Meeting the King
After saying this, the gods quickly said to Sun Wukong, "Your master is truly kind. We'll help you now."
After thinking about it seriously for a long time, Sun Wukong continued:
"Of course, this is only a small part of what I said. You can't let them cry and make a fuss when they're scared. After I've vanquished the demons and ruled the country, I'll return these children to me."
The gods obeyed the command and each displayed their supernatural Divine Ability, leaping down from the clouds. After a short while, a chilling wind swept through the city.
In the dead of night, all the immortals took away the goose cages and hid them in one place. Sun Wukong jumped down from the clouds and went to Tang Xuanzang's side. He heard Tang Xuanzang whispering to each other. Sun Wukong was very happy and said:
"Master, I'm back now. Did you hear that howling wind?"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Bajie recalled his unpleasant memory and said to Sun Wukong, "This gust of cold wind is blowing well!"
However, Tang Xuanzang was determined to save the children, so he asked Sun Wukong, "What's the story with those children now?"
Sun Wukong smiled and said, "Master, you don't need to worry about this anymore. I've already rescued them all, and we'll bring them back when we leave."
Tang Xuanzang thanked the sky before slowly drifting off to sleep.
Tang Xuanzang didn't wake up until dawn. After packing his luggage, he said, "Wukong, it's already daylight. Let's hurry and go exchange the travel documents."
Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong said, "Master, I'm afraid it won't be very effective for you to go alone. Let me go with you and see if that Daoist priest is really a monster."
"You refused to bow to the king after you met him; I'm afraid he will blame me."
At this time, Tang Xuanzang was still worried about this problem, because Sun Wukong was arrogant and audacious, and these problems had occurred before, so Tang Xuanzang had long had some concerns.
"How about this: I'll protect you from the shadows without showing myself, how about that?"
Sun Wukong also felt that what Tang Xuanzang said made some sense, and after thinking about it, he said to Tang Xuanzang.
Upon hearing this, Tang Xuanzang was overjoyed and instructed Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing to guard the luggage and horses. Just as they were about to leave, the official came to find Tang Xuanzang again and noticed that Tang Xuanzang's attire was completely different from yesterday's.
Tang Xuanzang was dressed in a kasaya, with a wisp of Buddha's light hidden in his chest, and he carried his travel documents with him, as if a living Buddha had appeared.
The official quickly greeted him with courtesy, then whispered in Tang Xuanzang's ear:
"Elder, please don't meddle in other people's business. Just focus on getting your travel permit. Otherwise, you'll definitely cause some unnecessary trouble."
Tang Xuanzang nodded in response. Sun Wukong dodged to the side, transformed into an insect, and flew onto Tang Xuanzang's hat. Afterward, they left the post station and went to the imperial court.
Upon arriving outside the imperial court, he saw an official dressed in blue and immediately bowed, saying:
"This humble monk comes from the Great Tang of the Eastern Lands, on his way to the Western Heaven Paradise to obtain Buddhist scriptures. Now that I have arrived here, I wish to exchange for a travel permit. I hope you can help me speak to the Emperor."
Tang Xuanzang spoke very modestly, while the official in blue was overjoyed and quickly told the king what had just happened. Upon hearing this, the king was immediately delighted and said:
"The monks who have come from afar must possess some spiritual attainments."
After speaking, the king called for Tang Xuanzang to come in. When Tang Xuanzang came down the steps, he immediately bowed. Seeing that Tang Xuanzang was very well-mannered, the king patted the seat next to him, indicating that Tang Xuanzang should sit down.
Tang Xuanzang picked up the travel document and handed it to the king. The king looked at it for a long time, feeling dizzy and disoriented, and then signed and returned it to Tang Xuanzang.
The king asked Tang Xuanzang about the reason for his pilgrimage to India, when suddenly a servant outside announced, "The Imperial Preceptor has arrived."
After speaking, the king immediately stood up and hurriedly greeted him. Tang Xuanzang also hurriedly stood up and looked closely. It turned out that an old man with white hair was standing on the jade steps and swaying as he walked in.
The royal advisor barged into the palace without even bowing, prompting the king to ask, "Royal advisor, I couldn't find you before. Why have you suddenly appeared today?"
Tang Xuanzang also stood up and said respectfully, "I have long heard of your great name, and today I finally meet you in person. You truly live up to your reputation."
After speaking, the royal advisor remained arrogant, not returning the greeting at all, and turned to the king, asking, "Where exactly does this monk come from?"
However, the king respectfully said, "This is the place where the Great Tang of the Eastern Lands traveled to the Western Heaven to obtain Buddhist scriptures. Today, we have come here to exchange our travel documents."
The Imperial Advisor smiled and said, "What's so good about the journey to the Western Heaven? There are so many Yaomo there. You might as well stay here with us. I guarantee you endless wealth and glory."
However, Tang Xuanzang refused to bow to the pressure of earning a meager living. Tang Xuanzang simply said, "Since ancient Western Heaven has been called the Land of Ultimate Bliss. What could be wrong with that?"
The king hurriedly asked, "I've heard people say that Buddhist disciples can Changsheng. Is it possible to achieve immortality?"
Upon hearing this Tang Xuanzang immediately explained, "That's just what's written in books. In reality, as long as you let go of everything on your mind, you can naturally be melancholic and live a long and healthy life."
After hearing Tang Xuanzang's explanation, the National Preceptor simply smiled and pointed at Tang Xuanzang, saying, "You monk, you're spouting nonsense."
"It has been said since ancient times that practicing Buddhism can Changsheng, but where exactly do we reside in Huan Yuan? You must know that we combine the energies of Yin and Yang Five Elements, which is why we can cultivate properly."
"Since ancient times, only the Tao has been revered."
The king was overjoyed upon hearing this, but all the civil and military officials cheered, saying, "What a wonderful statement! Since ancient times, only the Way has been supreme!"
Upon seeing this, Tang Xuanzang was immediately filled with shame. After a short while, the king arranged for Tang Xuanzang to have a meal.
After seeing them off outside the city, Tang Xuanzang could only nod. As he was leaving the hall, Tang Xuanzang Sun Wukong suddenly appeared beside Tang Xuanzang and said:
"Master, this royal advisor is a demon. The king has been affected by Yao Qi. Please wait for me at your residence for a while while I go there to inquire about the situation."
After speaking, Sun Wukong turned and left. Tang Xuanzang returned to the inn and kept silent about what had just happened.
Sun Wukong had already flown to the palace when he suddenly heard an official report:
"Last night, a cold wind blew, and all the children in every household were blown away; they haven't been seen since."
The king was furious upon hearing this and said to the royal advisor:
"This matter is absolutely life-threatening! I'm so sick now, even the imperial physicians couldn't help me. Luckily, the Imperial Preceptor gave me the medicine, otherwise, how would I live now?"