Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 396 - 390: Immortals and Buddhas Join Hands [Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets]_1
The Jinghe Dragon King was incomparably respectful towards Sha Chen.
Ao Lie and the Dragon Girl, upon seeing Sha Chen willing to help, were moved to tears.
They felt that Sha Chen’s willingness to assist was certainly out of respect for them.
Sha Chen, however, wasn’t just helping out of consideration for them; he also believed that the Jinghe Crystal Palace held extraordinary significance, representing the hub of the terrestrial water system. The Jinghe Dragon King’s identity was also extraordinary; he wielded great influence within the Dragon Clan as a member of the True Dragon Clan and possessed a noble status.
If he could stabilize the Jinghe River, he would control half of the land’s water system. Not only that, but the Dragon Clan would also owe him a favor. In time, with the power of the Dragon Clan, gathering resources could save him a lot of trouble.
However, there were risks, such as offending the Jade Emperor. Fortunately, Sha Chen had already risked that. His relationship with the Jade Emperor, though seemingly harmonious, was actually already one of irreconcilable hostility. It was just that the final layer of pretense had not been completely pierced through. But with the Jade Emperor, there was now no room left for reconciliation.
Sha Chen said, "During this time, you all should stay here. After we have a clear understanding of the situation, we will decide what to do."
The Jinghe Dragon King said, "Saving them is like fighting a fire, River Lord. My wife and children have all been taken; I beg you to save them as quickly as possible."
Sha Chen replied, "Taken, yes. Whatever was going to happen to them would have already happened during your journey here. A little more delay now won’t change things."
"Moreover, before we take any action, I must make some arrangements to minimize the impact."
The Jinghe Dragon King, though still very anxious, realized that what Sha Chen said was reasonable. He had already spent more than a month on his journey; if Wu Qu Xing had truly done something to his wife and children during that time, it was already beyond remedy.
Sha Chen said, "Nevertheless, you needn’t worry too much. I have made some calculations. Wu Qu Xing, after slaughtering many of your Crystal Palace’s shrimp soldiers and crab generals and taking over your lair, has merely imprisoned your family without harming them."
The Jinghe Dragon King was delighted at these words, exclaiming, "Is it really true?"
No one wishes for their family to be violated; otherwise, even if they were rescued, there would always be a lingering unease in one’s heart.
Sha Chen indifferently affirmed, "Of course, it’s true. He is probably also being cautious; annihilating someone’s entire family is a deed that, if word got out, could cause the Jade Emperor to abandon him at any moment and destroy you all."
"It is also possible that Wu Qu Xing intends to give you hope, to lure you back and then capture you easily."
In fact, he thought that both possibilities existed.
Sha Chen said, "I can only deduce these general situations. The current specifics are unknown, which is why I need someone to investigate."
"Of course, if Wu Qu Xing comes here, that would be best. But my calculations suggest that after Wu Qu Xing pursued you and arrived nearby, he went straight back, probably out of fear of approaching."
Sha Chen’s calculations were indeed correct. Wu Qu Xing, Dou Rong, did indeed chase the Jinghe Dragon King for a while but returned directly upon nearing this area. The main reason was that he had heard of Sha Chen’s reputation and didn’t dare provoke him. But it wasn’t necessarily that Wu Qu Xing thought the Jinghe Dragon King had come to this place solely to hide. After all, in this area, Wu Qu Xing would not dare to search openly for fear of angering Sha Chen.
Sha Chen instructed, "In the next few days, you all should focus on your cultivation. Dapeng, you’re quick; go gather some information. If Wu Qu Xing is without strong supporters, just bring back his head."
"However, remember one thing: do not expose your relationship with me. If you accidentally reveal it, come see me with your own head in hand."
Upon hearing this, the Golden Winged Dapeng quickly assured, "Teacher, rest easy. I will not disappoint you."
The Jinghe Dragon King, witnessing Sha Chen indeed sending the Golden Winged Dapeng to act, was overwhelmed with gratitude and hurriedly expressed his thanks. He then quickly offered a toast to the Golden Winged Dapeng, extremely polite and respectful.
The two, once mortal enemies, now conversed with easy smiles.
Sha Chen chuckled and said, "Your two clans’ relations weren’t good in the eyes of the world. Dapeng’s intervention won’t lead people to suspect a reconciliation between the Dragon Clan and the Dapeng Clan, but we still need a foolproof explanation for Dapeng’s actions."
This posed a problem for everyone present. A good explanation was indeed necessary, but considering the Golden Winged Dapeng’s previous animosity towards the Dragon Clan, any intervention would be difficult to justify.
The Dragon Girl suggested, "Why not say that the Golden Winged Dapeng acted out of a sense of justice?"
Ao Lie retorted sarcastically, "You think it’s that easy? He just happens to be acting heroically?"
Then he offered, "It would be better to say that the Golden Winged Dapeng was merely passing by, deliberately picked a fight, caused Wu Qu Xing to offend him, and then took action."
The Jinghe Dragon King stroked his chin and said, "Or, how about we just provoke a confrontation and make it look like his fault?"
After speaking, he looked towards Sha Chen, who then looked at the Golden Winged Dapeng, letting him decide.
The Golden Winged Dapeng simply waved his hand and said, "Do I need a reason to deal with them? Killing them is their honor."
Everyone was taken aback, then their expressions turned peculiar.
Sha Chen also nodded, saying, "Indeed, with Dapeng’s temperament, he doesn’t need a reason to act. Finding one would actually seem contrived."
He then added, "However, after leaving, you mustn’t go straight there. You must take a detour, leave from here, and only after a few days can you begin the slaughter at the Crystal Palace."
He had to create an alibi to prevent people from making too precise calculations that would reveal his intent.
Sha Chen continued, "Nevertheless, those powerful beings can divine the truth. Fortunately, I understand the Zhou Tian Xingchen Technique and can also counter-calculate some fates, changing many of the destinies tied to a person."
He smiled and said, "Honestly, I haven’t yet tried to alter someone else’s calculated fate."
Then he formed a hand seal, creating a false projection of what Dapeng would be doing in the following days.
Dapeng said, "Teacher, shall I go out now?"
Sha Chen nodded. "Yes, remember my words: do not cause unnecessary trouble. After killing Wu Qu Xing, leave immediately and do not return for the time being."
The Golden Winged Dapeng assured, "Don’t worry, I won’t cause any trouble for you, Teacher."
He knew that Sha Chen didn’t mean he wasn’t welcome back; rather, Sha Chen simply didn’t want him to bring any trouble back.
Sha Chen patted his shoulder. "I have taught you everything I could."
The Golden Winged Dapeng knelt on one knee, cupped his fists, and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Teacher. I shall never forget and will serve you faithfully, going through fire and water for you without any complaints."
Sha Chen replied, "Remember, gather resources. I’ll be waiting for you here."
The Golden Winged Dapeng nodded heavily, then cupped his fists toward everyone before preparing to leave.
The Jinghe Dragon King knelt before the Golden Winged Dapeng, kowtowed three times, and said with cupped fists, "Your departure will surely save my entire family. I kowtow three times to you here. From now on, our two families are as one. I would like to consider you my elder brother, for which I am eternally grateful."
The Golden Winged Dapeng was taken aback, then helped him up, saying, "Since the Dragon King has said so, from now on we are brothers. Your family is my family."
The two exchanged a smile, full of pride, and then embraced tightly.
The Golden Winged Dapeng said, "Little brother."
The Jinghe Dragon King replied, "Elder brother."
The Jinghe Dragon King brought farewell drinks for the Golden Winged Dapeng. After they drank, they became sworn brothers in the presence of Sha Chen.
Sha Chen didn’t object; in fact, he was pleased. Both of them were his people now, and becoming sworn brothers meant they were even more solidly tied to him.
Sha Chen saw the Golden Winged Dapeng out, watching him leave. Then, he closed the doors of his cave dwelling.
Afterward, he noticed that the Dragon Girl and Ao Lie, the siblings, were deep in thought, as if troubled by something.
Sha Chen asked, "What’s the matter with you two?"
The Dragon Girl said, "General, we call you ’brother,’ and you are our elder brother, that’s correct, right?"
Sha Chen nodded. "Yes, of course."
The Dragon Girl added, "But Uncle has become sworn brothers with Dapeng, and Dapeng is your subordinate. Wouldn’t that make us a generation lower?"
Her eyes reddened as she continued, "Brother, I originally called you brother. Now I might have to call you father!"
Sha Chen’s cheeks twitched as he resisted the urge to clench his fists.
After a moment of silence, he finally said, "Each relationship stands on its own."
The Dragon Girl smiled. "That’s great, Brother! I knew you wouldn’t make me call you father. But if you did ask, I wouldn’t mind."
She threw a coquettish glance. "Though I’d only call you that at noon."
Ao Lie asked from the side, "Why’s that?"
The Dragon Girl replied, "Because calling you ’Daddy’ morning *and* night would definitely cause trouble!"
Sha Chen clenched his fist and gave her a thrashing. "No need to wait for trouble; you’re in trouble now!"
Ao Lie hurriedly tried to intervene, but Sha Chen ended up hitting him as well. The siblings were becoming increasingly unmanageable and needed to be taught a lesson.
After a good beating, the siblings became much more subdued. However, the Dragon Girl was using a warm egg to soothe her face, which had swollen from Sha Chen’s beating, and said with a look of grievance, "Brother, you hit too hard. You’ve made my face swell up."
Sha Chen snorted, "That’s for speaking so carelessly."
The Dragon Girl said, "Still, you look really handsome when you’re hitting someone. Just, next time could you not hit my face? Hit somewhere else... make *them* swell instead."
She puffed out her chest as she spoke.
Sha Chen clenched his fist but eventually held himself back.
After some playful ruckus, seven days passed. Sha Chen frowned. "Golden Winged Dapeng has reached the vicinity of the Jinghe Dragon King’s palace and has been lingering there for a few days."
Hearing that serious matters were being discussed, everyone’s expression turned solemn.
The Jinghe Dragon King became anxious. "River Lord, has Brother Dapeng made a move?"
Sha Chen said, "He was looking for a chance to act, but indeed, there is an ambush at the Jinghe Dragon Palace."
At this, he gave the Jinghe Dragon King a profound look. "If you were to return now, you would be captured in an instant."
The Jinghe Dragon King’s body trembled, and he spoke through gritted teeth, "Damn it, they’re so despicable!"
Ao Lie then asked, "Brother, do you know who’s laying the ambush?"
Sha Chen’s expression turned chilly. "The Eight Immortals from the Heavenly Court, and the Eighteen Arhats from Buddhism. Hmph, I’m not surprised by the presence of divine beings from the Heavenly Court, but I am surprised to see people from Buddhism acting so overtly."
Although he knew that the matter of the Jinghe Dragon King was related to the Journey to the West and Buddhism would definitely be involved, he had not expected them to be so blatantly involved already.
