Held in Wukong's grip, the old woman's lips trembled a few times.
"Merciful grandfather..."
She swallowed.
"Let me go first, and I'll tell you."
Wukong watched her for a moment, then loosened his grip and released her.
The old woman's knees were still weak. No sooner had she found her footing than she staggered back two steps.
Several women nearby wanted to help her, but fear of Wukong and A-Hu kept them standing at a distance.
Wukong folded his arms. "Out with it."
"What exactly is this place?"
"Why does every one of you act possessed at the sight of a man?"
The old woman looked at Wukong first, then could not help glancing toward Xuanzang and Little White Dragon.
A little color had only just returned to her lips, which had gone white with fright.
Wukong frowned, and the old woman hurriedly lowered her head and answered:
"This is the Western Liang Women's Kingdom."
"Everyone in our kingdom, from the ruler down to the common folk, is a woman. There are no men at all, so we're delighted to see you."
As she spoke, she lifted her eyes again and stole a glance at Little White Dragon.
A low rumble rolled through A-Hu's throat.
The old woman hurriedly withdrew her gaze.
Bajie rubbed his chin and looked at Wukong, who was looking back at him.
Their eyes met for a moment. Then Bajie suddenly took a step toward the old woman.
"Good woman, if there are no men, where did all the people in your kingdom come from?"
The old woman said, "From the river. I was born after my mother drank the river water, and my mother was born the same way."
Bajie asked, "Drank the river water? Which river?"
He raised a hand and pointed back the