Little Thunderclap Temple, Yellow-Browed Old Buddha

Amid layers upon layers of mountains stood a radiant Buddhist hall, its bells ringing far and wide.

Xuanzang and his group hurried over and climbed the white jade steps.

A Buddha in plain robes had long been waiting beneath the hall.

Upon seeing Xuanzang's group approach, he curled his lips slightly, then went forward with a smile.

The Buddha first greeted Sun Wukong. If he had truly been a Buddha of Spirit Mountain, Sun Wukong would naturally have recognized him. Yet Sun Wukong frowned. There was something strange about the Buddha before him.

Though Sun Wukong said nothing, he remained on guard.

Xuanzang returned the smile. "Thank you for your trouble!"

The group entered the hall.

Inside, it was as magnificent as Great Thunderclap Temple on Spirit Mountain, yet it carried a faint air of eeriness.

Upon the elevated throne sat a colossal Buddha in a Golden Light Buddhist Robe, his appearance solemn and dignified, a smile on his face. His features were indeed those of Shakyamuni Buddha Tathagata.

The Eighteen Arhats stood on either side, along with more than a dozen Bodhisattvas, Buddhas, and various Venerables.

Guanyin, dressed in white, was among them. Beside her stood Bodhisattvas such as Samantabhadra and Lingji Bodhisattva.

Xuanzang's face was full of excitement, as though he would obtain the true scripture and achieve perfection on his westward journey the very next moment.

"Xuanzang!" Just as Xuanzang looked around, an ethereal yet imposing voice sounded from the throne above.

Xuanzang looked toward the voice, then stepped forward and bowed in Buddhist salute. "This disciple Xuanzang pays respects to the Buddha Ancestor!"

The great Buddha on the throne nodded with a smile.

Zhu Bajie and Sand Monk both offered their respects. Only Sun Wukong remained still, his gaze fixed on the Tathagata upon the throne,