Chapter fifty-seven
The true Wukong laments his suffering at Mount Potalaka.
The false Monkey King transcribes scriptures at Water-Curtain Cave.
zhēnxíngzhěluòjiāshānsùkǔ真行者落伽山诉苦jiǎhóuwángshuǐliándòngténgwén假猴王水帘洞誊文
How to read this chart:
Wukong's Return and Conflict with Sanzang
Water-Curtain CaveWukong, feeling lost and rejected, returns to Sanzang and begs for forgiveness, promising to change his ways. Sanzang, still angry over Wukong's violence, repeatedly recites the Tight-Fillet Spell, causing Wukong great pain. Despite Wukong's pleas, Sanzang refuses to take him back and threatens further punishment, forcing Wukong to leave again.
Journey to Mount Potalaka
Potalaka MountainWukong, with nowhere else to go, decides to seek help from Bodhisattva Guanyin at Mount Potalaka. He is met by Muzha and the Boy Skilled in Wealth (Red Boy), who question his intentions and tease him, but eventually lead him to Guanyin.
Confrontation with Bodhisattva Guanyin and Prophecy
Potalaka MountainWukong tearfully tells Guanyin he was banished by Sanzang for killing bandits and asks for relief from the Tight-Fillet Spell. Guanyin says there is no such spell, rebukes Wukong for harming humans, but encourages him to seek Tathagata if he wishes. She prophesies Sanzang will soon face a deadly ordeal and need Wukong's help, instructing him to wait beneath the lotus platform.
Disciples' Search for Provisions
Toxic Foe MountainAfter Wukong's banishment, Sanzang, Bajie, and Wujing continue their journey but soon become hungry and thirsty. Bajie searches for food but finds no village, and is sent to fetch water from a mountain brook.
Wukong's Return and Confrontation
Toxic Foe MountainWukong reappears before Sanzang, offering him water, but Sanzang refuses and rebukes him. Angered by the rejection, Wukong strikes Sanzang with his staff, causing him to faint, and then leaves with their wraps.
Bajie's Begging Journey
Toxic Foe MountainBajie transforms into a sickly monk to beg for food at a secluded hut, where two women give him leftover rice and crusts out of pity. He returns to his original form and heads back to Sanzang and Wujing.
Elder Regains Consciousness
Toxic Foe MountainBajie and Wujing return to find Sanzang unconscious from Wukong's attack. They revive him with water, learn about the attack and theft, and Bajie wants to confront Wukong, but Wujing suggests tending to Sanzang first.
Requesting Food at an Old Woman's Home
Western Liang Women KingdomBajie and Wujing bring Sanzang to a nearby house to beg for hot tea or water. An old woman is initially suspicious due to Bajie's earlier disguise, but after explanation, she provides them with food and shelter.
Journey to Retrieve Stolen Luggage
Flower-Fruit MountainSanzang sends Wujing alone on a long journey to retrieve their stolen luggage from Wukong, instructing him to avoid conflict and seek mediation if needed.
Confrontation with Wukong
Water-Curtain CaveWujing finds Wukong at the Water-Curtain Cave, where Wukong is reading the travel rescript aloud and refuses to return the luggage. Wukong claims he will seek the scriptures alone for his own glory. Wukong presents fake versions of Sanzang, Bajie, and Wujing, leading to further tension.
Fake Wujing and Violent Confrontation
Water-Curtain CaveWujing kills the fake Wujing. Wukong and his monkey followers surround Wujing, but he manages to fight his way out and escape.
Wujing Seeks Guanyin's Help
Potalaka MountainWujing flees to Potalaka Mountain and pleads with Bodhisattva Guanyin for help, describing Wukong's actions and refusal to return. Guanyin, after hearing Wujing's account, agrees to investigate the matter at Flower-Fruit Mountain.
Resolution at Flower-Fruit Mountain
Water-Curtain CaveGuanyin and Wujing prepare to confront Wukong directly at Flower-Fruit Mountain, seeking to resolve the conflict and restore order to the pilgrimage.