He had set out to obtain the true scriptures and save all living beings. If he, too, developed such thoughts, then who would save the people of this world?
Even if the Buddhist scriptures were useless, he still had to walk step by step to the Western Heavens for all living beings, to Spirit Mountain's Great Thunderclap Temple, and stand before Tathagata Buddha.
He had to ask Tathagata Buddha on behalf of all living beings whether these Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, who sat high above and enjoyed the Incense Offerings of the masses, had truly heard their cries and seen their suffering.
Were they nothing more than clay idols seated upon Lotus Platforms?
He alone bore the burden of all living beings in the world. He could not lose himself in tenderness.
Otherwise, no one in this entire world would be left to plead for its people.
Conflict and struggle surfaced in Tang Sanzang's eyes.
"Your Majesty, I..."
"Shh—" The Western Liang Queen pressed her slender index finger to his lips.
"Royal Brother, I understand. You wish to save all living beings. This is a matter of boundless Merit. I will never stand in your way."
"Go without worry. I will wait for you. Five years, ten years, twenty years—I will wait."
"I will raise Xiao Xuan'er in the Western Liang Women's Kingdom. Mother and daughter will wait here for your return."
Tang Sanzang looked into her clear, resolute eyes and slowly nodded.
"All right!"
"Once I have pleaded for all living beings and returned from the Western Heavens, I will marry you."
"Royal Brother, I will wait for you."
The Western Liang Queen rose onto her toes and brought her lips closer. Tang Sanzang closed his eyes as well.
In the blink of an eye, the next day arrived.
Tang