Saiyuki - v. 8

As Sanzou, Goku, and Hakkai go off in search of "God" (and Gojyo on the side), Gojyo makes it to a mysterious set of stairs that seem to stretch on forever.

In the eerie mist that develops, he is attacked by an illusion of his mother, and eventually makes it to the top.

There "God" (who falls apart into beads when attacked) greets him and they battle.

This "God" character is also known as Sanzou Houshi, so apparently there are more than one "Sanzou Houshi".

Like any monk that was raised in the same temple as Sanzo.

Eventually, the rest of the team makes it up the mysterious set of stairs, fight off a fake Gojyu, and join the real Gojyu in the fight against "God". "God" is a very odd fellow, who considers all those weaker than him (which is pretty much everyone) to be his toys to play with.

After first avoiding their attacks, "God" lashes out with a single attack that crushes the entire team of heroes.

They retreat to recover from the loss and prepare for the final confrontation.