The two imps jumped at Sun Wukong's stern rebuke. They hurriedly straightened up, fear written across their faces. "Y-Yes, sorry! We won't do it again! We'll inspect things carefully right away and definitely won't slack off!"
Sun Wukong snorted and put on an impatient expression. "Hmph, at least you know what's good for you! I was ordered to inspect the situation at the South Road Entrance. You two are coming with me to check ahead and see whether any strangers have entered Lion Camel Ridge, or whether there's anything unusual going on!"
"Yes, yes, yes! We'll go with you right away!" The two imps hurriedly answered, not daring to delay in the slightest. They followed behind Sun Wukong and headed out of the South Road Entrance.
Beyond the South Road Entrance lay a dense forest. It was gloomy and chilling beneath the trees, whose luxuriant branches and leaves blocked the sunlight completely from reaching the ground. Thick fallen leaves carpeted the earth, crunching with sharp rustling sounds beneath their feet. A few birdcalls echoed faintly through the woods, yet they sounded especially desolate, blending into the sinister atmosphere of Lion Camel Ridge.
Sun Wukong led the two imps slowly into the forest. As he walked, he pretended to inspect the surroundings, though his gaze constantly swept around him in search of an opportunity to leave. He knew that once he got out of this forest, the Pine Forest at the foot of Lion Camel Ridge would not be far away. Then he could shake off these two imps and rendezvous with Chu Yang.
"Hey! You two inspect this side carefully. I'll check over there. No slacking off! If you find anything unusual, call for me immediately!" Sun Wukong said gruffly, pointing toward a patch of bushes not far away.
"Yes,