Tripitaka and his three disciples once again set out on the road, relieved to finally leave the ‘Little Western Paradise’ behind.
In gratitude for vanquishing the monsters and recovering the Buddha’s relics, the king of the Kingdom of Sacrifice wished to present Tripitaka and his companions with a great amount of gold and jade, which they politely declined.
Tang Sanzang and Sha Monk waited restlessly for Wukong’s return, pacing like caged animals by the roadside.
Upon hearing her, the queen ordered the imperial entertainment attendants to prepare a splendid feast. She also instructed her entire entourage to get ready to accompany her outside the city to welcome her husband.
After leaving the village, Tang Monk and his disciples resumed their journey westward. They had traveled only about thirty or forty miles when they arrived at the border of Western Liang, the Women Kingdom.
Trying to calm him, the Monkey King said: “Don’t worry, Master. Wu Jing and I will go and fetch water that will restore your health, and we’ll return as soon as possible.”
Tang Monk mounted his horse and continued westward on his journey, accompanied by his disciples. They rested beside streams and satisfied their hunger outdoors. They walked for a long time without stopping, and once again spring returned.
After rescuing the Princess of the Sacred Elephant Kingdom and receiving the grateful honors from her father, the group journeyed onward without rest for many days. They ate only when hunger or thirst overtook them, traveling by daylight and resting when the sun dipped below the horizon.