A-Hu closed its eyes.
Seeing that it no longer struggled, the lesser demons immediately grew bolder.
Black cords bound its four paws, then wound beneath its neck and around its wings, pressing rings of dark light into its fur.
Some of the lesser demons dragged it; others lifted it.
The scrawny demon followed just behind and to one side, gripping a length of black cord with both hands, his shoulders hunched and his head lowered.
He had understood what A-Hu had just said.
Those words had been meant for him.
I'll stay.
Save them first.
The tall demon behind him cursed:
"What are you doing?"
"Put your back into it!"
The scrawny demon snapped out of his daze and hurriedly nodded. "Yes, yes."
He hastily pulled harder.
Great King Si stood before the stone steps, holding Xuanzang in one hand.
Suddenly, Great King Si said, "Stop."
Every lesser demon froze at once.
A-Hu opened its eyes and looked at Great King Si.
Still holding Xuanzang, Great King Si casually pointed.
His finger happened to land squarely on the scrawny demon.
"You."
The scrawny demon's shoulders trembled.
His toes drew inward half an inch.
Great King Si smiled. "You, the skinny one. What are you hiding for?"
"I'm calling you."
The tall demon behind him gave him a kick.
It wasn't hard, but the scrawny demon stumbled forward anyway.
"What are you standing there for?"
"The Great King called you. Get moving!"
The scrawny demon pointed at himself and stood rooted to the spot.
"Huh? You're calling me, Great King?"
Great King Si nodded. "Yes, you."
"You look clumsy and weak."
He held Xuanzang out. "You carry this Tang Sanzang."
Then he casually pointed at two other lesser demons who looked like leaders.
"You two, go with him."
"Clean him up