As it happened, by a stroke of chance, the Stonecutter's Wife heard every word Tang Sanzang and his disciples said and learned the full story behind her husband's crippling injury.
For a moment, a jumble of feelings filled her heart, grief mingled with hatred.
Her family had nearly been ruined and killed. She had thought it was Buddha's blessing that had allowed them to find peace, and so she had cared devotedly for Tang Sanzang and his disciples. Who could have imagined that the bandits who had hurt her husband had actually received instruction from these very monks?
The Stonecutter's Wife staggered a few steps, then hurried back to her room.
Before Wukong arrived, Bajie had already been trying to persuade Tang Sanzang to leave, so he was closest to the door. Hearing the noise, he peered through the crack and saw the Stonecutter's Wife staggering hurriedly back to her room. Realizing they had been exposed, he hastily said:
"Master, Eldest Brother, stop talking. We've been overheard. Hurry and leave! If we're too late, they'll surely come seeking revenge."
Tang Sanzang cried in alarm, "Ah! What are we to do?"
Bajie said, "Master, saving our lives comes first. I'll carry you on my back. Sha Wujing can lead the horse and carry the luggage, and Eldest Brother can bring up the rear. Let's get out first and discuss it afterward."
As he spoke, he moved to take Tang Sanzang on his back.
With matters so urgent, Tang Sanzang's thoughts were tangled like hemp. Unable to decide, he asked Wukong, "Wukong, what do you think we should do?"
Wukong thought for a moment, then said, "Master, you rescued me all those years ago and freed Old Sun from a great calamity. Old Sun will protect you even unto death. As for