Journey to the West 062: The Pilgrims and the Golden-Horned and Silver-Horned Demons

The Encounter with the Demons

As Tripitaka and his disciples continued their journey westward, they entered a dense forest that was known to be the lair of two powerful demons: the Golden-Horned Demon (金角大王) and the Silver-Horned Demon (银角大王). These two demons were brothers and had terrorized the region for many years, capturing travelers and using their life force to increase their own power.

The Golden-Horned Demon and the Silver-Horned Demon were known for their mastery of powerful magical artifacts, including the Seven-Star Sword (七星宝剑), the Purple-Gold Red Gourd (紫金红葫芦), and the Jade Vase (玉净瓶). These artifacts gave them the ability to control the elements, create illusions, and capture their enemies with ease.

The Demons’ Plot

As the pilgrims made their way through the forest, the Golden-Horned and Silver-Horned Demons observed them from a distance. The demons saw Tripitaka as a valuable prize and decided to capture him, believing that consuming his flesh would grant them immense power and longevity.

The demons devised a plan to deceive the pilgrims. The Golden-Horned Demon transformed into a Taoist priest and approached the group, offering them food and shelter. Despite Wukong’s suspicions, Tripitaka, always trusting and kind-hearted, accepted the offer.

Once the pilgrims were inside the demons’ lair, the Golden-Horned Demon revealed his true form and, with the help of his brother, captured Tripitaka using the magical artifacts. The demons then attempted to subdue Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing using their powerful magic.

The Battle with the Demons

Wukong, determined to save his master, used his shape-shifting abilities and cunning to outsmart the demons. He managed to steal one of the magical artifacts, the Purple-Gold Red Gourd, and used it against the demons. Wukong tricked the demons into calling their own names, which caused them to be sucked into the gourd.

However, the Golden-Horned and Silver-Horned Demons were not easily defeated. They managed to escape from the gourd and retaliated with even greater force. The battle that ensued was intense, with the demons using their magical artifacts to create powerful illusions and deadly attacks.

Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing fought valiantly, using their strength and teamwork to counter the demons’ attacks. Despite the overwhelming power of the demons, the pilgrims refused to give up.

Divine Intervention

As the battle reached its peak, Wukong realized that they needed help to defeat the demons. He called upon the Bodhisattva Guanyin (观音菩萨), who had given him the means to summon her in times of great need. Guanyin, hearing Wukong’s plea, descended from the heavens and intervened in the battle.

Guanyin used her divine power to neutralize the demons’ magical artifacts, rendering them powerless. She then captured the Golden-Horned and Silver-Horned Demons, sealing them away to prevent them from causing further harm.

Continuing the Journey

With the demons defeated and Tripitaka rescued, the pilgrims continued their journey westward. They left the dangerous forest behind, their spirits uplifted by their victory and the knowledge that they had once again overcome a great challenge on their path to enlightenment.

The chapter ends with the pilgrims moving forward, their resolve strengthened by the trials they had faced and the lessons they had learned along the way.