Journey to the West 067: The Pilgrims and the Spider-Web Cave

The Enchanted Cave

As Tripitaka and his disciples continued their journey westward, they encountered a beautiful and tranquil valley filled with lush greenery and fragrant flowers. In the center of this idyllic setting was a cave known as the Spider-Web Cave (盘丝洞). Unbeknownst to the pilgrims, this cave was the lair of a group of deadly demonesses known as the Spider Demonesses (蜘蛛精).

The Spider Demonesses were masterful illusionists, capable of creating illusions so real that even the most vigilant eyes could be deceived. They used their beauty and charm to lure travelers into their cave, where they would entrap them in their webs and drain their life force.

The Deception

As the pilgrims entered the valley, they were suddenly greeted by seven stunningly beautiful maidens who appeared to be in distress. The maidens claimed to have been lost in the valley for days, begging the pilgrims for help. Despite Wukong’s suspicions, Tripitaka, moved by compassion, agreed to assist the maidens.

The Spider Demonesses, delighted that their deception was working, led the pilgrims deeper into the cave. Once inside, the true nature of the cave was revealed—the walls were lined with thick webs, and the air was heavy with a sense of impending danger.

As the pilgrims realized they had been deceived, the Spider Demonesses revealed their true forms—fearsome creatures with the upper bodies of women and the lower bodies of spiders. They began to weave their deadly webs around the pilgrims, aiming to trap and devour them.

The Battle with the Spider Demonesses

Wukong, quick to react, used his Ruyi Jingu Bang to cut through the webs and free his companions. He engaged the Spider Demonesses in a fierce battle, striking at them with his staff while dodging their venomous bites and webs.

Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing joined the fight, using their weapons to fend off the demonesses and protect Tripitaka. The cave echoed with the sounds of clashing weapons and the hissing of the enraged Spider Demonesses as they attempted to ensnare the pilgrims.

The Spider Demonesses, realizing that they were outmatched, tried to retreat deeper into the cave. However, Wukong, using his ability to see through illusions, was able to track them down and prevent their escape.

The Demonesses’ Defeat

With their illusions shattered and their webs destroyed, the Spider Demonesses were no match for the pilgrims’ strength and determination. One by one, they were defeated, and the pilgrims emerged victorious from the cave.

As the last of the Spider Demonesses fell, Tripitaka, ever compassionate, offered them a chance at redemption. He urged them to abandon their evil ways and follow the path of the Dharma, using their abilities for good rather than harm.

Humbled by their defeat and moved by Tripitaka’s words, the Spider Demonesses accepted his offer. They vowed to renounce their wicked ways and to use their powers to protect the valley, ensuring that no harm would come to travelers who passed through.

Continuing the Journey

With the Spider-Web Cave purified and the valley now safe, the pilgrims continued their journey westward. They reflected on the encounter and the lessons it had taught them about trust, deception, and the power of compassion.

The chapter ends with the pilgrims leaving the valley behind, their spirits uplifted by their victory and the knowledge that they had once again overcome the forces of evil. They knew that their journey would continue to challenge them, but they were confident that, with the Dharma as their guide, they could overcome any obstacle in their path.