Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 603 - 597: Incense Affection [Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets]_1

Sha Chen had already reached an agreement with the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas. They would bring their avatars back to the Dragon Palace to nurture the talented younger generation, and he thereby essentially established a formal mentor-student relationship with the Dragon Clan. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

In addition to this, the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas also had to hand over the entire treasury of the Dragon Clan to Sha Chen. Initially, they only needed to contribute 80% of their wealth. However, the Dragon Clan's treasury had already been mostly emptied to provide for the cultivation of their talented younger generation. Thus, this time, Sha Chen wanted to empty the entire Dragon Clan treasury.

The Dragon Kings of the Four Seas dared not entertain any thoughts of using force. They now wanted to be independent and strong. To possess the ability to resist the entire Heavenly Court, it was imperative that they made their offspring powerful. Not to mention their pre-existing desire to nurture the younger generation, the future Sha Chen had previously painted was enough to make them yearn for it. For countless years, the Dragon Clan had been bullied and lived in fear; they truly did not want to continue being oppressed. They needed to become strong and stand proudly in the world. Even if they couldn't look down upon all beings, they couldn't allow other beings to look down on them.

Sha Chen then turned to the Jinghe Dragon King and said, "They all have their arrangements, but I cannot fulfill your request. Your son cannot renounce the power he holds. Nor will I allow them to come to me and give others cause for gossip. So, you need to figure out your own solution. My personal advice is to have your children renounce their power and admit their guilt to the Heavenly Court."

The Jinghe Dragon King's gaze flickered towards Sha Chen. He had, in fact, also thought about this suggestion. It was indeed the best solution, much better than hiding here with Sha Chen. As long as his children renounced their power and territories and admitted their faults to the Heavenly Court, just as he had done initially, the Heavenly Court would not make things difficult for them. They might even build temples and establish mansions for them. After all, what the Heavenly Court wanted was their power and territories, not to execute or suppress them, as that would only bring negative repercussions. If they were willing to surrender their power voluntarily, the Heavenly Court, to appease the populace and save face, would offer them fair treatment, at least ensuring their lives would not be at risk. By being sheltered in the Heavenly Court, they might lose some freedom, but their lives would be secured. Moreover, the Heavenly Court would surely grant them some prominent, albeit nominal, official positions. Their status might even improve; they would only lose a bit of freedom and their original control over the Mortal Water System and its territories.

But how could they possibly let go of these things? His children were already prospering in their own domains. Even his orders, their father king's, they might not obey. Therefore, he sighed with a wry smile and shook his head. Although the suggestion is good, it's simply not feasible.

The Dragon Kings of the Four Seas also shook their heads. Being old and crafty, they naturally understood just how alluring power was and how difficult it was to relinquish. One of them then suggested, "Why not have your children send their children to the Abyss for cultivation? After all, they are your grandsons and granddaughters, the hope and pride of our Dragon Clan. With the trials in the Abyss, if they are lucky, they might even surpass their parents."

Upon hearing this, the Jinghe Dragon King's eyes lit up, thoroughly convinced. "That's the only way then. Moreover, sending their children away means they'll have no lingering concerns, preventing the Heavenly Court from capturing them all in one fell swoop. The Heavenly Court will definitely have to consider the repercussions, which in turn will make my children safer."

Sha Chen, listening from the side, nodded. This approach is suitable, but it also has drawbacks. Namely, it can't fully guarantee the safety of the entire Dragon Clan. However, throughout history, it's always been difficult to find a solution that perfectly satisfies all aspects. I could immediately use the Dragon God Sword to command the Dragon Clan, urging them to take shelter in the Abyss and plan for the future. But now is not the time. The Dragon Clan is still too weak; in my hands, they would only be a burden. Once the Dragon Clan becomes strong, I can bind them with the mentor-student relationship. Then, by wielding the Longcheng Treasure Sword to command the entire Dragon Clan, I will surely gain a powerful trump card. Furthermore, allowing the Dragon Clan to develop freely will better promote their own strengthening. If they were to obey only me, and I didn't want to take full responsibility, it would actually hinder their progress.

With everything arranged, Sha Chen employed his Spatial Divine Skill and sent the Dragon Kings away. The Jinghe Dragon King didn't remain in the cave dwelling either but left with the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas. He was now a public enemy and had to seek refuge in the Abyss. As for instructing his grandchildren to go to the Abyss for training, that message would be relayed by other shrimp soldiers and crab generals.

After everyone was sent away, Siti asked, "What exactly are you plotting by helping the Dragon Clan so tirelessly?" Her eyes were grave as she continued, "Even though you have some friendship with Ao Lie and his sister, that alone wouldn't justify your tireless assistance to the Dragon Clan."

Sha Chen replied, "What kind of person do you take me for? Am I helping them just to get something in return? Besides, they've emptied their treasury for me. Isn't that reason enough for me to help them?"

Siti said, "Given your character, and knowing the Dragon Clan has spent most of its wealth on its younger generation, you wouldn't be helping them so wholeheartedly. Moreover, with your intelligence, you must have anticipated that by teaching them and resolving their doubts, the Dragon Clan's younger generation will have an even greater consumption and demand for cultivation resources. You would surely tamper with the treasury; skimming at least half of it would be a conservative estimate."

Sha Chen grinned. She really can see through everything. He also shook his head inwardly. Indeed, those closest to me know me best.

His expression turned peculiar as he said, "If I told you that the Dragon Clan's wealth is already enough for me, you would certainly think I was lying."

Siti's demeanor remained natural. From her attitude, it was clear she didn't believe him.

Sha Chen didn't beat around the bush, as he could tell that Siti held some affection for the Dragon Clan. If this leads to any misunderstanding, causing those close to me to become suspicious, then this place will no longer be safe. In that case, I would either have to eliminate Siti or expel her from the cave dwelling. Neither is the best option for me.

He then asked, "How deep are your feelings for the Dragon Clan?"

Siti was silent for a moment before replying, "I was once almost captured by Zhunti. It was Yinglong, the chieftain of the Dragon Clan, who helped me. He even used the Heavenly Dao to mask my aura and sheltered me, allowing me to evade Zhunti's pursuit."

Sha Chen was taken aback. I didn't expect there to be such a profound bond between Yinglong and her. This is a debt for saving her life, a bond far deeper than ordinary ties of gratitude.

He then said, "Since you've asked, I'll tell you. I intend to bring the entire Dragon Clan under my command."

Siti chuckled. "It seems I wasn't wrong. You're after more than just the meager wealth in the Dragon Clan's treasury; you want the entire Dragon Clan to fight to the death for you.

"But you're mistaken. The Dragon Clan's pride, even if they were bullied to the point of being like rats scurrying across the street that everyone wants to swat, would never allow their entire clan to bow their heads to a single person."