"Let go of him."
The young warriors were at a loss. The atmosphere had been harmonious just moments ago, but Sun Wukong had suddenly grabbed Liu Chuang by the throat. After saying, "Wait a moment," he looked as though he was about to fly off with him.
The cold look on his face clearly carried ill intent.
Perhaps the reputation of Sun Wukong, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, was too deeply ingrained in everyone's minds. Perhaps his earlier words had given off the air of an elder.
For the moment, Du Qiangwei could only stay cautiously on guard, not daring to act rashly lest something unexpected happen.
But Wang Ji clearly had no such reservations. One hand pressed against Sun Wukong's arm as he quietly looked at him, his calm gaze carrying a trace of indifference as it met Sun Wukong's equally hostile eyes.
His even voice made the atmosphere drop several more degrees.
The others quietly placed their hands on their weapons as well, remaining on alert.
"Monkey... Monkey Bro..." Liu Chuang barely forced out a few words, looking as though speaking was difficult.
But that did not make Sun Wukong loosen his grip. He glanced at Wang Ji's hand on his arm, then at Wang Ji himself. Shaking his head slightly, he said in a relatively calm tone, "Let go first. I have something I want to discuss with him alone."
The sky had grown darker still. The moon hung slanted overhead, and without them realizing it, it was already the latter half of the night.
The woods were quiet. Though the tension had eased slightly, it remained extremely taut.
Wang Ji did not care. His hand remained on the arm Sun Wukong was using to choke Liu Chuang, utterly motionless.
Sun Wukong's tone was calm, but the