The Destruction of the Ancient Tree

The narrative begins with a discovery that shatters the facade of hospitality at the abbey. The priests, initially suspicious of the visitors, find the ginseng tree "lying on the ground," "gray" and stripped of all its leaves. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, they lament that the tree was "older than heaven and earth." The priests correctly identify Sun Wukong as the culprit, labeling him a "spirit" who must have used "magic" to commit the act. Fearing his power, they decide to bide their time until their master, the "great immortal," returns to handle the travelers.

Deception and Confinement

Inside the abbey, the tension between the Tang Monk and his disciples intensifies. The Tang Monk, unaware of the tree's destruction, reprimands his companions for stealing fruit. However, the priests return with a deceptive apology, claiming, "None of the ginseng fruit is missing after all." Wukong, ever sharp, gives the priest a "suspicious look," sensing a trap. The hospitality quickly sours when the priests lead them to a room and slam the door, leaving them locked inside. Bajie’s frustration is immediate, resulting in a painful encounter with the door, while the Tang Monk laments, "How will I ever reach the Western Paradise with companions like you?" Wukong admits his transgression, revealing that he "knocked down their ginseng tree" out of anger, and promises to use his "lockpicking magic" to facilitate their escape.

Confrontation with the Great Immortal

The travelers manage to flee the abbey, but their freedom is short-lived. On the road, they encounter an old man who reveals his true identity as the "great immortal." He is furious, stating, "You destroyed my ginseng tree," and declares, "You're not going any farther until you give me a new one." Despite Wukong pulling out his "iron bar" and his companions raising their weapons, the immortal maintains an air of superiority.

The Magic of the Cosmos in the Sleeve

The climax of the encounter showcases the vast disparity in power. While Wukong mocks the immortal’s ability to fly, the immortal remains unfazed. He introduces a formidable technique known as the "magic of the cosmos in the sleeve." With a simple wave of his arm, the immortal exerts his influence over the group. The sleeve "swooped down" toward them, and in an instant, the Tang Monk and his disciples were "swept up in it." This display of supernatural prowess effectively ends their flight and leaves the travelers at the mercy of the immortal, marking a significant turn in their journey to the West.