Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 545 - 539: Alienation and Morality [Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets]_1

Ancestor Subhuti had thought that if Sun Wukong were to come out, he would behave better. But he had not expected that Sun Wukong was still obsessed with fighting and killing. He was indeed a bit wiser this time, even thinking of learning from him for a period until his skills were fully accomplished, allowing him to take revenge. However, how could that be possible?

Ancestor Subhuti became angry, whipped Sun Wukong a few times with his horsetail whisk, and said, "You rebellious disciple! I have no such disciple as you. Wasn’t causing one trouble enough for you? You still want to cause more, without any thought of repentance."

Sun Wukong also felt aggrieved. "Master, what wrong have I done?" he asked. He had just admitted his fault, hoping Ancestor Subhuti would release him. However, Ancestor Subhuti was convinced that he was the one in the wrong. Sun Wukong felt deeply wronged. He didn’t think he had done anything wrong; even if he had, Ancestor Subhuti should have stood by him.

During the hundreds of years he suffered, Ancestor Subhuti never appeared. Now, just as he was on the verge of freedom, Ancestor Subhuti showed up. Naturally, Sun Wukong was afraid of Ancestor Subhuti; after all, he was his master, and his strength had always left a deep impression on him—an insurmountable mountain in his mind. But his respect for Ancestor Subhuti was diminishing bit by bit.

He felt Ancestor Subhuti completely disregarded him, his disciple, treating him like an outsider. Indeed, Sun Wukong felt he *was* the outsider. Naturally, this bred resentment in his heart, and Ancestor Subhuti’s constant lecturing only made him increasingly averse. Of course, fear isn’t dispelled in an instant. Sun Wukong remained fearful of Ancestor Subhuti, and this fear still commanded some respect. However, defiance was growing stronger in his heart.

This is human nature, let alone for Sun Wukong, who had a rebellious past. Even in his weaker days, he never feared power and dared to challenge injustice, fighting to rebel. Now that he was stronger, he felt truly wronged. If he had truly been suppressed for those hundreds of years, unable to practice Cultivation, or if his cultivation base had even weakened, he would have submitted completely. But over those hundreds of years, he had continued to cultivate. Sha Chen had also arranged for Li Bai and the Black Bear Spirit to visit him several times.

These visits deepened Sun Wukong’s resentment towards Buddhism and the Heavenly Court, and also gave him the opportunity to cultivate and plot his revenge. Sun Wukong was one who valued his dignity, possessed strong self-esteem, and was incredibly impulsive and restless. How could he possibly swallow such indignation? Even if the person speaking was his master, he couldn’t accept it.

However, he might feign obedience for the moment, because the threat Ancestor Subhuti posed was no different from that of the Old Tathagata. Both were like insurmountable mountains, far beyond his reach. In the face of an invincible existence, obedience was the only option. But the Old Tathagata felt even more unassailable to Sun Wukong because he was an outsider who acted without mercy, suppressing him without a second thought. In Sun Wukong’s eyes, although Ancestor Subhuti was as powerful as the Tathagata, he shouldn’t resort to suppressing him. Sun Wukong even hoped Ancestor Subhuti would let him out.

He looked eagerly at Ancestor Subhuti, pleading desperately, "Master, your disciple has done no wrong. If you insist your disciple admit fault, then I am at fault; everything is my fault. But Master, your disciple is truly suffering in his heart!"

Ancestor Subhuti was a wise man and naturally saw the defiance in Sun Wukong’s heart. He felt both helpless and somewhat angry. Having taught Sun Wukong for several years, he knew him well; Sun Wukong was not one to be content. He also knew that if he delayed releasing Sun Wukong, the monkey would lose all reverence for him. But releasing him was not an option either.

Furthermore, he could tell from Sun Wukong’s words that his dissatisfaction with the Heavenly Court and Buddhism was deep-seated and unlikely to change soon. He understood why. The five-hundred-year suppression had utterly failed. Sun Wukong had been able to continue his Cultivation and had even received gifts. As a result, Sun Wukong’s hatred for Buddhism and the Heavenly Court had only deepened, not diminished in the slightest. It’s all because of Sha Chen, he cursed inwardly.

Ancestor Subhuti said, "You believed what Sha Chen of the Flowing Sand River told you, and so you think you’re not at fault, right!?"

Sun Wukong had already told Ancestor Subhuti about Li Bai, the Black Bear Spirit, and Sha Chen’s involvement. Even though Sha Chen had warned Sun Wukong to keep it a secret, Sun Wukong had a loose tongue and was prone to letting things slip, especially to Ancestor Subhuti, his master, whom he considered his closest confidant.

Thus, under Ancestor Subhuti’s deliberate questioning, Sun Wukong naturally revealed everything without holding back. Moreover, Sun Wukong believed that Ancestor Subhuti, being his master, would surely look kindly upon someone who had helped him. He even thought Subhuti might help him thank Sha Chen. He never expected Ancestor Subhuti to harbor ill intentions.

Ancestor Subhuti said sharply, "That Sha Chen is a disgraced general of the Heavenly Court, guilty of heinous crimes and utterly wicked. You have been deceived by him!"

Sun Wukong was a straightforward individual, driven at least by a sense of loyalty and righteousness. Although he was irked that Sha Chen’s fame surpassed his own, even to the point of overshadowing him, he had previously told Li Bai and the Black Bear Spirit that he intended to challenge Sha Chen. However, he knew Sha Chen was the one secretly helping him, and for that, he was immensely grateful.

He also felt indebted to Sha Chen. "Sha Chen is a good person," he said. "He has helped your disciple greatly. For five hundred years, it’s thanks to him that your disciple didn’t go mad and even managed to grow stronger. Otherwise, your disciple would have long since been utterly broken by the suppression, a mere shadow of his former self, like a walking corpse."

It would have been better if Sha Chen hadn’t interfered, Subhuti thought. Then he said, "His actions are driven by ulterior motives. He intends to bewitch you into seeking private gains for him."

Sun Wukong replied, "Your disciple doesn’t understand what he seeks, but so far, he hasn’t made any demands. Besides, he saved your disciple’s life. What’s wrong with doing something for him in return?"

Ancestor Subhuti fumed. He knew Sun Wukong already felt grateful to Sha Chen and identified with him. But there was nothing he could do.

Just as he himself had appeared to guide Sun Wukong, bestowing upon him the grace of tutelage, Sha Chen had offered the grace of saving his life and providing guidance during Sun Wukong’s darkest hour. In comparison, Sha Chen had done more. He had merely met Sun Wukong earlier. Otherwise, Sun Wukong might very well have taken Sha Chen as his master.

Sun Wukong once again spoke up for Sha Chen, "Master, Sha Chen is a good man. He has helped your disciple immensely. For five hundred years, it is entirely due to him that your disciple has remained sane and grown stronger."

Ancestor Subhuti retorted, "Favors aren’t given for free. He helped you, so he must expect something in return."

Sun Wukong replied, "It’s normal to want something, and your disciple is willing to oblige. Master, say no more. Please, just let your disciple out. If we delay, I fear the Old Tathagata will find out."

Ancestor Subhuti’s eyes flickered. "You rebellious disciple," he said, "do you no longer take my words to heart?

"With my level of Cultivation and foresight, I tell you, that Sha Chen definitely has an agenda! He will surely lead you astray! Why won’t you believe me?"

He was thoroughly enraged. He struck Sun Wukong a few more times, then turned to leave. He wanted Sun Wukong to beg him, to earnestly plead with him. Previously, whenever he got angry, Sun Wukong would proactively admit his mistakes and beg for forgiveness. This time, his anger was greater, his reaction more intense. Sun Wukong must surely realize he is wrong now!