Others follow advice and imitate celebrities, but you start by pretending to be a god?

Besides, Sun Wukong also befriended many Taoist priests in Chechi Kingdom. They sparred and interacted frequently, which actually helped Sun Wukong's cultivation level to improve somewhat.

Lin Nan did not send Sun Wukong to do any work in the mortal world, which is completely different from the arrangements made for Sha Wujing and Zhu Bajie.

For the past five years, Pigsy and Sandy have been in a state of "sealing." They are unable to use their magical powers or display any extraordinary abilities.

All he could do was work hard, follow the arrangements, and live out these five years as an ordinary person. Sha Wujing was assigned to be a caregiver, a job he held for five years.

Over the course of five years, he experienced countless separations and deaths, as well as birth, aging, sickness, and death. He also witnessed the various wills of ordinary people to survive and saw the tenacity and resilience of life.

Therefore, after five years, Sha Wujing's mindset underwent a tremendous change.

Besides Sha Wujing, Zhu Bajie also underwent significant changes.

The current Pigsy has lost his former laziness and has instead become more capable and shrewd.

He looked at Sha Wujing, sighed slightly, and said, "To know one's mistakes and correct them is the greatest virtue, but some mistakes are hard to overcome."

Then, Pigsy recounted his experiences over the years.

“Master, I have joined the ‘Great Harmony Society’ in Chechi Kingdom, and in the past five years, I have been busy traveling around Chechi.”

"The Great Harmony Society?" Tang Sanzang was no stranger to the Great Harmony Society; he had come into contact with it during the past five years.

The Great Harmony Society is an organization that advocates "universal harmony and equality for all." The equality referred to here means equality of personhood.

They believe that people in the world may have different social statuses, but in terms of human dignity, everyone is equal.

These ideas coincide with the laws of the present-day Chechi Kingdom, which is why the Datong Society is very popular and has gained the approval of many people.

In that vast land, whether noble princes or ordinary citizens, everyone considered it an unparalleled honor to join the Great Harmony Society. The Great Harmony Society, like a beacon, attracted countless people with a heart for the world.

Every member of the association cherishes a beautiful vision of a world in harmony and strives tirelessly for it. They deeply understand that this is not just an organization, but a belief—a belief in fighting for equality for all beings and for world peace.

Five years ago, Pigsy resolutely joined the Great Harmony Society. From then on, he was deeply inspired by the Society's beliefs and devoted himself wholeheartedly to its cause. He clearly strongly identified with the Society's ideals, and this identification, like a seed, took root and sprouted in his heart, growing ever stronger.

"Over the years, being part of the Great Harmony Society, I have truly felt what it means to be respected," Pigsy said with emotion. He paused, then continued, "In this Great Harmony Society, whether you are a demon, an immortal, or a Buddha, you will not be treated differently. Here, true equality for all beings is upheld, and every sentient being can find its place in this world."

Pigsy's eyes gleamed, as if he had returned to those days full of passion and enthusiasm. "At the meeting, I gained everyone's recognition and understood the significance of what I was doing. Many things, though seemingly ordinary, are worth upholding for a lifetime."

Tang Sanzang listened quietly, his heart filled with ripples of emotion. Looking at his disciples, he felt as if they had undergone a complete transformation, a near-fundamental change from the inside out.

In Sun Wukong's eyes, this change wasn't just noticeable in Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing; even his master, Tang Sanzang, seemed like a completely different person. He couldn't help but ask curiously, "Master, what exactly have you experienced and what have you encountered in these past five years?"

Pigsy and Sandy's gazes also fell upon Tang Sanzang, as they too were eager to know about their master's experiences over the years. After all, they had each undergone different growth and insights in these five years, and their master's changes only fueled their curiosity.

Tang Sanzang paused slightly, seemingly lost in memories. After a moment, he slowly said, "Over the years, I have experienced all walks of life and done all sorts of jobs. I have traveled between major cities in Chechi, experiencing the myriad aspects of human life."

He only briefly mentioned it without going into detail. Perhaps those experiences were too complicated, or perhaps he felt that some things didn't need to be said, but rather experienced silently.

Sun Wukong nodded, but didn't press the matter further. He knew his master's personality well; if he didn't want to talk about it, asking again would be futile.

Just as the group was about to continue their conversation, a long, resounding dragon's roar echoed from the sky. The sound was like a great bell, reverberating through the heavens.

They all stepped out of the hall, where they saw a white dragon descending from the sky, its aura magnificent. Standing atop the white dragon was a figure, tall and imposing, with an extraordinary air about him.

"Grand Master!" The other Taoist disciples in the Sanqing Temple came out one after another and bowed respectfully.

Tang Sanzang and his disciples also rushed forward and said in unison, "Great Master."

To them, Lin Nan was someone they hadn't seen for five years. During those five years, Lin Nan had kept them in Chechi and arranged things for each of them. However, neither Tang Sanzang, nor Zhu Bajie, nor Sha Wujing harbored any resentment towards Lin Nan.

On the contrary, Pigsy and Sandy respected Lin Nan even more. They knew that Lin Nan's arrangements must have a deeper meaning, and they had indeed learned a lot in the past five years.

Tang Sanzang's own perception of Lin Nan also changed. Deep down, he felt more respect and understanding for Lin Nan. He understood that everything Lin Nan did was perhaps for their own good.

Only Sun Wukong remained true to his carefree and natural nature. He smiled and asked, "Grand Master, the five-year term has come to an end. May we leave Chechi now?"

Lin Nan landed on the white dragon Ao Yu, nodded upon hearing this, and said, "Of course."

As he spoke, Lin Nan formed a hand seal, and a beam of light instantly burst forth, enveloping both Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing. In that instant, a wondrous transformation occurred in Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing.

It turns out that they had been "sealed" for the past five years in Chechi. In order to integrate into the life here, they manifested as humans and were unable to use magic.

Now that Lin Nan has lifted the seal on them, they have naturally regained their magical powers and returned to their original forms.

Pigsy's fat head and big ears reappeared, and Sandy returned to his original appearance. They thanked Lin Nan in unison, saying, "Thank you, Grand Preceptor."

After returning to their original forms, Pigsy and Sandy looked at themselves, still feeling a little uneasy. After all, they had just gotten used to their previous state over the past five years, and now they had changed back.

"The five-year period has ended, and the original agreement has been fulfilled. You may all leave Chechi now," Lin Nan said calmly, nodding to Tang Sanzang and his disciples. Having received Lin Nan's approval, Tang Sanzang and his disciples exchanged glances, still somewhat dazed. Five years had passed in the blink of an eye, and now that the time for departure had arrived, their emotions were complex.

Only Sun Wukong remained relaxed and at ease, his attitude unchanged. He laughed directly and said, "Very good, very good. We've been delayed in this carriage for five years, which has greatly affected our journey back to the West. Now the time has finally come."

"After returning to the East, I, Old Sun, still want to go back to Flower Fruit Mountain to see those monkeys and their offspring." A look of longing flickered in Sun Wukong's eyes.

Among the group of master and disciples, Sun Wukong remained true to his original aspirations and did not change at all. He was still the same unruly, loyal, and righteous Great Sage Equal to Heaven.

But apart from Sun Wukong, the others had more complicated feelings. Zhu Bajie hesitated for a moment and asked, "Grand Master, after I, Old Pig, leave Chechi, will I be able to return in the future?"

Lin Nan nodded slightly in response, "Of course. Chechi does not tolerate Buddhism or evil, but it can tolerate all other things in the world. If you do not commit any crimes or come to Chechi to spread Buddhism, Chechi will naturally welcome you."

Pigsy repeatedly said, "I understand. Of course I won't come here to commit crimes and spread my doctrines, but I'm reluctant to leave my brothers in the Great Harmony Society..."

Lin Nan smiled slightly and said, "In that case, if you return late, you are naturally welcome. But for now, you should return to your original journey to the West."

As he spoke, Lin Nan waved his hand and moved all of Tang Sanzang and his disciples' original luggage, scriptures, and other belongings over, placing them in front of them.

Tang Sanzang stepped forward and picked up his brocade pouch, cassock, and nine-ringed staff. At that moment, a feeling of long separation welled up in his heart, as if he had been separated from his past life.

The next moment, Tang Sanzang slowly unfolded his cassock and put it back on. The nine-ringed staff also landed steadily in his hand.

Instantly, the dignified presence of the holy monk Xuanzang returned. A golden halo slowly emerged from behind his head, solemn and majestic.

"Well, this is the true holy monk of the Tang Dynasty!" Sun Wukong couldn't help but exclaim, feeling more at ease with him. The familiar return of his master filled him with joy.

The Tang Sanzang of the past had changed so much that he felt a sense of separation, as if the master before him was no longer the familiar person he once knew. But now, his master had returned to his former self, making him feel incredibly close to him.

"Amitabha." Tang Sanzang put the nine-ringed staff into his armband, put his hands together, chanted a Buddhist prayer, and said to Lin Nan, "Now that the five-year term is up, this humble monk will take his leave."

At this moment, Tang Sanzang seemed to have returned to his original form as the eminent Tang Dynasty monk. His eyes revealed determination and compassion, as if he had once again shouldered the heavy responsibility of obtaining the scriptures.

"Yes, Master," Sun Wukong replied, and immediately went to prepare for his departure.

He turned back and instructed his disciple, "Wukong, go and buy a few train tickets. We're heading east, and the train will be delayed."

Soon, Tang Sanzang and his disciples boarded a train and left Chechi Imperial City. Accompanied by the steamy whirring of the train and the clanging of its wheels, they headed east, embarking on a new journey.

In the Sanqing Temple in Chechi Imperial City, besides Lin Nan, Hu Wantianxian, Lu Wanyinxian, and Xianglitianxian were also present. It was a rare occasion for the four national teachers of Chechi Kingdom to gather together.

The three immortals surrounded Lin Nan, and having some questions in their hearts, they raised them at this moment.

Tiger Power Immortal was the first to ask, "Fellow Daoist Lin Nan, why did you let them leave so readily?"

Previously, Lin Nan had explained to the three immortals why he kept Tang Sanzang and his disciples. He explained that time was needed; before the Mahayana Buddhist scriptures could be widely disseminated, time was needed for Chechi to prepare. Therefore, the three immortals believed that the longer Tang Sanzang and his disciples were kept, the better.

Lin Nan's gaze was fixed on the train heading east, his eyes filled with profound meaning. He slowly said, "Because, it's enough now."

"Moreover, they have now spent five years in Chechi, and they have subconsciously developed a concept of Chechi. This concept may take root in their hearts and influence their entire lives."

As he spoke, Lin Nan turned to the three immortals and asked a question: "Having spent five years in Chechi as ordinary people, will they be able to adapt to returning to the Tang Dynasty?"

Upon hearing this, the three immortals fell into deep thought. They knew that in the past five years, Tang Sanzang and his disciples had experienced and grown considerably in Chechi. Their mindset and perspectives had likely undergone significant changes. Whether they could adapt to the familiar yet unfamiliar environment upon returning to the Tang Dynasty was indeed an unknown.

Meanwhile, in a certain guild, Fang Han, now a young man, was instilling his ideas into the scholars and impoverished students inside. To call this the forced indoctrination of a particular ideology would be inaccurate; rather, it would be more accurate to say he was proclaiming his own inner beliefs to the group.

His beliefs are actually deeply rooted in modern thought. However, modern ideas and the ideas of the "2000s" generation share subtle similarities in some aspects.

For example, the vision of "universal harmony" accurately outlines certain characteristics of modern society. Thus, Fang Han cleverly cloaked his current ideas in the guise of "universal harmony."

However, the core of this seemingly traditional concept of "Great Harmony" still originates from modern thought.

"A harmonious society pursues equality for all, and there should be no distinction between people of high or low status."

"All people in the world possess human dignity, and all human dignity is equal, without distinction of rank or status."

"A humble status only represents a difference in social standing, but does not determine the level of one's character."

"Therefore, those who do good deeds and have upright character are of noble character and deserve the respect of the people."

"On the contrary, those who commit crimes and are of bad character are despicable and despised by others."

"The saying 'Even the emperor is subject to the same laws as the common people' is a vivid interpretation of the relationship between personality and social status."

The room was mostly filled with impoverished students. Even those who had passed the imperial examinations were not from prestigious families; some even came from rather humble backgrounds.

But at this moment, as they listened to Fang Han's words, they all showed similar reactions. They were both shocked and deeply moved, their hearts surging with fervent approval, even mixed with a slight excitement. All of this was because of Fang Han's words. (End of Chapter)