Chapter Summaries

Xuanzang explained prajna and emptiness to Wukong, reassuring him that their journey remained real even if it was like a dream. Wukong found comfort in his master and companions’ presence but ended the chapter by asking Xuanzang who he really was.

• Xuanzang explained that prajna meant seeing clearly and described how form and emptiness arose through causes and conditions.
• Xuanzang summoned the Wisdom Sword Buddha Wheel and used its light to reveal the robe’s parts dispersing and coming together again without destroying it.
• Xuanzang told Wukong that dreams and their journey were both real experiences shaped by causes and connections.
• Bajie, Little White Dragon, Sha Wujing, and A-Hu woke, and Wukong saw that his companions were still with him.
• Wukong asked Xuanzang who he really was.

Xuanzang told Wukong and the others about an ordinary monk who pursued Buddhist knowledge, traveled west against great hardship, and returned home to translate scriptures. He revealed that the monk’s life had been his own dream before he awoke in this world.

• After the Heavenly Dao warned Xuanzang not to speak, he decided to tell Wukong a story about an ordinary man.
• Xuanzang recounted how the man became a monk as a child, studied Buddhist teachings, and secretly left his country to seek the Dharma in the west.
• The man nearly died crossing the desert but survived, continued his journey, and spent years studying and debating at the birthplace of Buddhist Dharma.
• After more than seventeen years away, the man returned home with scriptures and devoted the rest of his life to translating them.
• Xuanzang told Wukong that the man’s story had been his own dream before he awoke in this world.

Xuanzang’s suppressed memories returned in a painful vision after he refused the Tribulation Master’s counsel, but he told his worried disciples he was fine and continued the journey. Months later, the group reached the rugged outskirts of Chechi Kingdom as autumn set in, with Bajie complaining about the lack of food and lodging.

• The Tribulation Master warned Xuanzang that the great tribulation would change and that his body’s old memories would no longer be suppressed.
• Xuanzang collapsed as memories of river water, a woman, and the name Jiang Liuer overwhelmed him, then woke and told Wukong and the others he had only dreamed.
• Wukong and the others kept watch through the night, and Xuanzang continued traveling and reassuring them that he was all right.
• The group traveled through increasingly remote mountains over the following months until autumn arrived and they neared the border of Chechi Kingdom.
• Bajie complained that the road was difficult and they had no food or place to stay, while Wukong, Little White Dragon, and Bajie argued about whether they needed a rest.

Xuanzang and his companions reached the vast Tongtian River and found it was eight hundred li across. When Xuanzang echoed Bajie's complaint about being trapped, the others grew suspicious, and Wukong demanded to know who Xuanzang really was.

• Wukong scolded Bajie for refusing to help Sha Wujing carry his load as the group traveled by moonlight.
• The pilgrims reached a deep, raging river, and Bajie tested its depth by throwing in a stone.
• Wukong surveyed the river from his Somersault Cloud and estimated it was seven or eight hundred li wide.
• Sha Wujing spotted a moss-covered stele identifying the river as the Tongtian River and stating that it was eight hundred li across.
• Xuanzang wondered aloud how they could cross, prompting Wukong, Bajie, Little White Dragon, Sha Wujing, and A-Hu to turn suspiciously toward him.
• Wukong stepped in front of Xuanzang and asked who he really was.

Xuanzang reassured his disciples that he was still himself, though old thoughts had resurfaced as part of a destined trial. He asked them to treat him as himself if he later acted unlike himself, then left them to figure out how to help him pass the trial.

• Xuanzang confirmed his identity, and Bajie tested him by asking whether he loved him best; Xuanzang said he loved all his disciples equally.
• Wukong examined Xuanzang and suspected a spiritual affliction, but Xuanzang insisted he had not gone mad or been possessed and called the ordeal his destined trial.
• Xuanzang asked his disciples to treat any future strange words or actions as his own, then explained that the trial belonged to all of them and that they might help him through it.
• Bajie, Little White Dragon, and Wukong argued over the nature of the trial until Wukong demanded that Xuanzang explain what they should do.
• Xuanzang said the other version of him was also their master and told them to work it out themselves, then tapped Wukong on the forehead with the Bitter Bamboo Ruler.

Xuanzang calmed Wukong after he lashed out at his fellow disciples, then became distressed while looking at the Tongtian River. Bajie rallied the group to seek food and shelter, and they reached a quiet village beside the river.

• Xuanzang struck Wukong with the Bitter Bamboo Ruler and told him to steady himself because his anger was unsettling the others.
• Bajie, Little White Dragon, Sha Wujing, and A-Hu reassured Wukong and showed that they were not frightened or angry with him.
• Xuanzang gazed at the Tongtian River and lamented the difficult journey, so Bajie distracted him by suggesting they find food, lodging, and a ferry crossing.
• The disciples followed the sound of drums and cymbals through wet reeds, with Wukong leading the way and Bajie reassuring Xuanzang.
• The group reached a quiet riverside village, and Xuanzang welcomed the prospect of sheltering and sleeping beneath human eaves.

Sanzang asked an old man for lodging, then brought Wukong and the others into the courtyard despite the host’s fear of their appearances. The group entered a hall where monks were chanting beside a funeral banner, and Bajie asked what scripture they were reciting.

• Sanzang told his disciples to wait while he went alone to ask the old man for lodging.
• The old man doubted Sanzang’s story but invited him and his disciples inside after hearing that they had traveled from the Great Tang.
• Wukong and the others frightened the old man, who shouted that monsters had arrived.
• Sanzang calmed the old man, ordered A-Hu to hide outside, and led the group into the hall.
• Bajie asked a monk what scripture the monks were chanting.

Wukong challenged Sanzang’s scolding after Bajie’s question sent the monks fleeing, arguing that the frightened monks might be impostors. The group waited for a meal at the old man’s house, where master and disciples sat in mutual silence and hostility.

• Bajie’s question frightened the monks into fleeing the hall, leaving the ritual objects scattered.
• Sanzang scolded his disciples for frightening the old man and disrupting the Buddhist service, but Wukong defended Bajie and questioned whether the monks were genuine.
• The old man tried to smooth things over, but his servants saw Wukong and the others and fled in panic, shouting that they were demons.
• Wukong lit the lamps and sat with Bajie and Sha Wujing, while Little White Dragon stood watch and none of them acknowledged Sanzang.
• The old man returned with tea and invited Sanzang to sit, then went to hurry the meal; the five sat in silence, each unable to bear the others.

Wukong and his companions were welcomed by two old hosts and served a vegetarian meal, while Little White Dragon took food outside for A-Hu. When Sanzang reprimanded Bajie for eating too much, Wukong challenged his reading of the meal-giving precepts, leaving Sanzang speechless.

• The older host was frightened by Wukong and the others until his brother explained they were monks, and they greeted the hosts courteously.
• The hosts arranged a meal for the travelers, and Little White Dragon took flatbreads and soup outside to share with A-Hu.
• Bajie gulped down bowls of rice and noodles while the servant lads watched in amazement.
• Sanzang urged Bajie to eat less, but Wukong encouraged him and told the host Bajie would repay the food with work.
• Wukong questioned Sanzang about the scriptures on accepting food, then cited a precept that left the hall silent.

Wukong and the others reflected on how they had mistreated Sanzang, then learned that the Chen brothers’ gathering was a Preemptive Funeral Fast. The brothers began explaining their fear after Wukong described the Tongtian River, and Bajie wondered whether Great King Linggan was its River God.

• Sha Wujing told Wukong, Bajie, and Little White Dragon that they had forgotten Sanzang’s teachings and were acting as they had before meeting him.
• The Chen brothers returned and identified themselves as Chen Qing and Chen Cheng of Chen Family Village in Yuanhui County, Chechi Kingdom.
• Wukong asked about the earlier fast, and Chen Cheng revealed that it was a Preemptive Funeral Fast.
• Chen Qing asked whether the travelers had seen anything near the Tongtian River, and Wukong said they had only seen its stone tablet.
• Chen Qing said the Great King Linggan Temple stood about a mile from the tablet, and Bajie speculated that its namesake might be the River God.

Wukong and his companions learned that Great King Linggan demanded children from Chen Family Village as yearly sacrifices in exchange for rain, and that Chen Cheng and Chen Qing were preparing to surrender their only children. Wukong questioned why the monster insisted on their own children and exact birth details, and the group began to suspect the Chen family’s surname held the answer.

• Chen Cheng revealed that Great King Linggan sent rain and auspicious clouds but demanded little boys and girls as sacrifices each year.
• Chen Cheng and Chen Qing explained that their eight-year-old daughter One Tael of Gold and seven-year-old son Chen Guanbao were due to be sacrificed that night.
• Wukong asked why the wealthy families could not buy substitute children, and Chen Cheng said the Great King knew their household details and would accept only their own children.
• Bajie and Little White Dragon wondered whether the sacrifice involved bloodlines, but the Chen brothers said their ancestors were ordinary people.
• Bajie realized the Great King might be targeting people surnamed Chen, and Wukong closed his eyes before suddenly laughing.

Wukong learned why Chen Cheng and Chen Qing stayed in their village and agreed to examine their children before deciding how to help. Meanwhile, Sanzang confronted Xuanzang in a mirror about their different journeys and choices, and Xuanzang firmly answered that Sanzang would not be like him if he had a choice.

• Chen Cheng and Chen Qing explained that their ancestral graves, fields, and clansmen kept them from leaving Chen Family Village, then begged Wukong to save their children.
• Wukong agreed to examine the old men's son and daughter.
• Sanzang spoke with Xuanzang in a bronze mirror, arguing that his disciples had become too dependent on their master and needed to face a trial without him.
• Sanzang described his fear, helplessness, and belief that he had been forced to play the role desired by the gods and Buddhas.
• Xuanzang apologized for judging Sanzang's path and acknowledged the real dangers and lack of control he had faced.
• When Sanzang asked whether he would have acted the same way in Xuanzang's world, Xuanzang answered, "No!"

Xuanzang challenged Sanzang’s claim that he had no control over his life, recalling the dangers and hardships he had faced on his own journey west. The chapter ended with Xuanzang asking Sanzang whether he would undertake that journey and offering to make a wager.

• Xuanzang told Sanzang that his former companions had used the same reasons to turn back from the journey west.
• Xuanzang showed Sanzang memories of crossing the desert, resisting calls to turn back, enduring snow, and finally reaching a Buddhist temple.
• Xuanzang admitted that he had felt fear, hunger, thirst, and the prospect of death, but said he kept going to seek the true Dharma.
• Xuanzang accused Sanzang of surrendering his heart and choosing to treat his submission as predestined, while Sanzang protested that he was only mortal.
• Xuanzang asked whether Sanzang would make the journey knowing its hardships, and Sanzang closed the mirror as Xuanzang proposed a wager.

Wukong and Bajie agreed to take the places of Guan Bao'er and One Tael of Gold as offerings to the Great King. After transforming into the children, they prepared to be carried to the temple while Sha Wujing and Little White Dragon stayed behind to guard the others.

• Wukong transformed into an exact copy of Guan Bao'er and offered to take his place as the sacrifice.
• Chen Qing agreed to Wukong's plan, while Wukong reassured him that he would survive being eaten.
• Bajie transformed into One Tael of Gold and asked Chen Cheng to prepare more rice for his return.
• Wukong told Chen Qing and Chen Cheng to hide the real children, then sent Sha Wujing and Little White Dragon to guard A-Hu and Tang Sanzang.
• Wukong and Bajie settled into red-lacquered trays as villagers gathered outside and called for the boy and girl to be brought out.

Wukong and Bajie disguised themselves as children and were carried in a village procession to Linggan Temple as annual sacrifices for Great King Linggan. After the villagers left, the two waited in the silent temple, but the demon had not appeared by the end of the chapter.

• Chen Qing and Chen Cheng watched as the disguised Wukong and Bajie were carried from the Chen family home on offering trays.
• Villagers led a torchlit procession through Chen Family Village, where incense smoke from every household drifted toward the outskirts.
• At Linggan Temple, the steward questioned Chen Qing about the children and ordered the trays carried inside.
• The villagers prayed to Great King Linggan, offered the children and livestock, burned paper horses, and returned home.
• Wukong and Bajie waited beside the spirit tablet as the incense burned out, but Great King Linggan did not come.

Great King Linggan’s attack flooded Chen Family Village while Wukong escaped the temple trap and left Bajie to draw attention. Sha Wujing rescued Guan Bao'er and One Tael of Gold but faced Great King Linggan’s hammer, and Sanzang called for the children to be handed to him.

• Wukong revealed that the temple’s Binding Formation had trapped Bajie, then vanished while Bajie smashed the temple to keep Great King Linggan distracted.
• Black water surged through Chen Family Village, and Little White Dragon transformed into a dragon to carry villagers to safety.
• Sha Wujing protected the Chen family under a barrier and leaped to save Guan Bao'er and One Tael of Gold when watery ribbons dragged them from the roof.
• Great King Linggan struck Sha Wujing with his Red Copper Hammer, but the White Jade Divine Elephant’s power drove the black water back.
• Great King Linggan attacked again while Sha Wujing held both children, and Sanzang told Wujing to give them to him.

Sha Wujing fought Great King Linggan while Sanzang took Guan Bao'er and One Tael of Gold, but the children dragged him into the black water. After the village vanished and the monster retreated, a great golden carp carried Sanzang and the children toward a submerged temple.

• Sha Wujing handed Guan Bao'er and One Tael of Gold to Sanzang and battled Great King Linggan as A-Hu carried them away.
• Guan Bao'er and One Tael of Gold revealed their eerie smiles, seized Sanzang, and dragged him off A-Hu into the black water.
• The Chen family dissolved into black water and trapped A-Hu, while Great King Linggan blocked Sha Wujing from rescuing Sanzang.
• Little White Dragon reached the courtyard, and Great King Linggan retreated into the Tongtian River as Chen Family Village vanished.
• Sanzang sank underwater with the two children until a great golden carp appeared and carried them toward a place resembling an old temple.

Sanzang walked through visions of the life he might have had, refusing each chance to stay with his family, avenge his parents, or repay the old monk who raised him. The visions ended with the infant Jiang Liuer arriving on the river and the old monk naming him.

• Sanzang entered the temple vision and left despite Guan Bao'er and One Tael of Gold urging him to stay with his family and the court.
• At a reunion banquet, Sanzang left his mother and relatives even as they begged him to remain.
• Sanzang left the riverside after the criminals were executed and his father returned to life.
• Sanzang left his mother at the government office and later continued past the old monk who had raised him.
• Sanzang watched a child drink porridge and walk away, while Guan Bao'er and One Tael of Gold stayed silent.
• The old monk rescued an infant from a plank on the river, found a blood-written letter in the swaddling clothes, and named him Jiang Liuer.

Sanzang witnessed visions of his mother abandoning him, his father being murdered, and the scholar’s life being undone before he became a monk. When he comforted Guan Bao'er and One Tael of Gold, they realized he was not Jiang Liuer, and Great King Linggan confronted him.

• Sanzang saw his mother write a blood-letter, bite his foot, and send him downstream on a plank so he would survive.
• Sanzang watched his father and pregnant mother board a boat, where the boatmen killed his father and threatened his mother.
• Sanzang saw the young man buy and release a golden carp into the river.
• Sanzang witnessed the top scholar’s rise being reversed until he sat at home reading beneath a lamplight.
• Guan Bao'er and One Tael of Gold recognized that the figure before them was not Jiang Liuer, and Great King Linggan transformed from the carp and demanded to know who he was.

Xuanzang revealed that the temple and its inhabitants were part of Jiang Liuer’s heart, then confronted the Sanzang within it about a life shaped by other people’s plans. He left Sanzang questioning whether someone had deceived him.

• Xuanzang revealed his identity to Guan Bao’er, One Tael of Gold, and Great King Linggan, and Sun Wukong emerged from a jujube to protect him.
• Xuanzang explained that the temple, Chen Family Village, and its inhabitants were manifestations of Jiang Liuer’s heart, and called for the other Sanzang to appear.
• The blood-red-moled Sanzang emerged and described the wager in which Xuanzang had agreed to live his life and find him.
• Xuanzang told Sanzang that his mother, master, family, sovereign, and the gods and Buddhas had all pushed him along a predetermined path.
• Xuanzang asked Sanzang whether he had invented his own story or whether someone had deceived him.