Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 389 - 383: The Golden Spirit Holy Mother Battles Zhenyuanzi [Looking for Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets]_1
The Golden Winged Dapeng was also very shocked; he hadn’t expected that Sha Chen was actually the brother of San Xiao.
Tongtian Hierarch said, "Of course, the three of them are fine. Being bullied by their seniors during the Divine Enthronement was one thing, but Zhenyuanzi, as someone who is of the same generation in terms of strength, would he dare to attack and kill them?"
During the Divine Enthronement, San Xiao’s strength was so immense that only a Saint’s personal intervention could kill them. Both Lord Yuan Shi and Laozi had personally taken action; they had once been San Xiao’s senior uncles, yet they ended up killing San Xiao. This also made San Xiao harbor a bone-deep hatred for them. It was different for Zhenyuanzi, though; it was hard enough to defeat San Xiao, let alone daring to kill them.
Tongtian Hierarch continued, "However, by taking action, they’ve also dragged my Sect of Interpretation into the midst of trouble. Originally, I didn’t intend to get involved in the calamity of the Journey to the West; I even planned to add fuel to the fire, allowing Buddhism to reap more benefits and reach its pinnacle before falling from it. But who would have known that one thing would lead to another? San Xiao took action, was defeated, and then my eldest disciple couldn’t bear it and wanted to avenge them. All these years, he has been looking for a chance to take on Zhenyuanzi."
Eldest disciple!?
Everyone knows that the Tongtian Hierarch’s eldest disciple was Tathagata Buddha. But that was in the past. Now, the Tongtian Hierarch’s eldest disciple must certainly be the Golden Spirit Holy Mother. In other words, the Golden Spirit Holy Mother has been seeking to confront Zhenyuanzi all these years!?
Tongtian Hierarch said, "The two of them are evenly matched, with fights that are hard to resolve, and due to this, many others have been dragged into it; the matter has gotten quite out of hand."
Shock filled Sha Chen, and a gleam flashed in his eyes. With the Sect of Interpretation being pulled into the fray, this matter seemed far from trivial and would not end easily.
A smile on his face, Tongtian Hierarch glanced at him and said indifferently, "Don’t think that the Sect of Interpretation will be used as your pawns, nor should you assume that my disciple will restrain Zhenyuanzi for you, much less kill him on your behalf. Zhenyuanzi has lived for so long, possessing numerous abilities; even I would need to put in significant effort to kill him. Moreover, I have already decided that I will not get too involved in this matter and will reign them in upon my return."
Sha Chen said, "The Saint has misunderstood; I only hope that Tianpeng will be safe and unharmed. As for whether Zhenyuanzi lives or dies, it does not concern me. Of course, if he dies, I’ll have an extra drink or two."
The Tongtian Hierarch chuckled and said no more. He then turned to Green Lion and Bai Xiang and declared, "Go ahead. If either of you reaches the level of a Quasi-Saint, you are permitted to leave the mountain. Otherwise, you are never to leave for the rest of your lives."
Green Lion and Bai Xiang immediately bowed and agreed, then turned to bow to Sha Chen, saying, "Master, we’re leaving now. When we are allowed down the mountain, everything will depend on your command."
Sha Chen nodded in satisfaction, waved his hand, and said, "Go on, I do good deeds without expecting repayment. It’s just that we ’fought and made up’; even though you came here to cause trouble, I repaid your enmity with kindness by healing your wounds, helping you unlock your potential, and increasing your natural talents—that’s all. I seek no repayment, truly. Don’t feel guilty, or feel like you have to rush to find me when you leave the mountain to repay me, haha. Of course, if you really want to come, I can’t stop you."
After hearing Sha Chen repeat his contributions, Green Lion and Bai Xiang were even more grateful and felt even guiltier.
Tongtian Hierarch rolled his eyes at this clumsy attempt to take credit.
Green Lion and Bai Xiang bid farewell to the Golden Winged Dapeng, then stood behind Tongtian Hierarch. Sha Chen opened the grand door of his dwelling, respectfully seeing the three off.
Outside the dwelling’s main entrance, Tongtian Hierarch said indifferently, "Sha Chen, since you don’t want to go out and the resources are not enough—even First-class Immortal Elixirs are no longer sufficient to meet your needs—you can have someone look for Elixirs. One Elixir can be worth hundreds of First-class Immortal Elixirs."
Sha Chen was surprised and quickly bowed in thanks, saying, "Thank you for the guidance, Saint." Afterwards, the Saint disappeared with his disciples.
Sha Chen checked multiple times to ensure no one else came in before closing the main door.
Inside the dwelling, only he and the Golden Winged Dapeng remained.
The Golden Winged Dapeng stood respectfully by Sha Chen’s side, like a subordinate, completely lacking his former unruly demeanor. He held deep admiration for Sha Chen.
The rumors said that Sha Chen had always been guided by a Saint, and it was true; the Tongtian Hierarch had even preached to him alone for three years, instructing and resolving his doubts. There were also rumors that Sha Chen’s place was a blessed land; he had thought, how good could the Flowing Sand River really be? Yet, to call it a blessed land was to do it an injustice. This was a paradise on Earth, a true hidden gem. There were abundant resources and countless Magical Tools.
His strength had improved more in these three years than in the previous 100,000 years combined!
He had never received teachings from a Saint, nor had he access to Peaches of Immortality or other heavenly and earthly Spirit Fruits. Furthermore, he didn’t have access to things like Enlightenment Tea and the Phoenix Tree, which could aid in enlightenment. Both the Taiqing Colored Glaze Cup and the Mystic Artifact of The Nine Orifices had also been of tremendous help. Sha Chen’s place was an excellent location for cultivation, far better than Lingjiu Mountain by countless measures.
Therefore, he was utterly loyal to Sha Chen, and he even felt reluctant to leave.
Sha Chen noticed this and felt both shocked and delighted—delighted at the Golden Winged Dapeng’s utter loyalty, which was exactly what he needed. But he was shocked that the Golden Winged Dapeng seemed to have become attached to this place and didn’t want to leave.
That wouldn’t do. Where’s there a donkey that only eats but doesn’t work? Following me, Sha Chen, one should be ready to become a laboring donkey. But having just won over Golden Winged Dapeng’s heart, to send him off to mine and conquer territories would be too disheartening.
I must think of a solution. I’ll need to steel my own resolve, establish my image of absolute authority, and then get him to willingly go out and strive.
Sha Chen hesitated for a moment, then said, "Dapeng, how long have you been here?"
Dapeng hurriedly replied, "Sir, your subordinate has been here for over three years. I am grateful for your teachings and shelter."
Sha Chen nodded and asked, "Three years, huh? Are you satisfied with this place?"
Dapeng quickly said, "Satisfied, very satisfied! This place is so pleasant that I’ve forgotten all about returning home. This subordinate only wishes to stay here for life, to serve you, to be at your beck and call."
He definitely can’t stay, Sha Chen thought. He even wants to stay here for life? Dream on!
Clearing his throat, he said, "As you know, although this place is good, it’s poor in resources. It’s enough for one person but not for two for a long time. And since you’re following me, I won’t keep you for nothing. Just like if you raise a dog, you expect it to guard your home and hunt for you."
Golden Winged Dapeng was stunned for a moment, getting the gist of what Sha Chen meant. He quickly said, "Rest assured, sir, your subordinate won’t let you support him in vain. I’m willing to be your hawk and hound, to guard and hunt for you."
His face contorted with a murderous look as he said, "The entrance here is impregnable; there’s no need for your subordinate to guard it. I assume you need me to hunt. Whom do you wish to kill!?"
"COUGH, COUGH." Sha Chen cleared his throat. "Don’t talk nonsense. I’m kind to people and never make enemies. How could I have anyone I want to kill? There are only people I want to help but can’t help enough."
Golden Winged Dapeng was taken aback. Initially, he just wanted to mock, but upon thinking it through, he felt there might be some truth to what Sha Chen said. Indeed, he hadn’t heard of Sha Chen making enemies outside; it was always others who came looking for trouble with him. And those who sought trouble with Sha Chen, like themselves, had received his forgiveness. Such a person who repays enmity with kindness certainly had the credentials to speak like this.
Sha Chen continued, "I just want you to go out and find some resources for me. As the Saint said, Elixirs are hard to come by, and I dare not have high hopes for you. If you can bring back some first-grade or Second Grade Immortal Medicine, the more the better."
Golden Winged Dapeng was stunned, realizing Sha Chen wanted him to find cultivation resources. Then he became somewhat troubled, saying, "Sir, this is difficult for your subordinate. I’m usually too fast and don’t pay attention to what’s underfoot, so I’ve never found any Immortal Elixirs or Elixirs. Besides, I don’t know much about various Immortal Elixirs. Back in the primordial times, I was involved in killing and plundering. During my time at Lingjiu Mountain, I was supported by the mountain and never had to search for Immortal Elixirs."
Sha Chen was stunned. Damn it, he’s actually a hothouse flower!? Might as well just ’drown’ him with fertilizer and be done with it!
Sha Chen said, "If you’re no use at all, then following me, don’t you feel ashamed?"
Golden Winged Dapeng’s face turned a shade of red, unable to bear Sha Chen’s prodding. He said, "Sir, isn’t it just resources you want? If your subordinate can’t find them, can’t I just take them?"
Sha Chen listened. Although it’s more dangerous than treasure hunting, it would be Golden Winged Dapeng who dies, not me. Oh well, so be it.
Clearing his throat, he said, "Dapeng, killing people and plundering is too dangerous. I can’t bear to let you take such risks. Forget it, let’s just drop it."
"Drop it?" Golden Winged Dapeng couldn’t stand the provocation, saying angrily, "Sir, it can’t be dropped! If your subordinate can’t bring back Elixirs and Immortal Elixirs for you, I’ll come back with my head to see you!"
Sha Chen said, "It’s too dangerous. I really can’t bear it."
But Golden Winged Dapeng insisted, "Not dangerous at all, not the slightest danger! I’ve survived so many years of killing and plundering, what danger could there be? Sir, if you don’t agree, I will take off my head right now and return it to you. I won’t owe you anything." He then postured as if about to commit suicide.
Sha Chen quickly stopped him, saying, "Sigh, alright, alright, I was just saying. Why do you have to take it so seriously? Okay then, since you’re so insistent on doing this, I won’t stop you. But there’s one thing that must be made clear. If you cause trouble outside, you can’t use my name."
Golden Winged Dapeng said, "Rest assured, sir. If there’s trouble, I’ll say I am Golden Winged Dapeng, the Acala Vajrabodhisattva from Lingjiu Mountain."
Sha Chen couldn’t help but secretly give Golden Winged Dapeng a thumbs up. He’s sharp.
But just sending him off to work like this won’t do. Over time, once he comes to his senses, he’ll start slacking off. Like Kui Mulang, who left and never returned—that would be a huge loss. I must bind him with benefits.
Sha Chen said, "You are Golden Winged Dapeng, your father is Great Sun Jin Peng, and I suppose The Phoenix Clan are your ancestors, right?"
Golden Winged Dapeng replied, "Yes, indeed. My blood does hold a trace of The Phoenix Clan lineage, though it’s rather diluted."
Sha Chen said, "Would cultivation methods from The Phoenix Clan be of use to you?"
Golden Winged Dapeng blurted out, "Of course, they’d be very useful!" Then he smiled bitterly and shook his head, "Unfortunately, your subordinate does not possess them."
