Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 466 - 460: Sha Chen VS Tathagata [Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets]_1
Tathagata did not deny it, which was tantamount to an admission. At the same time, he also recognized the strength of Sha Chen, who surprisingly possessed the power of space—something that exceeded his expectations.
Sha Chen did not deny it either, but openly admitted, "Buddha jests. My power is insignificant, and what I control is but a minor spatial trick, not worth mentioning in front of Buddha."
Having said that, he casually constructed more than a dozen spatial defense formations right in front of Tathagata. These were the spatial secrets he had just mastered from the system rewards, rarely seen in the world.
Tathagata watched with his own eyes as Sha Chen deployed the spatial secrets, his own eyes nearly bulging in amazement. Then, he secretly expressed alarm. Without putting on airs, he drew open space with his hand, intending to enter the Flowing Sand River Cave.
Sha Chen’s expression also changed slightly. He saw that Tathagata wanted to come in. It was clear that Tathagata was full of confidence and believed he could enter.
Sha Chen dared not neglect and continued to construct the spatial defense system. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮
And indeed, Tathagata broke through the multiple defenses set up by Sha Chen, including the Sky Shielding Talisman and Deception of Heaven Talisman, as well as the Black Tortoise Armor and other external defenses.
These things can even block Saints, yet they failed to stop Tathagata’s advance! Sha Chen’s face paled. This is making me tense. If Tathagata truly enters, my life will be at his mercy. At that time, I would have no choice but to join Buddhism or perhaps join the Sect of Interpretation and ask the Tongtian Hierarch to teach this unfilial disciple a lesson. But that would mean committing myself to the Sect of Interpretation, which is not my wish.
Fortunately, Sha Chen saw Tathagata halt just in front of the entrance to the cave, before his layers of spatial defenses. Although he had, in effect, already stepped into the Flowing Sand River Cave and could clearly see the situation inside, he hadn’t truly entered yet. There were spatial barriers blocking the way.
With one glance, Tathagata could see through all the various situations inside the cave, stunned by the dazzling array of Immortal Elixirs and Magical Tools. He was momentarily distracted.
Seizing this opportunity, Sha Chen strengthened his spatial defenses and took out the Sky Shaking Bow and the Giant Que Sword. Although I no longer have the Shooting Sun Divine Arrow, it doesn’t matter; with my tremendous strength, I can maximize the power of the Sky Shaking Bow. Using any item at hand can unleash tremendous power! He shot straight at Tathagata.
He actually felt threatened by the Giant Que Sword! Tathagata’s expression changed slightly. Without ceremony, he struck out with his palm.
Tathagata’s Palm.
The Giant Que Sword was instantly shattered, and the light of Tathagata’s Palm dissipated, leaving a hole of light.
The Giant Que Sword is destroyed, but I don’t regret it! Sha Chen continued to act, pulling the bow fully again. This time, no other Magical Tools, just pure swords of light formed from my own mana and the power of my will!
SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!
Under the power of the Sky Shaking Bow, these light arrows grew even stronger. They were constantly shot out, piercing the air. Sha Chen also utilized his spatial power, making the light arrows faster. They pierced through the void, instantly arriving before Tathagata.
Tathagata furrowed his brow and executed Tathagata’s Palm, shattering most of the light arrows. His Buddha Golden Body blocked the remaining ones. However, this forced him to take a step back.
Sha Chen pressed his advantage. He immediately activated his three heads and six arms technique, wielding various Magical Tools while pushing his physical body, mana, and spirit to their utmost limits. He swung the Mountain Splitting Axe, aiming to cleave Tathagata in two. The Undefined Flying Rings launched a sneak attack from behind. The Dragon Binding Rope, the Qiankun Bag in One Breath, and other Magical Tools all joined in the surprise assault.
Tathagata maintained a serene and composed smile. His eyes, however, were extremely grave, as if he too sensed danger emanating from Sha Chen. If it came to a head-on confrontation, I could easily emerge victorious. But as I forcefully attack the Flowing Sand River, counter the power of the Talismans, and break through the spatial barriers, a great portion of my attention and mana is diverted. Now, having to directly withstand Sha Chen’s Divine Powers and Magical Tools, even my immense strength seems to be under strain.
I cannot hesitate. If I can’t fend off Tathagata this time, I’ll become his prisoner! But repelling Tathagata is easier said than done. The entire defense system of my cave has been activated. Tathagata needs to expend more than ninety percent of his energy to cope with it, which is why I can gain a slight advantage. Should we collide head-on, despite me being a middle-level Quasi-Saint, I’m still far from a peak Quasi-Saint. Perhaps a single slap could suppress me. Sha Chen did not hesitate.
As he made his move, Sha Chen also shouted, "Tathagata Buddha, Flowing Sand River is but a minor place. Why do you insist on forcing your way in?"
Tathagata replied, "This monk intends to enter the Flowing Sand River and discuss the teachings of Buddhism with General for Folding the Curtain. Why are you so opposed, General? Could it be that you look down upon Buddhism?"
Sha Chen retorted, "Buddha jests. Under the entire sky, who dares to look down upon the Buddhist Law? Even Tongtian Hierarch, who once belittled Buddhist Law, was hammered by the two Saints of the West and even had his proud disciple snatched away."
Tathagata furrowed his brow. Truthfully, few things perturbed his mind, but Sha Chen had to bring up the matters between Tongtian Hierarch and Buddhism. This is a thorn in my heart, my Achilles’ heel. Sha Chen was clearly mocking his betrayal of his sect and his embrace of Buddhism.
Sha Chen continued, "Even Saints have been converted by Buddhist Law, to the point of sending their own disciples to study it. What right do I have to look down upon Buddhist Law? I hold Buddhist Law in too high regard, which is why I keep my distance with respect. Please forgive me, Buddha. I am too obtuse to understand Buddhist Law, nor do I wish to."
Tathagata’s face remained expressionless. He’s ridiculing me for being sent by the sage Laozi to the West to study Buddhist Law, only to end up as Buddha myself. He knew Sha Chen’s intent perfectly.
Tathagata continued to act, resisting the obstacles of the Flowing Sand River Cave and blocking the various attacks from Sha Chen.
He had been absolutely confident and self-assured. But now, his prolonged siege had not breached the cave. The cave entrance is right here, and the main gate is like nothing to me, yet I still can’t get in! This was all because Sha Chen had mastered Spatial Divine Skills, and his combat power far exceeded Tathagata’s expectations. The defenses of the Flowing Sand River were also beyond anything he had imagined, leaving him momentarily incredulous. A twinge of regret surfaced. If only I had entered the cave directly more than a year ago, things would have been so much simpler. All this trouble could have been avoided.
Because a year ago, or even not long ago, the Flowing Sand River Cave did not have so many spatial barriers. Those were all set up by Sha Chen while they were conversing, in the blink of an eye, and Tathagata, being outside the cave, could not stop them.
Now that he was halfway in, he could only watch helplessly as Sha Chen finished his arrangements, powerless to intervene. If this continues, Sha Chen will fortify the entire cave. Those spatial barriers will become so formidable that even I might hesitate to attempt passage. Even though I breached the main gate, the sheer number of spatial barriers and powerful Formations inside are beyond anything I anticipated.
The Eight Gates Heavenly Lock Formation and the Tai Ji Formation Map, both arranged by San Xiao, were infinitely powerful, and there were over a hundred other top-tier Formations as well.
If all these Formations are activated, and if I could focus my full power without other distractions, I’m confident I could pass through them by creating a spatial channel. But now, while I was breaking into the Flowing Sand River Cave, these heaven-defying divine items have disrupted my spatial channel. I have to personally sustain it, leaving me no capacity to bypass other Formations.
Moreover, Sha Chen’s strength was not insignificant; he was already a middle-level Quasi-Saint. Furthermore, Sha Chen’s physical body was also very powerful, wielding various Divine Powers, possessing exceptional combat prowess, numerous Magical Tools, and extensive Divine Skills.
Though I can cope, in these circumstances, it’s impossible to advance. This irritated Tathagata to a degree. What’s even more aggravating is that the defense of the Flowing Sand River Cave seems to be gradually strengthening. It’s as if the cave has sensed my arrival and is attempting to repair the spatial rifts.
