Chapter eighty-two
The maiden seeks the yang.
The primordial spirit guards the way.
chànǚqiúyáng姹女求阳yuánshénhùdào元神护道
How to read this chart:
Encounter with Female Demons
Bajie encounters two female demons bailing water and insults them, leading to an attack.
Encounter with Female Demons
He flees back up the mountain, prompting Wukong's advice on tactful interaction.
Disguised Inquiry
Bajie transforms into a dark monk, greets the demons politely, and learns their mistress has captured Sanzang to marry him.
Cave Entrance Discovery
Bajie rushes back to inform Wukong and Wujing The group follows the demons deep into the mountain, discovering a cave entrance marked by carvings. Wukong confirms Sanzang is likely imprisoned inside.
Plan to Rescue Master
Bajie suggests giving up, but Wukong devises a strategy: set defenses at the entrance while he enters alone to investigate. If Sanzang is inside, Wukong will attack the demon-spirit and coordinate with Bajie and Wujing to block her escape.
Exploration of the Cave
Bottomless CaveWukong enters the cave, amazed by its bright, natural beauty resembling a paradise. He encounters a towered gate surrounded by pines and bamboo, deducing it as the demon-spirit’s residence before transforming into a fly to spy.
Demon-Spirit's Pavilion
Bottomless CaveAs a fly, Wukong observes the demon-spirit in her pavilion. She appears serene and lovely, preparing to 'marry' Sanzang after a banquet. Her beauty is vividly described as she calls for food preparations.
Rescue Strategy
Bottomless CaveWukong finds Sanzang in a room and reveals the demon-spirit’s plan. They discuss escape strategies, including Wukong disguising himself as a mole cricket to enter her wine bubbles and attack from within.
Tense Interactions
Bottomless CaveThe demon-spirit offers Sanzang a lavish vegetarian banquet and wine, while Sanzang struggles to refuse without breaking his vows or risking harm.
The Banquet and the Hidden Monkey
Bottomless CaveSanzang prays as he drinks wine offered by a demon-spirit. Wukong secretly advises him to drink it, then transforms into a cricket hidden in the bubbles of the poured wine. The demon-spirit rejects the insect but is terrified when Wukong shifts into a hawk and smashes the banquet hall.
Wukong's Transformation and Escape
Bottomless CaveWukong returns to his true form, meets Bajie and Wujing outside the cave. He explains how the demon-spirit intends to marry Sanzang. The disciples prepare for a rescue plan after learning the spirit's new scheme.
The Demon-Spirit's New Plan
Bottomless CaveThe demon-spirit, frightened by Wukong's disruption, decides to marry Sanzang regardless of dietary laws. She commands her demons to prepare for a marriage ceremony while Sanzang is kept under watch.
The Garden Rescue Strategy
Bottomless CaveWukong explains his plan to Sanzang: when taken to the garden, he will transform into a peach that Sanzang offers to the demon-spirit. Upon being eaten, Wukong will destroy her from inside.
Journey to the Garden
Bottomless CaveThe demon-spirit, pleased by Sanzang's request for relaxation, takes him hand-in-hand to her garden. The garden is described as a beautiful place, setting the stage for Wukong's next move.
Wukong's Peach Trickery
Bottomless CaveWukong transforms into a red peach, which Sanzang offers to the demon-spirit. She eats it, and Wukong enters her stomach.
Wukong's Internal Battle
Bottomless CaveInside the demon-spirit, Wukong causes chaos by moving her internal organs. The demon-spirit collapses in pain. Fearing death from Wukong inside her belly, she carries Sanzang toward the cave's entrance where Bajie and Wujing await.