The Sorrow of the Scarlet Kingdom: A Mission for the Travelers

In this chapter of To the West, the travelers find themselves navigating the bustling streets of the Scarlet Kingdom. While Zhu Bajie is predictably distracted by the abundance of food, the group encounters a public notice that shifts their focus toward a royal crisis. The King of the Scarlet Kingdom is seeking aid, specifically requesting individuals capable of defeating demons to report to the royal palace. Despite the Tang Monk’s initial reluctance to delay their journey, he acknowledges the necessity of their intervention, while Wukong confidently asserts, "I'm great at defeating demons," assuring his master that the task will not take long.

The King’s Lament and the Demon of Power

Upon arriving at the palace, the travelers are confronted with a scene of profound grief. The King sits upon his throne, visibly distraught. The atmosphere is heavy with sorrow, as the guard explains that the monarch is "very upset." When Wukong introduces himself with his characteristic bravado—claiming the title of "king of the Fruit and Flower Mountain"—the King’s composure shatters, and he bursts into tears.

After a stern rebuke from the Tang Monk regarding proper etiquette, the King composes himself to share the tragic backstory. He reveals that "three years ago, the demon of power attacked our kingdom" and subsequently "kidnapped the queen." All military efforts to retrieve her failed because the demon was deemed "too powerful." The King points to a distant mountain where the creature resides, prompting Wukong to offer his services with a reassuring clap on the King's back, promising to "rescue the queen" while urging the monarch to provide food for his hungry companions.

A Perilous Encounter on the Mountain

Wukong’s confidence is put to the test as soon as he arrives at the demon's lair. He confronts the small demons guarding the cave entrance, issuing a bold ultimatum: "Return the queen or I'll destroy all of you." The situation escalates quickly when the "demon of power," described as having "broad shoulders" and adorned with "three bells," emerges from the cave to defend his territory.

However, the battle does not proceed according to Wukong’s expectations. Instead of a straightforward physical brawl, the demon unleashes a chaotic elemental assault. The narrative describes how "flames shot all over, smoke filled the air, and sand whipped past Wukong." This unexpected environmental attack leaves the Monkey King incapacitated, coughing and struggling as "sand flew up his nose." Overwhelmed by the sensory assault, Wukong is forced to cover his face and retreat, exclaiming, "This is awful," as he leaps off the mountain. This unexpected defeat sets the stage for a much more complex challenge than the travelers initially anticipated.