Chapter sixty-two
To cleanse filth and purify the mind, simply sweep the pagoda.
To bind demons and return to righteousness is true self-cultivation.
dígòuxǐxīnwéisǎotǎ润垢洗心唯扫塔fùmóguīzhèngnǎixiūshēn缚魔归正乃修身
How to read this chart:
Arrival at the Kingdom of Jisai's Capital
Jisai KingdomThe group approaches a grand walled city resembling a royal capital. Wukong identifies it as likely the domain of a ruler due to its size and grandeur, but they remain uncertain until entering.
Encounter and Plea of the Monks of Golden Ray Monastery
Golden Ray MonasterySanzang and his disciples find destitute monks in cangues and locks inside the neglected monastery. The monks describe the former glory of the Golden Ray Monastery and how a rainstorm of blood defiled the pagoda, ending tributes and causing fear. Officials falsely accused the monks of theft, leading to arrests and deaths among the clergy. The surviving monks plead for Sanzang's help to clear their names and restore the monastery.
Sanzang Prepares to Cleanse the Pagoda
Golden Ray MonasterySanzang proposes to bathe and then sweep the pagoda as a ritual to discover the cause of its defilement. The monks ask Bajie to cut the chains of the imprisoned young priests, but Wukong uses his magic to unlock them instead. The freed young priests prepare a meal and scented bath for Sanzang, while other monks fetch new brooms for the ritual.
Pagoda Cleansing Ritual
Golden Ray MonasterySanzang and Wukong begin cleaning the pagoda tier by tier, with monks assisting at the start. Sanzang prays for divine guidance while they discover decay and neglect inside the structure.
Wukong Discovers and Confronts the Demons
Golden Ray MonasteryAs Sanzang grows weary while cleaning the pagoda, Wukong ascends alone and hears voices on the top tier. He discovers two demon-spirits (Busy Bubble and Bubble Busy) drinking and gambling atop the treasure pagoda. Using his magic, he attacks them with his golden-hooped rod but spares their lives to extract a confession about the stolen Buddhist treasures.
Demons Confess and Their Fate is Debated
Golden Ray MonasteryWukong presents the captured demons to Sanzang, who hears their confession about being sent by the All Saints Dragon King to guard the stolen Buddhist treasure and nine-leaved agaric plant hidden in their lagoon. Bajie arrives and questions Wukong's decision to spare the demons; they agree to imprison them temporarily as informants while planning to confront the dragon king.
Audience with the King and Petition for Justice
Jisai KingdomSanzang and Wukong petition the king for travel certification, explaining the troubles stem from stolen monastery treasures and the monks' wrongful accusation. Sanzang asserts the monks' innocence and reveals the true thieves have been captured. The king, pleased, orders the fiends brought for interrogation.
Procession and Escort of the Demonic Thieves
Jisai KingdomWukong leads a grand procession from the Golden Ray Monastery to the palace, with Bajie and Wujing escorting the captured demons. The spectacle draws public attention as they travel through the city.
Interrogation of the Demonic Thieves
Jisai KingdomThe two demons confess their origin as fish demons under the All Saints Dragon King, reveal their names (Busy Bubble and Bubble Busy), and admit to stealing the treasure.
Banquet in the Unicorn Hall
Jisai KingdomThe king hosts a lavish banquet, offering meat and vegetarian dishes. Bajie consumes freely while the monks (except Sanzang) partake in the meal.
Devising a Plan to Capture the Bandit Chief
Jisai KingdomThe king requests a plan to capture the bandit chief. Wukong volunteers, but Bajie insists on accompanying him immediately without delay.
Setting Out with the Demons
Jisai KingdomThe disciples prepare to leave the palace, refusing the king's offered weapons and requesting two captured demons as informants. After a farewell gesture with wine, Wukong and Bajie use magic to fly southeast, leaving Sanzang and Wujing behind temporarily.