Mount Hao, Withered Pine Ravine.
The mountains here were steep and treacherous, their jagged rocks jutting everywhere. An unsettling, parching heat hung in the air.
Tang Sanzang and the others climbed out of the dragon carriage and began crossing the mountains on foot.
"Three Burials, something's wrong with this place."
Sun Wukong carried the Golden-Hooped Staff over his shoulder, his Fiery Eyes and Golden Pupils narrowing slightly as his nostrils twitched.
"But this heat... why does it smell like... like something roasted beside an alchemy furnace?"
Zhu Bajie wiped the sweat from his forehead and muttered, "Monkey Brother, has all that smoke addled your brain?"
"Where would an alchemy furnace come from in this scorching weather?"
"Shut up."
Sha Wujin shot him a cold glance, the Moonlight Shovel trembling faintly in his hand.
"Monkey Brother's right. There's an extremely ancient, overbearing scent in the air here."
Tang Sanzang lowered his eyes.
"Whatever mighty being awaits us ahead, entering Mount Hao means facing a trial."
"Everyone, proceed carefully."
At his words, they all sharpened their vigilance to the utmost and slowly entered the grove of withered pines.
The moment they stepped into the grove, a wave of heat struck them in the face.
Unlike ordinary fire, this heat did not scorch their skin. It seeped straight into their marrow, as though it would steam their very souls dry.
"What a hot wind!"
Little White Dragon assumed human form, his brow deeply furrowed.
Just then, a faint sobbing drifted into their ears on the wind.
"Help... help me..."
The voice was childish and choked with tears, stirring pity in anyone who heard it.
In a flash, Sun Wukong leaped onto a boulder and peered into the distance.
"Three Burials, there's someone hanging from a tree up ahead!"
"It's a child!"
Tang Sanzang's