The clear blue sky had now been completely engulfed by a thick jet- black quilt , interrupted by numerous twinkling stars . Xuanzang was halfway into the trail , which dangerously skirted on the edge of the mountains . The awe of the scenery from a few hours earlier had made him forget his starvation . Yet now , he was hungrier than ever before . He was salivating at the thought of a delicious roast duck , his favorite delicacy . Suddenly , the smell of the smoky crispy skin wafted into his nose . Could it be ? Was he dreaming ? Roast duck ? He could almost taste the juices in his dry , parched mouth . The smell was getting stronger . He looked up and realized he wasn ’ t imagining it . The narrow trail had opened into a luxurious space of land , carved deeply into the middle of the mountain . There it was . A golden castle .
The sounds of laughter and the faint clinking of glasses of wine could be heard through the thick golden walls of the castle . Xuanzang picked up his pace and marched over to the doors . He grasped the metal lion door knocker and pounded on the door several times . The laughter stopped . “ Who ’ s there ?” A deep gruff voice called from inside . “ A fellow traveler ,” Xuanzang responded . He could hear scuffling and then the stomping of footsteps , coming closer towards him . The door opened with a jolt and a large man , dressed in silky red robes shimmering with bits of gold , stood glaring at him . “ What do you want ?” “ Sir , I am a Buddhist monk sent from Sichuan and I am on a journey to Nanjing to uncover the real origins of Buddhism . I have been traveling for days and I am extremely in need of some food . Would you please be ever so kind to spare me some ?” Xuanzang pleaded . The man stroked his bushy beard , “ A Buddhist monk , you say ? Hmm , alright come in . You came at a perfect time , we ’ re celebrating with a big feast .”
Xuanzang bowed and entered inside . The golden palace was enormous . Crystal chandeliers hung from the decorated ceiling , which was patterned with paintings depicting the twelve Chinese zodiac animals . The marble floor was carpeted with a large silky bright red rug , stretching all throughout the enormous castle . Placed in the center of the rug was the longest dining table Xuanzang had ever laid eyes on . It was filled to the brim with steaming plates of hot food . All sorts of smells were swirling in the air . The loud chatter of a whole array of guests , dressed in formal silky red robes filled the atmosphere with joy and life . Placed at the end of the dining table was a gleaming golden throne , bejeweled with shimmering , shining crystals , alighting the whole room . Xuanzang was gaping in awe . The man who opened the door for him earlier , bellowed out to him , “ It ’ s lovely , isn ’ t it ? My name is Qu Wentai and I am the ruler of this kingdom . Come on now , let us eat .”
Xuanzang feasted on delicacies of utter perfection . From a sizzling roasted duck to the crispy skin of a ginger soy fish , all the flavors melting in his mouth , filling his empty stomach up to the brim . Qu Wentai was very hospitable . “ You may stay here and enjoy my food for as long as you wish , on one condition … You must educate my scholars here , everything you know about Buddhism .” Xuanzang eagerly nodded . “ Very well , my guards will take you up to your chambers .” That night , Xuanzang drifted into a deep sound sleep , the first time in a very long time .
The next morning , at the crack of dawn , he was rudely awoken by a loud constant pounding on his door . A guard had come to inform him of his daily Buddhism teachings , beginning in a few minutes . Xuanzang wearily dressed himself and glided down the carpeted stairs to a large hall where the scholars were awaiting him . He began teaching them all his knowledge of Buddhism , patiently answering questions . As night fell , the King invited him to dine with him and another ravishing dinner was laid out in front of him once again . He quickly scoffed everything down and went to bed satisfied and content . He was awoken early the next morning and the day began again . Days became weeks . Weeks became months . Xuanzang was getting anxious . He had a journey to complete . He couldn ’ t waste any more time in this luxurious castle .
Xuanzang made up his mind ; that night at dinner , he announced his plans to leave the next day . Qu Wentai did not take it well . “ How dare you ! I offer you delicious food , a comfy bed to sleep in and you cannot even repay me with your knowledge ! You will not leave , you must stay here and educate my scholars !” The guards shifted closer to the doors , clutching their golden spears tighter in their hands . On hearing this pronouncement , Xuanzang felt miserable , but he knew he had to stand his ground . “ Thank you very much for your hospitality , I am forever in your debt . But I have a mission to complete . For how am I supposed to be a teacher of Buddhism , if I don ’ t even know the origins of Buddhism myself .” Xuanzang firmly stated . The King sighed , “ Very well , I understand the importance of this quest to you . Stay for one more day , finish up your teachings , you may leave tomorrow night .” Xuanzang bowed gracefully and headed back up to his chambers .