Clang-
The sound of a bronze gong came from the long street.
Outside the guesthouse, people could already be faintly heard shouting, "Her Majesty the Queen has left the palace! She's come to fetch her groom!"
The jumble of voices in the street suddenly scattered to either side.
Then red lanterns went up along the street.
One, two, three.
Together with the setting sun, the red lanterns bathed the entire street in crimson, filling it with the colors of joyous celebration.
Xuanzang pressed his palms together and looked at True Immortal Ruyi, who sat in the chair.
"Benefactor True Immortal."
"This humble monk asks: would you be willing to marry her?"
True Immortal Ruyi shuddered violently.
His tightly closed eyes flew open.
The next instant, he shoved aside Bajie's hand, which still gripped his collar, and rose from the chair.
"What did you say?"
Bajie staggered sideways from the shove, but he had no time to get annoyed. He turned straight toward Xuanzang.
"Master?"
His face was blank with confusion.
Wukong stood beside the low table, the corners of his mouth slowly lifting.
Little White Dragon had still been watching the doorway.
At those words, something shifted in his eyes, and he turned back as well.
A-Hu's eyes widened, and she slowly raised a hand to cover her open mouth.
She looked at Xuanzang, then at True Immortal Ruyi, her face full of astonishment.
Only Sha Wujing remained where he was, looking at everyone. He was utterly lost, but no one answered him.
Xuanzang's expression remained calm, while True Immortal Ruyi stared fixedly at him.
Something else had appeared in those eyes, as though something had struck him head-on.
Even his breathing grew heavier for a beat.
Xuanzang looked at him and said gently, "If you are willing, Benefactor True