The voice slipped right into his ear.
Wukong slid a fingertip beneath Bajie's wrist pulse, then tapped his shoulder.
Bajie's eyelids were about to lift, but he forced them shut.
Outside the iron bars, the little demons were still chatting.
"Why hasn't this Tang Sanzang woken up yet?"
"Isn't it better if he doesn't?"
"Didn't you hear the Great King say we'd have to knock him out again if he woke up?"
"True."
The three demons laughed for a while.
Wukong pressed a fingertip against Bajie's wrist pulse and swept upward along the pulse point.
Bajie's chest heaved, and the breath trapped in his lungs surged up.
Wukong looped the loose rope around the false Xuanzang's wrists and called outside with an ingratiating smile:
"Brothers, how do I tie this rope so it'll hold?"
"I'm afraid the Great King will blame me if it's too loose."
The burly little demon cursed, "Idiot. Wrap it three times and tie a dead knot. Even a pig-brain could figure that out."
Wukong nodded hastily. "Yes, yes, I've got it."
As he lowered his head, the corner of his mouth almost touched Bajie's ear.
"Don't shout. Play unconscious and regulate your breathing."
Bajie blinked once.
Wukong's fingers had already left his wrist as he moved around to Little White Dragon.
Little White Dragon's eyes were closed, his face tinged blue. His hands were bound behind the pillar, but his fingertips were still taut.
Wukong tapped his shoulder blade.
Wukong whispered, "Master is safe. Regulate your breathing first."
Little White Dragon's eyelids stirred slightly. Knowing who it was, he made no sound.
A little demon outside looked back.
Wukong raised his voice again. "Brother! This Tang Sanzang's arms are so limp that the rope keeps slipping. Can I get another length?"
The little demon who