The Jade Rabbit Spirit was taken back to the Moon Palace by Fairy Chang'e, while the King who had found his daughter again was immensely grateful to Duanmu Huai and Sun Wukong. Of course, Duanmu Huai did not care about that. As long as they stamped his travel permit and let him pass, that was enough. Although the King repeatedly tried to make him stay, Duanmu Huai continued onward.
That day, as the two traveled, they saw tall towers and magnificent pavilions ahead, truly soaring a hundred feet into the sky and rising high above the clouds. Auspicious light shimmered in five colors, and layers of auspicious mist surrounded the area. This was none other than Vulture Peak, the sacred realm of Buddha. Beneath their feet flowed a great river, its waves rolling and currents surging. It was eight or nine li wide, with no sign of human life anywhere. The only thing nearby was a wooden bridge bearing three words: Lingyun Crossing. Duanmu Huai stopped there, dismounted, and turned to look at Sun Wukong.
"Great Sage."
"Master, you..."
Hearing Duanmu Huai suddenly address him that way, Sun Wukong was stunned.
"We have reached the realm of Tathagata in the Western Heaven. Once we go any farther, there will be no turning back."
As he spoke, Duanmu Huai handed the reins of the Heavenly Horse to Sun Wukong.
"Though I don't know what Guanyin told you, since you've come this far, your merits can be considered complete. Going any farther would be unwise. Thank you for accompanying me with the Heavenly Horse all this way. Without you, it really would have been a little boring. I owe you one."
"Master, are you really going to storm Western Heaven?"
Sun Wukong gripped the reins hesitantly and asked.
"Of course. Some people