Chapter ninety-nine
Nine times nine ends the count and Mara's all destroyed.
The work of three times three done, the Dao reverts to its root.
jiǔjiǔshùwánmóchǎnjìn九九数完魔刬尽sānsānhángmǎndàoguīgēn三三行满道归根
How to read this chart:
Guanyin’s Final Test for the Pilgrims
Thunderclap MonasteryGuanyin reviews the registry of the pilgrims’ journey, realizes they lack the sacred number of eighty-one ordeals, and orders the Vajra Guardians to arrange a final tribulation by dropping the party at the Heaven-Reaching River.
Pilgrims Land and Identify Location
Heaven-Reaching RiverThe pilgrims land at the west bank of Heaven-Reaching River. Sanzang recalls a past encounter with Chen Village on the east bank, where they were aided by a white turtle. The disciples discuss how to cross the river, but are stuck on the uninhabited west bank. Wukong hesitates to use magic because he knows Sanzang's trials are incomplete.
The Return of the White Turtle
Heaven-Reaching RiverA white turtle reappears to assist them across. The disciples position themselves on its back, with Wukong directing the crossing.
The Turtle's Forgotten Promise
Heaven-Reaching RiverNear the shore, the turtle reminds Sanzang of a prior promise to ask Buddha about his lifespan. When Sanzang fails to answer, the turtle submerges, dumping everyone into the water. Sanzang, now immortal, does not sink, but the scriptures and belongings become soaked. Sanzang is overcome with remorse for forgetting his promise; the disciples scramble to rescue soaked scriptures as they surface.
Storm and Demon Attack
Heaven-Reaching RiverA violent storm, caused by envious demons who want to steal the scriptures, attacks the pilgrims. Wukong uses his magic rod to protect them while the scriptures are shielded by Sanzang's divine state.
Drying the Scriptures
Heaven-Reaching RiverAfter the storm, the pilgrims dry their soaked scriptures and belongings on sun-warmed rocks. Wukong explains the demon-induced attack and their survival.
Return to Chen Village and Life-Saving Monastery
Chen Cheng welcomes the soggy, weary pilgrims; they are honored by villagers at the Life-Saving Monastery, view their own statues, and hear how the village prospered after their earlier adventures.
Nighttime Departure and Divine Assistance
Life-Saving MonasteryFearing delay will weaken their resolve, the pilgrims slip out at night; Wukong opens the gates with magic and the Eight Vajra Guardians appear, whisking the group eastward on clouds toward their destination.