Goku loses all ability to fight Kougaiji, Sanzo and the others show up to fight for him. Yaone and Dokugakuji aren't sure of what to do at first, because the current Kougaiji isn't the same Kougaiji they swore allegiance to, but eventually their loyalty helps Kougaiji overcome his brainwashing, and he is able to defeat Sanzo and company and take Lirin back from Ni. We also begin the burial arc, and an explanation of many of the characters' pasts. First is Ukoku Sanzo, otherwise known as Ni Jianyi, who becomes a friend of Koumyou, Genjyo Sanzo's former master. Next we go into Genjyo Sanzo's past. His process of becoming a full-fledged Sanzo priest is finally explained, and he also meets Goku, whom he frees from his prison on Mt. Gogyou. Goku, having nowhere else to go, keeps following Sanzo, until they get attacked by a bunch of bandits. Goku fights them all off, and then realizes that he had been calling for someone in his heart, and it was Sanzo who appeared. Lastly, Sanzo and company celebrate the one year anniversary of their having started the journey west.