Journey to the West Concludes, Buddha-Demon Tribulation Begins

In Great Tang, Xuanzang and his party returned after obtaining the scriptures. Emperor Tang Li Shimin personally welcomed them with the grandest of ceremonies.

Emperor Tang Li Shimin gripped Xuanzang's shoulders with both hands, his face full of excitement.

After quite a while, they entered the imperial palace and spoke in Diligence Palace of the hardships endured on this scripture-seeking journey.

Xuanzang introduced Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, Sand Monk, White Dragon, and the others one by one.

Upon learning that they were Immortals and Divine beings of immense power, the Emperor Tang grew even more excited.

Xuanzang then recounted to the Emperor Tang the demons, monsters, ghosts, and other creatures they had encountered along the way. The Emperor Tang listened with great interest, though his heart also trembled with fear.

He was especially grateful to Sun Wukong and the others.

The incomplete Mahayana Buddhism scriptures were placed in Fahua Temple, where Xuanzang resided.

The next day, the Emperor Tang issued an edict to prepare a Water and Land Dharma Assembly, inviting Buddhist cultivators from across the realm to gather and hear Xuanzang preach the scriptures.

These were true Buddhist scriptures. Once the imperial edict was issued, those who came to listen arrived in an endless stream.

When the appointed day arrived, all of Chang'an City was packed with people.

Upon the high platform, Xuanzang wore a kasaya, Buddhist light radiating from his entire body. He looked extraordinarily divine.

At a certain moment, the venue fell silent. Xuanzang opened the first page of the scripture and began to speak Buddhist oracles.

Everyone listened intently, contemplating them with all their hearts.

Yet when he reached the missing page, Xuanzang paused briefly, shook his head, and sighed before continuing his exposition of Buddhist teachings.

This lecture lasted more than half a month.

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