The first thing True Immortal Ruyi saw was Wukong crouching before him.
Instinctively, he reached to his side, but found nothing.
True Immortal Ruyi paused, then felt around his waist, but still could not find the Golden Hook.
Wukong watched his movements and smiled at him.
"Awake?"
True Immortal Ruyi's expression immediately darkened.
He looked up and surveyed his surroundings.
Xuanzang stood several paces away.
Bajie, Sha Wujing, and Little White Dragon stood on either side.
At the forest entrance, A-Hu lay beside the luggage, forepaws crossed, watching them.
"Sun Wukong!"
True Immortal Ruyi braced one hand against the bluestone and immediately tried to rise.
He had barely put strength into his legs when his knees buckled. Yesterday's blows had done no lasting damage, but the ache in his muscles and bones had yet to fade.
He swayed.
Quick of eye and hand, Wukong reached out to steady him.
"Easy."
True Immortal Ruyi flung Wukong's hand aside and leaned back against the bluestone.
"Where is this?"
Wukong folded his arms.
"We're the ones asking questions, not you."
After saying that, he paused, then smiled again.
"But don't worry. I promised your disciple yesterday that I'd only ask a few questions."
"Once we've cleared things up, we'll naturally let you return to your mountain."
True Immortal Ruyi sneered. "I have nothing to say to you."
Wukong lifted his eyelids and said helplessly, "Here we go again."
With that, he stepped half a pace aside.
Xuanzang walked forward from behind him.
"Amitabha Buddha. This humble monk is Xuanzang. Greetings, True Immortal."
True Immortal Ruyi looked up at Xuanzang.
His cold, hard expression suddenly faltered.
He studied him for several breaths.
A trace of complicated emotion gradually entered his eyes.
"You're Tang Sanzang?"
Xuanzang pressed his palms together and nodded.
"I am."
True