Xingtie: My silly online friend is actually a raccoon!

Spark lay on the table, propping her chin up with her hand, her wine-red eyes darting around, seemingly plotting something mischievous.

"So what's our first step?"

Lu Ze looked out the window, where the spire of Huasheng Temple stood quietly in the twilight.

"First step, let's go see what the fuss is about." He put down his teacup. "Let's see what the legendary Tang Sanzang actually looks like."

After successfully paying the bill, the waiter kindly gave them directions.

The three of them walked through several streets and alleys and soon arrived at Huasheng Temple.

At this moment, the entire temple was completely surrounded by people, and almost the entire population of Chang'an City had turned out to catch a glimpse of the holy monk.

The rising smoke from the incense burner, mingled with the scent of sandalwood, filled the air, while the chanting of sutras and the sounds of bells and drums created a solemn and dignified background.

It took Lu Ze and his two companions a great deal of effort to squeeze from the periphery of the crowd to the front row, where they secured a good position with a clear view of the steps of the main hall.

Bells and drums resounded, and Buddhist chants sang melodiously.

Wearing a brocade cassock and holding a nine-ringed staff, the Venerable Xuanzang slowly walked out of the main hall.

He had a handsome face, his eyes were lowered, and he walked with a steady and firm gait.

Sunlight shone on his brocade robe, making the gold threads shimmer and reflect, making him look like a walking Buddha statue.

"Wow..." Spark couldn't help but exclaim, "So cool."

"You still care about this?" Xing was a little surprised and glanced at Huohua.

She never expected that Spark, a joyful traveler, was also a sucker for good looks.

"What kind of look is that? Can't I appreciate handsome guys?" Spark glared back defiantly, her wine-red eyes rolling wide at Star.

Lu Ze didn't speak; he just quietly looked at Xuanzang on the stage.

He knew this person was about to embark on a long and arduous journey, and he also knew what the end of that journey would be.

But at that moment, he wasn't thinking about the plot; he was thinking about a more practical problem.

If he were to replace Tang Sanzang on the journey to the West, what would become of the real Tang Sanzang?

We can't just kill him.

The question flashed through his mind, but he quickly suppressed it.

That's unrealistic. Tang Sanzang is the reincarnation of Jin Chanzi. If we kill him, Jin Chanzi will return to his rightful place, and Buddha will immediately know that the Journey to the West plan has gone wrong.

Forget about getting a share of the spoils; they'll probably be the next ones trapped under the Five Elements Mountain.

It seems the only option is to find a way to replace them at some point during the journey to the West.

At this moment, Xuanzang had already begun his sermon on the platform.

The chanting of Buddhist scriptures and the fragrance of sandalwood filled the air, and the people of the city listened attentively.

Suddenly a commotion arose in the crowd. A raggedly dressed wandering monk pushed his way through the crowd and loudly hawked his wares.

"The robe and the staff! To those with affinity, they are free; to those without affinity, they are priceless!"

It was Guanyin in disguise who came to offer the treasure.

Lu Ze knew about this part of the plot, but he didn't say anything. He just watched the scene unfold according to the original script.

The wandering monk was led into the palace, where he revealed his true form in the court, leaving behind a brocade cassock and a nine-ringed staff, before turning into golden light and departing.

Emperor Taizong immediately issued an edict, bestowing upon Xuanzang the title of "Imperial Brother" and the honorary title of "Tripitaka Master," and set a date for him to embark on his journey to the west.

Everything is just like in the original story.

The Water and Land Festival came to an end, and the crowd gradually dispersed.

The incense ash in the incense burner had accumulated to a thick layer, and several young monks were sweeping the steps with brooms.

Lu Ze stood there, gazing at the empty preaching platform, motionless for a long time.

Xing walked to his side and followed his gaze to the now-empty preaching platform.

"What are you thinking about?"

"I'm thinking about how to win over Monkey King." Lu Ze withdrew his gaze and turned to walk out of the temple.

The evening breeze swept across the empty preaching platform, stirring up a few fallen leaves.

"Let's go, the real journey to the West must begin at the Five Elements Mountain."