Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 459 - 453: Pure World Eye [Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets]_1

"The host has been asked by The Goddness of Mercy to use a Deluded Willow Leaf and a piece of Innate Earth to settle past grievances; you have the following choices."

"Choice One: Agree to The Goddness of Mercy’s request and receive the reward ’Ninth-Grade Golden Lotus’. Ninth-Grade Golden Lotus: an Innate Spirit Treasure, born after the creation of the world, a companion gold lotus to the primordial Qinglian, capable of averting disasters and eliminating demonic barriers."

"Choice Two: Refuse The Goddness of Mercy’s request and receive the reward ’Pure World Eye’. Pure World Eye: a Special Divine Eye that can see through fallacies and karmic obstacles through the Heavenly Eye, and can also remove the demonic barriers of others."

Sha Chen revealed a smile; indeed, there was a choice to be made. It had been a long time since he had activated the choice system, and even longer since he had received any rewards; he was somewhat impatient. As for the content of the options, he didn’t care at all because he had no intention of compromising with The Goddness of Mercy.

To agree to The Goddness of Mercy’s request would be to tacitly acknowledge that his cave dwelling was a blessed land with many advantages within. Moreover, to compromise with The Goddness of Mercy—Sha Chen could not swallow his pride. Besides, I’m supposed to give these items away, and then The Goddness of Mercy will erase all previous grievances? What a joke! Even if I don’t give them, what does it matter if you hold a grudge? As if I’d fear you!?

Sha Chen sneered. He didn’t care whether The Goddness of Mercy held a grudge or not because they had been enemies from the beginning. Even if The Goddness of Mercy offered something in exchange, he would have to consider whether to trade, let alone simply hand it over. Just reaching out her hand to ask for something without offering anything in return? Has she been begging so often that she thinks she can beg from me now!? Sha Chen sneered inwardly. It has only ever been me taking from others, never others taking from me. Not even The Goddness of Mercy.

Sha Chen snorted and said, "Bodhisattva, don’t you think your request is a bit too much? You came to me to resolve our grievances, so it should be you who shows sincerity. How has it become an expectation for me to cede my possessions as recompense!?"

He sneered, "Bodhisattva, could it be that you’re so idle you can’t chant your scriptures and have come to make fun of me instead?"

Guanyin was infuriated. This Sha Chen dares to mock me, and his tone is so provocative and disrespectful! However, thinking of her purpose for coming here, she managed to suppress her anger. Still, she was very displeased, her expression sour as she said, "This poor monk indeed came to resolve grievances. As for the words you’ve just spoken, they’re quite offensive."

Sha Chen said nonchalantly, "Offensive? Isn’t it offensive and disgraceful for you to ask me for things just like that?"

The Goddness of Mercy said, "This poor monk wishes to resolve our grievances. I am asking for just a piece of Innate Earth and a segment of a willow leaf. This is a trifle for you but is of great use to me. It can also turn hostility into peace between us. Why would you not want that?"

Sha Chen laughed heartily. "Bodhisattva, I haven’t received any benefits from this. Resolving grievances would benefit not only me but you as well."

The Goddness of Mercy fell silent.

Sha Chen continued, "Bodhisattva, what times are these, yet you still put on such airs?" His expression changed, his gaze hardened, and his face filled with mockery. He scoffed, "Clearly, you’ve come to me seeking reconciliation, and it’s you who wish to turn hostility into peace. Yet, you’ve offered nothing in return and now you even come asking me for items? Isn’t that laughable?"

The Goddness of Mercy said, "This poor monk has come to resolve grievances. Turning hostility into peace between us would be good for the Three Realms and for you as well. At the very least, you’d have one less powerful enemy."

Sha Chen laughed heartily, then replied, "Bodhisattva, you speak wisely; you are indeed powerful. If we could avoid being enemies, I would have one less powerful foe. But one more enemy like you is no great concern, and one less, no great relief. You may be strong, but not to the point where I would shrink from you. What’s more, do you truly believe you’re so strong before me now?"

Guanyin was filled with rage and on the verge of fury. She considered herself to have great composure and strong will, yet she realized that when facing Sha Chen, her resolve was still lacking. The barbs in Sha Chen’s words irritated her greatly, sounding grating to her ears. She had come of her own accord, lowering her status to make amends with Sha Chen. If word of this got out, it would reflect poorly on her reputation. She had made significant concessions and sacrifices. Wasn’t that payment enough? Hadn’t I done enough?! It was just a little Innate Earth and a willow leaf I was asking for—mere trifles to Sha Chen—yet he wouldn’t agree?! Guanyin was truly unable to understand and could not accept Sha Chen’s thinking, finding him obstinately unreasonable and unappreciative of her gesture.

Taking a deep breath, Guanyin continued, "Sha Chen, your power has indeed become formidable. But I too am not lacking. And you must remember, you are the one who did wrong. You killed my avatar, injured my disciple, damaged my reputation, burned down my Guanyin Zen Temple, and even stole my followers. All these are your hostilities against me, your wrongdoing."

She then spoke sternly, "In other words, when you do wrong, you must compensate. Moreover, do you think settling this feud is only costing you? I am the one who brought up this matter. When word gets out, my reputation will be tarnished, while you will gain glory. That is your benefit, and these are my sacrifices...!!"

"HAHAHA!!" Sha Chen burst into uproarious laughter; he even laughed until tears streamed down his face.

Seeing Sha Chen’s exaggerated laughter and his complete disregard for her, Guanyin’s expression soured. She snorted, "What’s so funny?"

Sha Chen laughed again. "Bodhisattva, everyone speaks of your great wisdom, but I never expected it to be so limited. It seems your ’wisdom’ is merely a product of you looking down upon all beings from a high vantage point, calculating everything flawlessly. Yet, when faced with someone equal to you, you become clueless, no different from someone haggling over petty gains."

Then, with a dismissive wave of his hand, he said, "Enough. I don’t want to waste any more words with you. You didn’t come here to reconcile; you came to lord it over me. Go back. I’m no longer interested in making peace with you. If you’re not satisfied, feel free to challenge me anytime."

Guanyin was furious, a halo of Buddha light flaring brightly around her. The Ninth-Grade Golden Lotus at her feet blossomed with dazzling brilliance, her gaze fixed on Sha Chen. But she soon dissipated her imposing aura, as she realized it was merely Sha Chen’s avatar.

Guanyin said, "Sha Chen, you are truly too arrogant. Your strength has clearly given you immense confidence. In the past, you never would have dared to speak to me like this."

Sha Chen replied indifferently, "My formidable strength not only provides me with great confidence but also serves as a powerful deterrent to my enemies. In the past, you certainly would not have addressed me this way either."

Guanyin was taken aback, sensing a deeper meaning in Sha Chen’s words. When she came to her senses, she saw Sha Chen’s avatar beginning to dissipate, about to revert to mud. She was both angry and anxious. Hurriedly, she said, "Sha Chen, since you are unwilling to settle our grudge, then I will trade items with you for the willow leaf and the Innate Earth!"

Sha Chen replied indifferently, "No, thanks. You have nothing I want."

The Goddness of Mercy said, "The Ninth-Grade Golden Lotus at my feet is rarely seen in the world. It is useful for both offense and defense and can aid in cultivation. Meditating upon it can enhance one’s insight. Trading it with you would not be a loss for you."

Sha Chen laughed. "It’s merely a Ninth-Grade Golden Lotus. I have plenty of items for offense and defense here, let alone items that enhance insight. Go back. You are too poor to trade with me. Bodhisattva, remember this: times have changed. If you continue to judge people by your old standards, you too will eventually be left behind!"