Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years

Chapter 343 - 337: Chang E Confesses to Sha Chen【Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets】_1

Parting gifts?Sha Chen looked at the resources piled up like a mountain on the ground.

Without even needing to use his Divine Consciousness to check, a single glance told him exactly how much there was.

It was an absolutely massive amount.

Sha Chen was overjoyed, his eyes shining.

"Brother, you can’t refuse your little sister anymore. Otherwise, I’ll be truly unhappy, and I’ll get angry."

Chang E, seeing Sha Chen silent and expressionless for so long, assumed he was angry and decided to speak first to gain the upper hand. After all, Sha Chen loved her dearly, cherished her, and was willing to spend so many resources on her; he surely wouldn’t want to accept things from her. A magnificent man like Sha Chen, who accomplished great deeds and stood tall, would certainly dislike being accused of living off a woman. Therefore, Chang E had to make her case preemptively. If Sha Chen refused to accept, all her preparations would have been for nothing.

But she had completely misunderstood Sha Chen.

If he could, Sha Chen would gladly live off a woman every day. He’d even discovered a problem during a recent self-examination—his stomach wasn’t good, perfect for ’soft rice.’

Sha Chen coughed and furrowed his brows. This is tricky. Where am I supposed to put so many gifts?

However, when Chang E saw his frown, she assumed he was angry. She was about to change her tone and implore Sha Chen to accept.

Before she could speak, Sha Chen sighed. Oh well, even if there’s no space, I’ll just have to cram it all in.

He said, "Ahem, Sister, you’ve come all this way and gone to such trouble. Though your foolish older brother doesn’t want you to incur such expense, I also can’t bear to see my little sister upset... no, I can’t bear to see *you* upset. How could I possibly refuse?"

He continued, "Alas, there’s no other way. Since you insist on giving them to me, it would be churlish to refuse. Very well, very well, I’ll accept them. But in the future, you mustn’t... send so much."

I originally wanted to say ’don’t send anything at all,’ he thought, but I was afraid Chang E, being so earnest, would actually stop. Then I’d probably cry enough tears to fill the Flowing Sand River.

Even as he said "not so much," he secretly hoped Chang E wouldn’t pay too much attention to that part.

Seeing Sha Chen finally agree to accept, Chang E breathed a sigh of relief and nodded.

"Brother, rest assured, your little sister won’t make things difficult for you. By the way, Brother, it’s been such a long time since I’ve eaten your cooking. Could I trouble you to make something?"

Having just received so many wonderful things, Sha Chen was naturally more than willing.

She’s paid the price, so shouldn’t I provide excellent service? If the wealthy benefactor makes a request, it absolutely must be fulfilled.

Sha Chen immediately snapped his fingers, stored the items away, and headed to the kitchen to prepare.

This time, I’ll whip up a grand feast. If I get her thoroughly satisfied, she’ll bring even more good stuff next time!

While Sha Chen was tidying up in the kitchen and about to start the fire, Chang E brought in a bucket of water. "Brother, let me help," she said.

Then, as she bent down to scoop the water, Sha Chen’s eyes were nearly blinded... by a dazzling reflection. This water... it’s so reflective!

On the other side of the stove, Chang E began to help knead the dough.

She smiled and said, "Brother, could you roll up my sleeves for me?"

Sha Chen casually rolled them up for her, only to notice a mark on her fair arm. Is that a sun?

He asked in surprise, "Sister, when did you get a tattoo? And a sun, at that? That’s quite fashionable." New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on novelꜰire.net

Chang E replied, "Brother, what’s a tattoo? And this isn’t the sun; it’s the Taiyin symbol, the moon."

Then she swayed her arm. With her sleeves rolled up and resting on her shoulders, the somewhat wide cuffs allowed Sha Chen to catch a glimpse of... Are those the sun and moon shining in there?

Sha Chen’s cheek twitched. He wanted to adjust her clothing for her, but she was busy kneading dough, constantly moving.

Chang E’s face flushed. "Brother," she said coyly, "this is the kitchen. You can’t be so impatient."

Sha Chen’s expression froze. He withdrew his hand, deciding to ignore it.

Heh. Women and their petty tricks. Trying to disturb my Dao heart? As if!

When Chang E saw Sha Chen turn away and resume his work, she felt a pang of disappointment. Her eyes darted about as she began to scheme.

She suddenly asked, "Brother, you fired two Shooting Sun Divine Arrows from your Sky Shaking Bow. Do you have any divine arrows left?"

Sha Chen replied, "There’s one remaining."

Chang E said, "There’s only one sun in the world now, so the Shooting Sun Divine Arrow isn’t really needed anymore, is it? And the current sun is just right, its light is bright and pleasant. There’s no need to shoot it down, surely?"

Sha Chen nodded. "I have no past grievances or recent enmity with the Three-legged Golden Crow. Why would I shoot it?"

Chang E’s cheeks turned a shade redder. "Brother, do you know why my former husband, Hou Yi, wanted to shoot the suns?"

Sha Chen said, "To secure the livelihood of all people under heaven and to usher in an era of great peace for myriad generations."

Chang E said, "Actually, it was all about the struggle for supremacy between the Witch Clan and the Demon Clan. He was of the Witch Clan, and the Three-legged Golden Crows were of the Demon Clan."

"Back then, the common people lived at the foot of Buzhou Mountain, like ants. Buzhou Mountain itself blocked most of the sunlight, so it hardly caused them any significant harm."

Sha Chen glanced at Chang E, frowning slightly.

Is this woman badmouthing her own husband? Doesn’t a deceased husband still deserve some respect?

Chang E continued, "And at that time, the Realm of People was under the Witch Clan’s protection, so naturally, they believed the Witch Clan’s propaganda. Thus, Hou Yi shooting the suns became a great heroic deed."

As she spoke, she shook her head and sighed.

Sha Chen asked, "Why are you telling me all this? What are you getting at?"

Chang E replied, "I just want to tell you, Brother, not to be deceived by appearances. Many things that seem wonderful are not, and many so-called truths are merely illusions."

"They say I betrayed Hou Yi. But in reality, we truly loved each other, and he yearned for me to be free. Before the Witch Clan faced extinction, he sent me away."

"I wanted to die with him, but he loved me more and ensured my escape. To help me sever all ties with the Witch Clan, the story was spread that I betrayed him, stole the Immortal Pill, and ascended to Kunlun alone."

Sha Chen nodded. That does make a certain kind of sense.

But is she telling me all this to prove their marital devotion and her own innocence?

Chang E said, "Brother, I never wronged my late husband. He passed away, and I’ve carried that undeserved reputation for over a hundred thousand years. I’ve also remained faithful to his memory for over a hundred thousand years. That’s long enough."

Sha Chen was stunned.

What is this, an emotional talk show?

Chang E continued, "Brother, human emotions have a lifespan. A hundred thousand years is a very long time. I loved him, but after I poured out my heart to you that day and had a good cry, my lingering attachments faded. I now see him as family, but... I won’t wait for him anymore."

"He won’t come, he can’t return, and there’s no longer any need to wait."

Sha Chen understood. Ah, so it’s ’when it rains, it pours, and a widow yearns for love.’ She’s developed worldly desires!

He then said, "Sister, you’ve been traveling for half a year. Could it be you’ve taken a fancy to some young gentleman? If so, your brother can send someone to propose marriage on your behalf. As for the betrothal gifts, one percent of what you brought today should be more than enough, right?"

One percent! A pang of pain shot through him. He’d barely had a chance to warm them in his hands, and now he had to give some away.

But Chang E replied, "I’m afraid that won’t be nearly enough."

Sha Chen grew anxious. "One percent isn’t enough? Sister, you’re the woman! It’s already generous that you’re not asking him for anything. In fact, you’re already offering to give him things! Alright, alright, five percent! At most, ten percent! No more than that. If he demands more, then that man simply doesn’t love you."

I must drill this into her head, Sha Chen thought fiercely. Any man who makes a woman pay for him is a scumbag! All scumbags in the world deserve to die!

Chang E said, "Brother, actually... the one I like is you. Do you think ten percent is enough for you?"

Sha Chen almost shoved her head into the furnace, but he managed to restrain himself at the last moment.

Taking two quick steps back, he said, "Sister, please, control yourself! I’m your brother."

Chang E said, "But we’re not blood-related, we’re only sworn siblings. If Brother likes me, even after we get together, I can still call you ’Brother’ instead of ’husband’."

Sha Chen’s cheek twitched. Just as I thought, she came with ill intentions! I never should have accepted those gifts. No, wait. Since I accepted them, I should have sent *her* away immediately!

His head started to ache. He silently berated himself. I shouldn’t have been so greedy for those little benefits! Anyone in the world who’s greedy for small gains deserves what’s coming to them! Now look, my greed has gotten me into this mess! No way. Absolutely not. Women are just a distraction! They only slow down my hand speed... yes, my sword-drawing hand speed!

Sha Chen said, "Sister, a promise is a promise, and actions should have consequences. We swore an oath of brotherhood; we can’t act recklessly."

"Besides, you’re a good woman. Marrying me wouldn’t be right for you. And if we were to marry, I should be the one providing the betrothal gifts. I have none, nor will I give any. So, please, just forget it. You’re a good person."

Time to hand out the ’good person’ cards, he thought.

Yet Chang E said, "Brother, I’m just a widow. How could I be worthy of betrothal gifts? Besides, if you don’t give me any, and I don’t provide a dowry, wouldn’t that solve the problem?"

Then, she began to advance, backing Sha Chen into a corner. Her gaze, fixed on him, was bold and filled with unconcealed excitement.

She had come today prepared for a desperate gamble—no, that wasn’t right—she had come prepared to be completely direct. After all, she was now a Daluo Golden Immortal, and Sha Chen himself was powerful enough. And she missed Sha Chen terribly; back in Guanghan Palace, she couldn’t bear a single moment without thinking of him. That’s why she had rushed over in such a fervor.

Sha Chen’s cheek twitched. She’s really fired up today. Is the kitchen fire too hot, perhaps?

He placed his hands on Chang E’s shoulders to stop her as she leaned in to kiss him, intending to push her away.

Chang E purred, "Brother, don’t press my shoulders. Press somewhere else."

Sha Chen’s cheek twitched violently.

He pushed her firmly away. "Sister, how about we each take a step back? I won’t marry you, and I won’t return your gifts. How does that sound?"

Chang E gazed at Sha Chen with a look of deep resentment, then started to move towards him again.

She was on the verge of tossing her clothes into the stove to force his hand.

「At that precise moment」

"What are you two doing? And who is this woman?"

Seventh Mother suddenly appeared, standing in the kitchen doorway with a frown.

Chang E, startled, quickly retreated several steps, pulling down her sleeves and smoothing her attire.

She frowned at Sha Chen, then turned to the newcomer. "I am Chang E, Mistress of Guanghan Palace. And who might you be, and why are you here?"

Her gaze was cool as she scanned Seventh Mother from head to toe, after which a subtle sigh of relief escaped her.

Her figure is decent, but not as good as mine. Her looks are fair, but still inferior to mine. Temperament, appearance, figure, height, even her clothes and aura... none of them match up to me.

Chang E inwardly relaxed.

Seventh Mother also felt an imposing pressure emanating from Chang E, which made her frown deepen.

She declared, "I am Seventh Mother from The Cave of the Silken Web. I am Big Brother’s younger sister, and also his child bride."

"COUGH! COUGH!"

Sha Chen nearly choked. Child bride? What in the world are you babbling about?!

Chang E turned her gaze to Sha Chen, her eyes filled with reproach. "Brother, so it turns out you don’t appreciate a fine banquet. You prefer cheap street food instead."

She added, a hint of challenge in her voice, "I can also toss abalone and sea cucumber into a wok and make fried noodles, you know."