Journey to the West 019: The Pilgrims Meet the King of the Black Rooster Kingdom

Arrival in the Black Rooster Kingdom

After their encounter with the Yellow-Robed Demon, Tripitaka and his disciples continued their journey westward. Their path led them to the Black Rooster Kingdom (also known as Jinguo), a prosperous land ruled by a wise and just king. The kingdom was named after the sacred black rooster, a symbol of protection and good fortune for the people who lived there.

As they entered the kingdom, the pilgrims were struck by its beauty and the friendliness of its inhabitants. The people of the Black Rooster Kingdom, hearing of the pilgrims' sacred mission, welcomed them warmly and offered them hospitality. The king himself, upon learning of their arrival, invited them to the palace to meet with him.

The King's Request

The King of the Black Rooster Kingdom was a devout follower of Buddhism and was deeply moved by Tripitaka's quest to bring sacred scriptures from the West. During their meeting, the king shared his concerns about the welfare of his kingdom. He revealed that, despite the peace and prosperity of his land, there had been ominous signs and strange occurrences that troubled him.

The king asked Tripitaka and his disciples for help, believing that their presence and divine mission could dispel the dark forces that seemed to be gathering around the kingdom. Tripitaka, always compassionate and eager to help those in need, agreed to assist the king in any way he could.

The Hidden Threat

As the pilgrims began to investigate, Wukong used his keen senses and magical abilities to uncover the source of the disturbances. He discovered that a powerful demon, disguised as a trusted advisor to the king, had infiltrated the palace. This demon, known as the White Deer Spirit, had been plotting to overthrow the king and take control of the kingdom.

The White Deer Spirit was cunning and had gained the king's trust through deception and manipulation. He had been slowly poisoning the king’s mind, spreading fear and discord among the royal court, and was preparing to strike when the time was right.

Wukong's Plan

Realizing the danger the kingdom faced, Wukong devised a plan to expose the White Deer Spirit and thwart his evil intentions. He approached the king and, with Tripitaka's support, warned him of the traitor in his midst. The king, though initially reluctant to believe that his trusted advisor could be a demon, agreed to allow Wukong to carry out his plan.

Wukong used his shape-shifting abilities to transform into an exact likeness of the king. In this disguise, he convened a meeting of the royal court, including the White Deer Spirit. During the meeting, Wukong subtly provoked the demon, testing his reactions and loyalty.

Exposing the White Deer Spirit

The White Deer Spirit, unaware of Wukong's deception, revealed his true nature when he believed the time was right to seize power. He attempted to use dark magic to overpower the "king," but Wukong, still in disguise, quickly countered the attack. The demon’s true form was exposed to the entire court, shocking the king and his advisors.

A fierce battle ensued within the palace, with Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing fighting to subdue the White Deer Spirit. Despite the demon's strength and cunning, the pilgrims' combined efforts proved too much for him. Wukong, using his magical staff, the Ruyi Jingu Bang, delivered the final blow, capturing the demon and ending his threat to the kingdom.

Restoring Peace

With the White Deer Spirit defeated, the king and his court were deeply grateful to Tripitaka and his disciples. The demon's influence was lifted, and the kingdom returned to its former state of peace and prosperity. The king, as a token of his gratitude, offered the pilgrims valuable gifts and blessings for their journey.

Tripitaka, however, declined the gifts, explaining that their mission was a sacred one and that they sought only to continue their journey in service of the greater good. The king, moved by their humility, provided them with provisions and safe passage as they left the Black Rooster Kingdom to continue their pilgrimage.

Continuing the Journey

As they departed, the pilgrims reflected on the importance of vigilance and the dangers of deception. The encounter with the White Deer Spirit served as a reminder that even in the most peaceful of places, hidden threats could arise. The group renewed their commitment to their mission, knowing that their journey would continue to test their resolve and unity.

This chapter emphasizes themes of vigilance, the power of deception, and the importance of staying true to one's mission. These values are central to Journey to the West and are explored in modern adaptations like Black Myth: Wukong, where characters face challenges that require both strength and wisdom to overcome.