Tang Sanzang and his disciples arrived at the Webbed Hollow, where they spotted a house in the distance. He decided to go alone to beg for alms, despite his disciples’ reluctance. He insisted, “You usually handle the dangerous tasks, but this time it’s nearby, so let me go alone.” The disciples agreed, and Tang Sanzang approached the house.
Upon entering, he met seven beautiful women who referred to each other as sisters. The house was sparsely furnished, and an eerie atmosphere filled the air. Despite feeling uneasy, Tang Sanzang continued to beg for alms. The eldest sister instructed three younger sisters to prepare a meal while she and the others engaged in small talk with Tang Sanzang. Unbeknownst to him, the meal was human flesh. When the food arrived, Tang Sanzang sensed something was wrong and refused to eat. The sisters blamed him for being picky, and when he tried to leave, they pushed him to the ground and revealed their navels, from which white silk threads emerged, suspending Tang Sanzang from the ceiling.
The Seven Spider Yaoguais
After waiting for a long time, the three disciples grew worried. Sun Wukong decided to check on Tang Sanzang and found him cocooned in spider silk. Sun Wukong consulted the local keeper, who informed him that the seven female Yaoguais were spider demons who bathed daily in a nearby hot spring. Sun Wukong transformed into a fly and observed the Yaoguais discussing their plan to steam and eat Tang Sanzang. He decided to delay them while rescuing his master and transformed into an eagle to steal their clothes.
Sun Wukong returned to the other disciples and explained the situation. Zhu Bajie insisted on defeating the Yaoguais first, while Sun Wukong and Sha Wujing would rescue Tang Sanzang. Zhu Bajie encountered the Yaoguais at the hot spring, and after a brief fight, they fled, leaving Tang Sanzang behind. The disciples reunited, fought off minor Yaoguais, and rescued Tang Sanzang. They decided not to pursue the spider Yaoguais further and continued their journey.
Tang Sanzang reflected on the ordeal, “From now on, you disciples should handle the begging for alms. Everyone has their own expertise.”
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