Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 248 - 242: What qualifications does Sha Chen have to be compared with the Saint? [Please subscribe and vote monthly]_1
Flowing Sand River’s Sha Chen?!
All Buddhas were confounded. When had Sha Chen become comparable to a Saint, able to evade Tathagata’s calculations?! They dared not imagine Sha Chen actually achieving this step. It was impossible.
Guanyin said, "Lord Buddha, I report that Sha Chen of Flowing Sand River indeed occupies a cave heaven and blessed land, beyond our scrutiny."
Everyone exchanged glances, some hardly daring to believe it.
Tathagata said, "Is it that Great General for Folding the Curtain from Flowing Sand River who was supposed to undertake the Journey to the West?"
Guanyin replied, "It is he."
Tathagata nodded slightly, closed his eyes to calculate for a moment, then opened them, a flicker of doubt in his gaze. He frowned and said, "Indeed, he cannot be calculated. It seems he does have something extraordinary. However, it’s not completely impossible to calculate. The moment he steps out of Flowing Sand River, even if only half his body emerges from the water, he can be traced. It’s just that many things related to him cannot be divined. This is indeed strange and beyond my comprehension."
All Buddhas looked at each other; none had expected Sha Chen to truly evade Tathagata’s calculations.
Maitreya Buddha said, "Lord Buddha, as we discussed before, we were to guide Sha Chen back to the righteous path. Decades have passed without success. Please take this to heart, Lord Buddha."
The others nodded in agreement, all conveying the same sentiment.
Tathagata glanced at Kassapa and Ananda, for he had entrusted this issue of Sha Chen to the two brothers. Kassapa, as the eldest disciple, had not taken full responsibility for this matter. Ananda had accompanied Guanyin to Flowing Sand River once but returned fruitlessly. But he couldn’t explain this now. Otherwise, he would reveal to others that Tathagata had not personally handled it but instead delegated it to them.
However, they still had to stand up for Tathagata and take the blame.
Ananda said, "Lord Buddha, this disciple has erred. I have troubled you for decades by failing to prioritize Sha Chen’s matter."
Kassapa also stepped forward to take the blame, admitting his fault.
Everyone then realized Tathagata had not personally dealt with Sha Chen but had merely sent the two brothers, Kassapa and Ananda, to handle it. Maitreya Buddha and Ran Deng Buddha both secretly smiled.
Then, Maitreya Buddha said, "Since Lord Buddha is preoccupied, I am willing to take on the task."
Tathagata responded, "Since Maitreya Buddha is willing to exert himself, I entrust this to you."
All Budd हम Buddhas were stunned. Even Maitreya Buddha found it somewhat inconceivable. None had thought that Tathagata would assign Sha Chen’s matter to Maitreya Buddha without hesitation.
Kassapa and Ananda were also a bit anxious, for Sha Chen was an exceptionally monstrous being, possibly even surpassing Sun Wukong. How could they entrust him to Maitreya Buddha? If he were to convert to Buddhism, he would be under Maitreya’s influence.
Guanyin was also worried, her brows furrowed. However, she knew Tathagata well, understanding there must be a reason for his decision.
Maitreya Buddha himself was surprised, but mostly delighted. He did not know why Tathagata agreed, but he believed that, being personally involved, he could certainly handle Sha Chen. As for the possibility of failure, he hadn’t even considered it, for he believed it was impossible.
Tathagata continued, "Sha Chen’s matter is of great importance. Please take it seriously, Maitreya Buddha. Should you find it too challenging, just speak up, and I shall arrange for assistance."
Maitreya Buddha paused for a moment, then understood why Tathagata had agreed. It turned out Tathagata believed Maitreya himself was incapable of converting Sha Chen. And if he couldn’t convert Sha Chen, asking for help publicly would certainly cause Maitreya Buddha to lose face.
Everyone else realized this too, but mostly, they were envious. They did not believe that Maitreya Buddha couldn’t handle Sha Chen, who seemed to them a mere triviality.
Only Ran Deng Buddha’s eyes flickered. He had been to Flowing Sand River and knew just how impregnable it was. Even he lacked the confidence to breach it. Of course, he hadn’t made a move, planning to trick Sha Chen into leaving by using a stratagem, but unexpectedly, Sha Chen didn’t emerge, and Taoist Ran Deng was scared off by a Saint instead. At that time, Tongtian Hierarch spoke up, intimidating him into retreat.
Taoist Ran Deng also suspected Tongtian Hierarch’s involvement with Sha Chen but, as time passed, came to believe that Tongtian Hierarch probably wasn’t significantly related to Sha Chen. At least not in the way he had speculated, where they were master and direct disciple. At most, Tongtian Hierarch had noticed Sha Chen’s talent and taken an interest. If Sha Chen truly was a direct disciple of Tongtian Hierarch, his status alone would suffice to deter others from confronting him.
But Sha Chen often caused trouble, and Buddhism’s followers continuously targeted him. Sha Chen was surely aware of this, yet he never used Tongtian Hierarch as a shield. If there really was a relationship with Tongtian Hierarch, would he not use him as a shield?! Given the bitter relationship between Tongtian Hierarch and Buddhism, if Sha Chen truly brought Tongtian Hierarch into play, Buddhism might have given up on him.
Moreover, if Tongtian Hierarch was indeed Sha Chen’s master, their targeted schemings and even the plans to convert Sha Chen to Buddhism would have enraged him. With the disposition of Tongtian Hierarch, he surely would have acted, confronting Buddhism. But, as of yet, all had been quiet. This meant that Tongtian Hierarch’s relationship with Sha Chen was certainly not that of master and disciple. Nor was it a relationship compelling enough for Tongtian Hierarch to take action for Sha Chen. At most, it was admiration. If it was merely admiration, then naturally, Tongtian Hierarch wouldn’t intervene for Sha Chen.
It must be said, Ran Deng Buddha’s long life had bestowed him with exceptional insight. After such deep contemplation, he indeed grasped many things that others could not see through.
Li Jing and others hadn’t considered this layer of reasoning. Instead, they believed Sha Chen had a connection with Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad, hence their hesitation to continue assaulting Flowing Sand River. If they had thought more carefully, or delved deeper, they would have understood that even if Lord Lao Zi truly had a connection with Sha Chen, Buddhism could still proceed with their desires for Sha Chen. Worst comes to worst, just take down Flowing Sand River, capture Sha Chen, and interrogate him in heaven until it’s clear. However, the hostilities ceased, and there was no more attack on Flowing Sand River. Thus, the wisdom of Li Jing and the others was indeed not as profound as that of Ran Deng Buddha.
Nevertheless, Li Jing was, after all, a disciple of Ran Deng Buddha. If Ran Deng Buddha hadn’t been exceptionally busy lately, and hadn’t been so frightened by the Tongtian Hierarch that his mind was unsettled, he would have enlightened Li Jing on the critical aspects of the situation.
Ran Deng Buddha believed that Flowing Sand River was easy to defend but hard to attack, and likely Maitreya Buddha would end up in an embarrassing situation, which is why he did not compete with him for the task. When the time came and Maitreya Buddha was unable to continue, after observing from the sidelines and finding it feasible, he could then take over the task. Moreover, if Maitreya Buddha truly managed to convert Sha Chen, it wouldn’t be impossible for him to poach him; worst case, he’d just have to fight Maitreya Buddha over it. If things really didn’t work out, then if he couldn’t have Sha Chen, he’d just destroy him.
Maitreya Buddha was still immersed in the opportunity to convert Sha Chen, while Tathagata said, "Let us set aside the matter of Sha Chen for the moment. The issue of Jin Chanzi is pressing. Does anyone have a method to guide him back onto the right path?"
Everyone looked at each other, not knowing what to do. The issue of Jin Chanzi was like a hot potato; even Maitreya Buddha, Ran Deng Buddha, and Medicine Buddha did not wish to get involved. After all, Jin Chanzi was a disciple of Tathagata, and no matter how well they did, they could not change that relationship. In other words, no matter how beneficial their actions were to Jin Chanzi, once he returned to Lingjiu Mountain, he would still stand with Tathagata’s faction. This was none other than helping Tathagata train talent, a thankless job they did not intend to undertake.
As such, none of them responded.
Guanyin said, "This humble monk is willing to personally bring back Jin Chanzi. He has strayed far, and I cannot allow him to continue in error."
People glanced at Guanyin and nodded in agreement, feeling that Guanyin was probably the most suitable candidate. After all, Guanyin was Tathagata’s close associate, powerful in ability and strength. She was also the first to be responsible for this mission but had overlooked it due to being in charge of too many responsibilities. Now that she had full responsibility for this matter, she was bound to do better. Of course, even if she did not do well, it wouldn’t matter; it would be a good chance to undermine Guanyin’s prestige, as well as Tathagata’s authority. Ran Deng, Maitreya, and others all approved.
The one most envied by all was still Maitreya Buddha, as he had been granted the authority to deal with Sha Chen.
Tathagata waved his hand to dismiss everyone, but he kept Guanyin, Ananda, and Kassapa with him. He gave them some instructions and then allowed them to leave as well.
When he was left alone, Tathagata muttered to himself, I did not expect that someone would be able to evade my calculations. It seems I must find a suitable time to meet him and see what sort of capabilities he truly possesses.
Nevertheless, Tathagata would not go there immediately because he felt that Sha Chen was not yet worth his personal involvement; at least, not just yet. Let Maitreya Buddha test Sha Chen’s abilities first.
「Flowing Sand River.」
Sha Chen was unaware of the situation within Buddhism; he had reached a dead end with his cultivation, as his resources were all used up. Yet, he could not think of a way to obtain more resources.
Then, he began torturing the Black Bear Demon through the soul every day, which was actually hinting for the Black Bear Demon to return soon. The Black Bear Demon had already evaded Luo Xuan’s pursuit with Red Boy’s help, but members of The Mysterious Altar Department were also hunting them. Thus, they were still trapped with nowhere to escape, in great distress, and occasionally tormented by Sha Chen. The Black Bear Demon was going insane and explained to Red Boy that he must return to Flowing Sand River as soon as possible.
Apart from tormenting the Black Bear Demon, Sha Chen also tormented Kui Mulang, though he knew that Kui Mulang probably didn’t have any resources left. However, he wanted to communicate with Kui Mulang and pass messages through him to the outside. The most important thing was that Kui Mulang had contact with the Spider Demons, and maybe Kui Mulang could bring their resources over. Once the opportunity was right, he could acquire enough resources to alleviate the immediate crisis.
But, after more than half a month passed, neither the Black Bear Demon nor Kui Mulang came, which made Sha Chen frown, wondering what could have delayed them!
Moreover, after probing the army’s perimeter for several months and realizing she couldn’t get in, Seventh Mother vented her frustration by killing some heavenly soldiers and generals before departing. It looked like she planned to find another opportunity.
Sha Chen felt like crying. He had now begun to practice cultivation without resources, and although his cultivation was still progressing, in comparison to before, it was practically stagnant. He finally understood why others measured their cultivation breakthroughs in myriads of years. Without resources, cultivation truly was slower than a crawl.
Just as Sha Chen was in distress, the long-stationed million-strong army received a visit from the Heavenly Court’s imperial envoy team. Li Jing personally went to greet them.
Sha Chen took out the Wanli Soul Chasing Mirror and saw that among this team there were several familiar faces. There was Matchmaker, as well as Bai Huaxiu, and even Chang E. The Jade Rabbit was there too, following Chang E like a maid.
Sha Chen was stunned. When did the Jade Rabbit return to Chang E’s side?! And why this assembly?!
Soon, he understood what was going on.
Matchmaker and the others, like a moon attended by stars, arrived above the Flowing Sand River. In a loud voice, he said, "Great General for Folding the Curtain, come forth to receive the decree. His Majesty is enlightened and clear-sighted. He has thoroughly investigated and found that the incident three years ago does not concern you. Furthermore, Li Jing, the Sky King, is ordered to withdraw troops forthwith. You have suffered greatly. His Majesty wishes to bestow upon you, Great General for Folding the Curtain, Bai Huaxiu, his personal maidservant, as your wife. Please come out to receive the decree, express your gratitude, and then ascend to heaven to be wed!"
