They followed the stone path into the village.
The stones were wet and slippery.
Droplets clung to the bamboo fences on either side.
The sound of drums and cymbals came from deep within the village.
Beat after beat.
As though pressing against their chests.
When they reached the end of the path, they finally saw a house.
A ceremonial banner stood outside its gate.
The white banner hung down, swaying gently in the night breeze.
Lamps and candles shone brightly inside the courtyard.
Incense smoke drifted out through the gap in the gate.
Sanzang climbed down from A-Hu's back.
He glanced back at his disciples.
Little White Dragon was just about to step forward and knock.
Sanzang raised a hand to stop him.
"Wuji, don't rush. None of you come along."
Little White Dragon paused and turned to look at Sanzang.
Sanzang looked at the house.
Then he turned back toward Wukong and the others.
"Let your master go to this charitable gentleman's gate first and ask."
"If he agrees to put me up, I'll call you over."
"If he refuses, none of you are to make a scene."
Little White Dragon looked at him without speaking.
Sanzang glanced at Wukong and Bajie again, then at Little White Dragon and Sha Wujing, his gaze finally sweeping over A-Hu.
He sighed and said, "Your faces are ugly, and your appearances strange."
"I fear you'll frighten people."
"If you cause trouble, we'll have nowhere to stay."
Bajie pursed his lips at that, but said nothing.
Wukong, however, nodded and said with a smile:
"You have a point."
"Go ahead, Master."
"We'll wait here."
Seeing that the monkey actually agreed with him rather than arguing, Sanzang seemed quite pleased. His expression softened a little, and he nodded.
He went straight to the