Chapter eighty-six
Bajie lends power to subdue the monster.
Wukong uses magic to vanquish the demon.
mùmǔzhùwēizhēngguàiwù木母助威征怪物jīngōngshīfǎmièyāoxié金公施法灭妖邪
How to read this chart:
Realizing the Master's Disappearance
Concealment KingdomWukong and Bajie argue over Sanzang's disappearance until Wujing intervenes. They deduce Sanzang has fallen for the 'Plum Blossom Scheme' and resolve to rescue him, tracking the demons to their lair where Wukong demands Sanzang's release.
Confrontation at the Cave Entrance
Concealment KingdomWukong smashes the cave's stone door. The vanguard demon mocks Bajie, revealing fear only of Wukong. A fake human head made from a willow root is thrown out but exposed as artificial by Wukong.
Deception with a Real Human Head
Concealment KingdomThe demons present a real human head, convincing the pilgrims that Sanzang has been killed. Overcome with grief, they mourn deeply.
Bajie Prepares Grave for Master's Head
Concealment KingdomBajie buries the head of their master, using willow twigs as pines and pebbles as offerings while Wujing guards the grave.
Battle at the Cave: Wukong's Body-Division Magic
Concealment KingdomAfter burying the supposed head of Sanzang, Wukong and Bajie attack the demons' cave. They confront the Great King of South Mountain and his vanguard. Wukong taunts the fiend and a fierce battle follows. Wukong uses body-division magic to overwhelm the fiends. The vanguard is killed and revealed as an iron-backed gray wolf. The Great King flees and the remaining demons barricade themselves inside.
Mourning at the Grave and Wukong's Plan
Concealment KingdomWukong and Bajie return to the grave where Wujing is still weeping for Sanzang, believing him dead. Bajie throws himself on the grave in grief, while Wukong urges calm and suggests there may be a back entrance to the cave. Wukong decides to investigate further, telling Bajie and Wujing to remain and keep watch.
Wukong's Infiltration and Discovery
Concealment KingdomWukong investigates the rear of the demon cave, finds a drainage sewer, and transforms into a water rat to sneak inside. Overhearing the demons, Wukong learns Sanzang is still alive.
Wukong Rescues Sanzang and Woodcutter
Concealment KingdomWukong, transformed as an ant, discovers Sanzang imprisoned in a secluded garden. After reassuring Sanzang, Wukong uses sleep-inducing insects to incapacitate the demons, then breaks out both Sanzang and the captured woodcutter, leading them to safety.
Grave Destruction and Gratitude
Concealment KingdomAll reunites with Bajie and Wujing at the grave. Bajie, in frustration, destroys a grave that turns out to contain the remains of a man who had sacrificed himself to help Sanzang. Sanzang urges Bajie to rebury the body out of gratitude, and Bajie complies, albeit reluctantly.
Infiltrating the Cave
Concealment KingdomWukong returns to the cave where the demons reside, retrieves ropes from their previous capture of Sanzang and the woodcutter, and captures the old demon. Bajie questions Wukong's decision not to immediately kill all enemies.
Burning the Demons
Concealment KingdomWukong and Bajie gather dry vegetation, set fire to the cave, and destroy all remaining demons. The woodcutter assists in gathering materials for the pyre.
Return to Master
Concealment KingdomThe disciples return to Sanzang, who notices the old demon is stirring. Bajie kills it with his rake, revealing its true form as a snow leopard.
Reunion and Grateful Hospitality
Concealment KingdomThe woodcutter brings the pilgrims to his home, where his mother, overjoyed at her son's safe return, welcomes and thanks them for saving his life. The family offers a simple meal of wild mountain vegetables as a gesture of gratitude, and the pilgrims accept their heartfelt hospitality.
Departure and Final Reflections
Concealment KingdomThe disciples continue their westward pilgrimage.