Episode Guide to Gensomaden Saiyuki

29.--Unexpected Defeat/Fall of Houtou Castle

(not in manga)

Homura's force storms the castle, to Lady GK's complete surprise and consternation--the castle has focused so much of its resources on the Gyoumaoh project that it's virtually undefended. Kougaiji assumes that what the attackers want is the body of his father, and he and Dokugakuji race to its defense.

Kanzeon Bosatsu wakes Sanzo to deliver some advice, telling him that from now on their path will become even more hard and painful, and that they'll only find encouragement in remembering the principle of muichimotsu--"hold nothing"--the one teaching of his master that Sanzo has kept with him. Sanzo hurries the troop out of the inn and back onto the road without even breakfast, growling "I was rudely awakened."

Kougaiji is doubly astonished when the divine attackers easily brush off his fire-demon and then tell him they have no interest in Gyoumaoh, but have come to take the Seiten Sutra. Zenon is confronted by a demon called Souei who he remembers well: it was he who killed Zenon's human lover, Mirei. We learn that Zenon was banished to the Lower World for the crime of fathering a half-human child.

Dr. Ni persuades Lady Gyakomen Kyoushu to give up the scripture, telling her that since their assailants are gods it's their only chance to survive. With the Seiten Sutra in hand, Homura sets his sights on acquiring Sanzo's Maten Sutra.

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