Chapter seventy-three
Disaster arises from old grudges and passionate feelings.
Wukong, trapped by demons, luckily stops the light.
qíngyīnjiùhènshēngzāidú情因旧恨生灾毒xīnzhǔzāomóxìngpòguāng心主遭魔幸破光
How to read this chart:
Arrival at Yellow Flower Abbey
Yellow Flower AbbeyThe group arrives at the Daoist abbey, noting its serene and mystical environment. Sanzang dismounts, and they enter to meet the Daoist resident, who offers tea.
Spider Demons Alerted
Yellow Flower AbbeyYoung lads preparing tea disturb the seven spider demons, the schoolmates of the Daoist, who are residing in the abbey. Alerted to the pilgrims' presence, the spider demons told him about Sanzang's capture at their cave and Bajie's harassment at the Purgation Stream. The spider demons urge the Daoist to avenge these grievances.
Poison Prepared
Yellow Flower AbbeyThe Daoist crafts a deadly poison from mountain bird dung and crushes it into red dates. He divides the poisoned dates into four tea mugs, planning to kill Sanzang's disciples.
Poisoned Tea Served
Yellow Flower AbbeyThe Daoist serves tea with poisoned dates to Sanzang's group. Wukong requested an exchange of mugs, but was refused. Bajie, Wujing, and Sanzang fall ill after drinking the poisoned tea. Wukong realizes they have been poisoned and confronts the Daoist.
Battle with Daoist and Spider Demons
Yellow Flower AbbeyWukong battles the Daoist, and the seven spider-spirit demons join the fight, attacking with magical webs.
Local Spirit Summoned
Yellow Flower AbbeyAfter escaping the demons' web trap, Wukong summons a local spirit to identify the villains as spider spirits from Cobweb Cave.
Battle Against Spider Spirits
Yellow Flower AbbeyWukong uses magical hair clones to create seventy small Pilgrims who destroy the spider spirits' web, capturing seven giant spiders. The spiders beg for mercy but are subdued by Wukong's force.
Confrontation with Many-Eyed Demon
Yellow Flower AbbeyThe Daoist uses a thousand eyes emitting golden beams to trap Wukong, who transforms into a pangolin to escape. The battle leaves Wukong injured and frustrated by the Daoist's magic.
Revelation on the Mountain Path
Yellow Flower AbbeyAfter escaping the Daoist's golden beams, Wukong meets a mourning woman whose husband was poisoned by the Daoist. She reveals herself as the Old Mother of Mount Li and advises Wukong to seek help from Bodhisattva Pilanpo at Thousand Flowers Cave to defeat the Demon Lord of a Hundred Eyes, urging haste due to the potency of the poison.
Arrival at Thousand Flowers Cave
Thousand Flowers CaveWukong arrives at the cave, marvels at its scenery, and meets Bodhisattva Pilanpo. She confirms her identity as Bodhisattva Pilanpo, who recognizes Wukong from his past.
Obtaining the Embroidery Needle
Yellow Flower AbbeyBodhisattva Pilanpo uses her magical embroidery needle to destroy the Daoist’s golden beams at Yellow Flower Abbey. She explains the needle's unique origin tied to Star Lord Orion.
Administering Antidotes
Yellow Flower AbbeyBodhisattva Pilanpo gives antidote pills to Sanzang, Bajie, and Wujing. The poisoned pilgrims recover after vomiting out the poison.
Discussion with Bodhisattva Pilanpo
Yellow Flower AbbeyBajie urges confronting the Daoist, but Bodhisattva Pilanpo intervenes. She offers to take the Daoist back and have him guard her cave.
Centipede Revealed and Explanation
Yellow Flower AbbeyBodhisattva Pilanpo points at the Daoist, causing him to revert to his true form—a giant centipede. She lifts him with her finger and departs to Thousand Flowers Cave.
Departure and Destruction of the Abbey
Yellow Flower AbbeyWukong explains to the group that Bodhisattva Pilanpo is the mother of Star Lord Orionis (the rooster), and chickens are natural enemies of centipedes. Sanzang expresses gratitude before they prepare to leave. Wukong sets the abbey on fire, destroying it completely as they depart.