Chapter ninety-one
At Gold-level Prefecture they watch lanterns during the Lantern Festival.
In Mysterious Flower Cave the Sanzang gives testimony.
jīnpíngfǔyuányèguāndēng金平府元夜观灯xuányīngdòngtángsēnggòngzhuàng玄英洞唐僧供状
How to read this chart:
Arrival at Mercy Cloud Temple
Gold-Level PrefectureSanzang, Wukong, Bajie, and Wujing travel to a city named Ultimate Bliss. They pass teahouses, markets, and are surrounded by curious locals due to their unusual appearances. The group approaches the gate of Mercy Cloud Temple.
Encounter with the Abbot
Mercy Cloud TempleThe monks at Mercy Cloud Temple honor Sanzang as a spiritual figure. The abbot kneels in reverence, and Sanzang's disciples' bizarre appearances shock the local priests. A feast is prepared for them.
Lantern Festival Preparations
Mercy Cloud TempleThe group explores the monastery's lush gardens and is invited to stay for the Lantern Festival. The abbot assures them of hospitality until the festival concludes on the eighteenth or nineteenth day.
Pagoda Vow Fulfillment
Mercy Cloud TempleSanzang requests to clean the pagoda levels, worshipping Buddha and sweeping each tier while admiring the scenery.
Lantern Festival in the City
Gold-Level PrefectureSanzang, Wukong, Bajie, and Wujing join local priests to enjoy lantern displays throughout the city, delighting in decorations, music, poetry, and bustling holiday crowds late into the night.
Abduction by False Buddhas
Golden-Lamp BridgeA sudden wind disrupts the festival as monstrous false Buddhas appear, abducting Sanzang mid-ritual to worship them.
Discussion After Master's Abduction
Golden-Lamp BridgeAfter the demon-spirits in disguise as Buddhas abduct Sanzang, Wukong explains their deception and plans to track them using the wind. Bajie and Wujing ask for guidance.
Chase to Green Dragon Mountain
Green Dragon MountainWukong follows a putrid-scented wind to Green Dragon Mountain, where he encounters the Four Sentinels disguised as goat herders. They reveal the location of the Mysterious Flower Cave and its three demon-spirits.
Confrontation at the Cave Entrance
Mysterious Flower CaveWukong arrives at the cave and calls out to the demons. Bull-headed demons respond from within, beginning the confrontation.
Meeting the Demon-Spirits
Mysterious Flower CaveThe demon-spirits interrogate Sanzang, who reveals his identity as a monk from the East seeking scriptures. They plan to use him for food but are warned of Wukong's imminent arrival.
Introduction of Disciples by Sanzang
Mysterious Flower CaveSanzang introduces his three disciples—Wukong, Bajie, and Wujing—to the demon kings, who plan to capture the group before devouring them.
Battle with Demon-Spirits
Green Dragon MountainWukong confronts the three demon kings and their subordinates in battle but is overwhelmed and forced to retreat, allowing the demons to imprison Sanzang.
Planning the Rescue
Mercy Cloud TempleWukong, Bajie, and Wujing discuss strategies after Wukong returns. They decide to immediately return to Green Dragon Mountain at night to rescue Sanzang and defeat the demons.