Tang Sanzang and his companions gave the child some dry rations.
The moment the child saw food, he began wolfing it down.
It was still cold in the temple, so Tang Sanzang told Wukong to light a fire for warmth.
As the child warmed himself by the fire and ate the dry rations, he realized that Tang Sanzang and his companions were not bad people, and let down his guard.
Tang Sanzang asked, "Child, what is your name? Whose family are you from, and how did you end up here?"
The child said, "My name is Shitou. I'm from the village. My parents brought me here."
Tang Sanzang asked in surprise, "Your parents brought you here? Why did they bring you here?"
Little Shitou said, "Because my parents said there were man-eating demons outside, so they brought me in here."
At the mention of demons, Wukong perked up. "What sort of demons?"
Little Shitou was too young. He looked at Wukong, but could only mumble vaguely, unable to explain.
Bajie asked, "Where is your home?"
Little Shitou said, "My home is in the village."
Bajie asked, "Where is the village?"
Little Shitou said, "The village is in the village!"
Bajie said, "This child!"
Tang Sanzang asked, "Child, do you still remember where your home is?"
Little Shitou said, "I remember."
Tang Sanzang said, "Then show us the way, and we'll take you home. How does that sound?"
Hearing this, Little Shitou hastily shook his head. "No, I can't go outside. Mother said there were man-eating demons outside. If I go out, the demons will eat me."
Wukong said, "With old Sun here, what demons do you have to fear?"
Little Shitou shook his head, took his dry rations, and ran back into the corner.
Sha Wujing said, "Eldest Brother, this