Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 287 - 281: The Investiture of the Gods and the Wordless Heavenly Scripture 【Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets】_1
Yang Jian actually knelt down. It’s said that a man’s knees are as precious as gold and that a man doesn’t shed tears lightly. But down went Yang Jian on his knees, his eyes earnest, as if he would turn red-eyed and weep if Sha Chen didn’t agree. Such a scene was both shocking and unbelievable. But considering how Yang Jian had been running all over for his mother’s sake over the years, willingly serving as the Jade Emperor’s lapdog, it wasn’t surprising that he would do so.
The White Bone Demon and the Jade Rabbit both watched Sha Chen, moved by Yang Jian’s filial piety, their hostility diminished.
Sha Chen looked at Yang Jian, his expression calm, though his mind was in turmoil. It wasn’t that he hesitated to agree; he had known Yang Jian would make this request the moment he let him in. And by letting him in, he had already decided to use this as leverage over Yang Jian. But he couldn’t be too blatant about it. As for not releasing Princess Yunhua, that was out of the question, as it would render some of Sha Chen’s strategies ineffective and sever his connection with Yang Jian. Not only would all his prior efforts be in vain, but it would also make Yang Jian an outright enemy. Possessing the Mountain-driving Whip and the Mountain Splitting Axe meant he was destined to lend them to Yang Jian; not doing so would only breed resentment and ill will. Moreover, Sha Chen knew that Princess Yunhua was supposed to be freed by Yang Jian three hundred years later, after the Journey to the West began. But whether events would still follow their original course, and whether Princess Yunhua could still be released after three hundred years, remained uncertain. In any case, to be on the safe side, Sha Chen wouldn’t drag this out until Yang Jian resolved it himself.
A thought flickered in Sha Chen’s eyes. He stepped forward, helped Yang Jian to his feet, and said, "True Lord, you put me in a difficult position. As you know, I dislike getting entangled in karma."
"Your mother was suppressed by the Jade Emperor for violating celestial laws. Without the Jade Emperor’s decree, releasing her privately could easily provoke His Majesty’s wrath. You possess boundless mana and great Divine Powers, and you also have significant merit. The Jade Emperor might not move against you, but he would surely vent his anger on me."
Yang Jian indeed had great merits to his name. If he were to release Princess Yunhua privately, the Jade Emperor could hardly object. After all, the Jade Emperor had promised more than once to release Yunhua if Yang Jian accomplished certain tasks, yet he had repeatedly broken his word. If Yang Jian released her himself, the Jade Emperor truly would have nothing to say. However, Sha Chen was a condemned exile in the Flowing Sand River; his involvement would unquestionably draw the Jade Emperor’s redirected anger.
Yang Jian knew this too. He hung his head, clenched his teeth, and said, "I know this puts you in a difficult position, General. But I truly have no other recourse!"
Sha Chen said, "True Lord, why still call me General? I am but a sinner banished to the Flowing Sand River. If you would do me the honor, call me River Master."
River Master of the Flowing Sand River. Yang Jian was stunned for a moment, a light glinting in his eyes. Sha Chen’s words revealed a great deal. Sha Chen no longer acknowledged his identity as the Great General for Folding the Curtain and was perhaps gradually trying to erase it. By claiming the title of River Master, he intended to hold this territory, perhaps even rule it. This meant Sha Chen was dissatisfied with the Jade Emperor. He also planned to no longer accept any orders from the Heavenly Court. Here in the Flowing Sand River, Sha Chen would be the supreme authority; any celestial decree would be null and void.
Sha Chen indeed meant this, but he didn’t want to be too arrogant or openly declare to the Jade Emperor that he would reject all commands from the Heavenly Court, that he was the master here, unbound by any celestial laws. However, he did want Yang Jian to understand that he had such intentions, that he was unwilling to be subservient. The Jade Emperor could suppress him for a time, but not for a lifetime. Once his mana became powerful and his merits were perfected, it would be his time to soar like a dragon and leap like a tiger, transcending the Three Realms, beyond the confines of the Five Elements. Then, even the Jade Emperor would be powerless against him. And Yang Jian had grasped Sha Chen’s thoughts.
He cupped his fist without hesitation and said, "If General—no, River Master—wishes to overthrow the Heavenly Court, I am willing to be the vanguard."
HISS. Sha Chen was shocked. Jin Chanzi, the White Bone Demon, and the Jade Rabbit were also stunned and found it incredible. They hadn’t expected Yang Jian to be so direct and resolute—willing to lead a rebellion against the Heavenly Court if Sha Chen agreed! Just how much resentment and obsession must it take for Yang Jian to make such a choice?
Sha Chen himself was taken aback. He had thought Yang Jian wouldn’t be able to refuse and would show his stance, but he hadn’t expected Yang Jian to be so decisive and unhesitating. This showed just how deep Yang Jian’s resentment and hatred for the Jade Emperor ran.
The Jade Emperor was his maternal uncle. When Yang Jian first learned this as a child, he had been quite happy. But when he discovered that this uncle had personally suppressed his mother under Peach Mountain, he had been enraged. He had subsequently rebelled several times, all unsuccessfully. The Divine Enthronement was a path he chose to gain powerful status and strength, hoping to acquire enough leverage to negotiate with the Jade Emperor. Indeed, his contributions during the Divine Enthronement were immense, earning him great status and a significant boost in power. Even now, the karmic rewards from the Divine Enthronement were not entirely exhausted. Yet, he still couldn’t free his mother. He still lacked the status to stand on equal footing with the Jade Emperor and persuade him to release her. The Jade Emperor had suppressed his mother, and rumor had it that he had also killed his father, yet Yang Jian was forced to work for him. Was he truly willing? Absolutely not.
This showed the depth of hatred in Yang Jian’s heart. It was an extreme form of suppression; if pushed to the limit, Yang Jian would either go mad or erupt completely. Now, with just a subtle hint from Sha Chen, a man as intelligent as Yang Jian couldn’t help but reveal his true intentions. As long as his mother could be freed, he would follow Sha Chen to rebel against the Heavenly Court without the slightest hesitation!
Sha Chen didn’t even need to worry about Yang Jian’s sincerity. He was certain that even without the debt of gratitude for releasing Princess Yunhua, Yang Jian’s hatred for the Jade Emperor was enough! There was no need for concern. However, Sha Chen had no desire to rebel against the Heavenly Court. He just didn’t want to obey the Jade Emperor’s commands or be constrained by others anymore. He truly didn’t want to rebel; he only wanted to cultivate here in obscurity, quietly biding his time. Rebelling against the Heavenly Court was far too dangerous. It was like risking your life every moment, never knowing if you’d see the next day. Look at Sun Wukong; he had rebelled against the Heavenly Court, but he undoubtedly failed, and his destiny was altered. If not for Sha Chen’s appearance, Sun Wukong’s future would have been to join Buddhism, become the Fighting Buddha, lose his innate nature, and be bound by Buddhist tenets. If Sha Chen rebelled, his fate would likely be no better. Perhaps his former self could only have become an Arhat; now, with his current strength, he might become a Buddha, but he still wouldn’t be free. And forget being an ordinary Buddha; Sha Chen wouldn’t be willing even if offered the position of the Buddha. The Buddha wasn’t the most powerful figure in Buddhism; many vied for power and profit, and above them were Saints and Buddhism’s great Dharma protectors. They might not hold direct authority, but they held veto power over many of Tathagata’s decisions! Most importantly, even being the Buddha was perilous. Not only were there beings stronger than him, but demons were also constantly scheming. If one wasn’t strong enough, even a Buddha could be branded a great villain and killed by those self-proclaimed righteous demons. Sha Chen wanted none of that. He still preferred to lie low here, until the end of time.
So he immediately said, "True Lord, you jest. I have never harbored any thoughts of rebelling against the Heavenly Court; that is a path to certain death."
Yang Jian said, "General for Folding the Curtain, why deny it? There are no outsiders here. We are all your people, and no word of this will get out."
The White Bone Demon and the Jade Rabbit nodded in agreement; they wouldn’t breathe a word. Jin Chanzi was even more fervent, saying, "Master, if you rebel against the Heavenly Court, your Disciple is willing to be the vanguard!"
Sha Chen felt a headache coming on. This Jin Chanzi really seemed like a revolutionary fanatic. But it was to be expected. He had dared to argue with the Buddha on Lingjiu Mountain and vigorously defended his points, clearly a born rebel. It was in his very bones, difficult to change.
The White Bone Demon’s eyes also sparkled. If Sha Chen overthrew the Heavenly Court or Buddhism and became the new leader, her own status would naturally rise. Although the Jade Rabbit was somewhat apprehensive, her thoughts, surprisingly, were in perfect alignment with the White Bone Demon’s.
Sha Chen, however, was terrified. Damn it, I’m surrounded by a bunch of rebels! The White Bone Demon, the Jade Rabbit, and Jin Chanzi all clamored their assurances that they wouldn’t leak anything and even tried to persuade Sha Chen to accept Yang Jian’s suggestion to plot a grand enterprise. But Sha Chen refused repeatedly. These fellows are trying to get me killed!
Yang Jian said, "General for Folding the Curtain, there is absolutely nothing wrong with my intentions, and my sincerity is beyond question. If you can help me free my mother, I will immediately follow you to storm the Heavenly Court! Oh, and we can release Sun Wukong first and let him lead the charge."
Sha Chen was practically jumping in anger, on the verge of cursing. To hell with your charge! I don’t want to die! That’s Haotian we’re talking about, the Lord of the Three Realms designated by the Daoist Ancestor, recognized and protected by the Saints! If you want to rebel against the Heavenly Court and seek death, fine, but don’t drag me down with you!
"System prompt: Detected that Host Sha Chen is being urged by the Grand Destiny Carrier Yang Jian to rebel against the Heavenly Court. You have the following options:" 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮
"Option One: Agree to Yang Jian’s request, rebel against the Heavenly Court. Reward: [Investiture of the Gods]. (Investiture of the Gods: A celestial scripture imbued with the Dao, capable of housing Primordial Spirits and souls, designating individuals for Divine Enthronement, granting divine positions, and allowing for the reconstruction of a physical body for resurrection by its power.)"
"Option Two: Reject Yang Jian’s request, do not rebel. Reward: [Wordless Heavenly Scripture]. (Wordless Heavenly Scripture: Imbued with the Dao. By meditating before this scripture, one can reflect upon mere fragments of Cultivation Techniques or Divine Powers, allowing them to be perfected and completed.)"
Upon seeing the options, Sha Chen didn’t hesitate for a moment and chose to refuse! Every cell in his body was rejecting the idea—not out of cowardice, but out of responsibility for his own life! Then, Sha Chen noticed that the reward for refusing also seemed very generous. Or rather, regardless of whether he agreed or refused, the rewards were substantial. After all, the choice itself was incredibly important. The Investiture of the Gods was self-explanatory, but that Wordless Heavenly Scripture also seemed exceptionally good! Simply by reflecting a mere fragment of a Divine Power or Cultivation Technique onto it, the scripture could manifest the complete and perfected version. At this thought, Sha Chen was so excited he almost jumped. If he were to demonstrate portions of the Da Luo Chapter from the Three Pure Ones Taoism, would the scripture reflect the complete Tao Te Ching, Qingping Jing, and Yuqing Jing!? If so, wouldn’t he have struck gold?!!
