The footsteps on the mountain path did not stop.
A-Hu padded down the slippery mountain trail, one step at a time.
Wukong led the way, with Bajie behind him, while Sha Wujing walked beside Xuanzang.
Little White Dragon brought up the rear, his eyes lowered as he listened in silence.
Seated on the tiger's back, Xuanzang continued his teaching. "As soon as Wisdom Accumulation Bodhisattva finished speaking, the eight-year-old Dragon Maiden stepped out from beside Manjushri Bodhisattva."
"She approached Wisdom Accumulation Bodhisattva, pressed her palms together, and bowed to him with gentle solemnity."
"Seeing how courteous she was, Wisdom Accumulation Bodhisattva said nothing more."
"But doubt still lingered in his eyes."
"Manjushri Bodhisattva said she could attain Buddhahood in an instant, yet all he saw was an eight-year-old girl of the Dragon Tribe."
"Wisdom Accumulation Bodhisattva did not speak again, but Venerable Shariputra stepped out from among the Dharma seats."
"Shariputra approached the Dragon Maiden, studied her for a moment, and asked, 'I just heard Manjushri say that you would soon attain the supreme Way. That is truly difficult to believe.'"
"The Dragon Maiden looked up at Shariputra and asked, 'Why do you not believe it, Venerable One?'"
Bajie scratched his cheek. "This Dragon Maiden really is polite. If it were Sister Tiger, she'd have roared at him already."
A-Hu turned her head and roared at him, "Say that again!"
Bajie immediately shut his mouth.
Xuanzang continued:
"Shariputra first pressed his palms together toward Manjushri Bodhisattva and said, 'Venerable Manjushri praised your wisdom and keen faculties, your deep roots of virtue, your attainment of dharani, and your awakening of the Bodhi mind. I agree with all of that. It is certainly true.'"
"But if you can attain Buddhahood in an instant, there are three points I do not understand."
"Shariputra