Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 358 - 352 Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad and Zhenyuanzi want to open the Flowing Sand River [Seeking Subscription Seeking Monthly Ticket]_1
Is that person outside Zhenyuanzi?
HISS. Sha Chen sharply inhaled, his eyes filled with horror, somewhat disbelieving. He shook his head afterward; even he found it impossible to believe. If that person outside were Zhenyuanzi, the system would definitely have given a prompt and absolutely wouldn’t use Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad to speak for him. But if it wasn’t Zhenyuanzi, then why would this matter have anything to do with Zhenyuanzi? Sha Chen had been planning to reject Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad, so why was there a reward involving the ginseng fruit tree?
At this moment, Sha Chen felt that the situation was not simple; it seemed to have become somewhat terrifying.
Suddenly, Sha Chen looked towards Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad, his divine gaze sweeping over him repeatedly, yet he still didn’t find any abnormalities. But this was what was most terrifying. The lack of abnormalities was what was truly unreasonable. He had observed Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad before, and at that time, Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad was completely unguarded because there was no need. But now, Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad was using divine light to shield himself, completely preventing any prying eyes. If he were as he was before, why would he need to shield himself with divine light? Only something unusual would lead to this.
Sha Chen still couldn’t see whether Zhenyuanzi had arrived or was hiding somewhere. However, he trusted his intuition: Zhenyuanzi had definitely arrived, and this matter was definitely related to Zhenyuanzi. For the sake of safety, he decided to reject Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad.
In fact, if it weren’t for the reward option of the ginseng fruit, although he didn’t want to let Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad in, he wouldn’t have refused him entry. This was because when Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad visited before, he might have tormented Sha Chen for months, but he also left behind the Tai Chi Diagram, which was of great help to him. Even if it wasn’t much use now, he did not believe the stingy Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad would provide anything better. To come here was to extort.
However, he was still not planning to refuse because he did not want to make an enemy of Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad or bear any grudges. It was just that now, the situation was unfavorable, and there was no choice but to refuse. Sha Chen immediately chose to refuse.
Then he began thinking about how he could refuse Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad in such a way that would minimize the losses and impact. As for retaliation, he was not afraid. Since Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad was honestly knocking from outside and not barging in, it proved he couldn’t enter, so Sha Chen had no need to worry about his cave dwelling being breached. The Chaos Chicken Cover was still very effective, capable of withstanding ordinary Saints. Among the several Saints, it’s likely that only Lao Zi wasn’t ordinary and couldn’t be stopped by it. Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad was just an avatar; he couldn’t come in at all.
After some careful thought, Sha Chen said from behind the cave door, "Senior Saint, this junior is in the middle of a critical retreat and cannot open the cave doors. For any discourtesy, please forgive me."
Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad, who was outside, was stunned. He scratched his ear, somewhat unable to believe it. Sha Chen had actually refused him, not opening the door. Afterward, his expression darkened as he said, "Sha Chen, how could I not know your temperament? Open the door quickly! If you’re even half a step late, I’ll personally come in and flay you."
Sha Chen replied bitterly, "Senior Saint, this junior truly is in seclusion. I cannot get up, nor can I open the door. If the energy wave strikes, not only will my previous efforts be wasted, but I could also suffer Qi deviation and fall into insanity."
Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad said, "As long as I am here, you’ll be safe. Even if you really fall into insanity, I can save you."
Sha Chen quickly responded, "Senior Saint is joking. Falling into insanity is no laughing matter; it cannot be so easily mended. Senior Saint, what brings you here? If it is not urgent, please find lodging outside. After my cultivation is complete, I will personally come out to meet you."
Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad’s cheeks twitched. If he believed these words, then he might as well have lived all these years for nothing. If he really found lodging outside, he feared he would never see Sha Chen. This fellow is extremely afraid of death and would definitely not venture out. If one were to wait for him, Sha Chen would never come out; he would always be in ’critical retreat’.
Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad frowned and said, "Sha Chen, open the door of your cave dwelling quickly, and stop being cheeky with me."
Sha Chen replied, "This junior truly wishes I could, but I am unable. To express my sincerity, why doesn’t Senior Saint come in himself? After all, you’ve entered before. There are only two more formations now, which shouldn’t stop you." 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚
Then, he disclosed to Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad both the Eight Gates Heavenly Lock Formation and The Eight Formations, even revealing the weaknesses of the two formations, and invited Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad to come in by himself.
However, outside, Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad’s eyes glittered, his brows furrowed deeply. Internally, he was cursing Sha Chen profusely. If he could have entered, he would have done so already, rather than wasting words with Sha Chen. As for the formations Sha Chen told him about, they were useless; he could break them himself, so why would he need Sha Chen to tell him? But with Sha Chen saying this, he was effectively blocking his own retreat. Because he had been told about the formations, and since he had entered the cave dwelling before, if he couldn’t enter now, wouldn’t it be an admission of weakness?
Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad furrowed his brows, silent for a long while. He said flatly, "Sha Chen, since you do not wish to see me, so be it. I was merely passing by and intended to discuss with you the matter of Buddhism trying to recruit Marshal Tianpeng. If you do not wish to talk, then let it be."
Sha Chen responded, "Senior Saint must be jesting. I am busy with my cultivation and have no time for other concerns. Since Senior Saint has mentioned Tianpeng, and he is a close brother of mine, why not invite him in to chat?"
However, he did not open the door. The implication was clear: let Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad enter on his own.
After a moment of silence, Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad said, "Forget it, it’s not a matter of great importance. Besides, this is not my true form, but a projection."
Sha Chen said, "The Saint truly possesses remarkable Divine Power; even your projection is so lifelike, it fills me with trepidation."
Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad said, "I have one thing to tell you. Buddhism wishes for Tianpeng to join Lingjiu Mountain and participate in the calamities of the Journey to the West. I have agreed to it, but Tianpeng, under your bewitching, is unwilling to join. Therefore, I came to inform you that if you see Tianpeng next time, advise him not to be stubborn and deluded. Joining Buddhism is quite good for him; it is his destiny."
Sha Chen was stunned. He stood behind the door, his expression somber. He had thought of a million reasons but never expected that Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad’s purpose for coming was this. Even Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad had intervened; Tianpeng was likely in trouble. If Tianpeng fell, Buddhism would immediately shift its focus onto him or Sun Wukong. They might even spare more hands to deal with him, which would make his life incredibly troublesome. Sha Chen absolutely could not allow Tianpeng to join Buddhism. Not only was Tianpeng his shield, but he also knew too many of Sha Chen’s secrets. If Tianpeng truly joined Buddhism, the secrets within Sha Chen’s Flowing Sand River Cave would be laid bare.
Sha Chen said, "Senior Saint, rest assured, I will definitely persuade him and not let him persist in his delusion. In fact, the Saint has misunderstood me; I have never advised him to reject Buddhism. On the contrary, I myself yearn for it."
Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad laughed and said, "In that case, why don’t you join the calamities of the Journey to the West as well? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to gain karma?"
Sha Chen said, "The Saint jests again. I yearn for it indeed, but my spirit is willing while my strength is lacking. The outside world is too dangerous. I am very comfortable here; I’d rather not go."
Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad’s cheeks twitched, then he disappeared on the spot.
Once Sha Chen could claim the system’s reward, he knew that Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad had left. Only when he was certain Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad was no longer within the domain of Flowing Sand River did he finally breathe a sigh of relief. But his brows remained tightly furrowed. Because Tianpeng was now in danger.
「In the distant Mount Putuo.」
Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad stood with his hands folded behind his back, his demeanor calm, his gaze as placid as an ancient well. Before him stood another man, also a Daoist, with an appearance that seemed ancient and full of immortal charm. This person bore a name that echoed throughout history—as the founder of earthly immortals. He was Zhenyuanzi of Wuzhuang Temple, holding a horsetail whisk, standing before Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad.
Zhenyuanzi smiled faintly and said, "It seems Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad did not enter."
Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad shook his head and replied, "That youngster is very cautious. I did not expect to be turned away from his doorstep this time. Moreover, his cave dwelling seems to have been reinforced. I estimate that I cannot force my way in." He then recounted the events that had transpired. He had originally concealed Zhenyuanzi with him, shielding him completely. Not only could Sha Chen not see Zhenyuanzi, but Zhenyuanzi was also unaware of Sha Chen.
After hearing Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad’s account, Zhenyuanzi furrowed his brows and said, "It seems he is indeed sly, even deceiving you. It appears he is very confident."
Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad sighed and said, "His refusal this time was unexpected. It seems he knew that my intention this time was to drag him out, even if by force."
Zhenyuanzi replied, "Such a crude act, how could it befit Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad and spoil your relationship? When the time comes, I shall do it."
Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad gave a wry smile. "Unfortunately, even if one wished to, it can’t be done. We cannot get in."
Zhenyuanzi frowned. "How could Sha Chen have obtained such a divine artifact that even we cannot enter? However, that’s just your feeling; you haven’t actually attempted a forceful attack. Perhaps it’s possible to get in."
Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad shook his head. "I am not skilled in offensive techniques; a forceful attack would not succeed. You, Daoist Friend, on the other hand, possess vast Divine Powers. If you were to use the Heavenly Earth Mirror, you might be able to breach it. However, doing so would mean a complete break with him."
Zhenyuanzi said, "I am not afraid of a break with him; I have little connection to him anyway." He then added, "Never mind. I cannot make this trip for nothing. This time, I shall go to Flowing Sand River myself."
Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad warned, "Daoist Friend, remember, if it proves unfeasible, do not act rashly." He then turned and departed. He could feel that Sha Chen no longer trusted him; staying any longer would serve no purpose. Because he understood Sha Chen: once Sha Chen lost trust in someone, he would absolutely not allow them entry.
「Inside Flowing Sand River Cave.」
Sha Chen breathed a sigh of relief and extracted the Ginseng Fruit Tree. Instantly, a streak of light from a great distance flew in, directly entering the cave dwelling, then took root atop the Innate Earth. Upon seeing this, the other four Innate Spiritual Roots seemed to revitalize. Sha Chen saw that upon this Ginseng Fruit Tree, there were eighty-one infant-sized ginseng fruits. These were much larger than the ginseng fruits in Zhenyuanzi’s courtyard at Wuzhuang Temple.
Sha Chen was overjoyed, knowing he had stumbled upon a treasure. Such a Ginseng Fruit Tree was exceptionally favored by the heavens, its grade even higher than Zhenyuanzi’s.
「Outside Flowing Sand River.」
Zhenyuanzi halted, his eyes filled with shock.
"HISS!!"
Did I misinterpret what I saw just now? How could it seem like a Ginseng Fruit Tree flew into Flowing Sand River? He formed a hand seal and began to calculate; his face changed dramatically, then his expression turned sour. It truly is! It’s actually the Taiyi Innate Spirit Root Ginseng Fruit Tree King that I have been pursuing in the Wood Spirit Realm for tens of thousands of years!
Sha Chen’s tree was a reward from the system; it was a Tree King, with a grade even higher than the Ginseng Fruit Tree at Wuzhuang Temple.
