Pochi-chan, I used to be a princess.

Sanzang rushed into the secret passage with great enthusiasm.

A helpless voice echoed from deep within the secret passage: "Oh, this kind of exaggerated display will eventually pay off! It's true! While I'm happy to hear it, I must warn you to be careful! The guy standing in front of the cell possesses unparalleled strength that rivals mine! Look, he's heading your way! His kicks, in particular, hurt! Wahahaha, a direct hit would rip your internal organs apart!"

Although the enemy was indeed formidable, Sanzang was not alone. Seeing the ferocious enemy running towards him, Sanzang shouted in panic, "Hey, everyone, attack! Quickly! Get rid of that big guy and rescue Fujita first!"

[Fujimaru Ritsuka and the others chased in helplessly. Cursed Arm Hassan, Mashu, and Sanzang worked together to knock down the prison guard.]

Tawara Tota slowly emerged from the cell and exclaimed, "Mmm, well done! This was truly a show worth watching! I couldn't help but clench my fists, and I was so hungry I almost ate my hands! Mmm, heh heh."

Mashu shouted in surprise, "You just walked out of the cell on your own as if nothing had happened!?"

Tawara Tota said calmly, "Of course, I could have come out anytime. But I'm almost tired of sleeping, so it's time to get to work. You're the ones who attacked this fortress, right? Hahaha, no, no, you don't need to explain! After all, you're so kind as to accept Sanzang as your companion! You're all truly exceptional and kind-hearted people, aren't you?"

Chapter 223 A Poisonous Flower

Sanzang said unhappily, "Tengtai! It's so rude to say something like that all of a sudden! You should have greeted everyone properly first! Are you a monkey?"

Tawaratouta said, "Hmm? We haven't really exchanged names yet. I'm just too excited, sorry. Servant Archer. Real name is Tawaratouta. Due to some fate, I became the one who looked after that monk."

Sanzang scolded, "That's not called watching over, it's called guarding! Seriously, haven't I told you this many times?! You're my disciple. Listen carefully, a disciple is someone who must protect the master under any circumstances. You must obey the master's words and ensure his safety. So, don't always make me worry. We have a promise. If you break it, I'll crush you into the palm of the Buddha's hand."

Tawaratouta was a bit surprised, but immediately reacted: "Oh, um, sorry. I didn't expect you to be so resolute... Um. No, wait. It's you, it's your fault. You said something like, 'That fortress must be fun!' and went to provoke those knights, and that's why you ended up like this! By the time I came to my senses, you had already disappeared..."

Yamada Ryo complained bluntly: "What a pit!"

Kita Ikuyo looked at Yakushiji standing on the stage.

Yakushiji was silent for a moment, then smiled faintly: "To be free from restraints and to follow one's heart's movements is a very high state of mind."

Goto Ichiri nodded quickly. She also wanted to be someone like Sanzang.

She really admires someone who can do whatever he wants and say whatever he wants without having to be timid all day long.

After finding Tawara Tota, the group continued their search and spotted their target in a gloomy cell.

[A young girl in scantily clad clothes was chained to a wall. Various torture instruments and traces of dried blood hung on the surrounding walls.]

Hearing someone enter, the girl, with her head bowed, uttered a low, hoarse voice, "...Who is it?... Haven't you... given up yet...? No matter what you do, I won't say a word. So... hurry up... chop off my head. Otherwise, we'll both be wasting our time... Because neither poison nor pain can kill me."

[Fujimaru Ritsuka quickly walked towards the girl and said with concern: "We are here to save you!"]

[Quiet Hassan's mind is already blurry: "...Save...me?"]

[Cursed Hassan shouted: "Yes, this is true, Hassan of Tranquility, so there is no need to be on guard, but please do not exhale. I'm sorry, Master Fujimaru, please loosen her chains. Those chains don't seem to be good for the Servant."]

Fujimaru Ritsuka said simply, "No problem, leave it to me!"

Taking the short sword offered by Hassan the Cursed Arm, Fujimaru Ritsuka slashed at the chains binding Hassan Serenity. Perhaps it was because she was much stronger than an average person, or perhaps the chains only had a miraculous effect on Heroic Spirits, but after two slashes, the chains shattered.

[Quiet Hassan fell from the wall, stumbled, and fell forward.]

At the critical moment, Fujimaru Ritsuka hugged Hassan Serenity, causing them to fall down together, creating a cushion for Hassan Serenity to fall back to.

[Hassin's mask also fell off, revealing a beautiful face. Without the mask's obstruction, Hassan's lips touched Fujimaru Ritsuka's lips.]

[Then, both of them stopped moving.]

Ishigami Yu couldn't help but complain: "What kind of romance plot is this!"

Shinomiya Kaguya's cheeks flushed slightly. "Isn't this very romantic? A hero saving a beautiful girl in a time of crisis, and a coincidental mistake led to a kiss."

Kaguya Shinomiya has already imagined Hassan Serenity as herself, and Ritsuka Fujimaru as Miyuki Shirogane.

When she was captured by her family and tortured, and lost consciousness in pain, the president suddenly rushed in with his companions to rescue her. Then, due to a small misunderstanding, the two kissed in public.

Fujiwara Chika laughed and poured cold water on Shinomiya Kaguya: "Really, Shinomiya-san is still stuck in the 1990s. Stories about kissing because of a fall are no longer popular."

Ishigami Yu said critically, "How could they kiss as soon as they fell? That would be too deliberate. The most reasonable scenario is that they hit their nose or their chin on their face after falling."

The fantasy in Shinomiya Kaguya's heart was shattered by Fujiwara Chika and Ishigami Yu. She stared at Fujiwara Chika and Ishigami Yu fiercely, her eyes as if she was looking at a dead person.

Ishigami Yu shuddered and shrank his neck.

Fujiwara Chika smiled as if nothing had happened, which added fuel to the fire in Shinomiya Kaguya's heart.

Roman said, "Hmm! I have a feeling a new romance is brewing...! No, this won't do. Yeah, this won't do. Stand up, Ritsuka. I understand how you feel, but this is enemy territory."

Hassan Silent climbed up from Fujimaru Ritsuka's body as if frightened. She covered her mouth and said sadly, "...No, this person...can't stand up anymore. The delusion poison body I cultivated can kill anyone who comes into contact with my body...My body is poisonous. The skin, mucous membranes, and even any drop of bodily fluids are highly toxic. Even if ordinary contact wouldn't cause instant death, but just now...that...lip..."

[Mashu asked in astonishment: "...What?"]

Roman yells, "I didn't hear you clearly. What did you say?"

Hassan cried and apologized: "...I'm sorry. This person is already dead. He can't stand up again. I'm so sorry... He came to save me, but I... killed him again..."

Fujimaru Ritsuka climbed up and said calmly, "It's a little numb, but I'm still alive."

Hassan looked at Fujimaru Ritsuka in shock: "No way, he actually stood up... Hey... Why...?"

Mashu said calmly, "Yes, because the senior has anti-poison skills, so don't worry, Miss Hassan."

Roman smiled and said, "Well, after all, even London's magic fog is no problem. Now there is no doubt. Ritsuka has protection against impurities, probably due to the effect of Mashu's shield. It can protect the contractor from disease."

Hassan's eyes lit up, and she leaned towards Fujimaru Ritsuka, asking expectantly, "Um... it's really... okay... even if... you touched me...?"

Mashu said, "Senior, I and I should be fine, though the mystery of the Noble Phantasm might have some impact."

Hassan's gaze passed from Mash to Fujimaru Ritsuka, "Is... that so..."

Chapter 224: It's Hard to Distinguish Right from Wrong

"Hello everyone. Also, welcome to my interrogation room."

A strange voice echoed in the dungeon. Outside the cell door, Aggravin, with a cold expression, led the Knights of Justice in the dungeon corridor.

"Even if you're a thief, you're still a guest from afar. Welcome everyone, Your Excellency, the Master from the Faraway Observatory: Chaldea."

Hassan of Cursed Arms tensed his nerves and looked solemnly at the knight outside the door: "Knight of the Round Table, Aggravin...!"

Agguiwen said indifferently, "Is that so? It seems there's no need to report your names. Ah, you don't need to report either. No need. One Master. One Exclusive Servant. Two Elders from the Mountains, and the Master Sanzang who arrogantly left our capital, along with her escort Servant, are all targets for punishment. We must deal with them as soon as possible."

Mash raises her shield: "The Knights of Justice are here...! No need to say more...!"

Sanzang complained to Aguguiwen, "You're still so stubborn, Aguguiwen! Don't you know that this is why everyone hates you so much?!"

Agguiwen said coldly, "It's alright. I hate humans, and being hated by everyone is just as I wish. Unlike you, who dream of guiding all living things, I'm a boring man."

Sanzang said helplessly: "...You say that again..."

Tawara Tota took out his longbow and said calmly, "Is that so? Then you are undoubtedly my enemy! Namo Hachiman Daibosatsu, I will use my bow to sweep away your melancholy. If you ask why, well, the world is peaceful. Without joy in the world, food will not be delicious! A sour face will make the precious food go to waste!"

[Agaguiwen scoffed and ordered the Knights of Justice to charge towards the Chaldeans.]

The combined might of many Heroic Spirits was no match for the mere Knights of Justice. However, Agragwen had brought more than just these few Knights. Groups of Knights continued to advance into the dungeon, forcing the Chaldeans into a desperate situation.

Sanzang called out to Ageguiwen, "Ageguiwen, no, little one, even though it's just a whim, I'll call you that."

The Knight of Sustainability said in shock, "This...this little girl actually dared to speak so arrogantly to Master Aggravin! Doesn't she know her place?! She's going to have a terrible end!"

Agguiwen said calmly, "That's fine. You can withdraw for now. Xuanzang, I have no intention of negotiating with you. Never have, and never will. But I do have a high opinion of your depth of knowledge. Although it's just the perspective of a little girl, you've seen many countries. For that reason alone, your words are worth listening to."

Sanzang sarcastically said, "What do you mean by 'little girl'? You and I are not much different in age, are you?"

Agguiwen said coldly, "...I'll give you one chance, a chance to return to our side. You've seen life in the Holy City, the lives of the mountain people, the territory of Egypt, and the country of Osmandis. Based on this, I ask you again, in your opinion, is the Lion King wrong?"

Sanzang fell silent, his expression becoming serious.

Yukinoshita Yukino frowned: "What does this mean?"

Hikigaya Hachiman remained silent.

Yuigahama Yui said in surprise: "How could it be? Master Sanzang doesn't think that the Lion King is wrong? The Lion King obviously did such a bad thing!"

Shizuka Hiratsuka wanted to take out her cigarette case but held back. She sighed, "An adult's perspective is different from a child's, a Buddha's perspective is different from a knight's. It's a matter of perspective."

Hikigaya Hachiman hesitated and said, "That's it. Sanzang felt that the Lion King's approach was necessary and feasible, so there's no way to say the Lion King was wrong. It's like the trolley problem. No matter what you do, there are problems."

Yukinoshita Yukino gave Hikigaya Hachiman a cold look: "So, the Lion King is right?"

Hikigaya Hachiman turned his head away, not looking at Yukinoshita Yukino: "Maybe it's right... I'm not the one who makes the decision, so I have no right to judge whether this behavior is right or wrong... Some things, even if they are wrong, must be done by someone."

Yukinoshita Yukino's gaze became sharp.

Agguiwen said to Tripitaka, "Indeed, you should understand, Xuanzang. The Holy City is the reality, the Holy City is the ideal. Regardless of which faction, their ideology is the same. We are merely groping for a way to survive. 'Protect our own people.' Even that Osmandis is no different. But according to his principles, nothing can be changed. We will only perish along with the world and this era."

Agguiwen's tone was heavy, full of disdain for Osmandis.

"Recall the days of living in the Holy City, where everyone lived in prosperity, equality, mutual assistance, and respect. The ideal city that the Knight King dreamed of Britain becoming was realized in the Holy City, yet you abandoned it. This in itself is an insult to me, but Knight King... no, His Majesty the Lion King appreciates your thoughtful consideration. Therefore, this is your final invitation. Return to the Holy City and take your place at the Round Table, Sanzang. With your abilities, you should be able to fill Gareth's vacant seat."

In response to Aguguiwen's invitation, Sanzang was silent for a long time before speaking, "...Yes. To be honest, I've always been confused. Which side should I support, the Lion King, the Sun King, or the people of the mountain? At first, I had no motivation. After all, I couldn't hear the Buddha's voice. The Buddha's silence meant that he considered my meddling to be unwarranted. The Buddha kept telling me, 'Don't bother.'"

Yuigahama Yui said in surprise: "Even Buddha doesn't want to deny the Lion King and her holy city? Is the trolley problem really that difficult? Even Buddha can't do it?"

Yukinoshita Yukino's eyes became confused.

Hiratsuka Shizuka scratched her head ungraciously: "There is such a thing... Could it be a test from the Buddha to Tripitaka?"

Hikigaya Hachiman retorted, "No matter how serious the test is, it wouldn't be at a time like this, right?"

Zaimokuza Yoshiki raised his windbreaker and said in a low voice, "That's not necessarily true, my friend. Is the Buddha merciful?"

Hikigaya Hachiman rolled his eyes and had no intention of replying.

Zaimokuza Yoshiteru said, "Yes, the Buddha is compassionate, at least the Buddha that is popular now is compassionate. But is the Buddha of fundamentalism also compassionate? No, right? That fundamentalist Buddha is an enlightened being, a wise man who has seen through the cycle of life and death. Even if he regards the choices of the Lion King and the Sun King as indifferent, it is natural."

Hikigaya Hachiman was a little stunned. Has Zaimokuza, who was studying his thing called a novel but was actually a collection of Chuunibyou settings, already studied fundamentalist Buddhism?

Chapter 225 What Round Table Version of Kyubey?

Sanzang stole a few glances at Fujimaru Ritsuka and said seriously, "But, well, now I can no longer ignore it, because I know very well that no matter how beautiful the Lion King's Holy City is, the behavior of you guys at the Round Table is too strange!"

Mashu said sternly, "That's right. Even if the Holy City is an ideal city! The cruel act of screening people and killing those who are not selected is unforgivable!"

Agguiwen said indifferently, "That's not cruelty, it's a conclusion. Those not chosen by the Holy City will die in the wilderness. If that were all, it would be fine, but those not chosen will sooner or later resent and envy the Holy City. To ensure the Holy City's stability, this root of evil must be eradicated. This is also the Lion King's mercy. From the beginning, we have not forced anyone. Whether to participate in the Holy City's Holy Pull depends on the refugees' own will. The battle we have provoked is to protect the Holy City from the enemy. As long as the people of the mountain abandon the holy land, we will not fight."

Kitagawa Umi's eyes widened as he angrily said, "Is this also a knight? He thinks that everyone who isn't chosen will die, and he insists that everyone who isn't chosen will hate the Holy City. Isn't this just one-sided, malicious speculation? Isn't this just an excuse for massacre?"

Kitagawa Kaimeng felt so angry at what Aguiwen said that her chest ached.

Gojo Arata's expression darkened. "That's too hypocritical. They're not forcing anyone, but the Holy City is spreading rumors about accepting refugees, and they haven't said that if they fail, they'll die... This is already a deception."

Audiences with a little conscience were very angry about Agerguiwen's words that were full of loopholes and illogical.

They speak righteous words while actually doing inhumane things. This behavior is like...

"Chubby?!"

Akiyama Mio found that Aguiwen's way of speaking was very similar to Kyubey's.

Kotobuki Tsumugi pondered and said, "That's right. Agkiwen believes that those who are not chosen by the Holy City will die in the wilderness and affect the stability of the Holy City. Kyubey also believes that without the sacrifice of magical girls, the universe will be destroyed, and wants magical girls to sacrifice themselves for the distant future."

Tian Zhongli said angrily, "And they used deception. The Holy City deceived the refugees into taking refuge in the Holy City, but it never said that they would be killed if they failed. Kyubey only said that becoming a magical girl could grant one wish, but never said that this wish would be exchanged for one's soul."

Yamanaka Sawako crossed her arms and sneered, "You're insulting Kyubey. At least Kyubey really grants wishes. I didn't expect there would be someone worse than Kyubey, and a knight at that. Are all the Knights of the Round Table actually like this?"

Aguguiwen's behavior is surprisingly similar to that of Qiubi, and Qiubi is even less humane than Aguguiwen. When Qiubi meets Aguguiwen, it is just like Mr. Tang meeting Mr. Xu.

"It turns out there are things more inhumane than me."

Chubby squatted on a chair on the street, looking at the pictures on the big screen on the wall of the mall, and couldn't help but marvel at them.

Sanzang said, "Is that so? Then why does the world have an end?"

Agguiwen asked in shock: "What?"

Sanzang said, "I went to the other side of the desert and saw that thing there, so I came back. Agguiwen, I won't cry even if I know the truth, so answer me. What exactly are you planning to do? Is the Lion King really still normal? She has already lost her humanity and is no longer a heroic spirit, right?!"

Agguiwen said in surprise, "...You crossed that desert on your own two feet? Indeed, I underestimated you. Negotiations have broken down, and we must resume them!"

Agguiwen stopped negotiating and raised his arm, commanding the Knights of Justice to continue fighting.

Sanzang also showed her true abilities. She raised her palm and swung her staff. "If all thoughts are stored in the mind, then we can abandon the extremes and take the middle path. The minds of all the gods and Buddhas in the heavens are as clear as mirrors. Caster! Xuanzang Sanzang! Because of the wrath of heaven, I must enlighten you!"

Sanzang displayed a reassuring side. She plucked a few strands of hair from her head and blew them forward: "Soul-Separating Command Spell!"

[Her hair exploded into a cloud of smoke in the air, and long, beautiful legs stepped out from it. Five Tripitakas appeared before everyone, holding the Ruyi Jingu Bang, the Nine-toothed Rake, and the Demon-Subduing Staff.]

[Sanzang's clones wielded his disciples' weapons and engaged the Knights of Rectification. Rows of Knights charged at Sanzang, but were quickly defeated. A tearful Sanzang displayed extraordinary skill and aura in the battle.]

Yamada Ryoumian remained calm, with a hint of surprise in his eyes: "Amazing, a crybaby is so powerful."

Yidizhi Hongxia said in surprise, "Master Sanzang is using the weapons of Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Monk Sha, right? He's so powerful, but he was beaten to tears by the dragon before?"