Journey into the unknown

Chapter 8: Gao Village

"I can't believe we're almost at Gao village!" Tang squealed in excitement.

"Why is he so excited?" Long asked curiously, currently in her horse form.

"Gao village is where his boyfriend currently lives," Wukong replied, rolling his eyes.

Tang paid no attention to Wukong's teasing response, his mind preoccupied with imagining how his reunion with Zhu Bajie would unfold.

As they journeyed closer to their temporal destination, Tang's heart raced with eagerness, picturing the moment he would see his Zhu Zhu again after spending so long apart.

Well, it was technically only about a week, but the separation felt like an eternity to Tang. The memories of their time together flooded his mind, making him long for the warmth of Zhu Bajie's embrace.

"Is that the village up ahead?" Long exclaimed, noticing an imposing wooden gate ahead.

"Yup, looks like it," Wukong replied, nodding.

Tang gasped in delight before jumping off Long's back and sprinting towards the gate.

Long and Wukong exchanged glances before hurrying after Tang.

Upon reaching the wide-open gates, Tang burst through them without hesitation. However, he was suddenly brought to a halt when a couple of soldiers stood in front of him.

Tang froze in place as the soldiers glared angrily at him.

"Identification, please," one soldier demanded coldly as he stared sternly at the young Monk.

Tang was taken aback by the question. "I...identification?" He stammered nervously.

"No passes through Gao village without identification," the second soldier clarified gruffly, obviously irritated at Tang's delay in answering their demands.

Tang fidgeted uncomfortably, unsure what to tell the guards.

"We are Shaolin monks, here on official business," Wukong quickly stepped in, taking control of the situation. "He has an appointment with whomever runs this town," He lied.

Tang shot Wukong a grateful look, appreciating his quick thinking.

The two soldiers stared at one another suspiciously, the silence stretching on until they eventually relented.
With the help of their superior officers, the pair allowed the trio through, watching the two monks carefully as they walked by.

They entered the main village, bustling with activity.

As they traveled deeper into the town, the hustle and bustle of people faded away and the scenery changed drastically, revealing vast fields of green grasslands dotted with trees, the sight bringing a contented smile to Tang's face.

"This place is beautiful," Tang mused to himself, glancing around him with admiration.

Wukong nodded in agreement, his mouth curving upward slightly at Tang's remark.

Soon enough, the trio arrived at an isolated area, with a small building erected nearby.

After they approached the building, the trio noticed a pink-cladded woman with black hair tied in a loose bun standing by the entrance.

She turned to look at the group. "Welcome, travelers. Are you lost? The Inn district is over that way," she said, pointing in the direction she was speaking from.

"That won't be necessary-" Tang began to say. "I'm looking for my lover's house," he finished with a grin.

The woman smiled warmly at Tang. "Ahh, I see. Well, in that case, you've come to the right part of town. Just tell me her name and..."