Chapter eighty
The maiden nurtures yang and seeks a companion.
Wukong protects his master and recognizes the demon.
chànǚyùyángqiúpèiǒu姹女育阳求配偶xīnyuánhùzhǔshíyāoxié心猿护主识妖邪
How to read this chart:
Escorted Out of the City
Young Masters' City (Bhiksu Kingdom)The Bhiksu king and his subjects escort Sanzang and his disciples out of the city for twenty miles. Despite the king's insistence to stay, Sanzang refuses to leave his imperial chariot until he mounts his horse and departs, with the escorts returning only after the pilgrims vanish.
Crossing the Mountain and Entering the Pine Forest
Pine ForestThe pilgrims encounter a tall, rugged mountain and traverse it before reaching a dense, ominous pine forest. Sanzang fears hidden dangers in the forest, but Wukong clears a path for the group. They rest briefly as Wukong takes the alms-bowl to forage for food.
Wukong Observes Black Fumes
Pine ForestWukong soars midair, admiring Sanzang's auspicious aura and reflecting on his own past. He notices mysterious black fumes rising from the south, hinting at an emerging threat.
Sanzang Finds the Bound Girl
Pine ForestSanzang, while his disciples are away, hears a faint cry for help and discovers a beautiful girl bound to a tree, her upper body tied and her lower body buried in the earth. The girl, actually a female demon in disguise, weeps and tells a convincing story of being abducted by bandits, moving Sanzang to tears and compassion. Bajie and Wujing arrive and prepare to rescue her, but Wukong, sensing danger from black fumes, returns in time.
Wukong's Warning and Departure
Pine ForestWukong intervenes, recognizing the girl as a female demon and stops Bajie from untying her, warning Sanzang of the deception. Sanzang is skeptical and torn between compassion and caution, but ultimately agrees to leave the girl tied up, and the group departs, though Sanzang is troubled by guilt.
The Demon’s Second Plea
Pine ForestAs the pilgrims leave, the female demon uses magic to send a plaintive call to Sanzang, appealing to his compassion and Buddhist virtue.
Sanzang's Dilemma
Pine ForestSanzang alone hears the call and insists on returning to rescue her, despite Wukong’s repeated warnings and the disciples’ doubts. Sanzang argues that saving a life is a supreme virtue, and Wukong, frustrated, allows Sanzang to take responsibility.
Rescue and Debate on Compassion
Pine ForestSanzang and Bajie untie the female demon and dig her out, and she follows them out of the forest, acting grateful and obedient. Wukong warns that traveling with a young woman could bring legal and moral trouble, and that freeing her may put her in greater danger from wild animals. The group debates how to transport her: Sanzang suggests Bajie carry her, but Bajie refuses, fearing false accusations. Sanzang finally decides to walk with her, and Bajie leads the horse, while Wukong remains suspicious.
Arrival at the Ruined Temple
Sea-Pacifying Chan Grove MonasteryThe group arrives at a dilapidated temple as night falls. Sanzang is saddened by the decay and recites a lament for the ruined bell. A hidden temple worker, frightened by the noise, throws a brick at the bell, startling Sanzang. The worker emerges and explains the situation, calming Sanzang.
The Temple’s Dual State
Sea-Pacifying Chan Grove MonasteryThe temple worker explains that the front of the monastery is left in ruins and occupied by bandits for their own protection, while the monks and patrons have built a well-maintained new section in the back for religious practice. Sanzang is surprised by the contrast and learns about the dangers of the region.
Encounter with the Lama Monk
Sea-Pacifying Chan Grove MonasteryA lama monk interrogates Sanzang about his journey to the West, doubting his story. Upon learning of his disciples' arrival outside, young monks fearfully describe their 'ugly' appearance (including Wukong's thundergod beak and Bajie's pestle-like snout), but Sanzang reassures them that they are his loyal followers. The disciples enter cautiously, causing initial alarm before being welcomed.