Chapter fifty-eight
Two Minds cause disorder in the great cosmos.
It's hard for one body to realize true Nirvana.
èrxīnjiǎoluàndàqiánkūn二心搅乱大乾坤yītǐnánxiūzhēnjìmiè一体难修真寂灭
How to read this chart:
Departure from the South Sea
Potalaka MountainWukong and Wujing leave Guanyin after receiving their mission. Wukong's cloud somersault is faster than Wujing's flight, but they travel together as Wujing suspects Wukong of hiding his actions.
Arrival at Flower-Fruit Mountain
Flower-Fruit MountainThe pair spots a demon identical to Wukong on the mountain. The Fake Wukong, identical in appearance and attire, attacks them without explanation.
Clash of Monkeys
Flower-Fruit MountainThe real Wukong and the Fake Wukong engage in an intense battle. Both wield iron rods and are indistinguishable, fighting through the sky to Potalaka Mountain.
Wujing's Struggle
Water-Curtain CaveWujing searches for lost belongings but cannot find them. He hesitates to intervene in the battle due to fear of harming Wukong, eventually returning to report to Master Sanzang.
Guanyin's Attempt
Potalaka MountainGuanyin tries using the Tight-Fillet Spell to identify the real Wukong, but both react with pain. The deities, including Muzha, fail to distinguish them.
Appeal to Heaven and the Failed Mirror Test
HeavenThe two Sun Wukongs fight their way to the South Heaven Gate, startling the celestial warriors. Both Wukongs present their identical stories to the Jade Emperor, who orders Deva Raja Li to use the imp-reflecting mirror. The mirror shows two identical Wukongs, making it impossible to distinguish the real from the fake. Unable to resolve the issue, the Jade Emperor expels them from the hall, and the two Wukongs continue their fight outside Heaven Gate.
Wujing's Report to Sanzang
Toxic Foe MountainWujing returns and informs Sanzang about the events at Flower-Fruit Mountain, the doppelgänger demon, and the failed attempts to distinguish the real Wukong. Sanzang regrets banishing Wukong.
Second Attempt to Distinguish Pilgrims
Toxic Foe MountainThe two Wukongs arrive fighting; Bajie and Wujing each grab one and bring them before Sanzang. Sanzang recites the Tight-Fillet Spell, but both Wukongs react with pain, making it impossible to tell them apart. The two Wukongs resume fighting and vanish, leaving the others unable to resolve the confusion.
Decision to Retrieve Luggage
Toxic Foe MountainBajie volunteers to retrieve their stolen luggage from Flower-Fruit Mountain, defying the real Wukong’s absence. Wujing warns of challenges with the cave’s many monkeys.
Conflict on Mountain of Perpetual Shade
UnderworldThe two Wukongs brawl down the mountain, terrifying local spirits who report to the Rulers of Darkness in the Treasure Hall of Darkness. The conflict escalates as they fight toward the nether region.
Assembly of the Ten Kings
UnderworldThe Ten Kings assemble as the two Wukongs brawl into the nether region. They ask the Kings to check the Register of Life and Death for the impostor. No entry is found, as Wukong erased all monkey records during his earlier havoc. The Kings advise seeking judgment in the world of light.
Investigative Hearing's Revelation
HeavenKṣitigarbha summons the beast Truth-Hearing (谛听), who identifies the demon but warns it cannot be captured due to equal power. The solution requires consulting Sakyamuni in Western Heaven’s Thunderclap Monastery.
Journey to Western Heaven
HeavenThe two Wukongs soar and fight midair on their way to the Western Heaven. A testimonial poem reflects on the dangers of having two minds. They arrive at Spirit Vulture Mountain’s Thunderclap Treasure Monastery.
Arrival and Confrontation at Thunderclap Monastery
Thunderclap MonasteryThe two Wukongs, still fighting, arrive at Thunderclap Monastery during Tathagata’s discourse. The Eight Great Diamond Kings try to stop them as the congregation watches. Both Wukongs plead before Tathagata to resolve their identity dispute. Tathagata explains they are among four unique types of monkeys beyond classification.
The Revelation and Capture of the Six-Eared Macaque
Thunderclap MonasteryTathagata reveals that the impostor is a six-eared macaque, a unique type of monkey. The six-eared macaque, upon being exposed, tries to escape by transforming into a bee. Tathagata traps the demon under his golden almsbowl. Wukong kills the six-eared macaque with his iron rod, eradicating the species.
Reunion and Preparation for the Journey
Toxic Foe MountainAfter Tathagata's blessing, Wukong returns with Guanyin to reunite with Sanzang. Guanyin assures Sanzang that Wukong is the true disciple and must accompany him on the journey westward. Zhu Bajie returns with recovered luggage after killing impostors. The pilgrims reunite, resolve conflicts, organize their luggage, and prepare to continue their journey westward with renewed unity.