Chapter fifty-five
Lewd demon seduces Sanzang.
Righteous nature preserves the untainted body.
sèxiéyínxìtángsānzàng色邪淫戏唐三藏xìngzhèngxiūchíbùhuàishēn性正修持不坏身
How to read this chart:
Discovering the Abduction and Chasing the Cyclone
Toxic Foe MountainThe group discovers that Sanzang has been abducted by a woman who used a cyclone. Wukong, Bajie, and Wujing decide to pursue the abductor. They follow the cyclone to a mountain with stone doors marked as 'Cave of the Lute.' Wukong suggests caution, while Bajie and Wujing wait outside.
Infiltrating the Female Demon's Lair
Cave of the LuteWukong transforms into a bee to infiltrate the cave and overhears Sanzang being offered poisoned buns by the female demon. Sanzang resists but is conflicted.
The Deceptive Feast
Cave of the LuteThe female demon offers buns to Sanzang, claiming they contain human flesh or red bean paste. Sanzang pretends to comply but reveals his vegetarian stance.
Battle with the Female Demon
Cave of the LuteWukong reveals himself and, with Bajie and Wujing, engages the female demon in a fierce battle outside her cave. She attacks with fire and tridents; Wukong is wounded by a poisoned stake and retreats. The disciples regroup, recount the fight, and decide to rest for the night.
Sanzang Resists Seduction in the Perfumed Room
Cave of the LuteThe female demon seduces Sanzang inside her cave, offering food and romantic overtures. Sanzang refuses all advances with unwavering Buddhist resolve. Enraged by his rejection, she ties him up and leaves him bound in the corridor.
Morning Discussion
Toxic Foe MountainAs dawn breaks, Wukong and Bajie argue with Wujing guarding the horse. They plan to search for the demon that captured their master.
Cave Reconnaissance
Cave of the LuteWukong transforms into a bee and enters the cave. He finds Sanzang bound in the corridor and they discuss what happened during the night.
Return to Camp
Toxic Foe MountainWukong returns to Bajie with news that Sanzang refused the female demon's advances and was bound as a result. They plan to rescue him.
Demon Encounter
Cave of the LuteThe two disciples fight the female demon, who uses a stinger attack. Bajie is injured and retreats.
Injured Disciples
Toxic Foe MountainWith swollen lips from injuries, the disciples regroup as they await a plan to continue rescuing their master.
Bodhisattva's Revelation
Toxic Foe MountainThe disciples meet Bodhisattva Guanyin who reveals the demon is a scorpion spirit and directs them to seek help from Star Lord Altair.
Rescue Plan
Toxic Foe MountainThe disciples learn they need to find Sun Rooster Star at the East Heaven Gate. Wukong prepares to seek help while advising the others to wait.
Wukong Consults Devas About Star Lord
HeavenWukong arrives at the East Heaven Gate to inquire about rescuing his master from a demonic obstacle. The Grand Marshals inform him that Sun Rooster Star is patrolling the Star Gazing Terrace and advise checking the Luminescent Palace first.
Wukong Meets Star Lord at His Palace
HeavenWukong finds Sun Rooster Star at the Luminescent Palace, who agrees to help subdue a scorpion spirit in Western Liang. Sun Rooster Star declines to delay for tea and prepares to accompany Wukong.
Star Lord Heals Bajie and Wukong
Cave of the LuteSun Rooster Star arrives and cures Bajie's swollen lip from the scorpion spirit's sting. He also removes the lingering numbness from Wukong's head. Bajie expresses gratitude, and the group prepares to confront the demon.
Star Lord Subdues the Scorpion Spirit
Cave of the LuteSun Rooster Star confronts the scorpion spirit and transforms into a rooster. His crowing paralyzes the demon, allowing Bajie to destroy her.
Rescue Completed and Journey Continues
Cave of the LuteThe rescued captives confirm their humanity. The group reunites with Sanzang, prepares a meal, liberates the cave's inhabitants, and resumes their journey westward.