Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 270 - 264 Jin Chanzi reincarnates and crosses mountains and rivers to return to Flowing Sand River【Requesting subscription and monthly tickets】_1
The White Bone Demon truly cried. Sha Chen’s partiality made her want to cry, but she had no tears, her heart filled with frustration. After all, she had ventured out to strive on his behalf, fighting on all fronts for Sha Chen, and brought back a large amount of resources. The three phoenixes, however, merely waited with open mouths to be fed, like profligate women. Yet Sha Chen’s favoritism towards them left her feeling deeply wronged.
However, wronged as she might feel, the White Bone Demon was still very clear about her own position—she was Sha Chen’s servant. The three phoenixes were Sha Chen’s daughters; whether adopted or biological, their connection was profound, something she, a mere servant, couldn’t compare with. Unless she ascended. To rise from servant to mistress, even if only a concubine, would mean a completely different status. The White Bone Demon could see that the three phoenixes were very naive and easy to deceive. She had great confidence that, once she had successfully guided them, she would be able to establish considerable authority.
Subsequently, although the three phoenix sisters were still resistant to the White Bone Demon—after all, they could sense her ulterior motives—the White Bone Demon, even with such motives, wouldn’t dare to harm them, much less hurt them. She only wanted to use them to improve her own standing; in truth, it was more about ingratiating herself with them. Gradually, the three phoenix sisters fell prey to the White Bone Demon’s sugar-coated bullets and even started to call her Auntie Bai. After a month, they had shared almost everything they knew with her.
It turned out they were indeed phoenixes who had cultivated with Sha Chen for several years. They also mentioned a mother who was cultivating there as well. The first time she heard this, the White Bone Demon was nearly scared stiff and, with a guilty conscience, wanted to flee. Their mother is here? A grown phoenix!? Wouldn’t that mean she’s physically intimate with Sha Chen? As someone trying to seduce him, I’d naturally feel guilty. Trying to steal a man in his own home... I might just get beaten to death! However, after hearing the three phoenixes’ explanation, she breathed a sigh of relief.
Apparently, their mother wasn’t their biological mother but Jade Rabbit from Guanghan Palace. Jade Rabbit had brought them here, incubated them, and then taught and nurtured them as they grew. The White Bone Demon immediately sought to divide this mother-daughter bond, emphasizing repeatedly that Jade Rabbit was merely a wet nurse, not their birth mother, and that they needed to understand this distinction clearly. She was almost beaten to death by the three phoenixes for her efforts; the emotional bond she had built with them over more than a month collapsed instantly.
Yet the White Bone Demon didn’t give up. She continued to persuade them, albeit changing her approach. In any case, she had to drive a wedge between Jade Rabbit and the three phoenixes; she absolutely could not let Jade Rabbit gain status through her ’daughters.’ Besides, it’s just Jade Rabbit, not a real phoenix. What’s there to fear? Moreover, the White Bone Demon also felt a sense of crisis, not expecting Sha Chen to have such a beautiful fairy by his side.
If she didn’t win Sha Chen over, she would have to watch him roll around in bed with another fairy while she could only run to the kitchen alone. Looking for bananas, corn, cucumbers, durians... how pitiful and pathetic! The White Bone Demon repeatedly sowed discord between the ’mother’ and ’daughters.’ With Jade Rabbit not around, she was free to spout all sorts of nonsense. Sha Chen saw this but didn’t intervene.
As long as the White Bone Demon didn’t disrupt his relationship with the three phoenixes, it was fine. Regarding Jade Rabbit, he actually didn’t want her to always assume the role of their mother. However, Jade Rabbit had brought them back and accompanied the three phoenix sisters during their earliest years, building a deep emotional bond. Even if he opposed it, Jade Rabbit could still secretly encourage the three phoenix sisters to call her ’Mother.’ The White Bone Demon causing trouble was, in fact, in line with his wishes, as long as she wasn’t too excessive; Jade Rabbit’s contributions were still significant. Indeed, the White Bone Demon was very aware of the boundaries. Being an intelligent and scheming female demon, after hearing the three phoenix sisters’ stories, she understood Sha Chen’s feelings for Jade Rabbit.
She also understood the dynamic between Sha Chen and Jade Rabbit: Sha Chen cared for Jade Rabbit like a little sister, not as a Daoist companion. Jade Rabbit, however, was set on marrying only Sha Chen, always seeking a deeper connection with him. Therefore, the White Bone Demon sought to influence the three phoenix sisters to test Sha Chen’s attitude. Seeing that he remained unmoved, she knew she had guessed correctly. Only then did she dare to sow discord multiple times, though she didn’t go too far, knowing that too much was as bad as not enough. Once Sha Chen obtained the resources, he resumed his cultivation, thoroughly enjoying the feeling of having an abundance to draw upon. He cultivated tirelessly, forgetting both sleep and food.
A few more months likely passed. The White Bone Demon approached Sha Chen, serving tea and offering pastries. "Master," she said, "your servant has taught the three young misses for over half a year now. They have learned something about the evils of the human world. Could you teach your servant some Cultivation Techniques and Divine Powers?" She was very expectant. Sha Chen was so powerful that if she could receive his guidance, she would surely benefit immensely. Following the White Bone Saint for over one hundred thousand years hadn’t been as beneficial as the guidance received during her short time with Sha Chen. She had tasted true advancement and, more importantly, she was Sha Chen’s servant for life, a fact that could not be changed.
Naturally, she wanted to do everything to curry favor with Sha Chen, gain his guidance, become stronger, and be a more useful woman. This way, she could do more for him and win more of his affection—a virtuous cycle. The White Bone Demon knelt before Sha Chen, almost biting him in her eagerness. Sha Chen pushed her head away. "Don’t get too close, beauteous skeleton," he said. "Don’t disturb my Dao heart."
"Master, your servant wants to learn," the White Bone Demon pleaded.
Sha Chen replied, "You claim those three girls now understand the dangers of the human world. It’s not enough for you to say it; I need to see that they truly do."
Then, he called the phoenix sisters over, planning to test them. After the sisters arrived, they chattered nonstop, but when Sha Chen coughed, they all fell silent. His authority was imprinted deep in their hearts. Seeing this, Sha Chen was very pleased. "What have you learned with Aunt Bai these past few days?" he asked.
Bai Luan replied, "Father, Aunt Bai has taught us a lot of useful knowledge."
"If I let you go out to play now, would you be confident?" Sha Chen asked.
The sisters’ eyes lit up; they were clearly very excited. However, they still feigned restraint, acting as though they didn’t care at all.
Qing Luan said, "Father, we wish to stay by your side. The outside world is nothing but vanity; only you are eternal."
Hong Luan also nodded. "Yes, being able to stay with Father here is already our honor. Whether we go out or not is no longer important."
They all acted very reserved and humble, like the most obedient and well-behaved daughters.
Sha Chen, however, nodded at the White Bone Demon. "Not bad," he said. "Quite the little schemers. I’m somewhat reassured."
The White Bone Demon chuckled. She understood that while the sisters desperately wanted to go out, they had decided to feign reluctance, displaying filial piety and a desire to stay. This was also a tactic to vie for Sha Chen’s affection, as they knew it wasn’t likely they could leave now. Only by gaining his favor might they get a chance to leave by simply whining a little. What they were doing now was merely a stratagem. Consequently, Sha Chen felt the White Bone Demon’s training was adequate, but he also knew their little tricks were still somewhat childish in his and her eyes.
Sha Chen then tested the phoenix sisters with a few more questions, and they answered quite well—not perfectly, but they passed. However, they didn’t know that Sha Chen could read their minds. He knew perfectly well what the sisters were thinking at that moment: they were extremely eager to go out. Sha Chen also understood that caged birds never grow mighty. But letting them go out now would be like gifting canaries to others, and he wasn’t that generous yet.
For now, he would continue to raise them until they were strong enough; it wouldn’t be too late to let them leave then. The strength he spoke of wasn’t just in terms of cultivation, but also mental fortitude. Sha Chen then said, "Since you don’t wish to go out, then just stay with your Father here for life. You can remain spinsters; I can afford to take care of you."
The three sisters’ faces changed, panic flashing in their eyes. Could it be? He won’t let us go? Are we really going to stay here for life?
Changing their tune, they quickly dropped the act and began to plead coquettishly. "Father, we know you want us to be aware of the world’s wickedness so we don’t suffer. We’re truly strong now, please let us go out!"
"Yes, we’ll take care of ourselves!"
Sha Chen watched them, then patted them away one by one. "Since you already know the world’s dangers," he said, "I’ll make you a promise: once your cultivation reaches the Daluo Golden Immortal realm, I shall let you leave."
The sisters wailed and pleaded ceaselessly, but Sha Chen remained steadfast, unmoved by their antics. They then tried to bargain, but Sha Chen started with such high conditions that it became increasingly difficult. The sisters dared not haggle anymore and hastily retreated. Afterward, they returned to their cultivation earnestly. Sha Chen watched their retreating figures, stroking his chin in deep thought. Merely relying on the White Bone Demon’s tutelage is insufficient. They must comprehend the true perils of the world and learn to maintain a calm heart even when faced with widespread admiration. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦
Sha Chen mused, wishing Tianpeng, Ao Lie, and the Black Bear Demon were here. Especially Tianpeng—that shameless, thick-skinned rascal who was indiscriminate and had no scruples. It would be ideal if Tianpeng could train the sisters. However, Sha Chen would be watching. If Tianpeng truly dared to misbehave, he’d ensure the sisters gained another ’auntie.’ For the first time, Sha Chen actually felt a hint of nostalgia for Tianpeng.
Subsequently, Sha Chen made good on his promise and began to instruct the White Bone Demon in her cultivation. In fact, even if the White Bone Demon hadn’t asked, he would have taught her anyway. He needed her to become powerful to do more for him. Free from the constraints of the White Bone Saint, the White Bone Demon could definitely achieve much more. Sha Chen imparted to her the Three Pure Ones Taoism, the principles of the Da Luo Method, and once again guided her on the 72 Polymorphic Transformations and the Eight-Nine Profound Art, helping her reach an even higher level.
Time in the cave flows without regard for sun or moon; cultivation is a personal endeavor.
「Three years passed.」
Jin Chanzi, in his reincarnation, had trudged across mountains and rivers, finally arriving once again at the Flowing Sand River. His eyes burned with fervor, a hint of brilliance shining within them. Amidst his despair, there was now a glimmer of hope. Muzha led a white horse, walking beside him. An additional person was now next to Jin Chanzi—a hunter.
The hunter appeared ordinary, but whenever Muzha glanced at him, his eyes filled with respect. Muzha whispered, "True Lord, why have you accompanied the Holy Monk here at this time? What is your purpose? Could it be that the True Lord wishes to join the Journey to the West to contend for karmic fortune?"
The exceptionally handsome hunter merely glanced at Muzha; something seemed to squirm between his brows. Then, looking toward the Flowing Sand River, he said indifferently, "I’ve come to see just how much of a prodigy the one acclaimed as the anomaly of this era truly is."
