Tang Monk was escorted at the very front, his hands bound behind his back. The hem of his monk's robe dragged across the bluestone slab, leaving a faint gray streak. His steps were neither hurried nor slow, his back ramrod straight, like bamboo bent by the wind but unwilling to break. Zhu Bajie followed behind him. His Nine-Toothed Rake had been confiscated, and only his pig hooves remained, tied together with hemp rope. He swayed as he walked, muttering under his breath. Chu Yang walked last, his gaze fixed on the direction in which the Yellow Robe Monster had vanished, a barely perceptible curve at the corner of his lips.
The bearded general at the front glanced back.
"Tang Monk, do you know your crime?"
Tang Monk's voice was calm.
"This humble monk does not."
The general snorted.
"The prince consort personally accused you of harboring improper intentions, abducting the Princess, and injuring him. If these charges are proven, it will bring disaster upon nine generations of your family!"
Tang Monk raised his head.
"General, my disciples and I came from the Eastern Land and journeyed west solely to seek the true scriptures. This humble monk has never heard of anything concerning the Princess. The prince consort suddenly attacked us and injured my disciple. My disciple merely defended himself. What crime have we committed?"
The general narrowed his eyes.
"Quibbling! Once you face the King, the truth will be known!"
The procession continued onward.
After passing through three palace gates, the air gradually became damp and heavy. The palace walls on either side rose so high their tops could not be seen. Blades and spears filled the ramparts, and when the night wind blew through, the weapons gave off a low hum, as if someone were sharpening a knife in