Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 309 - 303: I, Li Er, Humbly Implore For Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets_1
Yunxiao was also won over!
Sha Chen gave a slight smile, his expression unchanged, as he reached out and took Yunxiao’s hand.
Had Sha Chen dared to do this before, Yunxiao would have definitely punished him severely. But now, as Sha Chen’s hand rested on hers, she could feel the sincerity in his touch.
There was no other intention, just pure emotion.
Sha Chen said, moved, "Big sister, the fact that you and I have recognized each other as siblings truly fills me with joy and surprise."
He swiftly took advantage of the situation.
Bi Xiao and Qiongxiao hurried over, also holding each other’s hands.
Four people, eight hands, tightly stacked together.
Yunxiao was actually a very steady and reserved person, but her two closest sisters had accepted Sha Chen as their brother. And indeed, she did feel Sha Chen’s goodwill: he taught her the Dao, gave her face, and she benefited much. He even explained the Tao Te Ching to them – a Dao Technique of great benefit to their cultivation of Array Dao.
Back when the Three Purities were together, the Old Master had taught them as well, but only the simpler contents of the Tao Te Ching. Now, Sha Chen was explaining the Quasi-Saint Chapters of the Tao Te Ching to them, naturally causing them profound gratitude.
In the span of a month, Yunxiao had also gained immensely. She was already at the Quasi-Saint Great Perfection, virtually invincible within this realm. Advancing further at this realm was exceedingly challenging. But then, Sha Chen’s explanation of the Tao Te Ching made her own Dao deeper and more profound. Yunxiao even began to feel as if her cultivation might break through some long-standing barriers. If she continued to ponder and understand deeply, perhaps her cultivation, stagnant for tens of thousands of years, could advance further.
It is said that the higher one’s cultivation, the longer one’s life, leading to wisdom with age. Many people, however, live long lives due to their profound cultivation, which doesn’t always equate to extensive experience in worldly affairs. They, or rather, many of them, have devoted their experiences to cultivation and enlightenment. They are pure cultivators. If they were without cultivation, they would go out in search of resources, and that search would be violent and bloody. Worldly desires would be scarce, leaving only strife and unwavering determination toward the Dao. It is not common for people to give up on cultivation, seek other paths, or decide to gain worldly experience by living among the common folk, thus becoming wiser with age.
To each their own.
Zhenyuanzi, the Nine-winged mosquito, Tathagata Buddha, and Ran Deng Buddha – all of these individuals are prime examples of those who are wise with age. They have lived for innumerable years, experienced countless lifetimes, and seen too much of the world.
But then, there are some who are purely focused on cultivation and gathering resources; in the eyes of some, they are nothing but martial fools! In the eyes of the worldly wise, they simply lack emotional intelligence. Essentially, they are pure.
If Sha Chen hadn’t been through life twice, he too would’ve been seen as a martial fool, lacking emotional intelligence, just pure in his pursuit of cultivation. But then, he had followers, and most of them were the notorious demons and fiends of the Journey to the West! Each one was desperate for power, for strength, seeking to curry favor with Sha Chen to benefit from him. Sha Chen had to match wits and courage with his followers. He needed to navigate worldly affairs with both emotional and intellectual savvy.
Yet, there are those like San Xiao, who have less experience in worldly matters, obsessed with cultivation and indifferent to worldly affairs throughout the Divine Enthronement. However, upon hearing of their elder brother Zhao Gongming’s tragic death, they left seclusion to avenge him. Actually, the only one who was kind, dignified, beautiful and a bit savvy with both emotion and worldly wisdom was Yunxiao. However, even she was limited.
Now, Yunxiao was swayed by Sha Chen because she felt his sincerity and friendliness.
Xianhe Yunyao was also a sheltered flower with very little exposure to worldly affairs. She was now moved to tears.
Jade Rabbit was also very emotional, hugging the Phoenix sisters and weeping profusely.
Actually, when it came to worldly wisdom, the Phoenix sisters were almost naïve. Their understanding of the world came from learning through the White Bone Demon, but it was superficial. True understanding requires personal experience. Reading thousands of books is less valuable than traveling thousands of miles. After all, they had merely learned, not lived through real-world situations. In reality, many things were just superficial.
In any case, Sha Chen was now safe, having won over San Xiao.
Seizing the moment, he immediately suggested performing the blood brother ritual with them. Carried away by the warmth of the moment, even Yunxiao’s eyes were filled with emotion. Bi Xiao and Qiongxiao were even more enthusiastic; if not for formally accepting him as their brother, they might have wished to take him as their husband.
Chen Sha, proficient in affairs, promptly arranged the ceremony for the blood brother ritual. Chen Sha, Yunyao, Jade Rabbit, and the Phoenix sisters all served as witnesses.
After the ceremony was completed, Sha Chen took Yunxiao’s hand and laughed heartily, "Hahaha, big sister."
He took Qiongxiao’s hand and chuckled, "Haha, second sister."
He took Bi Xiao’s hand and said, "Hahaha, third sister."
San Xiao also held Sha Chen’s hand excitedly, saying, "Brother."
The four of them had now become sworn siblings.
Afterward, they enjoyed each other’s companionship, deepening their bonds, and then Sha Chen once again hosted a feast with plenty of fine wine. As the wine flowed and ears warmed, any awkwardness from the new bond dissolved, and their affection grew so strong it knew no bounds.
What belonged to San Xiao was now Sha Chen’s. Of course, what was Sha Chen’s remained his.
Having dealt with them, Sha Chen also secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Now he didn’t have to worry about being ambushed by those idiotic disciples of the Sect of Interpretation. Having them meant that upon returning, he wouldn’t need to join the Sect of Interpretation, yet he would have three more helpers. Of course, Sha Chen couldn’t just ask them for resources because he was the selfless big brother! He should not only refrain from taking from his sisters, but also give to them. However, even if he wouldn’t provide resources, his sisters probably wouldn’t value them anyway. But, he could impart teachings and resolve their doubts. With his Wordless Heavenly Scripture and the system, he was sure to have even more profound Dao Techniques in the future. It was enough to keep San Xiao deeply impressed. Not to mention, even just pondering over the Tao Te Ching and the Qing Ping Jing more deeply was sufficient for now.
In the following three months, Sha Chen and the San Xiao, along with Jade Rabbit, and the three Phoenix sisters, Yunyao, and Chen Sha, were as close as a family. The whole Flowing Sand River had never been so lively.
The San Xiao helped Sha Chen to arrange the Eight Gates Heavenly Lock Formation to perfection and also set up a Primeval Chaos Eight Formations specifically for defense. Combining the two formations, according to San Xiao, even a Quasi-Saint who entered would not live to leave. If Yunxiao, who didn’t understand formations and relied solely on her mana, tried to break out, it would be impossible!
In short, Sha Chen’s Flowing Sand River became even more perfect and impressive. The previous worry that opening the gates of the Flowing Sand River would lead to intruders and the secrets being revealed no longer existed. However, powerful as these two formations were, they had a flaw: the resources they consumed when activated were enormous! In any case, unless absolutely necessary, Sha Chen always kept them off.
Besides, Sha Chen’s own Array Dao had improved significantly. Although it was still in its early stages, there were not many in the world who could outdo him in formations. San Xiao, being highly skilled, also discussed Dao with Sha Chen and shared their own insights. Sha Chen used the Wordless Heavenly Scripture to refine their understanding and let them know, which delighted them immensely.
At the same time, San Xiao also took the opportunity to teach Jade Rabbit and the Phoenix sisters. Half a month earlier, under their guidance, Jade Rabbit had successfully stepped into the Daluo Golden Immortal Realm! This was inconceivable, but it had indeed happened. Jade Rabbit was never destined for such heights, let alone achieve the Daluo Golden Immortal status. Even after the Journey to the West began, she had not reached high-order Taiyi. She likely could never become a Daluo in her lifetime. But, with Sha Chen, everything changed. She was naturally tearfully grateful to Sha Chen.
Sha Chen naturally found the time to clandestinely pass some divine powers and Dao Techniques to his clone, Chen Sha, helping him grow. The clone Chen Sha also provided Sha Chen with plenty of hidden resources, ensuring that Sha Chen would not face any embarrassment due to lack of cultivation resources in the short term.
Happy days always fly by swiftly.
One day, Sha Chen escorted Jade Rabbit, the San Xiao, and the others to the main gate of the Flowing Sand River Cave. Then he said, "All feasts must come to an end. I’ve been very happy during our gathering these past months, but it’s time for you to go."
Jade Rabbit, crying, clung to Sha Chen and said, "General, I will think of you in the quiet of the night."
Sha Chen pried her off and said, "Don’t just think of me at night." 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞
Jade Rabbit said, "Then my tears won’t be enough."
Sha Chen’s cheek twitched. Then he turned to the San Xiao, waved his hands, and everything was left unspoken.
The San Xiao were so touched they could hardly stand it. Sha Chen had been so hospitable that they didn’t want to leave, yet they had to. Because, they had nearly eaten their brother out of house and home. The San Xiao expressed that they would definitely visit again if they had the chance and would introduce their eldest sister to him.
Sha Chen simply asked them to pay a visit to Zhao Gongming, suggesting he shouldn’t prioritize official duties so much and should take a break. The San Xiao were deeply touched, feeling Sha Chen’s love, even caring about their other brother, Zhao Gongming. Little did they know, Sha Chen was worried that Zhao Gongming, being too officious, might hunt down the Spider Demon, the Black Bear Demon, and his other clone, Li Bai, too relentlessly!
In the end, the guests left.
Sha Chen then closed the gates of the Flowing Sand River once again. As for the chaos brewing in the realms of Immortals and Buddhas, he didn’t bother to concern himself with it.
After sending everyone away, Sha Chen returned to see his storage room so empty it could bring a mouse to tears, and he let out a long sigh.
Alas, these three sisters of mine were too honest after all. I was just being polite, and they really left without giving me any parting gifts, he lamented. They freeloaded for half a year, and on top of that, they took several jars of Enlightenment Tea and a couple of peaches when they left.
On the side, the three Phoenix sisters said, "Father, our three aunts asked us to give this to you."
They took out three mustard seed bags that appeared larger than normal. Sha Chen’s eyes lit up.
Laughing, he said, Haha, I knew it. They couldn’t possibly be that stingy. Who could be stingier than me!?
He quickly grabbed them, opened them up, and poured the contents onto the ground. A vast amount of resources, piled like mountains, appeared—a hundred times more than what clone Chen Sha had secretly given him!
But, to Sha Chen’s tearful dismay, all these resources were meant to power the formations, ensuring their normal operation. Not a single resource he needed for cultivation was included!
Sha Chen cried. They were just too honest, not a single cultivation resource was given.
Suddenly, a voice came through, "If they didn’t give you any, this old man will."
Sha Chen’s hair stood on end and he turned in horror to see a white-bearded old man, exclaiming, "You, you, you, who are you!!?"
The old man said, "This humble Daoist is Li Er."
