Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 415 - 409: Great White Plane with Huge Change in Mentality【Subscription and Monthly Pass Requested】_1

Chapter 415: Chapter 409: Great White Plane with Huge Change in Mentality【Subscription and Monthly Pass Requested】_1

Li Changgeng felt an indescribable bitterness in his heart because he realized that in the past, he could order Sha Chen around. If he was displeased, he would just launch a direct assault on the Flowing Sand River. Even if he couldn’t break through, he could still instill fear in Sha Chen, who would then treat him with utmost respect and deference, not daring to step out of line.

But now, everything had changed completely, utterly reversed. Sha Chen now dared to call him by his name directly and could be so impolite as to tell him to speak his mind quickly, or "let it rip" if he had to.

In the past, would Sha Chen have dared to speak like this? But now, he dared. Li Changgeng himself had also changed; his mindset had shifted, a realization that filled him with sorrow.

If the Sha Chen of the past had dared to speak to him like this, he would have already drawn his Righteousness Sword and launched a direct assault on the Flowing Sand River, unleashing a full set of Righteous Aura Swordsmanship.

Now, all he could do was speak quickly, not daring to waste any more words. In a word: abject.

Li Changgeng’s gaze was complex, his heart even more embittered and conflicted. He glanced at the great gate of the cave-dwelling—this was precisely why he had been reluctant to come. The very person he had once trampled underfoot was now high above, an existence he could no longer aspire to reach. Seeing him, how could he possibly be in a good mood?

Nonetheless, Li Changgeng, being the wily old fox he was, quickly adjusted his mindset and accepted his current position. He smiled and said, "General for Folding the Curtain, we are both officials appointed by the Heavenly Court, and our past relationship wasn’t bad. I hear your strength is now heaven-shaking and earth-shattering, far surpassing this old man. Surely, you don’t need to worry about me posing any threat to your safety, do you?"

Sha Chen remained silent.

Li Changgeng continued, "Why not open the great gate of your cave-dwelling and let this old man in? I can then explain the Heavenly Court’s decree to you clearly and in person."

Sha Chen said indifferently, "You wish to enter?"

Li Changgeng replied, "Countless people in this world would love to get inside, you know."

Sha Chen stated, "You’re not wrong. Neither Saint Zhenyuanzi nor Maitreya could enter. What makes you think you are worthy?"

Li Changgeng’s expression stiffened. Sha Chen isn’t giving me any face at all!

But what Sha Chen said was true. If Saint Zhenyuanzi and Maitreya couldn’t get in, then he indeed wasn’t worthy. It was just... so humiliating to have it stated so bluntly.

Li Changgeng found it hard to accept, but he was also aware of the gulf in power between himself and Sha Chen, and more importantly, he remembered the purpose of his visit. Swallowing his pride, he chuckled and said, "General for Folding the Curtain, why be so cutting? This old man and you could be considered old acquaintances; surely, that makes us different from outsiders."

"Besides, both Saint Zhenyuanzi and Maitreya Buddha came with ulterior motives. This old man is here for your own good. You know this yourself—have I ever harmed you?"

An ethereal projection of Sha Chen materialized, causing Li Changgeng’s body to tremble as alertness and tension surged through him. The projection looked down at Li Changgeng and said, "You’ve indeed never harmed me. However, that wasn’t because you didn’t want to, but because you couldn’t. I trust you understand this distinction." A disdainful sneer played on the projection’s lips.

Since the Heavenly Court has already laid things bare, and Wang Lingguan made it perfectly clear that it’s their intention for me to join the Journey to the West, we’re all on the verge of tearing away the final veil of pretense. That being the case, why should I bother giving face to an envoy from the Heavenly Court?

Moreover, back when my strength was inferior, Li Changgeng often gave me grief, stirring up trouble every time he visited, forcing me to swallow my pride and submit.

Now that my strength has grown, should I still be humble and meek? Impossible. Absolutely out of the question.

The fact that I haven’t already seized Li Changgeng and given him a thorough beating is a testament to my good temper and considerable caution!

As for letting Li Changgeng inside? Don’t even think about it. I didn’t allow it before, and it’s even more impossible now.

It’s not that I think I can’t beat him; I just feel there’s no need. Even though I’m currently at odds with the Heavenly Court, having killed Emperor Zhenwu and Wang Lingguan...

...However, the Heavenly Court hasn’t officially issued a decree branding me, so I’m not yet considered a rebel, nor am I officially engaged in defiance against them.

Therefore, there’s no need for me to be the one to tear away the fig leaf, to be the one to poke through that final layer of paper. Naturally, then, I can’t make a move against Li Changgeng.

Let him in, be unable to strike him down, and then allow him to carry my secrets out? What a joke. Impossible.

Li Changgeng hadn’t expected Sha Chen to be so blunt now; he felt a mix of embarrassment and complex emotions, though his expression betrayed little. He also knew Sha Chen had no intention of giving him any face. For the sake of the Heavenly Court’s mission, he had to fulfill his duty and swallow his anger.

Li Changgeng then smiled and said, "General for Folding the Curtain, you truly misunderstand this old man. Heaven and Earth can bear witness, I have never harbored any intention to harm you. All my past actions were merely following orders. It is the same now."

Sha Chen chuckled. "So, you’re saying I’m the one who has wronged you then?"

Li Changgeng hurriedly replied, "I wouldn’t dare suggest such a thing, General. You must have simply believed the slanderous words of others. This old man truly harbors no malicious intent; it is enough if the General understands this."

Sha Chen chuckled again, offering no comment. I don’t want to argue about this. Besides, this old fox Li Changgeng will never admit it anyway. More words would be pointless.

Besides, I’ve always judged people by their actions, not their words. Whatever Li Changgeng says is useless. I have my own assessment and know how to respond.

At this moment, Li Changgeng felt a deep bitterness. I knew I wouldn’t be trusted by Sha Chen; that’s why I didn’t want to come. But, I had no choice.

Just as the Jade Emperor said, I know Sha Chen best, and this kind of task has always fallen to me. I just didn’t expect Sha Chen to be so wary of me, neither letting me in nor coming out himself.

After all, Sha Chen’s strength already surpassed mine, yet he was still so cautious and careful. This was something I hadn’t anticipated.

Just as Li Changgeng was lost in thought, Sha Chen’s sharp voice cut in, "Sir Li, if you have something to say, say it quickly. Otherwise, I must resume my cultivation."

"To be frank, I was about to enter secluded cultivation again. You’ve interrupted my practice. If you can’t provide a good reason for this disturbance, I won’t let you off easily."

Now, I speak with the confidence born of strength. I have the power, and I know that being overly polite to people like him is useless. With great strength, one must be assertive.

I don’t leave the Flowing Sand River because I know there are even stronger beings out there. But against a weaker opponent like Li Changgeng, there’s no need for me to debase myself.

Li Changgeng’s body trembled. He quickly said, "This old man is here to deliver an imperial decree! This matter will only benefit you, General for Folding the Curtain, with no harm whatsoever. Please believe this old man."

Sha Chen said coolly, "A decree from the Jade Emperor? Before that, there’s something I wish to understand."

Li Changgeng quickly urged, "Please speak your mind, General."

Sha Chen said, "Previously, the Heavenly Court dispatched Emperor Zhenwu and Wang Lingguan, leading the Eight Immortals and numerous celestial soldiers and generals, to besiege my Flowing Sand River. They claimed they were pursuing the Jinghe Dragon King and accused me of harboring a criminal. Has this matter been thoroughly investigated and clarified?"

Li Changgeng blinked, then hurriedly replied, "Rest assured, General for Folding the Curtain, it has all been clarified. This old man came here today partly to explain this very matter."

Sha Chen commanded, "Speak."

Li Changgeng quickly explained, "Upon investigation, it was found that Wu Qu Xing, Dou Rong, did indeed conduct himself improperly in the Jinghe Dragon Palace, acting recklessly and wantonly. His death at the hands of the Golden Winged Dapeng was a result of a personal feud between them and did not involve any other parties."

"The Jinghe Dragon King was also found to be innocent. His Majesty the Jade Emperor has already exonerated him and his children, bestowing upon him the official title of Dragon God in the Heavenly Court, where he now resides quite comfortably."

Sha Chen nodded. This matches the information Kui Mulang sent.

Then, Sha Chen suddenly roared, "This matter is far from over!"

Li Changgeng jumped in fright and quickly said, "But His Majesty has already vindicated the Jinghe Dragon King! The matter is concluded, isn’t it?"

Sha Chen snorted coldly. "That’s your side of things, but for me, it’s not over! So many of you came back then, solemnly swearing that I was harboring a criminal and even intending to kill me. Now that you’ve been proven wrong, you think this matter can just be swept aside?!"

He continued with a scoff, "You’re looking down on me far too much! Even if I am a demoted general of the Heavenly Court, confined here without freedom, holding a low rank with little influence, I should not be so disdained and have my dignity trampled upon!"

Li Changgeng looked like he was about to cry. How can you say such things with a straight face?! Don’t you feel even a shred of guilt?!