CHAPTER 34: CHAPTER 34: XUANZANG GETS EATEN [SEEKING COLLECTION AND RECOMMENDATIONS]_1

Sha Chen said, "My heart follows the Tao, and I have no affinity with Buddhism. Master, please proceed on your journey."

He unhesitatingly rejected Xuanzang’s proposal.

True fruition? I’d just be an Arhat.

Xuanzang did not insist. Instead, he looked towards the sky and let out a sigh. "I don’t know why, but my disciple still hasn’t returned. Never mind, Buddhism waits for no one. This humble monk will go alone."

Then, he set off towards the west.

Seeing him walk far into the distance, Sha Chen contentedly returned to the water.

Xuanzang had not gone far when he suddenly came upon a Taoist temple where a Taoist was very courteous to him. As he had encountered several accomplished Taoists before, Xuanzang had a favorable impression of them. This time was no exception, and he was unguarded.

After drinking three cups of tea, he was poisoned and collapsed.

Then, he was eaten.

The Taoist revealed his true form as a centipede spirit and devoured him completely, leaving no bones behind.

Then he began to meditate, but after three days, he frowned, saying, "Deceiver, such a deceiver! Weren’t they saying that eating Xuanzang’s flesh would grant immortality and boundless mana?"

"Who is spreading such rumors? They’re simply deceivers. It’s not true at all. Besides feeling a bit full, there’s nothing."

The centipede spirit was enraged, absolutely furious.

「Purple Bamboo Forest.」

Muzha returned to report to Guanyin.

He bowed his head and said, "Master, I have failed. Sha Chen was not fooled and personally escorted Xuanzang across the river."

Guanyin said, "I already know."

Muzha continued, "It’s truly baffling how he resisted."

Guanyin said, "It seems he guessed that eating Xuanzang’s flesh would not bestow boundless mana."

Muzha said, "But he never tried it, how could he know?"

Guanyin said, "Given his previous prudent actions, such a guess isn’t surprising. Now that the centipede spirit has eaten Xuanzang, have someone send him something."

Muzha asked, "Why?"

Guanyin said, "I must let everyone know that eating Xuanzang’s flesh grants immortality and boundless mana. Only then, in the next reincarnation, will Juanlian be fooled."

Muzha’s eyes sparkled with admiration. "Master, your foresight is truly admirable."

Guanyin said, "You shouldn’t go yourself; have someone else do it."

Muzha took the order and made arrangements.

The centipede spirit of Huanghua Temple, having eaten Xuanzang’s flesh to no effect, raged furiously before falling into a deep sleep.

He dreamt that he was bathed in Buddha’s light and thought he was going to be subdued by Buddhism, then awoke in alarm.

Then, he discovered that his cultivation was starting to increase. Furthermore, there were even signs of him breaking through to the Greater Primordial Golden Immortal realm.

The centipede spirit was overjoyed. "It turns out that eating Xuanzang’s flesh really does grant immortality and boundless mana!"

"The rumors say that this Xuanzang is the reincarnation of Jin Chanzi, destined to go through several tribulations. I will wait here, lying in ambush for his next life."

He then looked towards Flowing Sand River, his eyes flickering, and added, "Besides, when he comes out again, HMPH."

「Qianhua Cave.」

At that very moment, Muzha had just finished paying his respects to Bodhisattva Pilanpo and was preparing to leave.

Bodhisattva Pilanpo said, "That centipede spirit also has some fate. My Qianhua Cave lacks a gatekeeper. If he can’t ascend to Lingjiu Mountain, let him come to my Purple Cloud Mountain instead."

Muzha placed his palms together and replied, "I will follow Bodhisattva’s decisions."

Then he withdrew.

After everyone else had left, an Immortal walked out from the cave, knelt on the ground, and said, "Mother, inviting a mere centipede spirit to Purple Cloud Cave—won’t that make others look down upon us?"

Bodhisattva Pilanpo replied, "Many in Buddhism will reap benefits from the great undertaking of the Journey to the West, and our Purple Cloud Cave should not miss out entirely."

"Juanlian didn’t eat the scripture seeker, which instead benefitted the centipede spirit. If the centipede spirit gets to eat him for the next few reincarnations, I’m afraid he’ll grow into an unparalleled great demon."

The one kneeling was none other than the Pleiades Star Official. He said in amazement, "If that’s the case, we should definitely not allow him to come."

Bodhisattva Pilanpo replied, "His coming will further demonstrate the mercy of our Buddha. Besides, the more he degenerates, the more sincerely he will turn towards Buddhism."

The Pleiades Star Official said, "I fear that I may not be able to suppress him when the time comes."

Bodhisattva Pilanpo answered, "With the God Needle of Usagi Day, you need not fear his disobedience."

Their voices gradually grew softer.

「Heavenly Court.」

The Great White Planet reported the situation in Flowing Sand River to the Jade Emperor, then carefully retreated to one side.

The Jade Emperor said, "Jin Chanzi reincarnated right into his mouth, and he didn’t eat him?"

"What on earth is he trying to do? Could it be because you previously bestowed resources upon him, giving him hope of returning to the Heavenly Court?"

The Great White Planet replied with a bitter smile, "That shouldn’t be the case. Otherwise, he would have mentioned it when I attempted to recruit him."

The Jade Emperor said, "But you never mentioned letting him return. Maybe he does hold out hope."

The Great White Planet suggested, "Then, perhaps I should subtly hint to him someday that he has no chance of returning?"

Waving his hand, the Jade Emperor replied, "Enough. It is rare for him to be so loyal to the Heavenly Court. If he can withstand a few more trials, I will let him return and choose someone else for the Journey to the West."

The Great White Planet exclaimed, "Your Majesty is wise."

The Jade Emperor sighed and said, "The worry is that when the time comes, Buddhism may not be willing to let him go."

Exchanging glances, both heaved a sigh. It was clear they both understood: Sha Chen had revealed such talent that Buddhism would likely be very reluctant to let him go.

「Zi Zhi Cliff.」

The Tongtian Hierarch was gathering the few surviving disciples, delivering a sermon to them.

Suddenly sensing the situation at Flowing Sand River, he first smiled, then frowned, and finally wore a look of shock.

The disciples exchanged confused glances, wondering what their Sect Hierarch was up to. Is he having a fit?

The Tongtian Hierarch asked, "If you had the chance to increase your cultivation by consuming people, would you?"

The disciples immediately responded without hesitation, "We would be willing."

Most of the Sect of Interpretation’s followers were the so-called demons, born of dampness and eggs. They had no psychological burden about eating humans.

However, since the Tongtian Hierarch had established the Human Religion and attained sainthood, they had restrained themselves after joining. They refrained from acting like demons and tended to follow the rules more strictly.

But if they encountered the kind of situation mentioned by the Tongtian Hierarch, they would not hesitate to break the rules. After all, they had joined the Sect of Interpretation to increase their strength; if consuming humans could enhance it, why wouldn’t they?

The Tongtian Hierarch said, "There is one person who does not."

He then explained some details of Sha Chen’s situation, leaving everyone utterly astonished.

"Enduring suffering and tribulations, facing Thousand Swords Piercing The Heart without changing his original intent?"

"How immense must this person’s willpower be? Facing cultivation right in his mouth, and yet able to refrain? That’s incredibly strong!"

"Sect Hierarch, who are you talking about?"

The Tongtian Hierarch smiled without answering. He said, "I intend to take him as my disciple, but he refuses to leave that place. Whoever among you can force him out, I will take both him and you as my disciples."

The disciples were overjoyed. They looked at each other, rubbing their hands together, eager to try.

Sha Chen, within Flowing Sand River, had acquired the Divine Power of One Qi into Three Pure Ones and was cultivating.

But suddenly, he felt a bone-chilling cold engulf him, a sensation as if he were being watched. Yet, in the entire Formation, there was no one else but him. Tianpeng had long since returned.

Who could it be, scheming against me again?