Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years

Chapter 334 - 328 Sha Chen’s Layout in Netherworld Nether World [Seeking Subscriptions Seeking Monthly Tickets]_1

Sha Chen’s expression was somewhat gloomy. He had not expected that the Netherworld would dare to scheme against him. They had already colluded with Buddhism, seeking to coax information out of his avatar.Actually, he wasn’t worried about this. The avatar wouldn’t reveal his information, as it could self-destruct if anything seemed amiss. Even if it couldn’t blow itself up, Sha Chen could make it burst from afar, so he didn’t need to worry about information being leaked.

However, the avatar Daoist Hanshan wasn’t easy to cultivate. Having established illustrious military achievements, Sha Chen had great expectations for him. If he were to self-destruct now, it would certainly be a waste.

Most importantly, Sha Chen had learned from the King of Hell that more than half of the Nether World had defected to Buddhism, or perhaps the entire Nether World was already in Buddhism’s grasp. This was terrifying.

If it really is so, I’ll have to seriously consider whether to make arrangements in the Nether World. That way, when the time comes, whether it’s to resist or confront the Nether World, I’ll have some means at my disposal, instead of being like today, with my avatar oppressed by the Nether World while I’m helpless to intervene.

However, if the King of Hell thought that executing Daoist Hanshan would settle everything, he would be greatly mistaken. His biggest mistake was taking Daoist Hanshan to the River of Forgetfulness. Above the River of Forgetfulness is the Naihe Bridge, and I can just imagine the King of Hell bringing him there, presumably to cleanse his memory or even plunder it. There are rumors that Meng Po presides over the river with her Divine Power, and her divine water can make one forget the memories of their past lives. However, I feel that the possibility of forgetting one’s past life isn’t through cleansing, but through plundering.

Whether it’s cleansing or plundering, in any case, it’s a trial for Daoist Hanshan. If the Soup of Meng Po in the River of Forgetfulness truly made the ghosts who drank it reveal their past life’s memories, that would be a great taboo! Plundering someone else’s memory has always been considered despicable. It has always been the most taboo for the powerful because if they were reincarnated and someone plundered their memories, wouldn’t it be like making wedding clothes for someone else?

But I think the Soup of Meng Po in the River of Forgetfulness might indeed plunder people’s memories; otherwise, why would they never give it to the powerful? Isn’t it because they fear provoking them? And the memories of ordinary people can create independent personalities. If the memories of a past life were infused into a soul, then that soul could become an independent entity. Even if not, extracting ordinary people’s memories to search for useful information, or to control the entire past and present lives of ordinary people, would be tantamount to controlling their very faith.

Thinking of this, Sha Chen couldn’t help but shiver. If it’s indeed so, then the Nether World would truly be terrifying.

I can’t even begin to imagine it: if these memories were mastered by Buddhism, wouldn’t it mean Buddhism could control everyone in the world? By grasping the memories of past lives, they could deduce a person’s entire life, and their next life would most likely follow a similar trajectory. They could derive so much from this!

The more Sha Chen thought about it, the less he dared to continue, yet his eyes shone brighter and brighter.

If the Nether World is truly doing this, and if it were exposed, they might instantly become the target of public criticism.

By then, would the Nether World still have any way to mess with me? Would they still dare to collude with Buddhism to capture my avatar? They’d scarcely be able to protect themselves! Whether this matter is true or false, it’s worth a try. To expose it, I have to collect evidence. And there must be enough powerful witnesses; otherwise, without solid proof, no one will believe it. Even if they did, it would only be suspicion, and the Nether World wouldn’t suffer a significant blow.

Moreover, I plan to direct this matter towards Buddhism. Whether it’s related to them or not doesn’t stop me from scheming against them. After all, Buddhism has already extended its reach into the Nether World, and the Yama Kings of the Nether World have all bowed in submission. Since they’re all tarred with the same brush, then I won’t hold back.

Sha Chen furrowed his brows. Regarding the Netherworld, I must have someone handle it for me, but this person’s identity, status, and strength must all be sufficient. It would be best to have several people, rather than just one or two.

He pondered deeply, his gaze flickering as he already had some candidates in mind, then continued his meditative cultivation.

As for the avatar, I’m not overly worried. Daoist Hanshan, with his lotus body, needn’t worry about his soul being captured. The waters of the River of Forgetfulness won’t have a chance to cleanse his memories because they are intrinsically part of his physical form and cannot be simply wiped away. It’s just a matter of how the avatar manages to escape from the clutches of the King of Hell and the others. It would be best if he could play for time and gather more information.

「Three days later.」

Three Holy Mother and Seventh Mother stepped out from the Eight-Treasure Water Tower, hand in hand, as intimate as best friends. Sha Chen looked on, somewhat stunned and taken aback. Looking at Three Holy Mother again, her divine light was radiant, and she seemed to be in good spirits, showing none of her previous languidness. At this moment, she looked like she could go another three hundred rounds.

Sha Chen said, "It seems you’ve recovered your energy. Continue using the Treasured Lotus Lantern to help me cultivate."

Three Holy Mother approached, gave a slight bow to Sha Chen, her face slightly flushed, and said with a smile, "River Lord, I did not understand you before and have offended you in many ways. Please forgive me."

Sha Chen was dumbfounded. The usually domineering Three Holy Mother is actually apologizing? Has she evolved into an ideal wife and mother ahead of time?

Sha Chen tested the waters, "Why are you apologizing to me? You haven’t wronged me, and I haven’t wronged you."

Three Holy Mother replied, "Indeed, General, you have not wronged me, but I have wronged you." She continued, "I previously misunderstood the River Lord, thinking him to be petty and miserly, greedy for profit, cowardly as a mouse, terrified of death, and a despicable, shameless wretch ready to betray others for the slightest gain. But..."

Sha Chen was already clenching his fist. Fortunately, Three Holy Mother said that ’but’ rather quickly; otherwise, Sha Chen might have made her regret ever opening her mouth, leaving her panting for breath.

Three Holy Mother added, "But I was mistaken. I never expected you to be a person of such noble character, so impartial and selfless, always acting for others and never for yourself—a truly lofty individual. I’m sorry I misunderstood you. Please forgive me."

Sha Chen had withstood countless sugar-coated bullets before and wasn’t swayed by Three Holy Mother’s words. Instead, he grew more alert. Sudden sweet talk usually means they’re up to no good, either a traitor or a thief.

Sha Chen said warily, "What do you mean by all this? I’m just an ordinary person, not as great as you’re making me out to be. If you’re here to borrow money, forget it."

I’ve blocked that path first, so Three Holy Mother probably won’t dare ask outright now.

But Three Holy Mother clarified, "River Lord, you misunderstand. I’m not here to borrow money. In fact, you’re so poor, you couldn’t lend me any even if I asked."

Sha Chen clenched his fist again. I may be poor, but you can’t just say it out loud! I won’t accept that!

Three Holy Mother continued, "I’m sorry, I misspoke. River Lord, you aren’t poor. Your wealth is vast; there aren’t many under heaven who can compare with you. However, you’re not consuming it all alone; you’ve been sacrificing yourself for the sake of others."

Sha Chen furrowed his brow even more, his guard raised higher. This woman’s sugar-coated bullets are quite potent; I almost couldn’t take it.

Sha Chen demanded, "What exactly are you trying to achieve with all this talk?"

Three Holy Mother replied, "I don’t want anything in particular, River Lord, just seeking to apologize to you. Your sister, Seventh Mother, has told me a lot about you. I realize now that I misunderstood, so I’m apologizing."

Sha Chen looked at Seventh Mother. At that moment, she was batting her eyelashes at him and even deliberately moved closer to sit in his lap, making a coquettish gesture as if to embrace him.

Sha Chen caught her hand and pushed her away, asking, "What’s going on?" ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ noⅴelfire.net

Seventh Mother settled beside him, poured him a cup of tea, then leaned in and nudged his shoulder. Her eyes shimmering like autumn waters, she said, "Big Brother, I just told her how good you are to us sisters."

"San Niang is a sensible person. She knows if you’re so good to us, you must be even better to others."

Sha Chen immediately objected, "No, don’t you dare say that! I’m only good to my own people, not so much to outsiders."

Seventh Mother was utterly moved.

Three Holy Mother said, "Yes, yes, I understand. I also want to acknowledge you as my elder brother. May I?"

As she spoke, her face turned red, and she lowered her head.

Sha Chen frowned. "Acknowledge me as your elder brother? What are you thinking?"

Three Holy Mother explained, "It’s just that I admire your character. There’s nothing else, absolutely no ulterior motives; please don’t misunderstand."

Sha Chen’s cheek twitched. Saying it like that, how could I not misunderstand?

She then added, "River Lord, if I acknowledge you as my elder brother and serve you wholeheartedly, you can borrow the Treasured Lotus Lantern for your cultivation without any problem."

The preceding words were all nonsense, but this last part truly tempted me. If I could borrow the Treasured Lotus Lantern legitimately and openly, without worrying about being schemed against by Nuwa Palace, this would be an excellent pretext.

After some thought, Sha Chen said, "Alright, you can be my younger sister. But remember, I might not have enough cultivation resources for you. You know I’m penniless; I barely have enough for myself, let alone to provide for you."

Three Holy Mother nodded and assured, "Don’t worry. Just being able to learn spells and Dao Techniques with my elder brother is more than satisfying for me, your younger sister."

Sha Chen hadn’t even formally agreed yet, and she was already calling him ’elder brother’.

Sha Chen said, "Since that’s the case, then fine. I acknowledge you as my sworn younger sister. Remember, you must be obedient in the future. If you’re not, I will still cast you out."

"And one more thing: you mustn’t blab about the situation in the Flowing Sand River. When you’re outside in the future, if anyone asks, just stick to the story I tell you. Don’t say anything more."

Three Holy Mother immediately clapped her hands as if making a vow and then leaped up joyfully.

She bounded over and gave Sha Chen a peck on the cheek. Then she said, "Elder Brother, now that I’m your sworn younger sister, my mother is your sworn mother! Please go rescue your sworn mother! She’s trapped beneath Peach Mountain. You just need to use the Mountain Splitting Axe or the Mountain-driving Whip to save her. She’s your mother, and I’m your sister; you can’t just stand by and watch her suffer!"

After saying this, she again threw herself into Sha Chen’s arms, looking utterly pitiable, pouting her lips as if about to kiss him.

This was what Seventh Mother had taught her: with her sacred beauty, virtuous and cheerful disposition, and such a pitiable act of throwing herself into his arms, no man could supposedly refuse.

However, she still didn’t understand Sha Chen well enough.

Sha Chen pushed Three Holy Mother away and said, "I knew you were scheming something! So this is what you were waiting for. You think one kiss is enough to make me help you? Is this how you test men? What man *couldn’t* withstand such a pathetic trial?"