Chapter eighty-one
At Sea-Pacifying Monastery, Wukong recognizes the demon.
In the Black Pine Forest, three pupils seek their master.
zhènhǎisìxīnyuánzhīguài镇海寺心猿知怪hēisōnglínsānzhòngxúnshī黑松林三众寻师
How to read this chart:
Arrival at Sea-Pacifying Monastery
Sea-Pacifying Chan Grove MonasterySanzang and his disciples arrive at the monastery, eat a meal provided by local monks, and interact with the abbot. The abbot expresses concern about where to place the rescued girl for the night.
Resting at the Monastery
Sea-Pacifying Chan Grove MonasteryThe group rests in the abbot's chamber. Sanzang insists on resting, while Wukong, Bajie, and Wujing guard him.
The Girl Sleeps in Devaraja Hall
Sea-Pacifying Chan Grove MonasteryThe girl is sent to sleep in Devaraja Hall.
Sanzang Falls Ill
Sea-Pacifying Chan Grove MonasterySanzang falls ill with fever. His disciples debate the cause of his sickness, with Wukong dismissing it as minor and Bajie suggesting they sell their belongings for a coffin.
Sanzang Writes to Emperor Taizong
Sea-Pacifying Chan Grove MonasterySanzang writes a letter to Emperor Taizong, expressing his inability to continue the journey due to illness. Wukong mocks his pessimism and vows to protect him.
Wukong Fetches Water and Confronts Monks
Sea-Pacifying Chan Grove MonasteryWukong fetches water for Sanzang but encounters weeping monks. He accuses them of petty resentment and confronts their behavior.
Wukong Vows to Defeat the Demon
Sea-Pacifying Chan Grove MonasteryMonks reveal that a demon has been devouring six of their members over three days, leaving only bones. Wukong confidently vows to eliminate the demon despite warnings about its spiritual powers and potential retaliation against the temple. After Sanzang partially recovers from illness via cold water, Wukong insists on confronting the demon that night, dismissing concerns it might be too dangerous.
Wukong's Vigil in the Main Hall
Sea-Pacifying Chan Grove MonasteryWukong instructs Bajie and Wujing to guard Sanzang, then patrols the main hall at night. Using immortal fire to light the chalice, he chants scriptures as a disguised young monk while observing omens of an impending threat.
Demoness's Deception and Battle
Sea-Pacifying Chan Grove MonasteryA stormy night brings a seductive girl who attempts to lure Wukong. After recognizing her as a demon, they engage in combat in the rear garden with swords and staffs until she escapes using an illusion tactic.
Sanzang is Abducted
Bottomless CaveWhile Wukong fights the spirit's decoy, she abducts Sanzang to her cave and prepares a 'wedding' feast, leaving Wukong enraged upon discovering his master's disappearance.
Resolution to Rescue Sanzang
Sea-Pacifying Chan Grove MonasteryAfter a failed attempt to capture the demon-spirit, Wukong, Bajie, and Wujing resolve to search for Sanzang. Monks offer breakfast, which they accept before preparing to leave.
Searching the Black Pine Forest
Black Pine ForestThe trio returns to the forest where Sanzang was last seen but finds only wilderness and no trace of him. Wukong becomes frustrated and summons local deities. They reveal that Sanzang has been taken to Void-Entrapping Mountain's Bottomless Cave, 1,000 miles south.
Journey to Void-Entrapping Mountain
The group travels via cloud and wind-powered transportation toward the mountain. They encounter a perilous landscape, with Bajie sent to scout ahead while Wukong and Wujing remain on guard.