Chapter seventy-seven
A horde of demons violate true nature.
The whole being pays homage to True Suchness.
qúnmóqīběnxìng群魔欺本性yītǐbàizhēnrú一体拜真如
How to read this chart:
Battle at Lion-Camel Ridge
Lion-Camel RidgeThe Great Sage, Bajie, and Wujing engage in a fierce battle with three demon chiefs. The fight intensifies as all six combatants use magic and weapons, leading to the capture of Bajie and Wujing by two demons.
Wukong's Capture
Lion-Camel CaveWukong attempts to escape but is caught by the roc demon and bound with his companions.
Captivity and Conversation
Lion-Camel CaveThe captured disciples are discovered by Sanzang, who is distraught. Despite their dire situation, Wukong reassures them and devises a plan to escape while they discuss the demons' intention to steam them.
Demons' Steaming Plot
Lion-Camel CaveThe demons order the pilgrims to be steamed and eaten, assigning fiends to prepare the kitchen.
Dragon King's Protection
Lion-Camel CaveWukong uses a magical hair to create a decoy and escapes, leaving his false form in the steamer. The Dragon King of the North Sea (Ao shun) is summoned by Wukong to protect Sanzang from being steamed. The dragon transforms into a cold wind, preventing the heat from harming them.
Steamer Plot and Wukong's Fly Transformation
Lion-Camel CaveHe transforms into a black fly to check on his companions, overhearing their conversation and confirming they are unharmed due to the Dragon King's protection.
Rescue and Retrieval of the Horse
Lion-Camel CaveWukong uses magical sleep-inducing insects to incapacitate the demons tending the fire. He rescues Sanzang, Bajie, and Wujing from the steamer, retrieves their horse (a dragon), and reclaims their luggage.
Pilgrims' Escape and Demons' Realization
Lion-Camel RidgeThe group attempts to flee but faces locked exits. They scale a wall to escape, only for the demon chiefs to wake and discover their disappearance.
Demons Discover Pilgrims' Escape
Lion-Camel CaveThe demons discover that the steamer layers are scattered and the fire-tending little demons are asleep. They panic, realizing the pilgrims have escaped.
Capture at Lion-Camel Ridge Gates
Lion-Camel RidgeThe demons chase the pilgrims scaling the wall, capturing Wujing, Bajie, and Sanzang while Wukong escapes. The old demon questions how they were captured.
Plan to Hide Sanzang
Lion-Camel CaveThe demons decide to hide Sanzang in an iron chest within a sealed pavilion, spreading rumors that he was eaten alive to lure Wukong.
Wukong's Investigation
Lion-Camel CaveDisguised as a demon, Wukong learns of Sanzang's supposed death from captured companions. He resolves to investigate further despite grief.
Wukong's Vow and Departure
Lion-Camel RidgeGrieving, Wukong vows to confront Buddha in India about Sanzang's fate. He prepares to fly to Spirit Mountain to demand answers.
Wukong's Tragic Tale
Thunderclap MonasteryWukong explains that the Lion-Camel City demons captured Sanzang and bound them. He begs Tathagata to remove his headband so he can rescue them.
Revealing the Demon-Spirits' Origins
Thunderclap MonasteryTathagata reveals that two demons are subordinates of Manjusri and Samantabhadra, while the third (a great roc) is indirectly related to him through a past encounter.
The Peacock's Backstory
Thunderclap MonasteryTathagata explains that the peacock once devoured him, but he escaped through its back to avoid defilement. He spared the peacock, appointing it as Buddha-Mother, Bodhisattva Mahamayuri, and clarifies that the great roc is related to him as a son of the peacock, therefore his nephew.
Provoking Battle at Lion-Camel Ridge
Lion-Camel RidgeWukong provokes the demons to battle as instructed by Tathagata. After feigning defeat, he retreats into Buddha's radiance, leading to the ambush of the three demon kings.
Manjusri and Samantabhadra Subdue Two Demons
Lion-Camel RidgeManjusri and Samantabhadra recite a spell to subdue the green lion and white elephant, forcing them into lotus thrones. The demons submit after being terror-stricken.
Buddha Subdues Golden-Winged Great Roc
Thunderclap MonasteryThe golden-winged great roc attacks Wukong but is trapped by Tathagata, who turns his head into a piece of meat to lure and subdue the demon. The roc becomes Buddha's guardian.
Wukong Rescues Sanzang from Iron Chest
Lion-Camel CaveAfter the battle, Wukong finds an empty city. He locates the brocade-fragrance pavilion, opens an iron chest to rescue Sanzang, who was imprisoned there.