Chapter seventy-eight
Pitying the children at Bhiksu, he summons deities.
In the golden hall, he exposes the demon.
bǐqiūliánzǐqiǎnyīnshén比丘怜子遣阴神jīndiànshímótándàodé金殿识魔谈道德
How to read this chart:
The Great Sage's Triumph Over Demons
Lion-Camel RidgeAfter subduing demons with Tathagata's help, the pilgrims depart from Lion Camel Kingdom and continue their westward journey through winter landscapes.
Arrival at Young Masters' City
Young Masters' City (Bhiksu Kingdom)The pilgrims meet an old soldier at the city gate, who mistakes Wukong for a deity. They learn the city was formerly Bhiksu Kingdom, now renamed Young Masters' City.
Goose Coops Mystery
Young Masters' City (Bhiksu Kingdom)Noticing goose coops outside every home, Wukong transforms into a bee and discovers each contains a young boy, all under seven years old.
Revelation at the Postal Station
Young Masters' City (Bhiksu Kingdom)At the postal station, Sanzang presses the station master for answers. Reluctantly, the master reveals the king is under a Daoist's influence, who claims a potion made from 1,111 boys' hearts will grant immortality. The boys are kept for slaughter, and grieving parents are powerless. He warns Sanzang not to interfere.
The King's Obsession and Daoist's Scheme
Young Masters' City (Bhiksu Kingdom)The king, obsessed with Queen Beauty, becomes gravely ill. The Daoist, his father-in-law and a demon in disguise, claims a potion made from 1,111 boys' hearts will grant immortality, leading to the boys' imprisonment.
Sanzang's Distress and Disciples' Plan
Young Masters' City (Bhiksu Kingdom)Sanzang is devastated by the king’s cruelty. Bajie suggests indifference, Wujing proposes confronting the king, and Wukong decides to rescue the boys in secret.
Wukong's Nighttime Rescue
Young Masters' City (Bhiksu Kingdom)Wukong summons gods and spirits to transport all the boys and their coops out of the city to safety in the mountains. A cold wind marks the rescue’s success.
Preparing for Court
Young Masters' City (Bhiksu Kingdom)The next morning, Wukong confirms the boys are safe. The pilgrims prepare to attend court, planning to confront the king and Daoist, with Wukong secretly protecting Sanzang.
Sanzang Departs for Court
Young Masters' City (Bhiksu Kingdom)Sanzang departs for court, with Bajie and Wujing staying behind. Wukong transforms into a mole cricket and hides in Sanzang's hat.
Sanzang at the Royal Court
Young Masters' City (Bhiksu Kingdom)Sanzang arrives at court, requests certification for his travel rescript, and is received by the frail king, who affixes his seal.
Wukong's Secret Investigation
Young Masters' City (Bhiksu Kingdom)After Sanzang leaves, Wukong, disguised as a mosquito, overhears the Commander report that a cold wind swept away all the boys from the coops.
Daoist Proposes Sanzang's Heart
Young Masters' City (Bhiksu Kingdom)The king and Daoist discuss the missing boys. The Daoist proposes using Sanzang’s heart for a superior elixir, and the king orders the postal station surrounded.
Wukong's Warning
Young Masters' City (Bhiksu Kingdom)Wukong rushes back, warning of the Daoist’s plot to capture Sanzang. Sanzang faints from shock; Bajie and Wujing are alarmed.
Magical Identity Swap and Arrest
Young Masters' City (Bhiksu Kingdom)Wukong uses magic to swap appearances with Sanzang. The guards arrive and mistakenly arrest Wukong, disguised as Sanzang.