"Meaning," Chu Yang said naturally with his arms folded, "all along the way, either Brother Monkey makes a move, or I handle things up front. Otherwise, Master gets targeted, and Wanwan, you just stand by and watch the show. That won't do."
Su Wanwan glared at him. "When have I ever just watched the show?"
"Not exactly," Chu Yang said after thinking for a moment. "You're also in charge of yelling at me."
Sun Wukong's shoulders shook with laughter beside them.
Su Wanwan kicked at him. "Brother Monkey, what are you laughing at?!"
Sun Wukong flipped away and crouched on a tree branch. "I think little brother has a point. You're usually pretty fierce with your mouth, but the moment you actually need to step forward, you start playing delicate."
"When have I ever played delicate?" Su Wanwan was about to explode. "Besides, the Demon Qi in this forest is so heavy. Who knows what's inside!"
"That's why we're sending you," Chu Yang said.
"...What kind of logic is that?"
"Because we're not asking you to fight this time." Chu Yang looked at her. "We're asking you to talk."
Su Wanwan froze for a moment.
Chu Yang tipped his chin toward the forest. "Whatever's in there obviously knows we've entered. They've been holding back all this way. Either they're afraid, or they're watching us. And if they're watching, that means they don't want to start with an all-out fight either. Perfect. We'll talk to their leader first."
Sun Wukong added from the tree, "You do the scolding. Little brother and I will back you up."
"Why do I have to do the scolding?"
"Because you're suited for it," Chu Yang said.
"How am I suited for it?"
"You're a young lady." Chu Yang looked entirely matter-of-fact. "You, a young lady,