The sky had darkened.
Sha Wujing carried the Demon-Subduing Treasure Staff, his head bowed, every step heavy and dragging.
It was his first time saying so much to so many people, yet none of it had done any good.
In Iron Transformation City, sheltered by the Divine Mountain for generations, with who knew how many years of favorable winds and timely rains, "disaster" was a foreign word.
To their ears, Sha Wujing's words were nothing but an outsider's joke.
Sha Wujing wandered aimlessly down the long street.
Just as he rounded a corner, a scattered array of flames suddenly lit up ahead.
"Over there! Over there!"
A dozen or so officers in dark teal uniforms hurried toward him from both ends of the street, torches raised.
None of the officers drew their sabers. Instead, they looked delighted to see Sha Wujing.
The constable leading them hurried over and stopped three paces in front of him.
He nudged the saber at his waist farther back, clasped his hands, and gave a courteous bow.
"Are you the venerable monk who urged people in the marketplace today to head up the mountain and escape the flood?"
The constable's tone was mild, with a touch of entreaty.
"People throughout the city have been reporting that a strange, large monk has arrived from elsewhere. Upon hearing this, our city lord sent us to invite you to his residence for a talk."
The constable stepped aside and gestured for him to follow. "Sorry for the trouble, venerable monk, but please come with us."
Sha Wujing looked down at the torch-bearing officers.
These people don't believe me, but who do they believe?
The authorities! The city lord!
*If I can just meet Iron Transformation City's lord, explain what's at stake, and persuade him to issue an evacuation