Seeing that Wukong asked no further questions, Tuo Jie secretly let out a long breath of relief.
He returned to his seat and sat ramrod straight. He barely touched the vegetarian dishes before him, scarcely even looking at them, while his eyes kept straying uncontrollably toward Xuanzang's face.
Apart from Bajie, who swept through the food like a gale scattering clouds, everyone finished the meal amid a strange atmosphere that none could quite describe.
Tuo Jie called for the leftovers to be cleared away and steaming fragrant tea brought in.
Then, holding a teacup in both hands, he respectfully offered it to Xuanzang. His lips moved, but he seemed unable to get the words out.
Xuanzang accepted the cup without drinking and gently set it on the table.
He looked calmly at Tuo Jie.
"Benefactor, if you have something to say, please speak freely."
Tuo Jie froze for a moment, apparently not expecting Xuanzang to be so direct.
He gave an awkward smile, drew a deep breath, and raised his head before slowly speaking.
"Holy monk, your discerning eyes burn like torches. This humble dragon... does indeed have a favor to ask."
He paused, his gaze flicking somewhat uneasily toward Little White Dragon, who sat beside Xuanzang.
"To mighty figures such as yourselves, it may not be much of a matter."
"It is just that..."
"This humble dragon would also like to follow you westward, holy monk, and seek a chance to attain True Fruition."
"Might you... grant my wish?"
At those words, the side hall fell silent for a beat.
Bajie had been rinsing his mouth with tea. He stopped abruptly and swallowed it with a gulp, his little eyes widening.
Wukong did not even lift his eyelids, acting as though he had heard nothing.
Little White Dragon gently