"You wish!" Sun Wukong sneered. "With the little skill you have, you'd be lucky not to hold us back, and you want to protect Master? If a real monster came, you'd be the first to run faster than anyone."
"I wouldn't!" Zhu Bajie protested anxiously, craning his neck. "When Yellow Robe Monster came last time, I, Old Pig, charged in too, didn't I? Even though I couldn't beat him, I still did my best!"
Chu Yang walked at the rear of the group, his hands clasped behind his back and his pace unhurried. His gaze casually swept over the scenery around them. The Black Short Blade at his waist swayed gently with his steps, and the scratch on its sheath flickered in and out of sight beneath the mottled light and shadows. Hearing the two argue, the corners of his lips lifted slightly as he said softly, "All right, Brother Monkey, Ba Jie, stop arguing. We should be nearing a populated place ahead. Hold on a little longer. Once we get there, we'll find somewhere to rest and get something to eat."
Tang Monk opened his eyes as well and said gently, "Sun Wukong, Ba Jie, do not quarrel. The path of cultivation is inherently arduous; you must be considerate of one another. Chu Yang is right. Let us walk a little farther and see whether there is somewhere to rest."
At once, Zhu Bajie dropped his argumentative expression and nodded repeatedly. "Master and Brother Chu Yang are the ones who truly care about me! I'll listen to you. I'll hold on a little longer."
The group continued onward. The mountain mist gradually dispersed, and the sunlight grew ever brighter, filtering through the branches and leaves to fall warmly upon them. After walking for about another two hours, the forest