Taibai Jinxing finished recounting Xuanzang's words: "Then hate this poor monk."
He had thoroughly satisfied his itch.
The old Star Lord straightened and rested his Fly-Whisk in the crook of his arm again.
In an instant, he transformed from an old man gossiping in the streets into Star Lord Taibai, every inch an immortal sage.
Facing everyone in the hall, he offered a proper Daoist bow and declared in a ringing voice:
"My business here is concluded. This old Daoist takes his leave to report back to the Heavenly Court."
With that, golden light flashed, and he was gone.
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva also pressed his palms together and bade everyone in the hall farewell.
The golden light on the Lotus Pedestal slowly dimmed, and his figure dissolved.
Diting, however, stayed behind, lying on the floor. After all, he still had to take Xuanzang and the others back.
Ao Shun turned and bowed deeply to Xuanzang.
"This old dragon owes the Holy Monk a tremendous debt."
Xuanzang extended a hand to gesture him upright.
"You are too kind, Dragon King. This poor monk did nothing and cannot accept such a bow!"
Ao Shun slowly shook his head. He neither argued nor wasted further words, merely looked at Xuanzang and said:
"Holy Monk, should you ever need the Dragon Tribe of the Northern Sea, though this old dragon is under punishment, the Dragon Tribe of the Northern Sea will spare no effort to assist you."
He paused.
"These are no empty courtesies."
Xuanzang pressed his palms together and nodded. "This poor monk will remember. Thank you, Dragon King."
Only then did Ao Shun step back. He bowed to Xuanzang once more, then solemnly cupped his fist to Wukong and the Kings of Hell in farewell, his bearing as dignified as when he had