The next morning, outside Wuzhuang Temple.
The morning dew had yet to dry, and the breeze through the pines carried a refreshing coolness.
Taibai Jinxing had hurried back to the Heavenly Court as soon as he sobered up the night before.
Guanyin Bodhisattva had not stayed long either. After offering a few words of advice, she returned to the South Sea.
Zhen Yuanzi stood on the steps, cradling the infant the spiritual root had become.
The child was hugging Zhen Yuanzi's fly whisk, sleeping soundly.
Grateful for Xuanzang's great kindness, and for his sacrifice of a treasure as precious as the Nine-Ringed Monk's Staff, Zhen Yuanzi had wanted to give him several treasures for protection, but Xuanzang had politely declined.
Xuanzang had merely said, "My journey west in this body is itself cultivation. The Nine-Ringed Monk's Staff has become a tree here to purify the earth's veins-that is its destined affinity. What need is there for compensation?"
Seeing that his mind was made up, Zhen Yuanzi did not insist.
"Holy Monk, Great Sage."
Zhen Yuanzi looked at the master and his disciples, all ready to depart, and said:
"This child has only just attained human form. Though his innate spiritual energy is abundant, his foundation is not yet stable. I shall keep him by my side, nourishing him with earth energy to secure his foundation."
"When the Holy Monk completes the Journey to the West and obtains the scriptures, I shall have my son seek out the Great Sage, attend him, and cultivate diligently."
Sun Wukong cupped his hands and chuckled.
"No trouble, no trouble. My dear disciple is only just born. Naturally, he should stay with you a little longer and enjoy your affection, elder brother. We eat in the wind and sleep beneath the dew on this journey.