Kublai's words caught Xuanzang completely off guard. What was going on here? Was that what he meant? All he wanted was a nod from the emperor and a travel permit, so what did sending out a massive army mean? Did Kublai actually intend to attack Lingshan? Did the World-Honored One even know about this?
Inwardly, Xuanzang felt entirely defeated by the absurdity of it all. He quickly knelt and said, "Your Majesty, no! This poor monk only asks Your Majesty to grant a travel permit, and I am willing to go alone to seek the true scriptures."
"Go alone?" Kublai furrowed his brow once more. After a brief moment of silent thought, he spoke, "Very well. Since you solved the puzzle of Marco Polo, and I gave my word, it shall be as you wish."
Chapter 232