Chapter fifty-one
Wukong's thousand schemes are all in vain.
Water and fire prove useless in refining the demon.
xīnyuánkōngyòngqiānbānjì心猿空用千般计shuǐhuǒwúgōngnánliànmó水火无功难炼魔
How to read this chart:
Wukong's Lament Over Lost Staff
Golden Helmet MountainDefeated and empty-handed, Wukong laments the loss of his staff and worries about Sanzang. He resolves to investigate the identity of the demon who captured Sanzang by seeking answers from Heaven.
Audience with the Jade Emperor to Investigate Evil Star
HeavenAt the Hall of Divine Mists, Wukong meets with immortals and celestial officials. He explains his situation and requests assistance from the Jade Emperor to identify the demon.
Investigation Complete, Order for Celestial Warriors Issued
HeavenA thorough investigation of all heavenly regions, stars, and mansions reveals no one has descended to Earth illegally. After finding no missing stars or demons, the Jade Emperor orders Wukong to recruit celestial warriors to assist in capturing the demon on Earth.
Wukong Assembles Allies for Battle
Golden Helmet MountainWukong expresses concern about facing an adversary as strong as himself and proposes recruiting Devaraja Li, the Pagoda Bearer, and Nezha. The group prepares for battle at Golden Helmet Mountain. Devaraja Li suggests Nezha lead the initial attack into the cave, with Wukong as his guide.
Nezha Fights the One-horned Ox
Golden Helmet CaveNezha confronts the One-horned Ox, who mocks him. The battle intensifies as Nezha transforms into a multi-armed warrior wielding six magical weapons, which are all absorbed by the buffalo's mystical fillet.
Buffalo's Fillet Defeats Nezha
Golden Helmet CaveThe One-horned Ox uses a mystical fillet to absorb Nezha's six weapons, forcing Nezha to flee empty-handed. Wukong remains composed despite their defeat.
Wukong Plans Fire Strategy Against Demon
Golden Helmet MountainWukong proposes returning to Heaven to request Fire Lord, Star of the South to use fire against the demon's fillet. The allies agree to await his return.
Consultation with Fire Lord, Star of the South
HeavenWukong meets the Fire Lord, Star of the South and proposes using fire to destroy the demon's fillet, seeking the Fire Lord's help.
Battle Strategy Discussion
Golden Helmet MountainThe group plans to provoke the demon into battle while using fire to counter his fillet. The Fire Lord, Star of the South prepares to ignite a fiery attack.
Fiery Battle and Failure
Golden Helmet CaveThe demon's fillet absorbs the fiery attack, forcing Devaraja Li to retreat. Wukong decides to try a water-based strategy next.
Request for Water Lord, Star of the North
HeavenWukong travels to the North Heaven Gate and seeks assistance from the Water Lord, Star of the North to flood the demon's cave.
Strategic Planning
HeavenWukong consults with Water Lord, Star of the North to retrieve the Yellow River's water, planning to drown the demon king and recover stolen weapons. Water Lord, Star of the North explains his chalice can hold an entire river.
Retrieving the Yellow River
HeavenWater Lord, Star of the North empties half of the Yellow River into a chalice and accompanies Wukong to the Golden Helmet Mountain, intending to flood the demon's cave.
Flooded Cave Entrance
Golden Helmet CaveThe water floods the cave but is repelled by the demon's fillet, reversing course and threatening the valley. The deities retreat as the water drains.
Boxing Showdown
Golden Helmet CaveThe demon king challenges Wukong to a boxing match, showcasing martial arts. Wukong uses body-division magic but is ultimately outmaneuvered by the demon's fillet.
Aftermath and Analysis
Golden Helmet MountainThe deities assess the battle, noting the demon's weakness but his fillet's power. Wukong admits the fillet is their greatest obstacle.
Strategic Planning and the Proposal to Steal
Golden Helmet MountainStar of Fiery Virtue, Star of Watery Virtue, and Wukong discuss acquiring a treasure by stealing. Thunder Squire recalls Wukong's past heists in Heaven, prompting him to volunteer for the task.
Infiltration and Retrieval of the Golden-Hooped Rod
Golden Helmet CaveWukong transforms into a fly, infiltrates the cave, and locates his stolen golden-hooped rod guarded by the One-horned Ox. After retrieving it in its original form, he fights through demons to escape.