Now, the king leaned against his dragon throne, his tears pouring like a spring. He wept without cease until evening. Pilgrim came forward and shouted, “How can you be so muddle-headed? The Daoists’ corpses are right there: one is a tiger, one a deer, and Goat Strength is an antelope. If you do not believe it, fish out his bones and look. What human being has a skeleton like that? They were mountain beasts that had become spirits, and came here together to do you harm. Seeing that your allotted fortune was still strong, they dared not strike. In another two years, when your fortune declined, they would have killed you and taken your whole kingdom for themselves. Luckily we arrived in time to rid you of the demons and save your life. What are you crying for? What are you crying for? Hurry up and issue the travel document, and let me out of here!” Only then did the king come to his senses. The civil and military officials all addressed the throne. “The dead ones are indeed a white deer and a yellow tiger, and those in the oil cauldron are indeed goat bones. We must heed the holy monk’s words.” The king said, “Since that is so, We thank the holy monks. It is late now.” He ordered, “Grand Preceptor, escort the holy monks to Wisdom Abyss Monastery for the night. At tomorrow’s morning audience, open the Eastern Pavilion wide and have the Court of Imperial Entertainments1 prepare a fine vegetarian banquet to thank them.” They were duly escorted to the monastery to rest.

At the fifth watch next morning, the king held court and assembled his officials. He sent down a command: “Issue a proclamation summoning the monks at once. Post it at all four gates and along every road.” Meanwhile a lavish banquet was prepared. The king left court in his royal procession, went to the gate of Wisdom Abyss Monastery and invited Sanzang and the others to join him at the banquet in the Eastern Pavilion. Of that we need say no more.

Meanwhile, the monks who had escaped with their lives heard of the proclamation summoning them. Every one of them was delighted, and all went into the city to find the Great Sage Sun, return his hairs and thank him for his kindness. When the elder had left the banquet, the king endorsed his travel document and, with the queen, consorts and both ranks of civil and military officials, escorted him out through the palace gate. There were the monks, kneeling and bowing beside the road. “Grandfather Great Sage Equal to Heaven,” they cried, “we are the monks whose lives you saved on the sands. We heard that Grandfather had swept away the demons and delivered us, and that our king had graciously issued a proclamation summoning the monks. We have come especially to return your hairs and bow in thanks for your heavenly kindness.” Pilgrim laughed. “How many of you have come?” The monks said, “Five hundred, not half a man short.” Pilgrim gave himself a shake and took back his hairs. Then he told the king, ministers, monks and laypeople, “It was Old Sun who freed these monks. Old Sun drove his energy through the twin gates and the spinal pass2 and smashed the carts. Old Sun killed those two demon Daoists too. Now that the evil beings are destroyed, you know at last that the Buddhist teaching possesses the Way. From now on, you must never act recklessly or put your faith in nonsense again. I hope you will unite the Three Teachings3: honour monks, honour Daoists and nurture men of learning as well. I guarantee your kingdom will endure.” The king accepted his words and thanked him endlessly. Then he saw the Tang Monk out of the city, and they were on their way.