A sliver of fish-belly white appeared on the horizon.
Xuanzang withdrew his gaze and stepped over the scattered stones. He had barely taken a few steps.
The familiar power of the Heavenly Dao descended once more.
[The Heavenly Dao acknowledges: With his great vow of compassion, the Lord of Tribulations delivered all people, dispelled the resentment of wronged souls, guided the dead to ascend to heaven, and removed demonic hindrances. This deed was one of great goodness.] [Does the Lord of Tribulations have a request?]
This time, the Heavenly Dao did not bestow a reward outright. Instead, it asked him.
Xuanzang stopped.
He glanced back at the empty bluestone, pressed his palms together, and spoke softly into the void:
"Could you grant those two the chance to meet again, once they have atoned for their sins?"
[Granted.]
The presence of the Heavenly Dao gradually faded, and the pressure between heaven and earth receded like the tide.
Xuanzang straightened his monk's robes, bowed slightly toward the sky, then turned and continued into the morning light.
Wukong stood where he was, his lips spreading into a grin that revealed a row of pointed teeth.
With a flick of his wrist, he spun the Golden Cudgel and rested it behind his back. Chuckling, he caught up with long, swift strides.
Expressionless, Little White Dragon turned his spear into a streak of light that vanished into his sleeve, then followed close behind with A-Hu.
Wujing hurriedly shouldered the luggage and caught up with his master and senior brothers.
Only Bajie remained rooted to the spot.
His long snout twitched, tears and snot streaming down his face. He had not even noticed that the others had gone on ahead.
"Idiot! What are you doing? Keep up!"
Wukong's shout came from up