Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years

Chapter 328 - 322 The Three Holy Mother is Shocked【Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets】_1

But Sha Chen was right. The Treasured Lotus Lantern could not be activated by anyone whose heart was not pure, let alone someone who did not know the special incantation. In all the world, aside from Nuwa, only she knew the incantation. Even her Second Brother had not been told. Sha Chen could not and dared not know. If he knew, then Nuwa would come knocking at his door.The Treasured Lotus Lantern was unlike other magical tools—it was a sacred object. If a common immortal weapon fell into Sha Chen’s hands, there might be an explanation. If the Treasured Lotus Lantern fell into Sha Chen’s hands, it would be considered stolen.

Sha Chen wasn’t particularly interested in the Treasured Lotus Lantern, but he was considering using the Three Holy Mother as free labor.Or perhaps just borrowing her.

After Sha Chen poured the tea, he made a few simple remarks that eased the Three Holy Mother’s nerves before he went to cook.

Soon, delicious dishes were served. Sha Chen did not make much, but there were both meat and vegetarian options, and they were all relatively delicate, after all, it was just the two of them dining.

The spider spirits were all cultivating and seeking enlightenment within the Eight-Treasure Water Tower. Sha Chen had given them the task of not coming out until their cultivation made a breakthrough. The Eight-Treasure Water Tower was a magical tool. It could harness the power of the Flowing Sand River and also suppress it. This complemented the Xuan Yuan Water Control Flag outside the tower, each reflecting the other’s strengths and providing stability. Even if the Three Holy Mother launched a strong attack on the Flowing Sand River, causing a mess inside the cave dwelling, it would not affect them inside the Eight-Treasure Water Tower.

Sha Chen said, "Sorry to keep you waiting, please enjoy your meal."

The Three Holy Mother looked at the table laden with delicious food, her appetite surging. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she clasped her fists in a brief salute, then picked up her chopsticks to eat. After tasting a few bites, she indeed found the meal delicious, and she couldn’t stop singing its praises as she kept eating.

The Three Holy Mother said, "River Lord, you truly have great skills. I never expected that beyond your impressive divine powers and magic, your cooking is exceptional too. If you were in the heavens, even the Kitchen God would sigh in inadequacy."

Sha Chen chuckled and replied, "It’s not as exaggerated as all that. Should San Niang marry in the future, she too will have such skillful hands and be able to cook the finest foods."

He deliberately referred to the Three Holy Mother as San Niang to create a sense of closeness. Although the Three Holy Mother felt somewhat uncomfortable, she didn’t say anything. Instead, she thought there was something off about Sha Chen’s last remark.

She asked in amazement, "River Lord, why do you think that I will have skillful hands and be able to cook delicious food in the future?"

Sha Chen replied, "If you were to marry and raise a family, you would surely cook for them while managing the household and teaching your children. Naturally, you would learn to cook."

The Three Holy Mother furrowed her brows and said, "I will not marry, unless my mother is safely rescued and out of harm’s way, then I might consider it. Moreover, if I were to marry, it would absolutely be to a great, upstanding hero. Other than my Second Brother, I truly cannot imagine another man like that."

She spoke with a mix of pride and confidence, "If I were to marry such a man, he would pamper me and ensure that my hands never touched cold water, let alone make me a cook."

Sha Chen smiled noncommittally. He let the Three Holy Mother eat, while he poured wine for her, offering a delicious osmanthus wine with a low alcohol content that left a pleasant aftertaste.

The Three Holy Mother was enjoying the meal, but Sha Chen’s earlier words had stayed with her because she remembered what her master had told her before she descended the mountain.

She could not help but ask, "River Lord, why did you suddenly say those things? Could it be that you have seen through my life?"

Sha Chen replied, "No, don’t misunderstand. I know nothing and understand nothing. It was just a wild guess." Google seaʀᴄh novelꞁire.net

Then he continued eating. But the Three Holy Mother was skeptical. The more he dismissed it, the less she believed him.

She persisted, seeking the truth, and said, "River Lord, please tell me honestly, I would be grateful."

Sha Chen said, "I really was just speculating because I misunderstood you for an ordinary woman, but now I realize you are not ordinary."

Half-believing, the Three Holy Mother did not want to dwell on this topic anymore. Then she asked, "River Lord, can you tell me the truth about my Second Brother’s transformation?"

Sha Chen asked, "Would you believe what I say?"

The Three Holy Mother answered, "I believe."

Sha Chen said, "Good, if you believe, then I will tell you. Initially, when your Second Brother and I fought, it was indeed a deadlock. However, it also led to us getting acquainted. I let him in on purpose, as he wouldn’t have been able to enter otherwise."

The Three Holy Mother nodded. Her tendency to idolize her brother meant she did not argue. Had Sha Chen said this before, she would have certainly turned hostile, for there was nothing Yang Jian wished to do that he couldn’t. But, having witnessed Sha Chen’s various miracles and the strange things here, she believed that if Sha Chen truly hadn’t wanted Yang Jian to enter, Yang Jian indeed would not have been able to.

Sha Chen continued, "After he entered, I inquired about some matters I wanted to know, like why he targeted me, why he came after me, and some other things."

He chose the most important parts of his conversation with Yang Jian to share with her. The Three Holy Mother listened attentively.

In truth, she didn’t know if what Sha Chen said was true or false. However, he spoke convincingly, and his earnest gaze didn’t seem like the usual bluffing he did outside. So, she believed about eighty percent of it.

「An hour later.」

The meal had progressed, with several rounds of wine and many dishes enjoyed. Sha Chen had also recounted the events of that time, then said, "I have the Mountain-driving Whip and the Mountain Splitting Axe, but when your Second Brother, desperate to save his mother, sought to join forces with me and begged me to come out of the mountains to rescue her, I refused. He thought I was afraid of the Jade Emperor and even suggested we rebel together. I refused that too. I only told him I wanted to safely engage in cultivation and live a peaceful life."

Sha Chen sighed deeply and said, "He took it to heart and then became anxious. I suppose he wanted to increase his strength to enhance his bargaining power with me. He knew I needed people, so he had to grow stronger to be of use to me."

Sha Chen’s guess was almost right on the mark. Indeed, that was what Yang Jian was thinking. To save his mother, he had even set aside the vendetta for his father’s death and slaved away for the Jade Emperor. Sha Chen bore no grudge against him, and they even got along rather well. If Sha Chen could save his mother, why not devote himself to Sha Chen’s cause?

But Sha Chen had no intention of rebelling or even leaving this place. The only way to assure Sha Chen was if he, Yang Jian, was strong enough to bear the consequences when the time came. After rescuing his mother, Yang Jian would have to bear the wrath of the Heavenly Court and help Sha Chen deal with the trouble. Even so, he also owed Sha Chen a favor, needing to work on his behalf to resolve disasters. Not enhancing his own power was simply not an option.

Furthermore, the teachings Sha Chen imparted to Yang Jian gave him insight, and he naturally chose to enter seclusion at the first opportunity.

After hearing this, the Three Holy Mother suddenly realized the truth.

She then said, "That’s not right, why doesn’t he visit our mother then? Previously, no matter how busy he was or how much he cultivated, he would visit her. She was his motivation to move forward."

Sha Chen said, "If I’m not mistaken, he doesn’t want to disappoint your mother anymore. Each visit is a promise, but he’s never fulfilled it. Rather than that, he would rather strengthen himself and strive to release your mother so that the family can reunite. Isn’t that better?"

After hearing this, the Three Holy Mother burst into tears.

"Second Brother, oh Second Brother, you’ve endured so much; you really had it tough, Second Brother, and I even misunderstood you."

"BOO HOO HOO, Second Brother, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. You have borne too much. Why didn’t you tell me earlier?"

The Three Holy Mother wept bitterly, her sobs causing her to tremble.

Seeing this, Sha Chen quietly picked up his cup and began to drink alone, slowly and silently. As the Three Holy Mother cried harder and started to get more agitated, Sha Chen could no longer hold back.

He said, "Stop crying. Your weeping won’t be seen by your Second Brother."

The Three Holy Mother rolled her eyes, unable to imagine just how heartless Sha Chen must be to watch her, a great beauty, cry without being moved. No, it wasn’t just indifference. Sha Chen was actually scolding her. Any other man would have already come forth to embrace her and comfort her with kind words during her grief. But Sha Chen looked at her with disdain, his tone impatient and annoyed.

The Three Holy Mother stopped crying and simply stared at Sha Chen, her expression turning sour as she halted her sobs.

She then said, "What kind of man are you? A weak woman weeps before you, and you remain indifferent, even scolding me!?"

Sha Chen replied, "What I said is the truth. No matter how tragic your tears, your Second Brother can’t see or hear you. You’re only bothering me."

Just as the Three Holy Mother was about to explode in anger, Sha Chen said, "Enough. You know how much your Second Brother has endured, so don’t make him sad. You should focus on easing his burdens."

The Three Holy Mother asked, "What can I do to help Second Brother?"

Sha Chen responded simply, "Your Second Brother grows strong to protect me, or else I wouldn’t have lent him the Mountain Splitting Axe."

He continued matter-of-factly, "But rather than relying on others for protection, I’d rather grow stronger myself and protect myself."

The Three Holy Mother thought for a moment, nodded, and said, "That makes sense, but how can I help you grow stronger? I don’t know any dual cultivation spells; I can’t assist you."

Sha Chen’s cheek twitched. He said, "Even if you wanted to help me that way, I wouldn’t be pleased."

Women, always so scheming! Trying to tempt me!?

Clearing his throat, he said, "Didn’t you say the Treasured Lotus Lantern could strengthen the Primordial Spirit? Put some effort into it, focus on it, and help me strengthen my Primordial Spirit. That’s how you can help me."

The Three Holy Mother suddenly understood. Nodding repeatedly, she said, "Got it, leave it to me."

Sha Chen smiled. That was more like it.

Next, Sha Chen waited for the Three Holy Mother to bring out the Treasured Lotus Lantern to assist him with his cultivation.

But the Three Holy Mother then said, "River Master, you previously mentioned that you taught my Second Brother, and he gained greatly from it. How about you teach me as well? He is willing to serve you, and I can too. As long as I can free my mother, I’m willing to do anything."

As she spoke, her cheeks reddened and she cast a flirtatious glance.

In reality, she wasn’t ignorant of worldly affairs. At her level, there was little she didn’t understand. It was merely a matter of who she deigned to consider worthy. Before, she didn’t consider him worthy. Now, she was interested.

In any case, the Three Holy Mother felt that the man her Second Brother approved of, she could approve of too. Although Sha Chen might seem unromantic, precisely such a person wouldn’t be frivolous and would be truly devoted. This was exactly what she desired.

But Sha Chen became wary.

I just want you to use the Treasured Lotus Lantern to help my cultivation, and you’re trying to offer yourself to me!?