"Hehe, thanks to the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, this old man has been doing quite well these past few years." Taibai Golden Star chuckled, his gaze circling over their faces. "I happened to pass through this place and rescued the holy monk. I had just gone to clear out those demons, lest they harm other travelers again. When I saw movement in the temple, I came in to take a look. I never expected the Great Sage Equal to Heaven and the holy monk to be here... discussing matters."
He placed particular emphasis on the words "discussing matters," his smile carrying a hint of deeper meaning.
Tang Sanzang hurriedly pressed his palms together and bowed to Taibai Golden Star.
"So it is a High Immortal." His attitude was countless times more respectful than it had been toward Sun Wukong. He bent deeply at the waist. "This humble monk is Tang Sanzang. Greetings, High Immortal. This humble monk shall never forget the High Immortal's lifesaving grace."
"No need for such ceremony, holy monk." Taibai Golden Star waved a hand. "This old man was merely passing by. It was only a small favor."
Tang Sanzang straightened, his face taking on the look of someone with much to say.
"High Immortal, by the command of the Emperor of Great Tang, this humble monk is traveling to Western Heaven to obtain the scriptures."
"The journey is long and fraught with hardships, but this humble monk has already made a great vow: unless I obtain the true scriptures, I shall never turn back."
"The Venerables Ananda and Kasyapa manifested before this humble monk and enlightened me, saying that the Mahayana Dharma lies within the Great Thunderclap Temple of Spirit Mountain. It can deliver Lost Souls and save all living beings. As a disciple of