With the affairs of Western Liang settled, everyone returned to the Royal Palace.
The moment Bajie entered the hall, he clamored for food, and the palace maids hurried off to prepare it. He did not sit idle either, heading straight for a table and stuffing two pieces of fruit into his mouth.
Wukong shook his head at the sight. "Brother, are you really that hungry?"
Bajie mumbled, "Brother Monkey, listen to yourself. If I don't eat now, there won't be any once we leave! If I don't eat my fill, wouldn't all these days of running around and suffering have been for nothing?"
Little White Dragon rolled his eyes beside him. "Calling you a starving ghost would be an insult to starving ghosts."
Bajie cared only about eating and could not be bothered to answer him.
The Sun-Rising Star Official did not stay long.
He had drawn on his natal star's power that day and needed to return to the Heavenly Court promptly to report and recuperate. Holding his ceremonial tablet, he bowed to Guanyin and Xuanzang, then rode a cloud away from Western Liang.
Meanwhile, Miaole inspected the pipa once more before returning it to Jade Flute.
Jade Flute received it with both hands and bowed solemnly. "Even ten thousand deaths could not repay your kindness, Immortal."
Miaole shook his head gently, but before he could speak-
Guanyin was already looking at Jade Flute. "Jade Flute, since you have decided to remain in Western Liang, you will have to safeguard the Nation-Guarding Artifact and work with the Underworld Bureau to maintain the twin springs and the Mother-Child River. Acting as an independent cultivator would make many things inconvenient."
Jade Flute froze.
Guanyin continued, "Miaole and I have already discussed this. Together, we will recommend you to the Great Heavenly