Journey to the West 032: The Pilgrims Meet the King of the Black Rooster Kingdom

Arrival in the Black Rooster Kingdom

Continuing their journey westward, Tripitaka and his disciples arrived in 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.

Upon learning of the pilgrims’ arrival, the king of the Black Rooster Kingdom extended a warm welcome to Tripitaka and his disciples, inviting them to stay in the royal palace. The king was a devout Buddhist and was eager to offer his hospitality to the travelers on their sacred mission.

The King’s Request

The King of the Black Rooster Kingdom was deeply troubled by a mysterious illness that had befallen his daughter, the Princess of Jinguo. Despite the efforts of the kingdom’s best physicians, the princess remained gravely ill, and the king feared for her life.

The king asked Tripitaka and his disciples for help, believing that their presence and divine mission could provide the cure his daughter desperately needed. Tripitaka, moved by the king’s plea, agreed to assist in any way he could.

The Discovery of the White Deer Spirit

As Wukong began investigating the cause of the princess’s illness, he discovered that a malevolent spirit had been secretly poisoning the princess. This spirit, known as the White Deer Spirit, had taken on the form of a trusted court official and had been slowly draining the princess’s life force to increase its own power.

Wukong quickly saw through the spirit’s deception and confronted it in the royal court. The White Deer Spirit, realizing that it had been discovered, tried to escape, but Wukong was too quick. A fierce battle ensued between Wukong and the spirit, with the royal court in shock as the true nature of the spirit was revealed.

The Battle with the White Deer Spirit

The White Deer Spirit unleashed its dark magic in an attempt to defeat Wukong, but Wukong’s superior strength and agility allowed him to counter each of the spirit’s attacks. Using his Ruyi Jingu Bang, Wukong delivered a series of powerful blows, weakening the spirit and forcing it to reveal its true form.

The battle was intense, with the White Deer Spirit using its shape-shifting abilities to create illusions and distractions. However, Wukong’s keen senses and determination gave him the upper hand. In the end, Wukong managed to defeat the White Deer Spirit, breaking its hold over the princess and freeing her from the curse.

Restoring the Princess’s Health

With the White Deer Spirit defeated, the princess’s health began to improve. The royal court was filled with joy and relief, and the king expressed his deepest gratitude to Tripitaka and his disciples. The people of the Black Rooster Kingdom celebrated the pilgrims’ victory and offered them gifts and blessings for their journey.

Tripitaka, as always, declined any material rewards, explaining that their mission was a spiritual one. The king, moved by their humility, provided them with provisions and safe passage as they continued their journey.

Continuing the Journey

After restoring peace and health to the Black Rooster Kingdom, the group continued their journey westward. The experience had tested their resolve and unity, but it also reinforced the importance of vigilance and the power of righteousness.

This chapter highlights themes of vigilance, the power of righteousness, and the importance of protecting the innocent—values that 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.