Chapter 156: Chapter 150: Sha Chen, are you rebelling? [Seeking subscriptions and recommendations]_1
Crude words can hold deep truths.
Jin Chanzi’s reincarnation had a complex expression as he said, "If I do not remember my master in my next life, would that not be a terrible sin?"
His real fear was forgetting the people and events of this lifetime in the next.
Sha Chen said, "Don’t worry, I’ll pass on a Cultivation Technique to you. If you practice it in this life, you’ll be able to retain your memories when you reincarnate."
Jin Chanzi’s reincarnation paused for a moment, then was overjoyed. If it could really be like this, that would be for the best.
Next, Sha Chen passed on the Netherworld Undying Sutra and the Spirit Summoning Decree to Jin Chanzi. They would enhance his Primordial Spirit and protect the fundamental memories of his soul, ensuring the memories of this life were not lost. After that, Sha Chen also transmitted the Eight-Nine Profound Art and the 72 Polymorphic Transformations to him. He did not pass on any more Divine Powers or spells, because these were already enough for Jin Chanzi’s reincarnation to use in his next life. Even then, he wondered whether Jin Chanzi in his next life would be able to continue his Cultivation, a matter he marked with a big question mark.
Following this, Jin Chanzi’s reincarnation began to practice in the cave, quickly mastering the Spirit Summoning Decree and the Sutra of Immortality without spending too much time. In just two months, he had learned it all, which spoke volumes about his talent—truly the only one Sha Chen had ever seen. As for the other Divine Powers and Cultivation Techniques, it was enough for Jin Chanzi’s reincarnation to simply be familiar with them; there was no need to practice them, so it was unnecessary to waste time.
During this period, Sha Chen also taught Chang E, imparting the teachings of the Tao Te Ching, Da Luo edition. However, the Da Luo edition of the Tao Te Ching was arcane and difficult to understand; even he knew little of it, and what he could pass on to Chang E was even less.
Finally, after Jin Chanzi’s reincarnation had learned the two Dao Techniques, Sha Chen decided to let him go. There was really no need to continue staying here.
But that day, in the heavens, dark clouds gathered, with golden light shining through from behind them, and in the light were celestial soldiers and generals. Two months had passed, and the Heavenly Court had finally sent its troops.
The leaders of the soldiers this time were Nezha and the Mighty Miracle God, accompanied by the eight gods of the Thunder Department, their injuries healed.
Nezha transmitted his voice down, saying, "Great General for Folding the Curtain, do you know your crime?"
Sha Chen furrowed his brows and fell silent for a moment, not planning to respond.
But Nezha’s voice came down again, "Don’t pretend to be dead. I know you can hear me. You’ve kidnapped the scripture-seeking monk, a most heinous crime. Come out and accept your punishment obediently, and I might be able to deal with you leniently."
「Within the Flowing Sand River.」
Chang E was anxious, saying, "Brother, you’ve kept Chen Liu’er for too long. The Heavenly Court thinks you’ve harmed him. Let me go out and explain."
Sha Chen said, "Didn’t we agree that no one should know about our relationship?" Then he added, "Wait a bit longer."
With so many celestial soldiers and generals outside, and even Nezha having come personally, Sha Chen had to be cautious. His divine sight surveyed everything while Downwind Ear continuously listened, probing for any hint of movement. If he noticed anything amiss, he would definitely not respond.
But as far as he could see, there seemed to be no issues. The arriving forces consisted only of celestial soldiers and generals in the sky, led by Nezha, who was also the strongest among them. Nezha’s strength seemed to have grown tremendously, reaching the peak of a Greater Primordial Golden Immortal with rapid progress. Sha Chen was somewhat envious of Nezha’s Cultivation speed, which must have been at the expense of consuming the karma from the Divine Enthronement catastrophe.
Nonetheless, Nezha was still no match for him.
Nezha, in the air, called out again, "Great General for Folding the Curtain, if you don’t come out, I will give the order to flatten your Flowing Sand River. Even if you hide inside the Black Tortoise Armor, you will not be spared."
Sha Chen frowned but decided to show himself.
He patted the shoulder of Jin Chanzi’s reincarnation and said, "Remember, you must not tell anyone that you’re my Disciple. I’ll temporarily seal this piece of memory, and in the next life, it will naturally recover."
He planned to seal away Jin Chanzi’s memories related to Cultivation; it would naturally recover in the next life. Otherwise, even if he didn’t want to practice Cultivation in this life, people would come probing for information. If they could extract even a shred of evidence from Jin Chanzi, it would be trouble.
After casting his spell, he sealed off part of Jin Chanzi’s reincarnation’s memory. He didn’t use any particularly sophisticated methods, which might have allowed those with Great Divine Power to find clues. Sha Chen also laid down a measure; if any formidable being tried to inspect Jin Chanzi’s sealed memories, then the contingency he left would erase that memory entirely. He was so cautious precisely because he didn’t want to leave himself any trouble.
After handling all this, Sha Chen’s phantom finally appeared on the surface of the water.
Seeing Sha Chen appear, the immortals all smirked coldly, but when they realized it was only a phantom, they snorted. The eight gods of the Thunder Department were grinding their teeth in rage against Sha Chen; months ago, Sha Chen had single-handedly overturned their entire department. He had already suppressed the Chief Deity of the Thunder Department, Wen Zhong, with a slap, and later, with his meteor-arrow technique, he had picked them off like birds for sport. The entire Thunder Department was nearly becoming the laughingstock of the Heavenly Court. Naturally, they bore deep hatred for Sha Chen.
Sha Chen had a headache; he preferred to be kind to others, and his previous actions had been under special circumstances. Nevertheless, he felt that explanations probably wouldn’t do any good.
So he said, "Third Crown Prince, you called for me. What is the matter?"
Nezha had been paying close attention to Sha Chen all along. Seeing the muscles on his body intertwined like ancient divine weapons, he was shocked. His physical body has grown even stronger. As to how much stronger, Nezha didn’t dare to imagine.
But still, he couldn’t discern the depth of Sha Chen’s Cultivation, which left him feeling uncertain and apprehensive.
However, now that Sha Chen had posed a question, he could not afford to appear weak, and so he bellowed, "Sha Chen, do you admit your guilt?"
Sha Chen replied, "I am unaware of any wrongdoing."
Nezha snorted, "You abducted the scripture-seeking monk, offended Lingjiu Mountain, and sabotaged the good relationship between Lingjiu Mountain and the Heavenly Court. Your crimes are unforgivable."
Sha Chen asked, "How can you say such a thing, Third Crown Prince?"
Nezha said, "Several months ago, the scripture-seeking monk passed by here, attempted but failed to cross the Flowing Sand River, and fell into the river while flying across. Many immortals wanted to save him, but you repelled them, and then you kidnapped the monk. To this day, we do not know if he is alive or dead. Do you still claim ignorance of your crimes?"
Sha Chen was stunned. It’s easy to trump up charges when one wants to accuse someone.
Chang E inside the Flowing Sand River was also furious, feeling a deep sense of injustice for Sha Chen. It was clear that Sha Chen had saved a life, yet he was being falsely accused of doing harm. The Celestial Gods of the Thunder Department had callously looked on and even tried to prevent Sha Chen from saving the monk, but they were praised as rescuers. This was outrageous. She had always known that the Heavenly Court often twisted right and wrong, failing to distinguish between them. Now that it had happened to one of her own, she understood the depth of the injustice. She could only imagine how angry Sha Chen must have felt about being falsely accused of breaking the Liuli Lamp, among other slanders. For instance, not long before, the Jade Emperor had intensified the punishment, increasing the thunder penalties. Had it been her, she probably would have died of rage. It’s only because my brother is indifferent to fame and fortune, and does not vie with others, that he can let things go so easily. But I can’t stand it, and I must fight in the Heavens for my brother’s interests! She had made her decision in secret, now completely siding with Sha Chen.
Jin Chanzi, who was watching this unfold, could not contain his anger either. Even though he was born a mortal, he knew exactly what had happened before. Sha Chen had reached out to save him and even tried to help him cross the river; he was aware of that.
And then, when the immortals appeared, thunder and lightning raged, and they repeatedly attacked Sha Chen. At first, he thought that they had misunderstood Sha Chen’s attempt to rescue. But after learning about his past and present lives, it became clear to him that the immortals had hoped he would die right there, to settle the karma of this lifetime.
Above Flowing Sand River, Sha Chen chuckled.
Looking at Nezha, he said, "Li Nezha, do you really think that what you are saying is true?" After speaking, he stared directly at Nezha.
Nezha frowned, his eyes flickering uncertainly. Only those who had wronged Sha Chen knew just how wrongly accused he was at this moment. Nezha was on a mission, and although he did not know the truth of the matter, he knew it certainly wasn’t as he had described.
However, he had no other choice. Because he was a member of the Li Family as well as a servant of the Heavenly Court. Whatever Li Jing commanded, he would do; whatever the Heavenly Court demanded, he would do. As a son and as a subject, he often felt compelled.
Mighty Miracle God, seeing that Nezha remained silent, coughed and said, "Great General, do not forget our purpose. We are here to convict him."
Nezha did not respond.
Mighty Miracle God knew Nezha’s forthrightness was causing trouble and said, "Great General, the true nature of events does not matter. What matters is that Sha Chen must be found guilty."
Nezha was still silent.
Mighty Miracle God sighed, his eyes suddenly shining with brilliance. Holding his spear and silver sword, he pointed at Sha Chen and shouted loudly, "How dare you, Sha Chen, the criminal? What right or status do you have to question the Great General?"
"The scripture-seeking monk was indeed captured by you into your cave and has not been seen since, his life or death unknown. You cannot deny this. Today, you had better surrender and open the cave for us to inspect; otherwise, watch your head!"
Having said that, without waiting for Nezha to react or Sha Chen to reply, he charged forward with his spear and sword, cutting through the clouds, leading his troops with high-pitched battle cries.
Nezha was shocked, while the other immortals cheered on. The eight gods of the Thunder Department beat their drums to boost morale, and the Liuding Liujia waved their flags and shouted. With Mighty Miracle God leading his troops into battle, their majestic presence was overwhelming, with a towering momentum and an air of killing intent. Monsters within ten thousand miles trembled in fear. Earth spirits and tree demons wished they could bury their heads underground and dared not show themselves.
The reincarnated Jin Chanzi was also alarmed and worried, "Master is also an immortal. Why are these immortals bullying him?"
Chang E snorted, "There are good and bad immortals, and they are the bad ones."
Jin Chanzi nodded, no longer holding any favorable impression of Mighty Miracle God and the others.
Sha Chen’s phantom disappeared, and Mighty Miracle God hurried his men to attack the Black Tortoise Armor and break into the Flowing Sand River Cave.
But before they could strike, a massive, celestial palm emerged from within Flowing Sand River. The palm shimmered, seemingly imprinted with mountains and rivers, as if dragons and phoenixes sang upon it.
All the immortals were stunned. Even Nezha was bewildered.
THWACK!
The celestial palm easily struck Mighty Miracle God and his troops, swatting them like mosquitoes. Had Mighty Miracle God not been so large, he would have appeared merely as a mote of dust in front of that giant palm. Even so, he seemed no more than a fly. They came swiftly but were sent flying even faster.
Taoist Master Gou from the Thunder Department shouted, "Sha Chen, are you rebelling?"