Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 234 - 228 Borrowed the Nail Seven-Arrow Book From Lu Ya [First Update Please Subscribe]_1

Chapter 234: Chapter 228 Borrowed the Nail Seven-Arrow Book From Lu Ya [First Update Please Subscribe]_1

The wild demons in the Cave of the Silken Web actually know the Eight-Nine Profound Art and 72 Polymorphic Transformations? That’s the Three Pure Ones Taoism. Although it was passed down by the Daoist Ancestor, very few people truly know it. Let alone outsiders having difficulty with cultivation, even direct disciples of the Three Pure Ones like Li Jing haven’t mastered it. How could outsiders have learned it? Moreover, there are seven demons. Have demons become so formidable now!?

Li Jing, astonished, asked, "Have you found out? What are the origins of these spider demons? How could they learn the Eight-Nine Profound Art and 72 Polymorphic Transformations?"

His subordinates looked at one another, momentarily at a loss for words.

Li Jing, angered, ordered, "Someone, go investigate—thoroughly ascertain the situation!" His subordinates then departed. He also waved his hand, saying, "Please ask Master Wen to lead the Celestial Gods of the Thunder Department to subdue those demons."

Wen Zhong nodded and departed with his orders. The immortals of the Thunder Department followed him. Wen Zhong’s power had already reached the pinnacle of the Greater Primordial Golden Immortal realm and was vast enough to shake heaven and earth. Among his eight divine subordinates, aside from Taoist Master Gou who had perished, the other seven were also at the Greater Primordial Golden Immortal realm, all possessing formidable strength. Moreover, among the Eight Gods of the Thunder Department, Taoist Master Gou’s position had been filled, and this new god also possessed the strength of a Greater Primordial Golden Immortal.

However, Wen Zhong led his men there but hurried back shortly after.

Li Jing, baffled, asked, "Master Wen, why have you returned so soon? Could it be that the demons have already been captured?"

Wen Zhong replied, "Not at all. Those demons couldn’t even last a hundred exchanges with my subordinates. The moment they saw me, they fled in panic."

Li Jing huffed, "We can’t let them off so easily! Master Wen, please lead your men to hunt them down. It would be best to burn the Cave of the Silken Web to the ground."

Wen Zhong nodded and personally went down to make arrangements.

The immortals said, "Great Marshal, why trouble yourself over these demons? Perhaps they were merely passing by, or perhaps they intended to attack our Heavenly Court to make a name for themselves. If we pursue and kill them, wouldn’t we be doing exactly what they want?"

There’s a tradition in the Demon World: to gain fame and prestige by attacking the immortals and buddhas. With different allegiances, the deities claim to be the orthodoxy of the Three Realms. The Demon World is unorthodox, and for them, the best way to fame is attacking the Heavenly Court. Even if defeated, they’d still be well-known. For example, Sun Wukong, known as the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, was unrecognized before he wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Palace. Afterwards, he became known throughout the world. Even if Sun Wukong didn’t fight those demons later, just the reputation of being the Great Sage Equal to Heaven who had wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Palace was enough to instill fear in others. When the enemy is intimidated before a fight even begins, one’s chances of victory increase significantly.

Li Jing snorted coldly. "Whether they’re seeking fame or have other motives, I want to know the specific reasons, and I want their heads."

The immortals acknowledged in agreement and then retreated.

「About three days later, news arrived.」

Wen Zhong had demolished the Cave of the Silken Web and injured two of the spider demons, but they managed to escape. Still, Wen Zhong and the Eight Gods of the Thunder Department relentlessly pursued the spider demons, leaving them with no path to heaven and no gate to earth. Li Jing also received more accurate news about the spider demons.

Li Jing murmured, "Who would have thought the spider demons’ Cave of the Silken Web actually has a Wash Dirt Spring? I wonder what connection they have with the former dynasty."

The Four Heavenly Kings surrounded him, whispering, "Regardless of their relationship, they are demons now."

Mo Liqing said, "Great Marshal, our real concern should be the original owner of the Cave of the Silken Web. It was only after she vanished tens of thousands of years ago that the spider demons occupied the cave."

Li Jing said, "You must be referring to Fairy Pansi. She’s nothing but a coward who vanished to avoid the calamity of the Divine Enthronement. It’s also possible she died during her tribulations. Never mind her. Once Wen Zhong captures all the spider demons, we can get the answers from them."

The Four Heavenly Kings promptly saluted and prepared to withdraw.

Suddenly, Jinzha said, "Father Marshal, I’ve heard that the spider demons have some connection with Sha Chen. Over a hundred years ago, they opposed Sha Chen but were later captured and thrown into the Flowing Sand River. Afterward, they roamed the world and quickly grew in power."

Li Jing was about to scold Jinzha for trying to pin everything on Sha Chen.

But then, Wang Lingguan also stepped forward and whispered, "Great Marshal, the Eldest Prince is correct. Jia Lan, Thousand-mile Eye, and Downwind Ear, who were previously monitoring the Flowing Sand River, can all testify that this is true."

Li Jing turned pale with shock. "What? To think Sha Chen actually consorted with the spider demons! This..." He stroked his beard, deep in thought, his eyes flickering. "Who would have thought... Sha Chen has fallen so low!"

This statement was loaded with meaning. They had been waiting for Sha Chen to degenerate, make a mistake, and then Buddhism would intervene to rescue him. The Heavenly Court would then release him, and Sha Chen would embark on the Journey to the West. Everything was planned this way. Who would have thought that after all their efforts, Sha Chen was already secretly colluding with demons.

Li Jing was about to speak but hesitated.

Wang Lingguan spoke for him, "Great Marshal, this is merely his degeneration. Sha Chen is no longer a celestial general. We can’t do anything about who he associates with. Besides, Sha Chen hasn’t committed any crime violating heavenly laws while in the Flowing Sand River, so we can’t convict him. There’s also no way to drive him into a desperate situation."

Jinzha said, "Lord Wang, aren’t we here right now to convict him and drive him to desperation?" He patted his chest and then pointed to the commander’s tent behind him. "My second brother was grievously injured by Sha Chen, and four Arhats from Buddhism perished! The Jade Emperor himself issued an edict for his capture. How can Sha Chen still be considered innocent?"

Wang Lingguan smiled without a word. Those who knew, understood the situation. Everyone knew what had happened initially; it was merely the Li brothers plotting against Sha Chen. However, the Li brothers were quite shameless. After their plot failed and Sha Chen struck down several of their party, they even complained to the Jade Emperor. If they couldn’t beat someone, they should admit their inferiority. Yet, the Li brothers involved their father and appealed to the Jade Emperor. This, it could be said, brought shame upon the Li Family. However, with Li Jing suppressing matters and the Li Family being powerful and influential, no one dared to mock them openly. But as for how people mocked them behind their backs, that was unknown. Wang Lingguan was the Jade Emperor’s man. He was aware of the Li Family’s schemes involving the Jade Emperor and understood that the Jade Emperor harbored some resentment. Therefore, he was eager to see the Li Family suffer a setback.

Li Jing also knew that although their current expedition seemed justified, it was, in reality, without proper cause. Capturing Sha Chen was, frankly, a disreputable affair. As the ones who had falsely accused Sha Chen, they naturally knew just how wronged he truly was. However, what was done was done. With Jinzha and Muzha injured and four Arhats from Buddhism dead, this presented an opportunity. They had to seize it. If they succeeded, the Li Family would soar to great heights. If they failed, the Li Family would merely suffer some damage to its prestige. This was a deal worth taking.

Jinzha wanted to say more, but Li Jing stopped him. Such justifications could be proclaimed confidently before outsiders, but to repeat them among their own people and those who knew the truth was truly foolish.

Wang Lingguan said, "Great Marshal, even if the spider demons are indeed connected to Sha Chen, it will be difficult to charge him if he doesn’t admit it. If he denies it, we truly have no way to hold him accountable."

Li Jing said, "That’s simple. Just capture the spider demons. If Sha Chen doesn’t confess, make the spider demons confess. As long as they admit it, even if Sha Chen denies it, we can still sling mud at him."

Wang Lingguan smiled and nodded. "Precisely. As long as we keep slinging mud at Sha Chen, we’ll have a justifiable and righteous reason to capture him."

Having said that, all the immortals laughed heartily. Only a few of the assembled deities frowned but remained silent.

「In the Flowing Sand River,」

the Black Bear Spirit watched the conversation between Li Jing and his men in the Wanli Soul Chasing Mirror, stomping his feet furiously.

"Master, this Pagoda-carrying Heavenly King is truly detestable—utterly despicable and shameless! They are openly framing you, accusing you of colluding with demons and intending to tarnish your name! Master, say something! They deserve to die for suggesting you associate with demons!"

Sha Chen looked at the Black Bear Spirit, remaining silent for a long time. He wasn’t angry. In fact, he even wondered if the Black Bear Spirit had gone daft. You’re a demon yourself, and those spider demons outside are indeed demons too. I am indeed too involved with you, corrupt by association! I’ve done plenty of what the Heavenly Court forbids, and I haven’t done what the Heavenly Court permits. They just don’t know.

After grumbling for a long time, the Black Bear Spirit seemed to realize that he himself was a demon, and Sha Chen was indeed very closely associated with him. Moreover, Lady Di Yong, with whom Sha Chen had previously shared such an intimate relationship, was also a demon. The Heavenly Court really hadn’t wronged them in that regard.

But that was their freedom. Sha Chen was no longer a celestial. Besides, as demons, they hadn’t disrupted the order established by the Heavenly Court. On what grounds were they being besieged!?

After cursing for a while, the Black Bear Spirit asked, "Master, what is your relationship with the spider demons?"

Sha Chen replied, "They are my sworn younger sisters, and I am their elder brother."

The Black Bear Spirit was inwardly astonished. So Li Jing really hadn’t slandered them on that point. Sha Chen wasn’t just closely associated with demons; they were like siblings. Killing them for it wouldn’t even be unjust by heavenly standards.

Sha Chen said, "Nevertheless, what does our relationship have to do with them? We haven’t done anything unconscionable or harmful, merely focused on our cultivation. Should we be punished by them for that?"

The Black Bear Spirit also said indignantly, "Exactly! It’s detestable. Master, what should we do?"

Sha Chen said, "Cultivate."

The Black Bear Spirit was already seething with anger, his blood boiling, waiting for Sha Chen to give the word for them to charge out and fight the celestial soldiers and generals to the death. But the answer he got was... continue to cultivate?

The Black Bear Spirit was dumbfounded. "Master, are we just going to sit here and wait to die?"

Sha Chen said, "They can’t get in. After a while, they will retreat." He even rolled his eyes and looked at the Black Bear Spirit with a strange expression. "If you want to go out and fight them to the death, I’ll send you out. Just don’t drag me into it."

The Black Bear Spirit was vexed. Although he too cherished his life and feared death, Sha Chen’s caution, however, made him feel ashamed of his own impulsiveness.

The Black Bear Spirit asked, "Master, what about your sisters then?"

Sha Chen replied, "Wen Zhong may be strong, but he still can’t overcome my sisters." On this point, he was quite confident. The spider demons’ strength was far beyond what it used to be. Not even a Daluo Golden Immortal could hunt them down successfully, let alone Wen Zhong, who was merely at the peak of the Greater Primordial Golden Immortal realm. They truly had nothing to fear from him.

Just as Sha Chen was about to close his eyes and continue his cultivation, the system’s voice suddenly sounded, prompting him to make a choice.

Sha Chen was baffled. There doesn’t seem to be anything urgent happening. Why is there suddenly a choice to make?

"The host has been detected to be cursed by the Lucky Person, Bodhisattva Manjushri, using the Nail Seven-Arrow Book. You have the following options:"

Before the content of the choices was transmitted, Sha Chen had already used his Six Ears of All Heavens to hear Bodhisattva Manjushri’s triumphant laughter coming from the Buddhist Pagoda.

"Honorable Ananda had someone deliver the Nail Seven-Arrow Book borrowed from Taoist Lu Ya. With this treasure empowering it, the spell will achieve its full potency, and Sha Chen’s death is certain! Let him die first. Then, I, this Bodhisattva, will go to Ksitigarbha and the King of Hell to extend his life. When that time comes, he will have to thank me for saving him!"