Chapter six
Guanyin attends the gathering to inquire about the cause.
The Little Sage displays his might and subdues the Great Sage.
guānyīnfùhuìwènyuányīn观音赴会问原因xiǎoshèngshīwēijiàngdàshèng小圣施威降大圣
How to read this chart:
The Festival's Disarray and Guanyin's Inquiry
Jasper PoolBodhisattva Guanyin arrives at the Jasper Pool to find the Grand Festival of Immortal Peaches ruined. After consulting with deities, she learns about the chaotic rebellion led by a baneful monkey born on Flower-Fruit Mountain who has caused widespread disruption in Heaven.
Muzha's Report and Engagement at Flower-Fruit Mountain
Flower-Fruit MountainGuanyin's disciple Muzha investigates the battle against Wukong. He discovers a tightly encircled mountain and learns from Devaraja Li about previous failed attempts to subdue the Great Sage, culminating in Wukong's magical retreat.
The Battle Between Muzha and the Great Sage
Flower-Fruit MountainVolunteering to confront Wukong, Muzha engages in an intense rod-fighting duel with the Great Sage. Despite his skills as Guanyin's disciple, Wukong overpowers him using supernatural agility and ferocity.
Devaraja Li's Request for Help
Flower-Fruit MountainAfter Muzha's defeat, Devaraja Li writes a memorial to Heaven. Demon King Mahabali and Prince Muzha deliver the request for assistance from the Jade Emperor.
Guanyin Recommends Erlang
HeavenThe Jade Emperor discusses the failed campaign against Wukong with Guanyin, who recommends his nephew Erlang as the only capable warrior to capture the Monkey King.
Erlang Assembles His Troops
River of Libations TempleErlang receives the imperial edict, gathers his Six Brothers of Plum Mountain and divine soldiers, prepares for battle at Flower-Fruit Mountain with strategic instructions.
Strategic Setup at Flower-Fruit Mountain
Flower-Fruit MountainErlang directs the cosmic nets to be tightly drawn (except the top) and coordinates with divine commanders for surveillance, preparing a transformation contest against Wukong.
Confrontation at Water Curtain Cave
Water-Curtain CaveThe Monkey King readies for battle against Erlang and his forces, positioning his troops in a coiled dragon formation while Erlang prepares to challenge him.
Confrontation between the Great Sage and Erlang
Water-Curtain CaveThe Great Sage (Wukong) and Erlang engage in a fierce battle. Erlang declares himself the appointed deity to capture Wukong, leading to an intense fight with magical transformations of both combatants. The battle lasts over 300 rounds without resolution.
Transformations and Escape Attempt
Water-Curtain CaveAs Wukong's troops are routed, he transforms into a sparrow to escape. Erlang pursues with counter-transformations (sparrow hawk, cormorant) until Wukong shifts between aquatic forms (fish, water snake). The chase continues as both use magical transformations to outwit each other.
Wukong's Temple Transformation Trick
Flower-Fruit MountainWukong transforms into a small temple, using his mouth as the entrance, teeth as doors, tongue as the Bodhisattva, eyes as windows, and tail as a flagpole. Erlang sees through the trick by noticing the odd flagpole and threatens to smash the 'windows' and 'doors,' forcing Wukong to escape. The Six Brothers of Plum Mountain arrive but cannot find Wukong, who has vanished again.
Discussion with Devaraja Li
Flower-Fruit MountainErlang consults Devaraja Li about Wukong's movements. Devaraja reveals Wukong is heading for the River of Libations.
Wukong Infiltrates Erlang's Temple
River of Libations TempleWukong, fleeing from Erlang, transforms himself into the likeness of Holy Father Erlang and enters the River of Libations temple. The magistrates mistake him for Erlang and receive him with offerings. The real Erlang soon arrives, exposes Wukong's disguise, and the two resume their battle, fighting from the temple all the way back to Flower-Fruit Mountain.
Battle at Flower-Fruit Mountain
Flower-Fruit MountainErlang and heavenly forces engage Wukong in an intense battle, but he evades capture until reinforcements arrive.
Consultation with Heavenly Officials
HeavenThe Jade Emperor and divine officials discuss Wukong's capture. Guanyin proposes to assist Erlang by throwing her immaculate vase at Wukong, but Laozi cautions her about its fragility and instead offers his own indestructible diamond snare, which he claims is charged with theurgical power and has served him as a protective weapon.
Capture of the Monkey King
Flower-Fruit MountainLaozi throws the diamond snare from Heaven, aiming to help Erlang subdue Wukong. Laozi's diamond snare and Erlang's hound combine to subdue Wukong, ending his transformation abilities.
Retreat and Clean-Up Orders Given
Flower-Fruit MountainErlang orders the four brothers (Kang, Zhang, Yao, Li) to clean up the mountain and return to the River of Libations. The Devas retreat their troops, congratulate Erlang on his accomplishment.
Capture Report at Hall of Perfect Light
HeavenThe Heavenly Preceptor reports to the Jade Emperor about capturing Wukong. The Emperor orders Mahabali and celestial guardians to execute Wukong at the demon execution block.