Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 364 - 358: Backed Down 【Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets】_1
Qing Feng and Mingyue had been making a fuss outside for quite some time, but Sha Chen had not responded. Just as they were furrowing their brows and about to return to ask their senior martial brothers for help, the gate of the Flowing Sand River Cave opened. Sha Chen had decided to meet them.
He had already confirmed that no one else was around. With the Six Ears of All Heavens, he could hear that Zhenyuanzi was extremely far away. It would take Zhenyuanzi some time to rush over.
Zhenyuanzi probably hadn’t expected his disciples to be able to call me out, Sha Chen mused. If he had known, he wouldn’t have bothered with all this trouble and would have come himself.
At that moment, Zhenyuanzi was unaware of this development and paid it no mind, simply waiting for his disciples to report back. He certainly hadn’t expected Sha Chen to open the gate of the Flowing Sand River Cave.
The cave gate swung open wide. Seeing this, Qing Feng and Mingyue exchanged smug smiles, their eyes glinting with arrogant pride.
Mingyue said, "Senior Brother, see? Our threats worked after all! That Sha Chen only responds to force, not persuasion."
Qing Feng nodded. "We’ve stated our intentions and shown courtesy before resorting to pressure. Since he’s come out, let’s present the Immortal Peaches and the greeting card, and tell him to open the gate and await Master’s arrival."
Mingyue nodded. Then, with a wave of his hand, he parted the Flowing Sand River once again, this time much more openly. Since Sha Chen chose to come out, it must mean he reveres our Wuzhuang Temple, they thought. If he reveres us, then we no longer need to be subservient. We can make our appearance in a dignified and upright manner. Having Sha Chen come out to meet us will demonstrate the formidable prestige of our Wuzhuang Temple.
This time, Sha Chen had chosen to appear in his true form. The system had made this choice, so he couldn’t change it and had to meet them in person. However, he didn’t step out of the Flowing Sand River. He stood at the cave’s entrance, not even poking his head out beyond the river’s boundary.
Qing Feng and Mingyue were within the Flowing Sand River’s parted waters; beyond it, all was tranquil. Then, Sha Chen closed the parted waters once again.
Qing Feng and Mingyue were somewhat displeased. Their faces stern, they waited for Sha Chen to emerge, intending to rebuke him. Just then, Sha Chen walked out.
Chang E and the spider spirits quickly held him back, frowning with evident concern. Seventh Mother said, "Big Brother, perhaps that old fellow Zhenyuanzi is nearby. If you go out yourself and he seizes the chance to launch a surprise attack, what then?"
Sha Chen replied, "Rest assured. They are indeed themselves, and Zhenyuanzi is truly far away. Even as a Peak Quasi-Saint, it would take him at least a quarter-hour to reach here from that distance."
To avoid detection by Sha Chen, Zhenyuanzi had hidden himself very far away. But Sha Chen’s hearing was keen; he could detect Zhenyuanzi’s voice, currently near Wuzhuang Temple, looking for someone to have tea with. Zhenyuanzi clearly wasn’t taking the events here seriously at all.
Thanks to the system, Sha Chen could confirm they were indeed Qing Feng and Mingyue, not Zhenyuanzi in disguise. Besides, Qing Feng and Mingyue, whatever their skills, couldn’t stir up any real trouble. Any one of the spider spirits could easily take them out and string them up for a beating. They weren’t even Golden Immortals, so what did they have to be arrogant about?
As for Zhenyuanzi, it would take him at least a quarter-hour to arrive. Moreover, Zhenyuanzi might not even be aware of the situation here. Sha Chen only needed to go out and meet them; he hadn’t agreed to any of their demands.
Sha Chen stood at the cave entrance, his presence towering and imposing, seeming to dwarf ages past and present.
Seeing Sha Chen’s overwhelmingly powerful physique and feeling the immense power emanating from him, Qing Feng and Mingyue were shocked and incredulous. They were utterly taken aback and began to feel apprehensive.
Indeed, Sha Chen was too powerful, too terrifying. The mere sight of his physical form made their hearts tremble, instilling in them a sense of absolute inferiority and an urge to prostrate themselves in worship.
Qing Feng and Mingyue, initially quite arrogant, now felt deeply intimidated. This was especially true for Mingyue, who had been so defiant earlier but was now overcome with apprehension. Gazing up at Sha Chen, Mingyue stammered, his hand holding the tray trembling.
Sha Chen looked down at them and asked indifferently, "Are you Daoists from Wuzhuang Temple?"
Qing Feng and Mingyue quickly replied, "Yes, yes! We are Daoists from Wuzhuang Temple, disciples of Saint Zhenyuanzi!"
Only after saying this did they manage a sigh of relief, feeling slightly more emboldened. Their earlier arrogance had completely vanished. Only by invoking their master, Zhenyuanzi, did they regain a sliver of confidence. However, it was merely a sliver, nothing more. The impression Sha Chen made on them was simply too overwhelming; they felt an intrinsic fear, leaving them unable to muster any resistance.
Sha Chen nodded. "Alright, I understand. Why have you come?"
Qing Feng said, "Master Sha Chen, we have... we have come to present you with ginseng fruit and a greeting card."
Mingyue was no longer arrogant. Sha Chen is so powerful, and Master specifically instructed us to deliver Immortal Peaches and a greeting card. Master must attach great importance to him, he reasoned. Therefore, they both understood the situation tacitly and dared not act presumptuously again. They didn’t even dare to show their temper; they simply caved immediately.
Mingyue hurriedly offered a smile. "Master Sha Chen," he said, "we are here under orders to offer you ginseng fruit and our master’s greeting card. He will come to visit you in a few days."
Then he took out another card. "In addition to the greeting card," he continued, "there is also an invitation. Our master will be preaching at Wuzhuang Temple, spreading his teachings far and wide. He plans to invite you, Master Sha Chen, to be his guest. There will also be ginseng fruits and Jadescent Nectar to serve you."
Having said that, he respectfully placed the ginseng fruit, the greeting card, and the invitation on the tray, pulled back the silk cloth, and presented them reverently.
Sha Chen glanced at the ginseng fruit. He noticed it was largely similar to those that grew on his own ginseng fruit tree. However, there were differences, starting with the size. The ginseng fruit sent by Zhenyuanzi was only about one-seventh or one-eighth the size of those from Sha Chen’s tree. Next was their spiritual quality: Sha Chen’s ginseng fruits were like lively children, while Zhenyuanzi’s were more like lifeless clay models, lacking spirit and vitality.
Clearly, there was a vast difference in the quality of the ginseng fruits. Sha Chen looked at the small ginseng fruit on the tray and immediately lost interest.
I’ve grown immune to my own ginseng fruits, Sha Chen thought. Zhenyuanzi’s will certainly have no effect on me. Besides adding a little to my lifespan, they’re useless. At my young age, I’ve already cultivated to the Quasi-Saint Realm. My lifespan is already one with the heavens and earth, my brilliance matches the sun and moon. Zhenyuanzi, despite his great age, probably won’t outlive me. I don’t need a mere ginseng fruit to extend my lifespan, at least not now.
He wanted neither the ginseng fruit, the greeting card, nor the invitation. However, refusing directly would be offensive. Although Sha Chen knew Zhenyuanzi came with ill intentions, he didn’t want to give him, or anyone else, a pretext to act against him. Many people only act once they find a justification, Sha Chen mused. If they find one, they can claim to be righteous and rally support. Without one, any action is baseless and invites criticism. He didn’t want to give Zhenyuanzi such an excuse.
He courteously cupped his fists in salute. "Revered Daoists," he said, "please report back to Saint Zhenyuanzi that I am cultivating here and do not venture out. This is a strict rule I have set for myself, and it will not change. As for attending the preaching, I am afraid I do not have such good fortune.
"Please take the greeting card back as well. Since I do not venture out, I naturally do not receive guests. If Saint Zhenyuanzi were to visit and I was unable to entertain him, wouldn’t that be disrespectful? Therefore, I suggest you both return and explain the situation. I will neither entertain visitors nor leave my sanctuary."
Qing Feng and Mingyue were stunned.
Sha Chen continued, "As for the ginseng fruit, please take that back too. Such a thing is a Spirit Fruit of heaven and earth. Having rendered no service, I dare not accept such a reward."
Qing Feng and Mingyue looked at each other, utterly bewildered. Mingyue stammered, "Do you... do you even know what this is? This is ginseng fruit! A Spirit Fruit of heaven and earth! And you’re refusing it?"
Sha Chen said, "As I’ve stated, I accept no reward without rendering service."
Mingyue wanted to get angry, but the sight of Sha Chen’s physique intimidated him.
Qing Feng said, "Master Sha Chen, you may reject the ginseng fruit if you wish, but why refuse our master’s invitation and greeting card?"
Sha Chen said, "Venerated Daoists, please don’t think me arrogant. It is simply that I am cultivating in seclusion here, having severed all ties with the outside world. I only came out to meet you because you are disciples of the Forefather of Earthly Immortals.
"Were it anyone else, I would not have appeared at all. You must have made inquiries; you should know that not venturing out and not receiving guests is an ironclad rule I have set. I will not break my own discipline."
Qing Feng and Mingyue exchanged glances. They had indeed gathered some information about Sha Chen before coming. They knew he truly didn’t venture out unless something of great significance occurred; otherwise, he would absolutely not make an appearance. That Sha Chen had appeared this time after they called out and stated their identities was indeed giving them considerable face.
However, face was worthless to them; they had a mission to complete. It’s one thing for Sha Chen to refuse to go to Wuzhuang Temple, but to even reject Master’s greeting card and refuse to receive him!? This is outrageous! they fumed internally. Even though they feared Sha Chen, they felt his refusal was excessive, and they were furious.
Mingyue, mustering his courage, bellowed, "Sha Chen, don’t refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit! Our master is the Forefather of Earthly Immortals, respected by deities and spirits throughout the heavens and earth! Even the Jade Emperor greets him with respect. He is good friends with Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad and discusses the Dao with the Old Buddhas of the West. His station is of utmost honor! How dare you slight him?"
Qing Feng also spoke coldly, "Master Sha Chen, we urge you to reconsider. Although we respect your cultivation, you are nothing before our master. His invitation is your good fortune."
Sha Chen smiled. "I lack such good fortune."
Qing Feng and Mingyue were instantly enraged.
"So you’d rather be forced than comply! Fine! Remember this! We will return immediately and report to our master how you’ve disrespected him!" With that, they turned to leave.
But suddenly, Sha Chen’s expression shifted. He sensed Zhenyuanzi rapidly approaching. Ordinarily, his perception wasn’t this strong. However, after his Primordial Spirit broke through and he cultivated the Zhou Tian Xingchen Technique, his deductive abilities had improved, and his perception had consequently sharpened. Sensing imminent danger, a quick calculation in his mind confirmed Zhenyuanzi was on his way.
Qing Feng and Mingyue were also taken aback. They turned around, their attitudes shifting from moments before, a slight smile playing on their lips. Just as they were about to speak, Sha Chen, knowing they had likely received word from Zhenyuanzi and were trying to stall for time, gave them no opportunity. He turned and headed back into his cave.
