Chapter 71: Chapter 71: Return of the Jade Rabbit [Major Announcement, Extra Updates]_1
Within the White Tiger Star Palace, roars of wrathful fury echoed, shattering the divine mountains of the palace. Then, a beam of divine light shot forth, descending directly to the mortal realm.
Hei Shisheng gave chase, finally catching up after a frantic pursuit.
"Li Shuai, think thrice."
A ferocious face appeared within the divine light, saying, "How can I think thrice when I can’t even protect my own woman?"
Hei Shisheng said, "Li Shuai, Juanlian is a demoted general. If you cause trouble for him and prevent him from receiving his full punishment, I fear Heaven’s wrath."
Kui Mulang snorted, "If I don’t kill him, I swear I’ll no longer be a god."
Hei Shisheng said, "My lord, why not ask Fairy Ningxiang why she is weeping and wailing before making a decision?"
Kui Mulang said, "No need for more words, I have my own judgment."
"If being a god means I can’t kill him, then I shall first become a demon and then go kill him. In the meantime, you find the Jade Maiden and bring her to me."
「In the heavens above.」
After the boy had left, Li Changgeng smiled contentedly.
"Everything is within this old man’s control, but the Jade Maiden and Kui Mulang must not meet so soon."
Li Changgeng’s eyes twinkled, and he disappeared on the spot.
「Elsewhere.」
「Matchmaker Temple.」
The disciple reported the situation to the Matchmaker, who stroked his beard and smiled, "Everything is within this old man’s control. Kui Mulang is furious out of embarrassment; he will surely kill Sha Chen."
"However, should the Jade Maiden meet him and provide an explanation, the effect might be greatly diminished. They must not meet."
Then, he gave a few more instructions.
「Flowing Sand River.」
Sha Chen had not expected so many people plotting against him.
But he had always been on guard against the Pixiang Jade Maiden and had driven her away in anger. Best if she found a place to hang herself and stopped bothering me.
As for him, he was currently holding a large chunk of Zulong Fragrance, salivating with joy.
Such a large piece, if ignited, would be enough for a hundred years, making his spirit and vitality much better.
He cut off a small piece, placed it in the incense burner, and lit it. The fragrance quickly enveloped the area.
The aroma filled the air, lingering for a long time.
Sha Chen felt his whole body floating, not only exceptionally spirited but even his blood seemed to boil.
"The Zulong Fragrance is truly peculiar. With Zulong Essence Blood in my body, it automatically stimulates the True Dragon Body Forging Technique to circulate."
Sha Chen discovered with surprise that his True Dragon Body Forging Technique was rapidly circulating, and his physical body was constantly improving.
He originally needed to devour a massive amount of Divine Power and endure for over a hundred thousand years before he could possibly take another step forward.
But now with the ambergris, he felt that at this rate, he could advance further in just a few decades.
Sha Chen was overwhelmed with joy. By this calculation, the ambergris turned out to be the most comprehensive heavenly treasure he had obtained so far that could help him.
It could enhance the power of his Primordial Spirit and, because he contained Zulong Essence Blood and practiced the True Dragon Body Forging Technique, it was also beneficial for his physical body.
Beyond that, he faintly sensed that while cultivating under the influence of the ambergris, his potential could be continuously unleashed.
Sha Chen’s eyes were filled with greed. "Such a heavenly treasure is truly defying the natural order. If only I could have more of it."
Now he felt that even this piece of ambergris, as large as a boulder, seemed insufficient.
Then he immersed himself in frenzied cultivation, and his strength, too, was increasing rapidly.
「Two years later.」
Jade Rabbit returned.
She called out from outside Flowing Sand River for a long time until Sha Chen confirmed it was her, and then he allowed her in. However, the Jade Rabbit looked quite bedraggled, yet even more enchanting now.
"What happened, Xiaoyu?" Sha Chen frowned. "Were you being hunted down?"
Indeed, the Jade Rabbit was covered with bloodstains, her aura disordered, and her clothes tattered; she appeared utterly wretched.
She truly looked like a down-and-out person who had been chased down hundreds of streets.
Jade Rabbit flung herself into Sha Chen’s arms, saying, "General, truly only you care about me the most! BOO HOO! I really was being hunted!"
Sha Chen’s cheeks twitched as he pushed her away.
This woman is brainless! Running to me while being hunted, just to cause trouble?!
Sha Chen immediately wanted to throw her out of the Flowing Sand River.
But Jade Rabbit looked so pitiable. Moreover, she brazenly walked over to the bathtub left by the spider spirit, began to undress without reservation, and casually stepped into the water.
Sha Chen was dumbfounded!
Femme fatale, trying to mess with my Dao Heart?
He snorted, tempted to drag her out and throw her away. This menace! She’ll only bring me trouble.
But Jade Rabbit then said, "General, do you want to join me? I’ll help you scrub your back."
Sha Chen’s cheeks twitched as he said, "No thanks. Once you’re done washing up, hurry and leave. I’ll go prepare some food and drinks for you."
Jade Rabbit, deeply moved, blubbered, "General, you’re too good to me, even preparing a feast! I want lots of meat! BOO HOO! ... I want to be your bunny."
Sha Chen was completely baffled. He had only meant to get her some dry rations and water, urging her to leave immediately after her bath—to depart that very night and not return. He certainly hadn’t promised to prepare a feast.
An hour later, Jade Rabbit finally finished her bath. When she came out, she saw a table laden with vegetarian dishes: radishes, greens, baby corn—all incredibly plain. Even monks didn’t eat this austerely.
Sha Chen expressionlessly said from the side, "We’re poor here. Just make do with this. There’s no meat."
Jade Rabbit immediately burst into tears.
Sha Chen secretly snickered, applauding his own cleverness.
That should do it. She ought to leave now.
Jade Rabbit once again threw herself into Sha Chen’s arms, saying, "General, you’re really so considerate! Radishes and greens, they’re all my favorites."
Sha Chen’s face was full of shock.
I acted too rashly!
I forgot she’s a rabbit.
Jade Rabbit then asked, "Is there no wine?"
Sha Chen said, "No. If you want something to drink, there’s only water."
Jade Rabbit cried again. "General, I’m sorry. I knew I couldn’t hide it from you. It’s always the wine that leads to trouble. It’s better not to drink at all."
Sha Chen was stunned.
What in the world is going on?
Then he asked, "What exactly happened? Tell me about it."
Jade Rabbit began to explain, "After I left, I went overseas alone and experienced many things. I learned about a faction called the Nine-headed Dragon and planned to infiltrate them to gather intelligence for you, General..."
What followed was a recounting of all things, big and small, that had happened to her within the Nine-headed Dragon organization over the years; she even described what she ate.
Sha Chen listened until he was drowsy.
Seeing Sha Chen nodding off, Jade Rabbit voluntarily went up to massage his temples and the top of his head.
Sha Chen instantly bristled, but sensing Jade Rabbit meant no harm, he relaxed his guard. He still wished she would move away, yet he had to admit it felt quite comfortable.
"General, how is the pressure?" Jade Rabbit asked with a hint of seduction.
Sha Chen said, "Not bad. I wouldn’t have guessed someone so petite could be this strong."
Jade Rabbit said, "I’m also big in other places."
Then she puffed out her chest, only to deflate again.
Jade Rabbit went on to say, "General, afterward I heard people say the Nine-headed Saint was being targeted; several groups had raided the homes of his followers."
Sha Chen’s heart stirred. She’s probably talking about the Black Bear Spirit, the Spider Spirit, and Zhu Bajie.
Jade Rabbit continued, "Then I also heard that the Nine-headed Saint and Princess Wan Sheng have become very close. They seem to be plotting something together. The details are unclear, but they’re both after a supreme-grade Elixir."
Sha Chen paused for a moment, then said, "Nine-leaf Ganoderma Lucidum?"
Jade Rabbit looked shocked and overjoyed. "General, you’re truly prescient! Nothing can be hidden from you."
Sha Chen frowned. I didn’t expect the Nine-headed Saint and Princess Wan Sheng to get entangled so quickly, and to think they’ve already stolen the Nine-leaf Ganoderma Lucidum! I wonder if my arrival caused this butterfly effect, or if they had been preparing for this all along.