Chapter ninety
Masters and lions, teachers and pupils, all return to the One.
Thieves and the Dao, ensnaring Sanzang, the Nine-Numina quieted.
shīshīshòushòutóngguīyī师狮授受同归一dàodàochánchánjìngjiǔlíng盗道缠禅静九灵
How to read this chart:
Lion-Spirit Battle Begins
Jade Flower CountyWukong, Bajie, and Wujing face a cohort of lion-spirits led by Yellow Lion Spirit. Bajie’s attack triggers a ferocious fight, with Wukong transforming into copies of himself to support his companions against overwhelming odds.
Capture and Negotiation
Jade Flower CountyAfter capturing two lion-spirits, Wukong and Wujing return to the city tower with them. They meet Sanzang and explain their plan to exchange the captured lions for Bajie. Bajie remains captured by the lions during this negotiation.
The Abduction of the Monks
Jade Flower CountyThe nine-headed lion-spirit ambushes the city, capturing Sanzang and the young princes. Wukong and Wujing regroup to confront the spirit's forces.
Final Confrontation
Jade Flower CountyWukong uses his magic hairs again to overwhelm the remaining lion-spirits, leading to their capture. The nine-headed lion escapes with the captives, leaving Wukong and Wujing to regroup.
Wukong Reassures the Queen
Jade Flower CountyWukong assures the queen that his master (Sanzang), the prince, and his heirs will be unharmed despite their abduction. He promises to rescue them by capturing the old demon. The queen and court ladies express gratitude but remain distressed.
Arrival at Bamboo Knot Mountain
Bamboo-Knot MountainThe next day, Wukong and Wujing use the auspicious cloud to reach Bamboo Knot Mountain. While admiring the scenery, they spot Child Blue Face fleeing into a cave marked 'Myriad-Numina Bamboo-Knot Mountain'.
Confrontation with the Old Demon
Nine-Bends Curvate CaveThe old demon traps Wukong and Wujing in the cave, vowing to avenge his captured lion spirits. Captured humans (Sanzang, Bajie, princes) hope for rescue as the old demon prepares to punish them.
Wukong's Escape During Flogging
Nine-Bends Curvate CaveThe old demon flogs Wukong and Wujing, but Wukong uses his magic to escape. After knocking out the guards with his staff, he frees Wujing and flees as the old demon discovers their escape.
Wukong Returns to Jade-Flower County
Jade Flower CountyReturning via cloud, Wukong meets local deities and spirits. The local spirit reveals that a nine-headed lion, styling himself as 'Nine-Numina Primal Sage,' has captured Sanzang and others. Wukong learns he must seek help from the Salvific Celestial Worthy at Wondrous-Cliff Palace.
Encounter at East Heaven Gate
HeavenAs Wukong travels to the East Pole, Devaraja Jambudvipa questions his mission. Wukong explains that a nine-headed lion in Jade-Flower County has captured Sanzang and his companions. The deities acknowledge Wukong's journey but humor him about his 'lion troubles.'
Audience at Wondrous-Cliff Palace
Wondrous-Cliff PalaceThe Celestial Worthy receives Wukong and learns about the captured disciples. A lion page confesses that he accidentally released the nine-headed lion by drinking a forbidden elixir, causing his escape to Earth three years prior. The Worthy prepares to accompany Wukong for retrieval.
Subduing the Nine-Headed Lion
Bamboo-Knot MountainThe Celestial Worthy and Wukong confront the nine-headed lion outside the cave. The lion recognizes his master and prostrates himself. The lion page scolds and punishes the beast before mounting him. The Celestial Worthy disciplines the nine-headed lion before returning.
Rescue from Nine-Bends Curved Cave
Nine-Bends Curvate CaveAfter subduing the lion, Wukong enters the cave and unties the Jade-Flower prince, then Sanzang, Bajie, Wujing, and the three princes. The pilgrims retrieve valuables and Bajie burns the cave to ashes.
Celebration of Victory in the Capital
Jade Flower CountyThe princes host a vegetarian banquet to honor the pilgrims. Wukong orders lion meat distributed to civilians as a gesture of peace, and local officials express gratitude.
Forging and Gifting Weapons
Jade Flower CountyIronsmiths craft three divine weapons for the princes. Wukong oversees their delivery, emphasizing their role in securing peace and safety.
Martial Arts Instruction of the Princes
Jade Flower CountyThe pilgrims train the princes in advanced martial arts. The princes master seventy-two styles and gain divine strength, culminating in a celebratory banquet.
Farewell and Send-Off
Jade Flower CountyThe princes offer silk clothing to the pilgrims as thanks and the citizens escort them out with music and banners. The pilgrimage resumes, leaving behind a restored peace.