Sanzang bowed his head, both hands braced against the ground.
His fingertips were still trembling.
The golden-red light slowly receded from his shoulders.
Yet a black shadow rose behind him.
That shadow had no face.
Its head hung slightly, pressed against Sanzang's back, like a human skin softened by water, creeping over his shoulders bit by bit.
As though it meant to swallow him whole.
Golden light suddenly flared in Wukong's eyes.
But then Sanzang abruptly raised a hand and pressed it against his heart.
The instant that hand pressed down, the black shadow behind him was forcibly halted as well.
As though nailed in place.
Sweat seeped from Sanzang's forehead.
One drop.
Two drops.
The sweat ran down the side of his face and dripped onto the ground.
Every drop shimmered with dark red.
Sha Wujing hurried over, knelt on one knee beside him, and reached out to support his shoulders and back.
"Master, are you all right?"
Sanzang went limp and collapsed into Sha Wujing's arms.
Sha Wujing hastily held him up.
Sanzang lifted his head to look at him.
His face was terribly pale, blood still lingered at his lips, but his eyes were much clearer.
He watched Sha Wujing for a moment, then suddenly smiled.
"Wujing."
Sha Wujing lowered his head. "I'm here."
Sanzang asked softly, "Why are you willing to do this for me?"
Sha Wujing froze.
Sanzang asked again, "Why are you so determined to save me?"
Sha Wujing opened his mouth.
He seemed never to have considered this question.
He looked down at the man in his arms, then turned toward Xuanzang.
Xuanzang stood a short distance away, palms joined, watching him quietly.
Sha Wujing scratched his head, his voice somewhat muffled.
"Why?"
"Do you need a reason to save someone?"
"I'm slow-witted.