Chapter 20 - Wandering Destiny

Wandering Destiny is Saiyuki's twentieth chapter.

Summary
Cho Gonou has massacred Hyakugan Maoh' s minions in his search for Kanan. He finds her alive in a prison cell, and they embrace through the bars. When Gonou suggests going home together, Kanan says it's too late for that, because she is pregnant with Hyakugan Maoh's child. She grabs the knife from Gonou's belt and kills herself in front of him. From behind the bars, there is nothing he can do.

In the present day, the sound of a gunshot snaps Hakkai out of his dark thoughts of the past as Sanzo fires a warning shot at Chin Yisou. Sanzo asks where Goku is, and Chin Yisou gives an evasive non-answer. Sanzo shoots again, but Chin Yisou vanishes and reappears a short distance away. Suddenly, swarms of centipedes appear out of nowhere and begin to crawl up Sanzo, Gojyo, and Hakkai's bodies. As Chin Yisou warns them that bites from so many venomous centipedes could be fatal, Hakkai slumps over. Chin Yisou approaches Hakkai and reveals that he himself is Hyakugan Maoh's son. Hakkai lunges for Chin Yisou and throws a punch, but Chin Yisou dodges and elbows Hakkai in the gut. As he pins Hakkai to the ground and enjoys the look of rage in Hakkai's eyes, he tells him that no matter how much Hakkai tries to atone for the lives he took, it is only Hakkai's bloodthirsty side that will satisfy him.

Sanzo tells Chin Yisou to shut up and activates his Maten Sutra, sending the centipedes flying and causing Chin Yisou to shield his eyes from the sutra's light. Gojyo's shakujou blade slices through the distracted Chin Yisou's right arm, severing it completely.

Hakkai is slumped on his knees in a daze, and Gojyo shakes his shoulders, telling him to pull himself together. As Hakkai snaps back to himself, Chin Yisou appears directly behind Gojyo and places a hand threateningly on top of his head. Jeep suddenly appears on scene and comes to the rescue, beating his wings in Chin Yisou's face to divert his attention.

Goku appears on scene, apologizing for taking so long because his leg was broken and complaining that he is hungry. As Gojyo and Hakkai say that this couldn't be anything other than the real Goku, Sanzo whacks Goku on the head with his harisen.

Chin Yisou calmly picks up his severed arm, and Gojyo wonders aloud if he doesn't feel pain. Goku says that Chin Yisou doesn't smell alive. Hakkai suddenly remembers that he did indeed kill Chin Yisou in the past. Chin Yisou says that the best thing he could think of to do to make Cho Gonou happy would be to torment his friends, and that now it is Sanzo's turn to be his plaything. He launches an attack of projectile mahjong counters at Sanzo, Gojyo, and Goku. Gojyo and Hakkai dodge, while Sanzo catches them between his fingers. Sanzo challenges Chin Yisou to do his worst.