In the end, the Great Sage broke the rules.

The master and his disciples returned to Leiyin Temple with the blank scriptures.

Sun Wukong questioned Buddha: "I thought Buddhism was a pure place, so why is it also a place of filth and defilement!"

The Buddha asked the question knowing the answer already, inquiring about the reason.

Sun Wukong: "We, master and disciples, have gone through countless hardships to reach Mount Ling, and were instructed by the Buddha to transmit the scriptures. Unexpectedly, Ananda and Kasyapa, after failing to extort bribes, deliberately sent us blank scriptures!"

The Buddha said, "What you value is precisely human affairs!"

Sun Wukong laughed: "Could it be that you even want my golden cudgel?"

Suddenly, Jiang Liuer had an epiphany.

Afterwards, the two venerable ones led the master and his disciples to the Treasure Pavilion once again.

Just like last time, we still need HR.

Jiang Liuer handed the Venerable One the purple-gold alms bowl that the Tang Emperor had bestowed upon him when he set off.

So this is the key to becoming a Buddha: all worldly names and forms are illusory; only by severing worldly attachments can one attain true enlightenment.

Before long, the Venerable One passed on the scripture with words to Jiang Liuer.

Having learned from past mistakes, Jiang Liuer instructed his disciple to keep a close eye on the scriptures, lest they turn out to be blank texts again.

After the scripture recitation was completed, the time for bestowing titles and honors immediately followed.

Sun Wukong entered the space to call Chen Yi out, after all, Chen Yi had contributed to the journey to the West, so why shouldn't Chen Yi be granted a title?

Unfortunately, Chen Yi clung to the pillar in the wooden house and refused to let go.

"No, no! I'm not going!"

For some reason, he had a premonition that he absolutely must not go out to see the Buddha.

Sun Wukong couldn't persuade Chen Yi otherwise, so he had no choice but to let him stay in the space.

"Please accept the initiation, Holy Monk!"

"Tang Sanzang was my second disciple in his previous life, named Jin Chanzi. He was demoted and reborn in the East because he dozed off in class and disrespected the Buddha's teachings."

"Now that you have taken refuge in our teachings and obtained the true scriptures, you have achieved great merit. Therefore, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Sandalwood Merit Buddha."

"Sun Wukong, having rendered meritorious service in vanquishing demons and monsters along the way, was bestowed the title of Victorious Fighting Buddha."

Next up is Pigsy (Zhu Bajie).

"Master Bao was on the road, and although he was stubborn, he made good contributions by climbing mountains, leading horses, and carrying loads. He was therefore appointed as the Clean Altar Messenger."

Pigsy: "Buddha, they have all become Buddhas, why make me a Clean Altar Messenger?"

Guanyin said, “You even stole someone else’s steamed buns when you arrived at Mount Ling, thus violating the two precepts of greed and ignorance. It’s already too lenient of you to make you a Clean Altar Messenger.”

Pigsy complained, "Then even the eldest brother broke his vows..."

Unfortunately, before he could finish speaking, Jiang Liuer covered his mouth.

Jiang Liuer frowned and shook his head at him. Buddha must know about Wukong's matter. Since Buddha is not pursuing it, they should not bring it up, lest they displease Buddha.

Pigsy glanced at Monkey King, and then reluctantly shut his mouth.

Buddha: "Because you have a strong mouth and a lazy body, and a large appetite, there are many who admire my teachings throughout the four continents of the world. You are a class that is quite useful. How can it not be good?"

How could Pigsy say no? He could only thank Buddha.

"Sha Wujing, who has been loyal and dutiful in carrying the load all the way, is hereby conferred the title of Golden-bodied Arhat."

Finally, there's the White Dragon Horse.

"He has rendered meritorious service in carrying Tang Sanzang all the way, so he has been promoted to the rank of Eight Heavenly Dragon Horses."

Just as the master and his disciples were all smiles, Sun Wukong suddenly called out, "Buddha, what about Chen Yi? Will he be granted an official title?"

The Buddha said slowly, "All things in the world are governed by cause and effect."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong frowned deeply, clearly displeased with the Buddha's words.

Just as he was about to press for more information, Buddha simply responded with four words: "Let nature take its course."

Sun Wukong: Hmph! What do you mean by "let nature take its course"? It's just being petty!

Whether they get banned or not, they don't care!

Immediately afterwards, the Buddha waved his hand, signaling the Four Heavenly Kings to escort the master and his disciples back eastward.

Throughout the journey, the Four Heavenly Kings diligently protected the master and his disciples.

When they reached the skies above Chang'an, the Four Heavenly Kings worried that revealing their divine forms would cause unnecessary trouble, so they instructed the master and his disciples to land on their own.

After thanking the Vajra Guardians, Jiang Liuer slowly descended from the clouds and landed steadily in the palace.

After overcoming numerous hardships, they finally succeeded in obtaining the true scriptures and arrived in the Tang Dynasty.

As soon as Sun Wukong landed, his eyes revealed undisguised panic. He said to Jiang Liuer, "Master, I have something to attend to, I'll take my leave first!"

He didn't even wait for Jiang Liuer to reply before disappearing without a trace.