Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 531 - 525: The Top Expert of Dragon Clan [Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets]_1

Chapter 531: Chapter 525: The Top Expert of Dragon Clan [Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets]_1

HISS.

Everyone drew in a sharp breath.

Could Xianglong’s death be related to Sha Chen?!

Many had grim expressions on their faces; even The Goddness of Mercy appeared shocked and bewildered.

Though Tathagata maintained a calm demeanor on the surface, his heart was anything but at peace. He truly could not fathom how a mere demoted general of the Heavenly Court, someone so easily manipulated, could have grown to this extent.

With Sha Chen’s strength, it was indeed easy for him to kill Xianglong.

However, the reason Sha Chen would kill Xianglong eluded him.

Xianglong had always been at odds with the upper echelons of Buddhism; his thoughts were heretical, and his actions deviated from Buddhist doctrine. In Xianglong’s view, the strict rules and disciplines of Buddhism were like dogshit; while at Lingjiu Mountain, he might restrain himself a bit. Once he descended to the Realm of People, he did not abstain from meat and wine. Aside from not touching women, he violated every other Buddhist precept. Such a person was indeed a challenge to Tathagata’s authority and naturally was not well-regarded. His descent to the mortal realm for training was also intended to give Xianglong a demonstration of power, and it conveniently allowed Tathagata to consolidate Xianglong’s strength, thereby enhancing his own prestige in Lingjiu Mountain.

But Tathagata had never considered letting Xianglong die; including Maitreya Buddha, he did not wish for his downfall. Yet unexpectedly, they both fell, and at the hands of Sha Chen, no less. Maitreya Buddha was one thing. But Xianglong, so rebellious and heretical, had no conflicts of interest with Sha Chen. How could he have been slain by him!? He had no reason.

All the Buddhas shared the same thought; they believed it was impossible for Xianglong to have been slain by Sha Chen. He had no reason.

The Goddness of Mercy was dumbfounded, saying, "Why would Sha Chen be so heartlessly vicious? The Honorable Xianglong had neither a past grudge nor a recent dispute with him; he should not have suffered at his hands."

Saint Zhunti said, "I cannot deduce the reason."

In fact, he did not understand either.

However, how could the members of Buddhism understand that Xianglong was slain for attempting to expose Siti’s identity? If it were for any other reason, Sha Chen truly would not have acted against him. After all, Xianglong truly had neither a past grudge nor a recent dispute with him. They were free of enmity, and killing him would only further infuriate Buddhism. Sha Chen was no indiscriminate killer; he would never kill without reason. Moreover, killing someone like Xianglong, who had considerable prestige among the people, would only create karmic obstacles for himself, which was inappropriate. But to keep Siti’s secret safe, he had no choice but to strike a brutal blow.

The Goddness of Mercy gritted her teeth. "Sha Chen is truly too cruel and ruthless! I request the Saint’s approval to go to the Flowing Sand River and settle accounts with him."

Others also clamored for battle, whether they were from the Arhat Hall or were former followers of Maitreya Buddha. All were eager for revenge, their eyes burning with rage.

Saint Zhunti said, "None of you are his match; going there would be futile. Besides, there’s something peculiar about the Flowing Sand River Cave. Even if you go, you won’t be able to enter; it’ll be in vain."

Everyone gnashed their teeth in frustration.

The Goddness of Mercy said, "Are we to just let him continue his wild and arrogant ways? That would be too lenient on him!"

The Ancient Buddha Ran Deng, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke. "Sha Chen has quite a few followers who have been gathering resources for him; otherwise, he would not have been able to advance so swiftly."

The Goddness of Mercy asked, "Ancient Buddha, do you mean for us to try and win over Sha Chen’s followers?"

The Ancient Buddha Ran Deng replied, "That’s impossible. Zhenyuanzi personally took action against Tianpeng and still failed. It’s unclear how these people were so charmed by Sha Chen that none are willing to betray him. Moreover, when the Heavenly Court captured the Spider Demon and Black Bear Demon, they couldn’t pry their mouths open. Trying again would yield no different result."

The Goddness of Mercy immediately felt dispirited. This wouldn’t work, nor would that. Why did the Ancient Buddha Ran Deng bring this matter up?

Suddenly, The Goddness of Mercy exclaimed, "Does the Ancient Buddha mean to suggest we capture his followers and use them to threaten Sha Chen!?"

If subverting them is impossible, then threats are the only option left.

This time, Ran Deng Buddha remained silent, as if he hadn’t heard.

The Goddness of Mercy knew that Ran Deng Buddha surely did not wish to be the villain who proposed such a vile idea, but his silence was akin to consent.

Everyone exchanged uncertain glances. Saint Zhunti, standing to the side, said nothing, simply waiting for the others to discuss.

Medicine Buddha, now one of the three leading figures in Buddhism, said, "Throughout history, those who accomplish great things have never been swayed by others’ threats. Given Sha Chen’s cautious and careful nature, how could he be threatened by the lives or deaths of his followers?"

The assembled Buddhas nodded slightly, agreeing that this made sense. After all, they themselves would never be swayed by threats. Even if their own families, friends, or disciples were threatened, they would not forsake their own lives for them. Judging by their own standards, they felt that Sha Chen, being even more cautious and careful, would be even less likely to fall for such a ploy.

The Goddness of Mercy nodded and said, "Indeed. Sha Chen will not be threatened. Previously, when the Heavenly Court captured the Black Bear Spirit and others, Sha Chen paid them no heed and did not intervene."

Suddenly, Ran Deng Buddha interjected, "He did take action, just not personally. Otherwise, how could the Black Bear Spirit and the others have escaped?" He then added, "However, Sha Chen has numerous followers. Capturing one or two of them certainly won’t cripple him, nor will it necessarily be enough to enrage him. But," he continued, "if we uproot all his followers and capture all his people, even if he doesn’t care about their personal welfare, he’ll have to consider his own cultivation."

Ran Deng Buddha had initially been reluctant to voice such a malicious strategy; it was truly disgraceful. But since everyone else was struggling to come up with a plan, he had no choice but to lay it all out.

The eyes of The Goddness of Mercy and the others lit up, and they were utterly shaken by the idea. They had considered many methods, but Ran Deng Buddha’s plan was by far the most effective—and the most ruthless—one they had heard.

They reasoned that Sha Chen’s cultivation resources within the Flowing Sand River must be limited. Even if his cave-dwelling held a hidden paradise, it surely wouldn’t be enough. Otherwise, his followers wouldn’t be out plundering resources from all over, nor would they be bringing back such vast quantities for him. The only logical explanation for their actions was that Sha Chen’s own cultivation resources were insufficient. If they captured his followers and cut off Sha Chen’s supply lines, he would definitely become restless and be compelled to emerge. Once Sha Chen left the Flowing Sand River, his doom would be sealed.

Saint Zhunti looked around and asked, "Who here thinks this method is good?"

Everyone nodded in agreement, endorsing the strategy.

Saint Zhunti said, "Since everyone agrees, then let us proceed. However, this is just one method. Implementing it might tarnish the reputation of Buddhism somewhat, so we must handle it discreetly."

The assembled Buddhas agreed; indeed, it was not a matter to be proud of. Unable to deal with Sha Chen directly, targeting his followers was, frankly, an unsavory tactic.

Saint Zhunti continued, "I plan to go and meet Sha Chen personally to see what abilities he truly possesses."

The assembly was visibly shocked.

The Goddness of Mercy objected, "Sha Chen is unworthy! For the Saint to descend personally is to give him far too much credit!"

Medicine Buddha agreed, "Indeed, Sha Chen does not deserve such consideration."

Zhunti replied, "Sha Chen is indeed worthy. He has grown to a point where you all look up to him; it is indeed fitting that I personally intervene. However, before I go, there are some other matters that need to be addressed. The issue of the other candidates for the pilgrimage, which you have mentioned, must be resolved swiftly."

Everyone was taken aback.

Tathagata then asked, "Is the Saint referring to Jin Chanzi, Sun Wukong, and Ao Lie? They have indeed shown signs of rebellion. Although Jin Chanzi has entered Buddhism in each lifetime, I can no longer see through this disciple of mine. It seems he has... taken up Daoist cultivation."

Zhunti declared, "Then he must be made to return to the correct path."

Tathagata added, "As for Sun Wukong, he appears calm on the surface, but in reality, he also deviates from what I imagined. He seems to have already reached a certain cultivation realm."

Zhunti remarked, "Sun Wukong was one I brought from overseas to the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit back then. He is of little concern; I will personally seek him out." He then said, "As for Ao Lie, if he is not suitable, then let’s replace him with his elder brother."

"That would be inadvisable," Tathagata proclaimed. "Ao Moang was once hailed as the foremost prodigy of the Dragon Clan, but he is no longer Ao Lie’s equal. Not long ago, Ao Lie devoured a Pinnacle Daluo demonic beast overseas. His strength is now the greatest in the Dragon Clan!"