Chapter sixty-nine
At night, Wukong refines medicine.
At the banquet, the king discusses the demon.
xīnzhǔyèjiānxiūyàowù心主夜间修药物jūnwángyánshànglùnyāoxié君王筵上论妖邪
How to read this chart:
Pulse Examination and Diagnosis
Scarlet-Purple KingdomWukong examines the king’s pulse using golden threads, diagnosing an illness rooted in anxiety and fear, metaphorically called 'Paired Birds in Severance.' The king acknowledges the diagnosis and asks for medicine.
Medicine Procurement and Preparation
Scarlet-Purple KingdomWukong requests all 880 types of medicine to ensure flexibility in treatment. The medicines and utensils are delivered to the College of Interpreters, while Sanzang is kept at Wenhua Palace Hall as a guarantee until the king recovers.
Nighttime Medicine Making and Elixir Creation
College of InterpretersLate at night, Wukong and his disciples prepare medicine by grinding Dahuang and Badou, collecting soot, and persuading the dragon-horse to provide urine. They mix these into three large pills called the 'Elixir of Black Gold.'
Ritual for Sourceless Water and Summoning Rain
Scarlet-Purple KingdomWukong humorously lists impossible supplements before requesting 'sourceless water'—rainwater untouched by the ground. The king initiates a ritual to obtain sourceless water. Wukong summons the Dragon King, who creates rain by spitting saliva, and palace officials collect the rainwater for the medicine.
The King's Recovery
Scarlet-Purple KingdomThe king takes the Elixir of Black Gold with the rainwater, purges his illness, and quickly recovers his health.
Banquet of Gratitude and Revelations
Scarlet-Purple KingdomThe king holds a grand banquet to thank Wukong and his disciples. Sanzang abstains from wine, so Wukong drinks for him. Bajie complains about not being toasted, prompting the king to discuss the medicine. The king reveals his three-year illness stemmed from anxiety over his consort’s abduction by the demon Jupiter’s Rival, who repeatedly returns to demand palace maidens. The king promises to surrender his kingdom if Wukong rescues the queen.
The King's Plea and the Demon’s Threats
Scarlet-Purple KingdomThe king leads Wukong, Bajie, Wujing, Sanzang, and officials to inspect the Fiend Shelter, a deep underground chamber built to protect against the demon’s attacks, explaining its structure and use.
The Demon’s Arrival and Confrontation
Scarlet-Purple KingdomA fierce wind announces the demon’s arrival. The king and officials hide in the shelter, while Wukong, Bajie, and Wujing remain to confront the demon. Wukong prepares to challenge the demon and rescue the queen.