"Your Majesty, this humble monk is powerless as well. I drove all those disciples away."
Tang Sanzang answered despondently.
"Sanzang, not at all! I've already sent Little White Dragon to bring Bajie and Sandy back. Once they return, you'll be able to help the king and queen rescue the princess."
Yet the Bodhisattva forcefully intervened again.
Tang Sanzang stared straight at her, as though trying to see right through Guanyin.
Guanyin's eagerness for quick results confirmed some of the suspicions in his heart.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Once the Bodhisattva has Little White Dragon bring my disciples back, they will surely be able to help you rescue the princess."
He had no choice but to follow Guanyin's wishes and agree to help the pair.
"Good, good. Then... then we thank you, holy monk."
Naturally, the two could only meekly force out strained smiles.
In any case, Guanyin's forceful interference had made the atmosphere of this little performance decidedly awkward.
But everyone present tacitly agreed to grit their teeth and keep acting.
Only when the performance ended, they stared at one another, completely at a loss as to what to do next.
In particular, neither the king nor the queen of the Treasure Elephant Kingdom suggested a meal or made arrangements for Tang Sanzang.
"Right, Bodhisattva, since you've already arranged everything... Your Majesty, once my two disciples return, they will help you rescue Princess Baihuaxiu."
In the end, Tang Sanzang chose to break the awkward silence.
"This humble monk's heart is set on obtaining the scriptures, so I will trouble you no further. Please lend me a horse, Your Majesty, and I will continue west at once. Once my disciples finish their task, I will return your white horse."
As he spoke, he stood right up, ready to leave.
"Holy monk, you're