During that time, Zhu Bajie kept glancing in Ye Chen's direction. But every time he looked back, he caught Tang Sanzang glaring at him. "That stinking monkey—why hasn't he come back yet? I'm so hungry my front's practically stuck to my back." With no other choice, Zhu Bajie grumbled about how Sun Wukong still hadn't returned with food.
But the most terrifying thing was already quietly drawing near.
After Ye Chen had turned the fish on the fire several times, it had begun to turn a light golden brown. Oil sizzled on its surface, releasing an enticing aroma. As luck would have it, Ye Chen had chosen a spot upwind, and the breeze blowing through the valley carried the scent straight into Zhu Bajie's nostrils.
How could a glutton like Zhu Bajie possibly resist? The aroma was like a fuse, setting off his hungry stomach.
"Master, please, just this once!" Zhu Bajie pleaded with Tang Sanzang, barely managing to hold back his drool. He couldn't help it—the grilled fish smelled far too tempting. He'd already swallowed dozens of mouthfuls of saliva.
"Hmph. If you keep pestering me about this, then you needn't continue on the Road to the West. Go back to Gao Laozhuang now. I won't stop you."
At that, Zhu Bajie was truly frightened. He'd only wanted a taste of meat, never expecting Tang Sanzang to react so strongly. He hastily shut his mouth. They hadn't even traveled very far yet; being sent away now would be humiliating.
But the aroma really was incredible. Zhu Bajie was practically beside himself with craving, and Tang Sanzang was no different. He just couldn't show it too plainly. Sitting cross-legged on a rock, he kept reciting scriptures, but no matter how hard he tried to hold out, his body was honest.