Journey to the West: The gods and Buddhas panicked when the monkey was trapped inside him.

The crying gradually subsided in the Gao family compound.

Mr. and Mrs. Gao held their daughter Gao Cuilan's hands, tears streaming down their faces, looking her up and down, as if afraid that their daughter had suffered some injustice.

Gao Cuilan cried in her parents' arms for a while until her emotions calmed down. Then she raised her red and swollen eyes and looked at the burly man with a pig-faced man carrying a rake not far away with complicated feelings.

After confirming that his daughter was safe and sound, Grandpa Gao finally felt completely relieved.

He released his daughter, turned around and walked to Tang Sanzang, lifted his robe, knelt down firmly, and kowtowed heavily to Tang Sanzang and Sun Wukong.

"Holy Monk, Elder Sun, thank you both for rescuing my daughter from her suffering!"

"I have no way to repay you, but I will send someone to collect the thousand taels of silver you promised!"

"No! This old man is willing to add another thousand taels, making it two thousand taels of silver, to express the humble sentiments of the Gao family!"

Gao Cuilan and her mother also bowed their heads gracefully and thanked her.

Tang Sanzang quickly stepped forward and reached out his hands to steady him.

"Grandpa, please rise. We monks are guided by compassion. This is nothing more than a small favor. We do not deserve such a grand gesture."

"This humble monk is just passing by and is able to resolve a feud for your family, which can be considered as forming a good karmic connection."

"Let's not talk about this matter of money again."

Seeing that Tang Sanzang's attitude was resolute and not feigned, Gao Taigong admired him even more.

This is a true high monk, who regards money as dirt.

Seeing Gao Taigong's grateful expression, Tianpeng couldn't help but mutter something to himself.

"Grandpa, you really don't know how to do things properly."

"I broke the lock on the back gate myself."

"I also released your daughter."

"I worked hard in Gao Laozhuang for three years, cultivating over a hundred acres of fertile land for your family and building such a large house."

"When I left, I didn't take a single penny; I left all my wealth to you."

"Why did you only thank those two and not me?"

Old Master Gao stiffened, looked up at Tianpeng's ugly pig face, and his expression immediately became very awkward.

Although the monster said it didn't want the family fortune anymore, the fear it had accumulated over the past six months couldn't just disappear overnight.

He quickly pulled his wife and daughter towards Tianpeng, and bowed down again to pay his respects.

"Thank you... thank you so much for your mercy in sparing my daughter."

"I was blind and did not recognize your greatness. I have offended you in the past. I hope you will forgive me and not hold it against me, a mere mortal."

Seeing his trembling appearance, Tianpeng waved his hand dismissively.

"Never mind, I was just saying it casually, I didn't expect you to thank me."

"I'll be thankful as long as they don't call me a monster behind my back anymore."

Grandpa Gao repeatedly said he dared not, and stepped aside.

Having resolved the troublesome matter concerning the Gao family, Tianpeng turned around, strode up to Tang Sanzang, and his expression became serious.

"Master, I have settled all my worldly affairs."

"I now have no worries and only wish to follow my master to the Western Paradise to worship Buddha and seek scriptures."

"I wonder if Master would be willing to accept me as a disciple and allow me to join your sect?"

Tang Sanzang looked at Tianpeng kneeling in front of him with a calm expression and did not nod immediately.

The atmosphere in the courtyard became somewhat stagnant for a moment.

The Gao family stood not far away, not daring to breathe.

Sun Wukong crossed his arms and leaned against another pillar, watching the scene with great interest, a faint smile playing on his lips.

He knew his master's "old habit" was about to relapse.

This monk is good in every way, except when it comes to accepting disciples, he's incredibly stubborn and inflexible.

Pigsy was also a little apprehensive.

What's wrong with this monk? I've already explained myself to him, why isn't he nodding?

Does he dislike my pig-like face and not want to take me in?

That shouldn't be the case. Didn't Guanyin Bodhisattva say that everything was arranged?

Just as Tianpeng was feeling extremely uneasy, Tang Seng finally spoke.

"Get up."

Upon hearing this, Tianpeng immediately stood up and stood respectfully to the side.

Tang Sanzang looked at him and said slowly.

"Since it was Guanyin Bodhisattva who instructed you to wait for me here, I will naturally comply."

"However, before that, there is something I must confirm with you in person."

Tianpeng nodded vigorously without hesitation.

"Master, please speak freely. I will answer all your questions."

Tang Sanzang's gaze became exceptionally serious, and he asked, word by word.

"This humble monk asks you, today you have accepted me as your master and are willing to protect me on my journey west. Is this from your own heart, and is it entirely of your own free will?"

"Or are you simply acting out of divine command from the Bodhisattva?"

"The journey westward is long and arduous, and there is much suffering involved."

"If you have even the slightest reluctance in your heart, or are only under pressure from the Bodhisattva, you may speak frankly."

"This humble monk would never force anyone to do anything against their will, and you need not wrong yourself."

Upon hearing this, Tianpeng was completely stunned.

He suddenly remembered the almost stern admonition Guanyin Bodhisattva had given him a few months ago when she visited Yunzhan Cave.

When he meets the pilgrims, he must emphasize that he is going willingly and must not show any sign of reluctance.

At the time, Tianpeng found it somewhat amusing; he was just a mortal, why did he have to be so particular?

Tianpeng thought the Bodhisattva was being unnecessary.

Now he suddenly realized something.

So the Bodhisattva made that special trip just to guard against this, because the monk actually questioned her face-to-face about whether it was voluntary.

The astonishment on Tianpeng's face vanished instantly, replaced by an almost reverent solemnity.

"Master, you are wise!"

"My desire to become your disciple is entirely sincere and comes from the bottom of my heart; I am completely willing!"

"This disciple was banished to the mortal realm for committing a grave error and mistakenly reincarnated as a pig."

"I know that only by taking refuge in the Buddha and diligently practicing can I wash away all my sins and find true liberation and freedom."

"When the Bodhisattva enlightens his disciple, he is giving him a guiding light."

"To be able to follow a venerable monk like you, Master, is a blessing I have accumulated over ten lifetimes!"

"My yearning for the Dharma and my desire to travel to the West are heartfelt and sincere, as heaven and earth can bear witness, and the sun and moon can attest!"

"I implore you, Master, to grant my sincere devotion to Buddhism and accept me as your disciple!"

His posture, his expression, his tone—he perfectly portrayed the image of a sinner who had gone astray, yearning for redemption.

Tang Sanzang looked at him silently.

He could sense the urgency in the other person's words, and he could see a strong desire for the future in their eyes.

This longing is exactly the same as that of the monkey at the foot of Five Finger Mountain and the white dragon by Eagle's Sorrow Stream.

They all wanted to change their fate through this journey to the west.

Tang Sanzang sighed softly in his heart.

So be it.

You will get what you seek.

Since he's so persistent, why should I insist on breaking the ice?

"Get up."