Kougaiji had to do his stepmother's bidding in order to save his hahawe* who was cursed in by Gyokumen Kyoshu to remain as a stone statue on the pillar. Gyokumen has questioned Kougaiji's capability of obtaining Sanzo's kyomon* which was vital in reviving Gyuumoao. Gyokumen threatens that if Kou is not capable of obtaining the kyomon, his hahawe will be stuck on the pillar forever. Meanwhile, Sanzo-ikkhou had to pass a desert in order to get to the next town. On their way there, they were attacked by a youkai who releases poisonous gas. He was easily defeated by the Maten Kyomon's demon purifying power, but not before he poisoned Sanzo. Before Sanzo's companions could make a move to rush him to a doctor, Kougaiji appeared before them and demanded a fight. This time however, he was alone. But what Sanzo-ikkhou did not expect was that the prince was having a device that will increase his power but not without certain side effects. As Sanzo-ikkhou refuse to comply to Kou's demant to hand over the kyomon, they resolve to fight. If Sanzo-ikkhou wins, they get Kou's hiryuu* which will enable them to fly to the next town to get Sanzo treated quickly but if Kou wins, he will get Sanzo's kyomon. (thetvdb.com)