Chapter seventy-two
At Cobweb Cave, the seven passions confuse the true nature.
At Purgation Spring, Bajie loses his composure.
pánsīdòngqīqíngmíběn盘丝洞七情迷本zhuógòuquánbājièwàngxíng濯垢泉八戒忘形
How to read this chart:
Arrival and Sanzang's Decision to Beg for Food
Cobweb RidgeAfter leaving Scarlet-Purple Kingdom, Sanzang insists on begging for food at a nearby household, despite Wukong and Bajie's protests.
Village Encounter and Ball Game
Cobweb RidgeSanzang observes a tranquil village, notices only young women, and watches three of them skillfully play an elaborate ball game.
Invitation and Suspicion
Cobweb RidgeSanzang is invited inside by the women, but the cold and unwelcoming interior raises his suspicion.
The Trap: Sanzang Captured
Cobweb RidgeThe demon-spirits secretly cook human flesh and brains, disguised as vegetarian dishes, and offer them to Sanzang. He refuses to eat, citing his lifelong vegetarianism, and tries to leave. The women accuse him of hypocrisy, forcibly capture him, bind him with ropes, and hang him from a beam in the painful pose called 'Immortal Pointing the Way.'
Disciples Investigate the Disturbance
Cobweb RidgeWukong notices a glowing web, consults a local spirit, and learns that powerful demon-spirits have taken over Cobweb Cave and Purgation Spring.
Demon-Spirits Bathe and Plot
Purgation SpringThe demon-spirits go to bathe at Purgation Spring, discussing plans to cook Sanzang. Wukong secretly observes their actions.
Wukong's Trick: Stealing Clothes
Purgation SpringWukong transforms into a hawk, steals the demon-spirits' clothes, leaving them trapped in the pool, and returns to Bajie and Wujing to plan the rescue.
Bajie's Aquatic Battle
Purgation SpringBajie jumps into the pool, transforms into a fish, and skillfully evades the demon-spirits, exhausting them with his agility.
Bajie Trapped by Magical Threads
Cobweb RidgeAfter reverting to his original form, Bajie is trapped and immobilized by magical threads spun by the demon-spirits.
Demons Summon Insect-Spirits
Cobweb CaveThe demon-spirits retreat to their cave and summon seven insect-spirits, tasking them to attack the pilgrims in retaliation.
Insect Ambush
Cobweb RidgeThe insect-spirits attack in swarms, biting Bajie and the others. Bajie struggles while Wukong and Wujing prepare to counter the assault. Wukong transforms his hairs into hawks, which swiftly eliminate the insect-spirits by pecking and clawing them.
Rescue and Burning of the Cave
Cobweb CaveThe disciples rescue Sanzang from the cave, search for the fleeing demon-spirits, and burn down the cave dwelling before continuing their journey.