Seeing Bajie like that, everyone relaxed a little, easing the tension in the air.
The old man sat opposite Xuanzang. After a moment's hesitation, he asked, "You said just now that the Iron Fan Immortal was still in the mortal world. Do you know where she has gone?"
Bajie cradled his bowl of water and took another sip. After a moment's thought, he said, "Er... we really don't know."
"All we know is that they were heading to the South Sea on foot. We went west, and they went south. It's been several years now."
The old man frowned. "Then were you joking with us just now, Elder? Heaven and earth are so vast. If all you know is that she went toward the South Sea, how are we supposed to find her?"
Bajie seemed unconcerned. "It'd certainly be hard for you to find her, but it really isn't hard for us."
He set his bowl on the table and counted off on his fingers. "To name just two, have you heard of Thousand-Mile Eye and Wind-Following Ear?"
The old man nodded.
Bajie said smugly, "Those two are old acquaintances of mine. I'll make a trip to heaven and ask for their help, and then we'll know where Sister-in-law and her companions have gone."
Listening beside him, Little White Dragon suddenly said, "Have you forgotten what times we're living in?"
Bajie froze.
Little White Dragon looked at him. "Kalpa qi is muddled now, and heaven's workings are in disarray. Are you sure Thousand-Mile Eye can still see, and Wind-Following Ear can still hear?"
Some of the smugness vanished from Bajie's face. "Tch."
He rubbed his chin. "Now that you mention it, you've got a point. Everything's such a mess these days. Who knows whether those two can still find anyone?"