At the gates of Da'an Temple, monks young and old had gathered to see Xuanzang off.
After all, he was the representative heading to the Great Thunderclap Temple of the Western Heavens to obtain the true scriptures. If the lad really brought them back, Da'an Temple would not only become famous throughout the Qin Empire, but its future incense money income would be enough to count until their hands cramped.
Xuanzang nodded and said with a smile, "I still need to make a trip to Xianyang City later. They say His Majesty the Emperor is giving me some treasures. I wonder how much they're worth?"
The Abbot said sternly, "Don't talk nonsense. Once you meet His Majesty and the civil and military officials, do not cause trouble no matter what. Otherwise, everyone in the temple may end up losing their heads with you!"
Since Da'an Temple itself was not particularly wealthy, they could only scrape together enough money at the last minute to barely buy Xuanzang a sturdy black donkey.
After leaving Da'an Temple, Xiao Zhen patted the old companion at his side, one he might be spending several more years with.
He was truly curious—when they encountered the White Dragon Horse later, if that fellow ate this black donkey, would he turn into a white donkey?
When he arrived outside Xianyang City, the place was already packed with civil and military officials. The emperor, with two beautiful consorts in his arms, had even come in person.
"Hmph! That damned monk still isn't here. He made me, the mighty emperor, wait for half an hour. If the Buddhist Sect were not backing him, I would have him sliced into a thousand pieces!"
A graceful consort beside him coaxed him sweetly:
"Your Majesty, don't be impatient. Master Xuanzang will soon leave