to his cheeks . He may not have finished as much work as he used to in a day , but it was definitely wiser to rest than to starve himself all over again . Xuanzang had even started getting fresh air outdoors instead of only staying in his room . The monk ’ s health had started improving , and everyone was relieved .
*************** The three disciples had arrived in Central China and had been searching in vain for Xuanzang , occasionally stopping to compare their land with this foreign region . When they had finally found Xuanzang , the monk was busy writing . Monkey King knocked on the window , catching Xuanzang ’ s attention . The monk looked straight at them , and his mouth dropped open . There was an awkward silence , until Xuanzang whispered , “ Welcome back .”
Xuanzang spent the rest of the day relaxing with his disciples . It was enjoyable and a relief . He felt like a huge burden had been lifted off him . Catching the sight of Five-Finger-Hill , they all felt a pang of nostalgia . It was where their journey had begun . Maybe there had been casualties , or maybe there had been sorrow and pain . And yet as the sunlight illuminated their grinning faces , none could deny that through every challenge and , they always had each other .