Journey to the West 013: The Battle with the White Bone Demon

The Arrival at White Tiger Ridge

Continuing their journey westward, Tripitaka and his disciples arrived at a place known as White Tiger Ridge. The ridge was notorious for being haunted by dangerous spirits and demons, and it was here that the group would face one of their most cunning and dangerous adversaries yet—the White Bone Demon. This demon, also known as Baigujing, was a powerful and malevolent spirit who had a deep hatred for mortals and a particular interest in devouring the flesh of holy men like Tripitaka.

The landscape of White Tiger Ridge was eerie and desolate, with jagged rocks and sparse vegetation. Despite the foreboding atmosphere, the group pressed on, unaware that they were being watched by the White Bone Demon.

The White Bone Demon’s Deception

The White Bone Demon, aware of Tripitaka’s purity and the sacred mission of the pilgrims, devised a plan to capture and consume the monk. She was a master of deception and transformation, able to change her appearance at will. Knowing that she could not overpower Wukong in a direct confrontation, the demon decided to use trickery to achieve her goals.

The White Bone Demon transformed herself into a beautiful young woman and appeared before the pilgrims, pretending to be a helpless villager in need of assistance. Tripitaka, compassionate and trusting, was immediately concerned for the young woman’s safety and instructed his disciples to help her.

Wukong, however, was suspicious. His sharp senses and experience with demons made him wary of the woman’s sudden appearance. He used his Fiery Eyes and Golden Pupils to see through the demon’s disguise and recognized her true form.

Wukong’s Confrontation with the Demon

Realizing that the woman was, in fact, the White Bone Demon, Wukong did not hesitate. He struck her down with his staff, the Ruyi Jingu Bang, causing the demon’s body to dissolve into a pile of bones. However, the demon’s spirit escaped, and she quickly reformed herself into another disguise.

Determined to capture Tripitaka, the White Bone Demon transformed again, this time into an elderly woman claiming to be the mother of the young woman Wukong had just killed. She accused Wukong of murder, and Tripitaka, horrified by what he believed was Wukong’s reckless violence, scolded him severely.

Despite Tripitaka’s rebuke, Wukong remained vigilant. He once again saw through the demon’s disguise and attacked her. The demon’s spirit fled a second time, reforming into yet another disguise—this time as an old man, supposedly the father of the previous two forms.

Tripitaka’s Misunderstanding and Wukong’s Departure

As the White Bone Demon continued to deceive Tripitaka, Wukong saw through each disguise and attacked the demon every time. However, each time he did, Tripitaka grew more convinced that Wukong was acting out of cruelty and violence. The demon’s trickery began to sow discord among the group, with Tripitaka losing trust in his most powerful disciple.

Finally, after Wukong struck down the third form of the White Bone Demon, Tripitaka, convinced that Wukong had become uncontrollable, used the Headband Tightening Spell to punish him. The intense pain caused by the spell forced Wukong to his knees, but even this did not deter him from protecting his master.

Hurt and frustrated by Tripitaka’s lack of trust, Wukong ultimately decided to leave the group. He returned to his home on the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit, leaving Tripitaka and the other disciples to continue the journey without him.

The White Bone Demon’s Final Attack

With Wukong gone, the White Bone Demon saw her chance. She returned in her true form, a terrifying skeletal figure, and attacked Tripitaka directly. Without Wukong’s protection, Tripitaka and his remaining disciples were quickly overwhelmed.

However, Wukong, despite his departure, had been keeping an eye on the group from afar. Realizing that Tripitaka was in grave danger, he rushed back to the scene. Wukong arrived just in time to save Tripitaka, using his incredible strength and speed to finally destroy the White Bone Demon, ensuring that she could not reform again.

Reconciliation and Continuing the Journey

After the battle, Tripitaka realized his mistake in doubting Wukong. He humbly apologized, acknowledging that Wukong’s actions, though harsh, had been necessary to protect them all. Wukong, though initially reluctant, accepted Tripitaka’s apology and rejoined the group.

This chapter emphasizes the themes of trust, loyalty, and the dangers of deception. Wukong’s unwavering commitment to protecting Tripitaka, even when misunderstood, highlights his growth from a rebellious figure to a loyal protector—a transformation that is central to Journey to the West and explored in modern adaptations like Black Myth: Wukong.