The next day, Tang Sanzang and his party rode the clouds away from the Western Land.
Traveling at incredible speed, they returned to Tian An City, the capital of the Great Tang God Kingdom, in only a few days.
Within the Floating Palace, a dignified and sacred-looking middle-aged man opened his sharp eyes, then rose to his feet, stroked his beard, and laughed.
"Hahaha, good! Very good!"
The Immortal Officials and Heavenly Kings below were utterly baffled.
"Your Majesty, what has pleased you so greatly?" Heavenly King Cheng Yaojin asked with a bow.
"Hahaha, my beloved minister, you do not know this. My imperial brother Tang Sanzang spent a hundred years spreading the scriptures in the Western Land and has now returned. He is currently outside the city."
Everyone was shocked at first, then began cheering excitedly.
Shortly afterward, Divine Emperor Li Shimin summoned Tang Sanzang and his party into the hall.
"We pay our respects to His Majesty the Divine Emperor."
"Mm, rise. No need for formalities."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble monk was dispatched to the Western Land to spread the scriptures. The task has now been completed, and I have come to report back."
"Good, very good."
"My imperial brother has worked hard on this journey to spread the scriptures in the Western Land. Your merit is now complete."
"I shall reward you all handsomely."
"Tang Sanzang, step forward to receive your title."
"Present."
"Tang Sanzang was ordered to spread the scriptures in the Western Land for a hundred years. Now that his merit is complete, he is hereby named Zhan Tan Heavenly King and bestowed the righteous fruition of merit."
A divine light shone upon Tang Sanzang. A halo of divine charm suddenly appeared behind him, surrounded by drifting Holy Light.