The dusty light shifted.
After the Ullambana Assembly, the Thunderclap Treasure Monastery, where immortals and Buddhas had filled the hall, jeweled canopies hung in tiers, and platters brimmed with exotic fruit,
was now much emptier.
Golden Cicada Child walked in from outside the hall.
He walked very slowly.
A faint scent of tea still clung to his cuffs.
He reached the steps, pressed his palms together, and bowed his head.
"World-Honored One."
Tathagata lowered his eyes to look at him. Upon the Lotus Pedestal, the golden light was subdued.
Golden Cicada Child said, "Your disciple has met with Great Immortal Zhenyuan."
Tathagata asked, "Did you ask him?"
Golden Cicada Child answered, "I did."
"What answer did you receive?"
Golden Cicada Child fell silent for a moment, then said softly, "He cannot let go."
Tathagata pressed further. "Then what should be done?"
Golden Cicada Child lowered his lashes. "He said he did not know."
Tathagata looked at him. "You do not know either?"
Golden Cicada Child bowed his head. "Your disciple knows, but cannot let go."
The Lotus Pedestal hung high above.
The golden lamps were silent.
Tathagata closed his eyes without speaking and asked no more.
Golden Cicada Child stood below the steps with his head bowed.
Outside the dusty light.
Wukong stared at that figure, utterly motionless.
Xuanzang pressed his palms together, closed his eyes, and sighed softly.
Within the dusty light, Golden Cicada Child suddenly stepped half a pace back.
Then he knelt.
Both knees touched the ground.
Both hands lay flat against it.
His forehead pressed against the Jade Steps.
He prostrated himself fully.
"Master."
Golden Cicada Child declared loudly:
"Your disciple seeks a teaching."
Tathagata opened his eyes.
He looked at his disciple below the steps, his gaze like deep water.
"What teaching do you