In the rear hall, Six-Ears Damon stared wide-eyed, frozen as he gazed at the doorway.
At this very moment, the Monkey King, suspended above Thunderclap Monastery, was equally dumbstruck.
Marshal Silver, disguised as a flying insect, beat his wings uncertainly, hesitating to approach. The townsfolk scrambled to escape, darting away in every direction. The demons encircling Tripitaka were all stunned, while Tripitaka himself, still reeling from his fall, had yet to recover his senses. He squeezed his eyes shut, shook his head violently, and in a daze, still hadn’t figured out what was happening around him.
In his panic, Tripitaka reached out and touched another disguised demon—instantly, the same phenomenon occurred again.
The demon stared in horror as the arm Tripitaka had touched shrank suddenly, black scales emerging. In moments, the transformation rippled across his entire body.
It was a snake demon—armored, fierce, and menacing.
The Old County Prince, still standing in place, could hardly believe his eyes. He stared blankly at Tripitaka and at the two demons revealed beside him. His legs gave out, and he collapsed to the ground, muttering over and over, "Impossible, impossible... How—how could this be?"
The County Heir rushed over from afar, stumbling and scrambling to support him.
Yet it seemed the ordeal was far from over.
Soon, even the demons untouched by Tripitaka began to roar and reveal their true forms. In an instant, the center of the square was crowded with demon generals of every shape and size. Some of the tallest stood over ten feet high, looming like small mountains.
The townspeople's screams rose and fell in waves, echoing across the square.
Tripitaka, finally regaining his senses, stood rooted to the spot, stunned by the scene unfolding around him.
"Quick!" Prince Adrian shouted, "Get them away from Master Tripitaka! It doesn't matter if their true forms are revealed—just don't implicate Master Tripitaka! Otherwise, there won't even be a chance to explain!"
Louis Quickpaw, jolted awake by panic, quickly bowed his head and blew a whistle. Instantly, all the demons understood and scattered in every direction.
...
High above, the Monkey King's fist was clenched so tightly it crackled. His wide eyes turned slowly, still fixed on Thunderclap Monastery.
...
At that moment, the atmosphere in the rear hall seemed to shift.
Six-Ears Damon stared fiercely at Venerable Lingji, his teeth grinding audibly.
Opposite him, Venerable Lingji still wore a faint, smiling expression.