Previously: After Zhao Si and his companions resolved the Wangxiang Temple incident and cured the locals, they received a written challenge from Ibaraki Dōji and decided to head to Kyoto...
While they were camping on the road, Helena came over and asked, "What did it feel like for you two back then?"
Zhao Si waved his hands. "Stop asking about things that won't pass the censors. Who asks other people to describe that?"
"You're pretty innocent." Malenia joined in teasing Zhao Si.
As though she weren't innocent herself.
She was clearly embarrassed too, but joining Helena and the others made her feel less awkward.
With all their talking and laughter, the journey never felt boring.
They finally left Kyushu behind and entered the Central Land.
The Central Land, situated in the middle of the Land of Reeds, was the largest landmass.
The major powers were all on this land.
That went for humans, monsters, and Oni Gods alike.
Kyushu and Oshu were both relatively remote.
Not long after entering the Central Land, they heard someone crying for help.
"Help! Help!"
Following the voice, they found a young man tied to a tree.
His clothes were gone, leaving him in nothing but a loincloth.
The sight made it hard not to recall the famous Journey to the West.
Those scenes of monsters transforming and tying themselves to trees to win the scripture pilgrims' sympathy were still vivid.
Zhao Si frowned slightly, considered himself, then looked at the companions beside him.
Putting those strange memories out of his mind, he rode toward the bound youth.
"Who are you?" Zhao Si asked.
The youth took one look at Zhao Si and cried even harder, "Help! Help! Another monster!"
Zhao Si raised an eyebrow and slapped the tree trunk. "Take a good look. Do