Chapter eighty-eight
At Jade-Flower, Sanzang Holds a Dharma Assembly
Wukong and Bajie Instruct the Princes.
chándàoyùhuáshīfǎhuì禅到玉华施法会xīnyuánmùmǔshòuménrén心猿木母授门人
How to read this chart:
Arrival in Jade-Flower City
Jade Flower CountyThe pilgrims enter the bustling, prosperous city, reminiscent of Chang'an. Bajie startles the townspeople, causing a commotion. They settle at the guest hostel while Sanzang prepares to meet the prince.
Audience with the Jade-Flower Prince
Jade Flower CountySanzang presents his travel rescript to the prince, who certifies it. They discuss the journey’s length and hardships, noting Sanzang’s fourteen-year trek. Sanzang recounts his journey’s hardships and mentions his three disciples waiting outside. The prince orders a vegetarian meal for them.
Disciples' Rudeness During Meal
Jade Flower CountyAt the meal, Bajie’s rudeness unsettles the prince. Sanzang scolds him, stressing the importance of proper conduct.
Confrontation with Princes and Display of Power
Jade Flower CountyThe prince’s three sons, mistaking the disciples for demons, confront them. Wukong, Bajie, and Wujing display their supernatural abilities, subduing the princes and earning their reverence as 'divine masters.'
Martial Arts Display
Jade Flower CountyBajie, Wujing, and Wukong perform martial arts in midair, astonishing the crowd with their magical weapons and skills. The princes, officials, and townspeople bow to the disciples, chanting Buddha’s name as they witness the display of divine power.
Princes Report to Father
Jade Flower CountyThe princes report to their father, describing the disciples’ martial arts and requesting to learn from them.
Meeting at Pavilion
Jade Flower CountyThe royal family meets the disciples, who agree to teach the princes martial arts without payment. A lavish banquet with music and feasting follows.
Wukong's Rhetoric and Martial Arts Offer
Jade Flower CountyWukong explains the divine origins and power of his staff. The princes wish to learn martial arts, but Wukong insists on first transmitting divine strength through ritual and incense.
Divine Strength Transmission
Jade Flower CountyWukong draws a Big Dipper diagram, has the princes meditate within it, and transmits divine strength through secret formulas, granting them supernatural abilities to wield the disciples’ weapons.
Weapon Replication and Theft
Jade Flower CountyArtisans create lighter replicas of the disciples’ weapons for the princes. A demon-spirit from Leopard’s-Head Mountain, sensing the divine energy, steals the original weapons during the process.