Chapter 154: Chapter 148: Jin Chanzi’s Reincarnation, Changing the Household [Seeking Subscriptions Seeking Monthly Tickets]_1
Jin Chanzi was bewildered.
Sha Chen’s words struck right at his soul.
They reminded him of a childhood incident when Hanshan helped him kill a yellow dog that bullied him, and then they both ate its meat.
It was also from that time that he started to clash with Buddhism.
Buddhism, in turn, began to be stricter with him from that moment onward.
Also, from that point on, Jin Chanzi became more vivacious in his reincarnations, often breaking precepts.
At that time, he was already a lay disciple of Buddhism.
"Monk, what are you thinking about?" Sha Chen asked knowingly.
Jin Chanzi replied, "I’m thinking of an old friend. Immortal, please don’t make it difficult for this poor monk; I truly cannot break the precepts."
Sha Chen asked, "Why did you join Buddhism?"
Jin Chanzi answered, "To benefit society and save all beings."
Sha Chen said, "You’re not that noble. Be honest."
After a moment of silence, Jin Chanzi admitted, "To gain Great Divine Powers, to use the Buddhist Law to revive Hanshan, and then wander the world with him."
Sha Chen felt a direct hit to his heart. He smiled and said, "Buddhism isn’t the only place to gain Great Divine Power. If you want to learn it, I can also teach you."
Jin Chanzi was taken aback, his breath catching. "Can it bring the dead back to life and restore flesh to their bones?"
Sha Chen answered, "It can kill, and it can save oneself. To save others, you need Elixirs. If you wish to learn Alchemy, I can teach you that as well."
Without another word, Jin Chanzi knelt before Sha Chen and kowtowed, saying, "Please, Immortal, teach me."
He no longer addressed himself as a ’poor monk,’ and his eyes were full of hope.
Sha Chen, a smile playing on his lips, finally couldn’t hold back and burst into hearty laughter, his eyes shining with confidence.
He had succeeded.
Indeed, the obsession in Jin Chanzi’s heart was not to worship Buddha but to empower himself. Even if it was for the sake of saving others, he still needed to strengthen himself. When Hanshan was drowned and everyone stood by watching while he was powerless, Jin Chanzi understood that he needed to be strong. He must be powerful to protect himself and those he cared for, without being controlled by others. Resorting to Buddhism was an act of desperation, influenced also by the display of Buddhism’s strength, prompting him to join and arm himself.
But if Sha Chen was willing to teach him, that would be best. After all, Sha Chen was also Hanshan’s mentor; if he could teach Hanshan, he could teach him too. What’s more, having the same master as Hanshan would be something to yearn for.
Chang E was stunned. She had heard about Jin Chanzi—a Disciple of the Buddha, demoted for dozing off during a Buddhist lecture due to his differing views from the Buddha. In truth, he was the central figure around whom the Journey to the West team was formed to carry out Buddhism’s mission to spread the Buddhist Law. Jin Chanzi was also part of a scheme by Buddhism and the Buddha, designed to align his path with the Buddha’s and to help propagate Buddhism, thereby increasing its influence. If everything had gone according to the original plan, Jin Chanzi would have reincarnated repeatedly, only to die on the Journey to the West each time.
But now, Sha Chen had laid out his plans, and with Jin Chanzi right there, he naturally intended to influence him directly. However, Sha Chen did not plan to let anyone from Buddhism know that he had influenced Jin Chanzi’s reincarnation. Otherwise, Buddhist dignitaries would come to kill him in the next moment, and he would be doomed.
Chang E was genuinely bewildered. Knowing Jin Chanzi’s situation, she realized his life was meant to be the Journey to the West. But here, Sha Chen had intercepted him! She glanced at Sha Chen and then at Jin Chanzi, who was kneeling on the ground, still unable to process it. Yet, her eyes began to glow. According to the original trajectory, Jin Chanzi was supposed to become Sha Chen’s master; this was arranged by Buddhism and known even to the Jade Emperor. Chang E naturally knew this too. But now, Jin Chanzi was asking to be Sha Chen’s Disciple! If this succeeded, their roles would be completely reversed!
Sha Chen smiled and said, "If you want to take me as your master, you cannot continue cultivating Buddhist Law, for I do not take pleasure in it."
Jin Chanzi replied, "This Disciple does not like it either."
After speaking, he raised his head and looked straight at Sha Chen, his eyes determined.
Sha Chen nodded with a smile, convinced.
Jin Chanzi had engaged with Buddhism only to gain great power and the ability to control life and death. His feelings toward Buddhism were more of fear and resistance, especially after witnessing its inaction during Hanshan’s drowning and its indifference to the perpetrator. Thus, he wasn’t fond of Buddhism either.
Sha Chen nodded, fully convinced of this.
In this life, Jin Chanzi was influenced from a young age by my avatar, his personality changing as he broke precepts from childhood into adulthood. Later, witnessing his friend drown and Buddhism’s disregard, he naturally held no affection for it. The reason he joined Buddhism was because it was powerful enough, and he was told that becoming a Buddha could save the world and those he wished to save. Whether he would succeed remained to be seen, but for now, the priority is to get Jin Chanzi back on the right track.
Therefore, under Jinzha’s persuasion, Jin Chanzi’s reincarnation decided to join Buddhism, learn Buddhist Law, and gain Great Divine Power. After more than a decade of Buddhist cultivation, he had a foundation in Buddhist Law and then began the Journey to the West, which had led him here today.
In fact, Jin Chanzi’s Primordial Spirit is very strong. He must have secretly practiced a special Cultivation Technique or consumed something that enhanced his Primordial Spirit. He must have cultivated some technique that made his Primordial Spirit powerful, Sha Chen mused.
He chuckled and said, "Since you also dislike Buddhism, stand up. Let’s eat first before discussing anything else."
Jin Chanzi kowtowed three more times. Still kneeling, he picked up a cup of wine and offered it to Sha Chen.
Sha Chen was taken aback but accepted it and drained it in one gulp.
Jin Chanzi kowtowed three times again, then grabbed a cup of wine and emptied it as well, thereby breaking his precepts.
Chang E watched from the side, completely flabbergasted and somewhat shaken. When she looked at Sha Chen, her eyes were filled with fascination. Truly worthy of being my brother! Such personal magnetism is extraordinary. Even Jin Chanzi’s reincarnation, a Disciple of the Buddha, has switched to his tutelage! Why should we worry about the schemes of Buddhism and the Heavenly Court?
Her heart filled with joy, but she also sensed the gravity of the situation. This matter is of great importance. I must find a way to ensure no mistakes are made, so no outsider learns of this. Otherwise, Sha Chen will definitely be besieged with troubles.
After kowtowing, Jin Chanzi’s reincarnation could be considered to have formally taken Sha Chen as his master. Although it happened hastily, the two now shared the bond of master and Disciple.
Sha Chen said, "Get up. Let’s eat and drink."
Jin Chanzi didn’t hold back, heartily enjoying the feast, though his wrinkled old face showed a slight unfamiliarity with such pleasures. He had been a Buddhist for a long time, and this wine and food were not what he was accustomed to.
Sha Chen asked, "Do you like this?"
Jin Chanzi responded, "I do."
Sha Chen laughed heartily, continuously pouring him wine. Chang E stood by, pouring wine for both of them, serving them dishes, and incessantly urging them to drink more.
Jin Chanzi ate until he was drowsy and soon fell into a deep sleep, snoring loudly.
Sha Chen picked him up with one hand and laid him on a bed in the palace. Then, he went back to drink with Chang E.
Chang E asked, "Brother, do you truly intend to take him as your Disciple?"
Sha Chen replied, "I’ve drunk his wine and accepted his kowtows. Could there be any falsehood in this?"
Chang E, her expression complex, said, "Brother, have you considered that he is a Disciple of the Buddha, selected by Buddhism for the Journey to the West?" She didn’t finish her sentence, as it wasn’t necessary; Sha Chen certainly knew what she meant.
Indeed, Sha Chen thought.
He smiled and said, "I’m aware. In fact, this is a decision I’ve made after much careful thought."
He was naturally cautious, never wanting to bring trouble upon himself. Taking Jin Chanzi as a Disciple was a tremendous risk. But not taking him would also be troublesome. And after taking him, Buddhism could deal with the headache.
Chang E said, "What should we do if the people of Buddhism find out?"
Sha Chen replied, "Then we just make sure they don’t find out. You’re not going to tell them, are you?"
Chang E said, feeling wronged, "Brother, your words cut deep."
Sha Chen laughed. "I’m just joking. If I didn’t trust you, I wouldn’t have made this decision in front of you."
Chang E immediately smiled, her cheeks blushing with a touch of happiness. Then she said again, "But if you pass on your techniques to him, Buddhism will surely know. He’ll disappear from here and then suddenly possess new abilities; it’s impossible not to link it to you."
Sha Chen chuckled. "You make a good point. That’s why I plan to let him die."
Chang E covered her mouth, shocked. "Brother, what did you say?"
Seeing he might have been misunderstood, Sha Chen explained, "I mean, Chen Liu’er must die, but not truly die. He will retain his memories."
Chang E was momentarily stunned, then her eyes lit up. "I understand now, brother! You want Jin Chanzi’s reincarnation to retain the memories of becoming your Disciple and learning techniques. After reincarnating, he’ll cultivate on his own?"
Sha Chen confirmed, "Exactly. But it surely won’t be easy for him to cultivate alone; he must have guidance. Otherwise, knowing everything from birth will definitely raise suspicions."
Finishing his explanation, he glanced at Chang E, who hurriedly shook her head. She quickly said, "Brother, I can’t do it. If I get involved with him and Buddhism misunderstands, I could be obliterated in an instant. Not even the Heavenly Court could save me." Worried that Sha Chen would be disappointed, she quickly added, "Apart from that, brother, I will do anything else you ask of me."
Sha Chen chuckled. "What are you thinking? Why would I let you get involved? I’m also worried about your safety."
You still need to be my spy in the Heavenly Court, anyway, he thought.
But Chang E felt incredibly moved. My brother really does care for me!
Then she was puzzled again. If not me, does Sha Chen have someone else who can interact with Jin Chanzi? Who else could teach Jin Chanzi Divine Power and pull off such a grand deception!?
Sha Chen smiled. "This old hermit has his ways."
Chang E then asked, "What will you teach Jin Chanzi to ensure he retains his memories? Buddhism probably gave instructions; getting past Meng Po won’t be easy."
Sha Chen once again smiled. "I have my methods."
Chang E shrugged. Since Sha Chen has a plan, that’s for the best. I don’t need to worry too much.
「The next day.」
Jin Chanzi had already risen and was kowtowing to Sha Chen, ready to be baptized by the Dao Techniques.
Meanwhile, in the sky, majestic thunder began to rumble. The Thunder Department’s eight gods had not waited for a command from the Heavenly Court, but the daily thunder punishments could not be stopped. This time, another cycle had begun, with a thunder punishment ten times stronger than usual. Yet, they decided to enhance the thunder punishment further, seeking favor with both the Heavenly Court and Buddhism.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Chang E, seeing this, exclaimed, "Brother, why is today’s thunder punishment stronger than usual? The Thunder Department has increased its severity without authorization! I must seek justice for you."
But Sha Chen’s eyes gleamed. "No need to rush," he said. "I can use this to my advantage."
Then, he leaped onto the lightning-attracting platform, ready to withstand the thunderous assault.
Jin Chanzi watched, trembling with fear and utterly astounded. At the same time, his eyes brimmed with longing.
This immortal is truly exceptional! I had worried that by pledging myself to a mere river deity, I wouldn’t learn anything worthwhile. But now it seems this river deity is incredibly powerful!