Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 523 - 517: Firmness of Dao [Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets]_1

Sha Chen did not blame Ji Gong for his impoliteness. Instead, he smiled and said, "But as a visitor from afar, you are a guest. Although the delicious feast I prepare isn’t for just anyone, I see potential in you and allow you to partake."

No matter what, Ji Gong was quite a character. He was Jin Chanzi’s close friend in heaven and the famous Ji Gong, the mad monk, on earth. Unconventional in his actions, charitable, and righteous, he indeed spread the goodwill of Buddhism.

Sha Chen had said that he didn’t dislike Buddhism as a whole. Rather, he disliked those within it who fought for power and profit, and those who tried to manipulate and use him. That was all. Everyone else either wasn’t worthy of his disdain, was neutral, or didn’t even qualify to be acknowledged by him. Regardless, as long as it didn’t involve him, it didn’t matter.

Ji Gong didn’t engage in misconduct with the upper echelons of Buddhism, nor did he encroach upon Sha Chen’s interests. Therefore, Sha Chen could naturally treat him as an ordinary guest, and not guard against him as he would an enemy. However, treating him as a wholehearted friend was also impossible. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Ji Gong and Jin Chanzi were different, although both were good friends and both were unconventional in Buddhism. However, Jin Chanzi had forgotten his past life, identity, and powers. He had no memories; he was a blank slate upon which Sha Chen could paint. Through Sha Chen’s relentless efforts, Jin Chanzi had abandoned Buddhism for Taoism. He devoted himself entirely to Sha Chen, becoming his disciple.

Ji Gong was different. He had unique past-life memories and strengths and knew exactly why he was banished to the mortal realm—to refine his mind through the mortal world. Moreover, his banishment strengthened his devotion to Buddha. He still did not accept the mainstream Buddhist Law advocated by the Tathagata. He even proposed the idea that "meat and wine pass through the intestines while Buddha stays in the heart." Such views were considered heretical within Buddhism. But in Sha Chen’s view, this was merely internal strife behind closed doors within Buddhism. Ji Gong was still one of their own. As long as the interests of Buddhism were harmed, Ji Gong would still stand without hesitation on the side of Buddhism.

His visit today could not merely be for food, drinks, and idle chatter. He hadn’t declared his purpose yet, mainly because Ji Gong hadn’t found the right opportunity. Sha Chen could cook for him, but that was about it. However, even with the cooking, Sha Chen wouldn’t put in much effort. An improvement over the current fare would be sufficient, and he wouldn’t be overly attentive.

Sha Chen then stood up and said, "Master, please wait a moment. I will go and prepare a meal for you, not just for you, but also to welcome Siti and wash the dust from her travels."

He glanced at Siti and said with a smile, "You’re one of mine now; after all, I should make you something delicious to eat."

Siti’s face turned red. Looking into Sha Chen’s clear eyes, for some reason, she felt her heart skip a beat. She clearly disliked matters between men and women, as well as the men who coveted her beauty. Yet, at that moment, she found Sha Chen rather handsome, and even attractive to her. Siti began to entertain wild thoughts, her mind thrown into turmoil.

Meanwhile, Sha Chen turned and entered the Flowing Sand River Cave, calling out, "Siti, come in and help me. Pick some spiritual medicine and immortal herbs; I need them as supplementary ingredients."

"Tianpeng," he added, "since you know Master Ji Gong somewhat, keep him company and chat, but don’t speak out of turn."

Siti stood up, her face still red, ready to follow him inside. Tianpeng was happy that no one was ordering him around and he didn’t have to cook. He was full of joy.

But Ji Gong was not pleased, exclaiming, "Master Sha Chen, why would you have my ancestor assist you? She, she is..."

Siti smiled sweetly, looked at Ji Gong, and said, "Mad monk, here’s a piece of advice for you."

Ji Gong was taken aback and promptly put his hands together, saying, "Please enlighten me, Ancestor."

Siti’s expression turned icy as she said coldly, "This old woman advises you to mind your own business."

Then she turned and followed Sha Chen into the Flowing Sand River Cave.

Ji Gong’s complexion stiffened as he stared blankly at the restored entrance of the cave dwelling, lost in thought, unsure of what to do next.

Tianpeng patted him on the shoulder and said, "Buddy, don’t space out. Women are just like that."

"Actually," Tianpeng continued, "I feel the same way. I don’t know what’s gotten into them. All those women are throwing themselves at Old Sha like they’ve gone mad, and he just ignores them with his aloof attitude. Ah, it’s sad that not even one throws herself at me."

Ji Gong was taken aback and then asked, "Are there other women too?"

Tianpeng was about to blurt something out, but he suddenly clamped his mouth shut and chuckled, "Eat the dishes, drink the wine. Eat the dishes, drink the wine."

Ji Gong fell silent as well, not asking further, and just drank and ate with Tianpeng. However, they were all waiting for Sha Chen’s feast, so they didn’t indulge too much.

Meanwhile, inside the cave dwelling, Sha Chen had prepared the ingredients and was ready to start cooking. But he didn’t plan to make too much, nor anything particularly special, just better than what they had at the moment.

Siti came beside him, stacked up the ingredients, and with a charming smile, said, "Sha Chen, do you think I’m pretty?"

Sha Chen didn’t even glance at her and said, "Pretty."

Siti’s cheeks twitched as she said, "You didn’t even look at me; you’re just brushing me off."

Sha Chen replied, "It’s not about brushing you off. You really are pretty. To tell you the truth, of all the women who’ve come here, you’re the prettiest."

He wasn’t lying. Of all the women who had visited the Flowing Sand River, including Chang E, none were as beautiful as Siti. This woman was the dream lover of all men, as if she embodied all the attractive traits a captivating woman should possess. It was as though such a woman shouldn’t exist, and yet she did indeed.

Siti smiled slightly, stepped forward, and wrapped her arms from behind around Sha Chen’s broad back and sturdy waist, pressing her palms against his abs. Her ample bosom pressed against Sha Chen’s firm back, and she said, "Then why, upon seeing me, are you not moved at all? Do you know how disappointed I feel?"

Her face was also pressed against the back of Sha Chen’s neck, emanating a fragrance that was refreshing to the soul. Her beautiful, large eyes blinked, watery and innocent, like a girl unacquainted with the ways of the world.

Sha Chen, however, remained unmoved, continued cooking, and said, "I asked you to come help as my assistant, not to be a drag. Don’t hang on me and don’t hold any improper thoughts about me, because I’m not interested in women."

Siti was stunned. In her shock, she reflexively used the Flying Cloud Dragon Exploring Hand, exclaiming, "Could it be, you’re a eunuch?"

Sha Chen’s cheeks twitched slightly as he swatted her hand away, saying, "Don’t mess around. My lack of interest in women is purely due to my cultivation needs, and the timing isn’t right. It’s not that I can’t perform."

Siti withdrew her hand, still feeling a tremble in her palm from the force of his deflection; the rebound force had almost made her hand numb. It confirmed that it wasn’t due to any personal issue of Sha Chen’s.

Then she smiled faintly again and went on to hug Sha Chen, asking, "So when will the timing be right for you?"

Sha Chen turned his head and said, "You really don’t have to do this. I know you probably aren’t that interested in matters between men and women either. If that’s the case, why demean yourself like this?"

Siti, embarrassed, was about to withdraw her hands, but then her eyes darted as she said, "Then you are mistaken. I’m not interested in others, but I am interested in you."

Sha Chen stopped what he was doing and asked, "So, what do you plan to do?"

Siti began to loosen her clothing with a laugh, saying, "I was thinking of repaying you for taking me in."

Sha Chen flicked a hand, and the clothes found their way back onto her. "There’s really no need," he said. "We have an agreement. When the time comes, providing your severed limbs and contributing some of your leaves—that would be the greatest repayment to me."

Siti’s face twitched. She had taken the initiative to offer herself precisely because she did not want to make that kind of repayment. Moreover, she felt that if she could conquer Sha Chen, it would be a great triumph. Perhaps then, everything here would be hers. That’s why she tried to seduce Sha Chen.

But, unexpectedly, Sha Chen was unmoved.