Chapter fifty-six
Divine Fury slays the bandits.
Clouded Way sets Wukong loose.
shénkuángzhūcǎokòu神狂诛草寇dàomèifàngxīnyuán道昧放心猿
How to read this chart:
Journey into the Mountain
Toxic Foe MountainAs they approach a tall mountain, Sanzang cautions about potential dangers. Wukong reassures him that their faith will protect them from demons.
Disciples and the Horse
Toxic Foe MountainZhu Bajie attempts to drive the horse but fails. Wukong uses his title as BanHorsePlague, causing the horse to fear him and gallop away, revealing that horses are afraid of apes.
Encounter with Bandits
Toxic Foe MountainA group of bandits ambush Sanzang after his horse gallops ahead. Terrified, Sanzang pleads for mercy and is tied up and hung from a tree when he cannot provide money or valuables.
Bandits Demand Travel Money
Toxic Foe MountainWukong, disguised as a young priest, approaches to assess the situation and speaks with Sanzang, who is tied up by the bandits. Sanzang urges Wukong to rescue him and explains the bandits are demanding money. Wukong claims to have travel money to appease the bandits and negotiates for Sanzang's release, offering his cloth wrap as if it contains valuables. The bandits, pleased by Wukong's apparent generosity, release Sanzang, who flees, leaving Wukong with the bandits.
Wukong's Magical Rod Defeats Bandits
Toxic Foe MountainWhen the bandits demand their money, Wukong produces a fake embroidery needle that transforms into his magical staff. He demonstrates its power by defeating two bandit leaders with it.
Disciples Discover and Bury Dead Bandits
Toxic Foe MountainSanzang, Bajie, and Wujing arrive at the scene and find the bandits' corpses. Sanzang is horrified by the violence and instructs Bajie to bury the bodies, while Bajie jokes about their condition. Bajie and Wujing dig a grave—Bajie using his rake and snout—and bury the bandits, raising a mound over them. Sanzang, lacking incense and candles, uses dirt and stones to perform a prayer for the dead, while Wukong mocks the ritual.
Journey to a Village
Western Liang Women KingdomThe group travels westward, spotting a village. Sanzang plans to request shelter as tensions between Wukong and Sanzang persist.
Meeting with Elder Yang
Western Liang Women KingdomThe Sanzang and his disciples are invited into the home of an elderly couple after initial apprehension due to their appearances. Elder Yang warns them about his wayward son, a bandit who robs and kills.
Escape from Yang's House
Western Liang Women KingdomWarned by Elder Yang about the impending danger from his bandit son and his gang, the pilgrims quietly escape through the back door of the house. They make their way westward under the cover of darkness, hoping to avoid confrontation.
Bandits Confront the Pilgrims
Western Liang Women KingdomAt dawn, the bandits, including Yang's son, discover the pilgrims' escape and pursue them. The bandits catch up to the group on the road. Despite Sanzang's plea for restraint, Wukong confronts the bandits, kills many with his staff, and beheads Yang's son.
Sanzang Punishes Wukong for Violence
Toxic Foe MountainAfter reciting the Tight-Fillet Spell, Sanzang confronts Wukong for his violent actions against bandits and an old man's son. Wukong pleads for mercy but is dismissed from the pilgrimage due to his lack of compassion. He vanishes in frustration.