Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 217 - 211: Xuan Yuan Water Control Flag, Sha Chen is famous in Demon World [Mourning for the National Memorial Day] _1
Hearing the name Sha Chen, the faces of all the demons and the Black Bear Spirit changed.
The Black Bear Spirit gazed deeply at Tianpeng, his brows furrowing in secret as doubt and confusion welled within him, clearly harboring suspicions.
He didn’t believe that Tianpeng was Sha Chen. So, it must be an impersonation. But why would he impersonate Sha Chen? Could it be that he had a deep connection with Sha Chen? Or was he planning to use Sha Chen’s name to scare off these demons!? The Black Bear Spirit thought both were possible.
After all, Tianpeng and Sha Chen were both deities from the Heavenly Court; it was normal for them to have known each other before. Now, the name Sha Chen was very well-known; he had allegedly reached the realm of a Daluo Golden Immortal, which indeed would be frightening enough to use as a deterrent.
The faces of demons like the White Bone Dragon Saint contorted as they shouted, "Impossible! Sha Chen is clearly at the Flowing Sand River, at least 10,000 miles away from here, and he has never left. How could he be here, and how could he be you, this hog spirit?"
Tianpeng said, "I am indeed Sha Chen, guaranteed genuine. It’s just that staying in the Flowing Sand River was getting tedious, so I came out for some fresh air. Moreover, a wise rabbit has three burrows. This place is my backyard; isn’t it normal for me to be here?"
The White Bone Dragon Saint’s face changed slightly as he frowned. He said doubtfully, "The rumor is that Sha Chen has become a Daluo Golden Immortal, so how can you be of such a caliber?"
HUM!
At that moment, Tianpeng immediately displayed his cultivation at the Daluo Golden Immortal level. A powerful, unrivaled aura emanated from him, his strength seemingly capable of penetrating heaven and earth. It was a display that could startle heaven and earth, making ghosts and gods weep.
The White Bone Dragon Saint and the other demons all paled, quickly stepping back. Even though the White Bone Dragon Saint himself was a Daluo Golden Immortal, facing another renowned Daluo Golden Immortal made him cautious. After all, Sha Chen’s fame was truly imposing. There were even rumors that Sha Chen had once defeated Kui Mulang, a Daluo Golden Immortal, and the White Bone Dragon Saint’s strength was only comparable to Kui Mulang’s.
If the person before me is indeed Sha Chen, I truly wouldn’t be a match, he thought. He was therefore apprehensive.
Seeing that he had intimidated everyone, Tianpeng became amused and said, "Buddies, do you believe it now?"
"If you don’t believe it, then fight me. But let me tell you, I didn’t hold back against Kui Mulang Li Xiong, and I almost killed him. If it’s you, who knows what might happen." He brandished his Nine-Tooth Rake, ready to strike.
The White Bone Dragon Saint’s face changed dramatically, and he hastily said, "Please be merciful, General, merciful! We have been presumptuous, and for any offenses, we beg your forgiveness."
He was afraid and intended to yield first, but he wasn’t content to just walk away like that.
Tianpeng said, "Since you know fear, then hurry up and leave. Don’t cause trouble at the entrance to my cave dwelling." He scolded the demons, who didn’t even dare to breathe too loudly, full of anger but unable to voice it.
The Black Bear Spirit chose to remain silent.
At this moment, he was certain Tianpeng was not Sha Chen, for he knew Sha Chen’s character—extremely cautious, to the point of being meticulous. If Sha Chen had frightened someone, he definitely wouldn’t be so aggressive. Moreover, if truly cornered, he wouldn’t waste words; he’d just strike to kill and leave no troubles behind. These demons here, darkening the sky and far from any main road, present the perfect opportunity to dispose of them. Why bother with words? Unless he isn’t capable of defeating them. But the rumors suggested that Sha Chen defeated Kui Mulang without expending much effort; his power is immense. These demons, although strong, should not pose a difficulty for Sha Chen. However, this Tianpeng posing as Sha Chen has made no move to attack—not because he doesn’t want to, but because he lacks the ability. Even with the cultivation of a Daluo Golden Immortal, his combat power is probably not much different from that of the White Bone Dragon Saint. If a real fight ensues, he might get mobbed!
But the Black Bear Spirit was clever. Even knowing it was a sham, he decided to treat it as real. As long as he could stay alive, he’d do whatever it took.
Tianpeng, having bluffed them, got carried away. He stepped forward and slapped a great demon, sending it flying, infuriating the other great demons who were too angry to speak.
The White Bone Dragon Saint was also extremely furious and said, "Your Excellency is far too arrogant! Although we are not your equals, you can’t bully us excessively."
Tianpeng said, "Are you humans? You are demons, not humans."
"Don’t waste words; just scram while I’m still not angry. Otherwise, don’t blame my Nine-Tooth Rake for being unreasonable."
The White Bone Dragon Saint suddenly said, "May I ask Marshal Tianpeng, did you really take liberties with Fairy Chang E?"
Without thinking, Tianpeng said, "Of course, that softness...hm?"
No sooner had he finished speaking than he mentally cursed himself for his slip-up. But it was already too late.
The White Bone Dragon Saint’s face turned fierce and cold, his eyes chilling and ruthless. The other demons also had stern expressions.
Tianpeng coughed and said, "If I say that I am not Marshal Tianpeng, would you believe me?"
"Whether you believe it or not, I certainly do."
The White Bone Dragon Saint’s face was grim as he said, "What do you think?" Raising the long dragon bone spear in his hand, he struck and declared, "For daring to deceive us, you swine spirit! Today, it doesn’t matter if you’re Marshal Tianpeng or the Great General for Folding the Curtain—you will die!"
He then charged forward and fought with Tianpeng. The battle was indecisive, with neither side showing clear superiority.
The Black Bear Spirit also joined the fray. Without the White Bone Dragon Saint suppressing him, the pressure on him instantly reduced manifold.
Marshal Tianpeng cursed, "Damn pile of bones, you really think your Grandpa Tianpeng is easy to bully, huh? Fine, if you want a fight, let’s fight! Whoever runs is a coward!"
Then he continued to curse, "You, Xiongheizi, always causing me trouble! I was implicated by you overseas before, and now you’re dragging me into this again—what do I owe you?"
The Black Bear Spirit didn’t dare to make a sound in response to the scolding and could only fight on in silence.
Marshal Tianpeng continued, "No matter what treasure you’ve stolen from them, you will have to hand it over to me afterward."
The Black Bear Spirit said, "The treasure is a banner, but it’s inside a box. I don’t know how to open it, but if the Marshal wants it, I will give it to you."
Only then did Marshal Tianpeng nod with satisfaction. However, he soon noticed something was amiss; the White Bone Dragon Saint seemed formidable, and as the fight went on, Tianpeng gradually found himself outmatched.
The White Bone Dragon Saint was indeed powerful. He had been in the Daluo Golden Immortal Realm for tens of thousands of years. Although his progress had been limited, his foundation was very stable. Marshal Tianpeng had only entered the Daluo Golden Immortal Realm a few years ago; he couldn’t compare. The only reason he could hold on without being defeated in such a fierce battle was because he had received guidance from a Saint and had gained a deeper understanding of the Eight-Nine Profound Art and the Thirty-Six Transformations. If he were still the half-baked practitioner of the past, even with a breakthrough in cultivation, it’s likely that three of him wouldn’t have been able to beat the White Bone Dragon Saint. Even now, it was becoming increasingly difficult for him.
Fighting with great effort, Marshal Tianpeng secretly sent a message to the Black Bear Spirit, "Xiongheizi, my brother is at the Flowing Sand River. Why don’t we lead him there and let my brother finish him off?" Then, as if sensing the Black Bear Spirit’s doubt, he added, "We both served in the Heavenly Court in the old days; we’re like two peas in a pod. He treats me like a brother, and I treat him like a dear friend."
The Black Bear Spirit was shocked to learn that Marshal Tianpeng truly knew his master. With this in mind, he felt reassured.
However, he didn’t dare to reveal his identity lightly, choosing instead to remain silent and let Marshal Tianpeng decide.
Marshal Tianpeng didn’t receive a response. Thinking the Black Bear Spirit was being cautious, he said, "Don’t be afraid. Though Old Sha doesn’t like to be disturbed, if I go, he will welcome me without reservation. Even though you don’t look too impressive, Old Sha will give me this much face and receive you."
The Black Bear Spirit chuckled and sent a psychic message, "It’s all up to the Marshal."
Marshal Tianpeng was very pleased with Xiongheizi’s attitude. Overseas, the two had been brothers in adversity. After leaving Luanshi Island, they had even joined forces to loot and pillage for a while. But the Black Bear Spirit hadn’t shown him much respect, which Marshal Tianpeng found very displeasing. At that time, Tianpeng couldn’t do anything about the Black Bear Spirit. But now that Tianpeng had reached the Daluo Golden Immortal Realm, the Black Bear Spirit would have to defer to him.
After exchanging ideas, they seized an opportunity to feign a weakness. They repelled the White Bone Dragon Saint and the other demons, abandoned their dwelling, and headed for the Flowing Sand River.
The White Bone Dragon Saint, both shocked and enraged, ordered, "Chase them! We absolutely cannot let them escape."
This great commotion might alarm the Heavenly Court, he thought. And if those meddling exorcists show up, it will become troublesome. I must resolve this problem quickly, capture the Black Bear Spirit, and retrieve the banner.
However, the order from above was firm: these two were not to be killed unless absolutely necessary, which was a huge nuisance for the White Bone Dragon Saint.
Now I cannot afford to care about these complications; I have to capture these two first, he resolved.
A distance of 10,000 miles might seem vast, but to immortals, it was usually only the time it took to drink a cup of tea. For Daluo Golden Immortals and Greater Primordial Golden Immortals, it was but the flick of a finger. However, fleeing for their lives and dodging left and right wasted some time. Fortunately, the demons blocking their way were not very strong. They were easily killed or scattered, and a bloody path was carved out.
Marshal Tianpeng and the Black Bear Spirit hurried along, desperately reaching the Flowing Sand River.
However, the Flowing Sand River was too vast. Its area was a hundred times larger than the Ten Thousand Mountains, making it feel as if one was in the ocean.
Upon arriving, Marshal Tianpeng loudly called out, "Old Sha, save me! Your brother is not going to last!"
The Black Bear Spirit, having returned to the Flowing Sand River, was also somewhat excited. However, he kept silent, acting the mute.
The White Bone Dragon Saint and the other demons also arrived, encircling Marshal Tianpeng and his ally once again above the Flowing Sand River. However, they warily glanced at the Flowing Sand River, especially at a deep, dark cave dwelling below that resembled a lurking fierce beast. Inside lived a recently notorious figure—Sha Chen.
A person’s reputation precedes them. Sha Chen’s presence here indeed put tremendous pressure on the White Bone Dragon Saint and his demon followers, but they did not retreat because of it. Not to mention that Sha Chen hadn’t shown up; even if he did, they would only be wary, not afraid. They were followers of the White Bone Saint, renowned figures in the Demon World.
How could we be intimidated by a never-before-seen, demoted general of the Heavenly Court whose name we’d only heard? Perhaps he’s nothing more than a paper tiger! they thought.
「At this time.」
Not far to the east of the Flowing Sand River stood a temple, the Guanyin Zen Temple, the abode of Elder Jin Chi. Elder Jin Chi was hosting two young Buddhist monks with the utmost respect. These two young monks had formidable backgrounds. They were brothers: one was Muzha, the direct disciple of Guanyin Bodhisattva, and the other was Jinzha, a disciple of Tathagata Buddha. Aside from these two, there were also over a hundred Arhats in the temple, each emanating a Buddhist halo, their power immense yet restrained.
Just now, they had witnessed the entire great battle between the demons.
Jinzha said, "Second Brother, what do you think—will Sha Chen come out and help them?"
Muzha replied, "Big Brother, if Sha Chen really does come out to help, what should we do?"
