Chapter sixty-four
At Bramble Ridge, Bajie exerts great effort.
At Shrine of Sylvan Immortals Sanzang discusses poetry.
jīngjílǐngnàinéngnǔlì荆棘岭悟能努力mùxiānānsānzàngtánshī木仙庵三藏谈诗
How to read this chart:
Departure from the Sacrifice Kingdom
Jisai KingdomSanzang and his disciples are sent off by the king with new clothing and supplies. The monks accompany them for miles until Wukong uses magic to transform into a tiger to scare away monks who insist on following further.
Journey Through Bramble Ridge
Thorn RidgeThe pilgrims encounter a dense bramble-covered ridge. Bajie clears the path with his rake while traveling for two days and nights, passing under a stone monument marking 'Bramble Ridge' before reaching an old shrine.
Encounter with the Local Spirit of Bramble Ridge
Thorn RidgeAn old man claimed to be local spirit offers steamed cakes to the pilgrims at an isolated shrine. Wukong detects deception and halts Bajie from accepting the offering, suspecting the spirit's true intentions.
Abduction of Sanzang
Thorn RidgeThe old man transforms into a gust of wind and takes Sanzang.
The Master's Disappearance
Thorn RidgeThe disciples are left confused and frightened. They search frantically for their vanished master but find no trace.
Encounter and Poetry with the Four Old Men
Thorn RidgeSanzang is taken by an old man to a secluded stone house, where he meets three other ancient immortals. They introduce themselves, discuss Chan philosophy, and engage in a poetic exchange on enlightenment and longevity. The group moves to the Shrine of Sylvan Immortals, where Sanzang cautiously joins them for tea and food. A spirited poetry contest follows, deepening their mutual respect and admiration.
Arrival of the Immortal Girl
Thorn RidgeAs the poetic exchanges continue, two blue-robed maidens enter with an immortal girl. She appears flirtatiously and is described as alluringly beautiful, resembling a goddess or historical figure from legend. She is introduced as the Apricot Immortal, daughter of the Master Void-Surmounting.
Tea Gathering and Poetic Exchange
Thorn RidgeShe serves tea and exchanges poetry with the four old men, then attempts to seduce Sanzang through flirtatious conversation despite his reluctance.
Monk's Escape and Disciples' Arrival
Thorn RidgeSanzang escapes his captors as Wukong, Bajie, and Wujing arrive. The villains vanish upon the disciples' approach. Sanzang recounts being lured by four immortals and an immortal girl who attempted to marry him through poetry, flattery, and seduction.
Identification and Destruction of Tree Spirits
Thorn RidgeThe disciples find a shrine surrounded by various ancient trees. Wukong reveals that the trees are the spirits who abducted Sanzang. Bajie and Wukong destroy the trees, despite Sanzang's objections, to prevent future harm.
Departure from Shrine
Thorn RidgeWith all tree spirits destroyed, the group helps Sanzang mount their journey westward again, leaving the site to continue their pilgrimage.