Tang Sanzang had nearly become a Heavenly Dao Saint.
If not the head of Buddhism, then at least its second- or third-in-command. Naturally, he was exceptionally sensitive to the fortunes of the Western Sect!
After receiving the Tang King's reward.
The Western Sect's fortune suddenly surged!
Yet Tang Sanzang then vaguely sensed that, in an unwelcome future... a tremendous calamity would arise, one he would be utterly unable to stop.
That was why his expression had changed earlier, allowing Sun Wukong to notice it and ask him about it now.
After hearing this, Sun Wukong also fell into thought. A moment later, he smiled and said:
"Master has already reached such a realm. Could it be that you still do not understand that prosperity inevitably declines? Not just Buddhism—even the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin clans of old, and the Witch-Demon race before them, could not escape this pattern. Why should Master worry so much?"
"Just let nature take its course!"
"Buddhism has an opportunity to flourish in this Tribulation anyway. That is already enough, Master. Do not overthink it..."
Besides...
The Karma involved was exceedingly complicated.
Some of it could even be traced back to the time of the two Saints, Jieyin and Zhunti. During the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation, Zhunti had used his Saintly cultivation to scheme against the Human Emperor, planting Karma long ago!
Tang Sanzang nodded slightly.
"This master has become attached to appearances..."
Having gotten to the bottom of things, Sun Wukong did not linger. He cheerfully bade Tang Sanzang farewell, then left the room and rose into the air on a Somersault Cloud.
But he did not return to Flower-Fruit Mountain...
Instead, he paused briefly in midair, turned, and shot directly toward the Underworld!
His conversation with Tang Sanzang had stirred something within Sun