Leaving Baoxiang Kingdom, they were escorted beyond the western gates by the king and his ministers. There was no end to the tale of how they ate when hungry and drank when thirsty along the way, lodging at night and setting out at dawn.
Once more, they came upon the glories of spring: a gentle breeze blew the willows green as silk, a lovely scene most worthy of verse. The season urged the birds to sing, warmth coaxed the flowers into bloom, and fragrance spread across the land.
Twin swallows came to courtyards of crabapple blossoms; it was the very season to admire spring.
Along dusty streets and purple paths, silks shimmered and strings and pipes rang out, while people played grass games and passed wine cups around.
As master and disciples traveled on, admiring the scenery, another mountain blocked their way.
Wukong carried the Golden Cudgel over his shoulder, striding lightly at the head of the party to scout the road.
Xuanzang rode on A-Hu's broad back, holding a scroll of scripture and studying it closely.
Little White Dragon led A-Hu along at the front, his expression cool and composed.
Sha Wujing carried the luggage on a shoulder pole, following behind.
Zhu Bajie dragged the Nine-Toothed Rake along beside A-Hu.
A breath of spring wind stirred the greedy worms in Old Pig's belly again. As he walked, he smacked his lips and sighed:
"If I'd known, Old Pig would've eaten more and stuffed more away back in Baoxiang Kingdom! You lot had it good, enjoying three whole days of comfort there. Old Pig made a trip to the underworld, and when I got back, I barely even got a mouthful of anything hot!"
"We set off the moment I returned. Out here in this wild country, when will we