"Ah..."
Tathagata said no more. A flash of golden light, and he vanished from the world along with Sun Wukong.
"Heavenly Emperor, are we really going to stand by and watch that monkey get taken away?" Xuanyuan asked, unwilling to accept it.
"Ah, Tathagata's strength is beyond imagination. What's more, he has the faith of all living beings behind him. Even if the three of us faced him together, we'd have little chance of winning. Besides, I've divined Sun Wukong's fate. A benefactor will come to save him."
Shennong and Xuanyuan exchanged doubtful glances. Was there anyone in the world who could save someone from Tathagata's grasp? Could it be one of those old fellows?
"Look. Here he comes," Fuxi murmured.
Outside Fire Cloud Cave, endless stretches of scarlet grass covered the land. A streak of blue light roared past like a meteor across the sky.
"This place is truly strange. It's so barren, without the slightest trace of spiritual energy, yet it's where a sage lives."
Ever since Chen Tong had entered the Eastern Wasteland, the murky atmosphere had followed him. He had thought it might only be like this on the outskirts, but even now, with Fire Cloud Cave close by, the murkiness hadn't lessened. It had only grown denser.
"Another thousand miles, and I'll reach Fire Cloud Cave. I wonder where Tathagata is."
Chen Tong had slowed down, and concealed his aura. He didn't want Tathagata to discover him before he could save Sun Wukong.
"Little friend, Tathagata has already left. Would you care to come into the cave for a visit?" An aged voice entered Chen Tong's mind just as he was about to descend.
Chen Tong froze, uncertain whether to trust the voice. Could this be some trick by Old Thief Tathagata?
As Chen Tong