Chapter seventy-six
Wukong returns home, the demon returns to true nature.
Bajie subdues the demon's true form.
xīnshénjūshěmóguīxìng心神居舍魔归性mùmǔtóngjiàngguàitǐzhēn木母同降怪体真
How to read this chart:
Mercy Bargained, Trap Plotted
Lion-Camel CaveThe lion demon begs Wukong for mercy and offers to escort Sanzang across the mountain. The roc demon secretly suggests biting Wukong as he exits, but Wukong overhears and, instead of leaving, creates a magical rope from his hair and ties it to the demon's heart as a precaution.
Escape and Rope Duel
Lion-Camel RidgeWukong escapes through the demon's nose, fights off the demons, and tugs the rope tied to the old demon's heart, forcing the demons to surrender and plead for mercy.
Wukong Releases the Demon
Lion-Camel CaveThe old demon complains about the rope tied to his heart. Wukong retrieves his magical hair, relieving the demon, and the demons agree to escort Sanzang across the mountain.
Bajie's Greed Exposed
Lion-Camel RidgeSanzang is distraught while Bajie divides their belongings, believing Wukong is dead. Wukong returns, confronts Bajie for his greed, and reveals he was not devoured by the demons.
Second Demon Plots Ambush
Lion-Camel CaveThe second demon mocks Wukong and prepares to ambush the group with an army of 3,000 demons, revealing that their promise to escort Sanzang was a deception.
Bajie Captured in Battle
Lion-Camel RidgeBajie fights the second demon with a rope tied around his waist as a lifeline, but Wukong lets go, causing Bajie to be captured by the demon.
Sanzang Rebukes Wukong and Commands Bajie's Rescue
Lion-Camel RidgeSanzang scolds Wukong for abandoning Bajie, but Wukong explains that he wanted Bajie to learn the hardships of their journey. Sanzang then orders Wukong to rescue Bajie, warning that Bajie is not agile and may suffer harm in captivity.
Wukong's Insect Infiltration
Lion-Camel RidgeWukong transforms into a tiny mole cricket, sneaks into the demon cave through Bajie's ear, and observes the demons planning to soak Bajie in a pond to remove his hair.
Demons Prepare Bajie's Demise
Lion-Camel CaveThe second demon takes Bajie inside the cave. The old demon dismisses Bajie as useless, and the third demon suggests soaking him in a pond to remove his hair before cooking him.
Wukong Tricks Bajie
Lion-Camel RidgeWukong, disguised as a summoning officer, tricks Bajie into revealing his hidden silver savings and retrieves the money from Bajie's ear, exchanging insults in the process.
Bajie's Rescue and Escape
Lion-Camel CaveWukong rescues Bajie from the pond, fights off the demons with his iron rod, and the two escape through the front of the cave after a fierce battle.
Wukong and Bajie Subdue the Second Demon
Lion-Camel RidgeThe second demon confronts Wukong with a lance, leading to a fierce magical battle. Wukong skillfully resists the demon's trunk attack and fights with his iron rod. Bajie, initially reluctant, joins in after encouragement, striking with his rake handle to avoid bloodshed. Together, they subdue the elephant demon, who, at Sanzang's request for mercy, is released and agrees to escort the pilgrims.
Demons Scheme Hospitality Trap
Lion-Camel CaveThe demons devise a plan called 'Seducing the Tiger to Leave Its Mountain', selecting fiends for palanquin and culinary duties.
Deceptive Escort and Hospitality Trap
Lion-Camel RidgeThe demons escort Sanzang and his disciples in a fragrant palanquin, with fiends clearing the way and supporting the carriage. At intervals, culinary demons provide elaborate vegetarian meals and comfortable rest stops. Unbeknownst to them, this hospitality is a ruse, and the demons plan to ambush and separate the group near the city.
Demon City Revealed
Lion-Camel RidgeAs the group nears the city, Wukong is overcome with terror at the sight of the city’s miasma and monstrous population. The city teems with fiends—tigers, wolves, leopards, snakes, foxes, hares, and other demonic spirits—organized in military fashion, with gates and towers guarded by animal spirits and an atmosphere thick with danger and deception.
Battle and Sanzang's Capture
Lion-Camel RidgeThe three demon chiefs launch a surprise attack as the group approaches the city, leading to a fierce battle. Wukong, Bajie, and Wujing fight valiantly.
Sanzang at the Golden Chimes Hall
Lion-Camel CaveThe demon minions drag Sanzang in his palanquin to the city gate. The city’s fiends welcome Sanzang, rolling up banners and silencing drums to avoid frightening him and keep his flesh sweet for eating, preparing to present him to their king. The captured Sanzang is brought to a grand hall, where demons offer him tea and rice. He remains unaware of their intentions as the scene closes.