Chapter fifty-two
Wukong creates great havoc in the Golden Helmet Cave.
Tathagata secretly hints at the true protagonist.
wùkōngdànàojīnshāndōudòng悟空大闹金山兜洞rúláiànshìzhǔréngōng如来暗示主人公
How to read this chart:
Wukong Recovers His Rod and Fights the Demon King
Golden Helmet CaveWukong escapes the demon's cave with his golden-hooped rod and is congratulated by the gods on the summit. One-Horned Rhino King pursues Wukong, leading to a fierce battle on the mountain peak that ends indecisively at nightfall.
Wukong Sneaks into the Cave at Night
Golden Helmet CaveWukong transforms into a cricket to slip past the guards and then into a flea to hide on One-Horned Rhino King’s body. He waits until the demon falls asleep and tries to steal the golden fillet, but discovers the fillet never leaves the demon’s shoulder, foiling his plan. Unable to retrieve the fillet, Wukong quietly observes the cave’s layout and the demon’s habits before sneaking away.
Wukong Retrieves Stolen Treasures and Sets the Cave on Fire
Golden Helmet CaveWukong uses his lock-opening magic to silently enter a locked chamber at the back of the cave. Inside, he finds a basket of his own hairs and transforms them into dozens of little monkeys to help him. The monkey clones search the storage room, recover the gods’ stolen weapons, and gather valuables including fire dragons and fire horses. The monkeys spread fire throughout the cave, setting it ablaze as a diversion for their escape.
Wukong Returns Weapons to the Gods
Golden Helmet MountainWukong returns the stolen weapons to the gods, who praise him. Nezha suggests attacking the demon while their advantage is strong.
One-Horned Rhino King Discovers the Aftermath
Golden Helmet CaveOne-Horned Rhino King puts out the fire, discovers the missing weapons, and blames Wukong for theft and arson.
Confrontation at the Cave Entrance
Golden Helmet CaveWukong and his allies challenge One-Horned Rhino King, but the demon’s treasure absorbs all their attacks, leaving them empty-handed.
Gods Consult with Wukong on the Summit
Golden Helmet MountainThe gods and deities, frustrated after their defeat, consult with Wukong, who proposes traveling to the Western Heaven to seek Buddha’s wisdom.
Wukong Explains the Situation to Buddha
Thunderclap MonasteryWukong explains to Buddha that the demon’s treasure is invincible and all attacks have failed. Buddha instructs the Eighteen Arhats to help and gives Wukong golden cinnabar sand to counter the demon’s magic. Wukong jokes about only seeing sixteen arhats, but the last two soon arrive, saying Buddha gave them extra instructions.
Confrontation with the Demon Using Golden Cinnabar Sand
Golden Helmet CaveWukong and the arhats confront One-Horned Rhino King at the cave, but the demon’s treasure absorbs the golden cinnabar sand and he escapes.
Wukong Seeks Laozi’s Help in Heaven
HeavenWukong travels to Laozi’s palace, learns the demon is Laozi’s escaped green buffalo, and that the diamond snare was stolen.
Wukong Lures the Demon Out
Golden Helmet CaveWukong taunts and provokes the demon at the cave entrance, drawing him out for a final confrontation. He attacks and then flees, leading the demon away from the cave and toward the mountain summit where Laozi is waiting.
Laozi Subdues the Azure Bull
Golden Helmet MountainLaozi appears on the summit and uses his plantain-leaf fan and diamond snare to subdue the demon, who reverts to his true form as the Azure Bull. Laozi pierces the bull's nose with the snare and leads him away, restoring peace to the mountain.
Clearing the Cave and Freeing the Pilgrims
Golden Helmet CaveWukong and the deities clear the cave, defeat the remaining demons, recover weapons, and free Sanzang, Bajie, and Wujing.
Mysterious Encounter on the Road
Golden Helmet MountainAs the group travels again, a mysterious stranger calls to Sanzang offering food, frightening him, but no explanation is given for who called them.