensive but determined to capture him first.
Wukong Finds His Companions Missing
Golden Helmet MountainWukong returns with rice to find his companions missing and the towered building vanished. Only his protective circle remains on the ground, with no trace of people or horse. He follows the horse tracks westward, growing increasingly dejected.
Wukong Meets the Mountain God in Disguise
Golden Helmet MountainWukong encounters an old man with a houseboy who describes his missing companions accurately. The old man warns that they took the wrong road into the demons' domain at Golden Helmet Mountain. He identifies the captor as the Great King One-Horned Buffalo with vast powers and martial arts skills.
The Mountain God's True Identity Revealed
Golden Helmet MountainWhen Wukong prepares to share his rice, the old man and houseboy reveal their true forms. They are the mountain god and local spirit who came to receive and assist the Great Sage. They offer to safeguard Wukong's alms bowl and rice while he rescues his master.
Wukong Approaches the Demon’s Cave
Golden Helmet CaveWukong finds the cave beneath a green ledge with many little imps wielding weapons at the stone doors. The setting is described as mystically beautiful with mists, strange rocks, and seasonal elements. He boldly announces himself as Sun Wukong and demands his master's release.
The Demon King Challenges Wukong
Golden Helmet CaveThe demon king emerges with a twelve-foot spotted-steel lance, eager for martial combat. He accuses Sanzang of stealing his silk brocade vests from his immortal village illusion. The One-Horned Buffalo challenges Wukong to withstand three rounds to spare his master's life.
Wukong Battles the Demon King
Golden Helmet CaveWukong and the One-Horned Buffalo engage in fierce combat for over fifty rounds. Both warriors admire each other's perfect fighting techniques and styles. The demon calls his little imps to attack together, prompting Wukong to multiply his rod into thousands.
The Demon’s Magical Fillet Defeats Wukong
Golden Helmet CaveThe demon produces a white, shiny fillet that absorbs all of Wukong's multiplied iron rods. Left completely weaponless, Wukong must use his somersault cloud to escape with his life. The One-Horned Buffalo wins decisively, leaving Wukong dazed and uncertain how to proceed.