Sanzo was too off-balance to dodge that hit and grunted as the barrel smacked against the ceremonial breastplate. That would leave one hell of a bruise, that bit of bamboo wasn't much protection! He stumbled back, coughing, smugness shifted to real anger.

That bit of pain wasn't enough to knock any sense into him, getting torn up never had. He lunged right back at Cassian, fist aimed for his gut. In contrast to the other priest, he was silent, insults for when he wasn't trying to beat someone senseless.