"Hmph. Non-combatants, huh?" Well, perhaps. But Sanzo being ever judgemental as he was, had set high expectations for those around him even at that age. And considering the line of training that came with most monasteries, he had at least expected the other monks to be aware and level-headed enough in their martial training to know not to freak out at seeing a fucking bear. "Every single one of them is under strict training in Shaolin teachings. It's embarrassing."

Strange though, despite his initial non-compliance, the kid did not seem to be trying to follow him to leave the scene.

The afterimage of his master and his younger self seemed to continue with their intimate chatter as if counter to the much more light-hearted conversation Sanzo and Jin Ling were having.

"I'm sorry, master, I do not wish to seem presumptuous, but why is it that you're asking about your title?"

The older monk paused in his tracks, folding his hands into his sleeves before looking at the young blond. "Kouryuu, you know what a Sanzo priest is. But are you aware of how one is chosen?"

"Oy. Brat. I thought you said you wanted to keep going," The real Sanzo seemed to speak up over the other two, finally seeming to turn back around and look at Jin Ling with weary confusion.