The Travellers Honoured

The pilgrims reached the capital of their country without further difficulty.  As soon as they appeared in sight the whole population became greatly excited, and cutting down branches of willow-trees went out to meet them.  As a mark of special distinction the Emperor sent his own horse for Hsuean Chuang to ride on, and the pilgrims were escorted with royal honours into the city, where the Emperor and his grateful Court were waiting to receive them.  Hsuean Chuang’s queer trio of converts at first caused great amusement among the crowds who thronged to see them, but when they learned of Sun’s superhuman achievements, and his brave defence of the Master, their amusement was changed into wondering admiration.

But the greatest honours were conferred upon the travellers at a meeting of the Immortals presided over by Mi-lo Fo, the Coming Buddha.  Addressing Hsuean Chuang, the Buddha said, “In a previous existence you were one of my chief disciples.  But for disobedience and for lightly esteeming the great teaching your soul was imprisoned in the Eastern Land.  Now a memorial has been presented to me stating that you have obtained the True Classics of Salvation, thus, by your faithfulness, completing your meritorious labours.  You are appointed to the high office of Controller of Sacrifices to his Supreme Majesty the Pearly Emperor.”

Turning to Sun, the Buddha said, “You, Sun, for creating a disturbance in the palace of Heaven, were imprisoned beneath the Mountain of the Five Elements, until the fullness of Heaven’s calamities had descended upon you, and you had repented and had joined the holy religion of Buddha.  From that time you have endeavoured to suppress evil and cherish virtue.  And on your journey to the West you have subjugated evil spirits, ghosts, and demons.  For your services you are appointed God of Victorious Strife.”

For his repentance, and for his assistance to his Master, Chu Pa-chieh, the Pig Fairy, was appointed Head Altar-washer to the Gods.  This was the highest office for which he was eligible, on account of his inherent greed.

Sha Ho-shang was elevated to the rank of Golden Body Perpetual Saint.

Pai Ma, the white horse who had patiently carried Hsuean Chuang and his burden of books, was led by a god down the Spirit Mountain to the banks of the Pool of Dragon-transformation.  Pai Ma plunged in, when he changed at once into a four-footed dragon, with horns, scales, claws, and wings complete.  From this time he became the chief of the celestial dragon tribe.

Sun’s first thought upon receiving his promotion was to get rid of the Head-splitting Helmet.  Accordingly he said to his Master, “Now that I am, like yourself, a Buddha, I want you to relieve my head of the helmet you imposed upon me during the years of my waywardness.”  Hsuean Chuang replied, “If you have really become a Buddha, your helmet should have disappeared of itself.  Are you sure it is still upon your head?” Sun raised his hand, and lo! the helmet was gone.