Chapter 175: Chapter 175

The immortals in the Heavenly Court’s Lingxiao Palace were all engaged in a heated discussion. For a long time, not a single person came up with a useful suggestion; when the Jade Emperor’s gaze swept over them, they all acted like quails.

There was no other way. Sha Chen’s rise had been too swift, yet his strength had increased at an astonishing pace. It had surpassed everyone’s expectations; they had still thought of Sha Chen as the minor officer they could easily handle. Even though there had been rumors that Sha Chen possessed some skills, they had considered them insignificant. To them, he was not worth worrying about.

But now, things were different; Sha Chen had actually stepped into the Daluo Golden Immortal realm. Terrifying as it was.Unreasonable.

Those who had ascended to the Da Luo Golden Immortal Realm after the Divine Enthronement were few and far between, far fewer and less frequent than in the primordial era. Moreover, the fact that Sha Chen had ascended from a True Immortal to this level made it seem nearly impossible to them. But having done so indicated that his potential was boundless. They could no longer look down on Sha Chen as they once did, for if they did, they would be the ones to suffer in the future. What was more, many of them were not as powerful as Sha Chen; how could they have any good suggestions? Naturally, they all acted like quails, one after another.

The Jade Emperor harrumphed. "I wish to keep Sha Chen. Does any minister have any wise suggestions?" Although it seemed unlikely, the Jade Emperor still asked, perhaps there was a chance.

And as expected, when he put forward this proposal, everyone was immensely shocked. What the Jade Emperor did not expect, however, was that not only did these people have no suggestions, they even collectively objected.

The Barefoot Immortal exclaimed in shock, "Your Majesty, this must not be done! Since Sha Chen has already been given to Buddhism, it’s not right to go back on that."

Li Jing also nodded. "Indeed. The Heavenly Court has only just found its footing. If we go back on our word, not only would our dignity be entirely lost, but we would also offend Lingjiu Mountain."

Iron Crutch Li from the Eight Immortals also nodded. "Indeed, such rash actions should not be taken."

The Eight Immortals always stuck together; with Iron Crutch Li speaking up, the others readily agreed.

Wang Lingguan also nodded. "Your Majesty, it indeed is inappropriate. It’s better to let Sha Chen continue to take joining Buddhism as his mission."

The Jade Emperor snorted. "It was you who just now said that I should pardon Sha Chen, and now you are the ones opposing it. What are you trying to achieve?"

The immortals naturally stiffened their necks in response.

The Barefoot Immortal said, "Your Majesty, pardoning Sha Chen is a reflection of Your Majesty’s benevolence. Allowing him to return to officialdom only demonstrates Your Majesty’s magnanimity, but having him continue on his path to join Buddhism is a grand strategy that must not be altered."

Wang Lingguan nodded. "Yes. Previously, we had an understanding with Lingjiu Mountain to let Sha Chen degenerate. He would then commit a series of unforgivable sins and eventually be ’saved’ by Lingjiu Mountain, naturally joining Buddhism."

"This is strategic, and it has always been our agreement with Lingjiu Mountain. Although the results have been minimal, perhaps Your Majesty could try calling Sha Chen back to appease him. Once he again enjoys lofty treatment and is then cast back into the mortal realm, his Taoist heart will surely collapse, and he will fall into depravity."

Such a statement resonated deeply. Upon hearing this, the immortals all nodded their heads in agreement. They thought it made perfect sense. Especially Li Changgeng, who wrinkled his brow, his eyes sparkling, finding the idea both sensible and familiar. Was it not the same with Sun Wukong in the past?

First, they made Sun Wukong rebel, then issued a decree to appease him, making him the Stable Minister. Then they forced him to descend to the mortal realm, fought him again, and finally decreed him to be The Great Sage Equal to Heaven. Later, they forced him to rebel again and then dealt with him in one fell swoop.

In this regard, the Heavenly Court was skilled and experienced. With all the immortals suggesting the same course, Li Changgeng also thought it feasible. Even the Jade Emperor’s eyes lit up for a moment. Originally, he had little hope, but now, with the immortals’ proposals, it really was possible.

Actually, he thought of even more: pardoning Sha Chen and forgiving his crimes had two great advantages. Firstly, being able to decree Sha Chen’s return to Heaven and continue to bestow an official position upon him allowed them to proceed offensively or defensively as needed. Wanting to send Sha Chen away and then cast him into the mundane world once more was merely a matter of re-strategizing. If he wanted to keep Sha Chen, a high-ranking position and generous rewards would be enough to sway him.

For the Jade Emperor, it was all to his great advantage. Whether they sent Sha Chen away or kept him, the move would help consolidate popular support. Not only would it secure Sha Chen’s loyalty, but it would also secure the loyalty of those outside the Heavenly Court. If the Heavenly Court could pardon even a guilty general, what reason would others have not to feel grateful for its benevolence?

After some thought, the Jade Emperor felt that this move was indeed killing two birds with one stone. He then looked towards Li Changgeng and Wang Lingguan. The two, understanding his intention, immediately stepped forward and vigorously agreed with the method.

The Jade Emperor seized the opportunity. "Since all the ministers think it feasible, then let it be done."

"I am not a tyrannical ruler obsessed with ill-gotten wealth, but a saintly sovereign of heavenly benevolence. Although Juanlian has committed heinous crimes, I am not without forgiveness." Then, with a wave of his hand, he finalized the decision.

Many notables praised the Jade Emperor’s benevolence and, for the time being, set the matter aside without giving it further consideration. After all, they believed that decreeing Sha Chen’s return to Heaven was guaranteed to be a resounding success. When the time came, they might still have to greet Sha Chen cordially and foster good relations. Whether he joined Buddhism later or stayed in the Heavenly Court, their relationship had to be maintained.

Originally, given Sha Chen’s past identity and strength, he was not worth their efforts to attract. But now, as Sha Chen had become a Daluo Golden Immortal, demonstrating his own value, he had become worthy of their attention, worthy even of their efforts to align with him, or even to pledge support. This was especially true for individuals with profound authority, such as Li Jing, who were thinking about how to foster a good relationship with Sha Chen.

After the Heavenly Court had dismissed for the day, Taoist Master Gou hurried over to Li Jing, anxiously grasping his sleeve. "King Li, save me."

Li Jing pretended not to understand. "Why do you say this, Heavenly Master? If someone is trying to harm you, His Majesty has not gone far; you can go and accuse them."

Taoist Master Gou, looking haggard and terrified, said, "Please don’t joke, King Li. I followed your advice to target Sha Chen, but now that he has become a Daluo Golden Immortal, and the council is set to bestow an official rank on him, if he ascends to Heaven, will there still be a place for a lowly official like me?" This text is hosted at Nove1Fire.net

Li Jing scolded, "Nonsense! When have you ever worked for me? If you dare to continue this nonsense, I will accuse you of defamation."

Immediately after, Taoist Master Gou shook his head repeatedly. "I remembered wrong, my mistake. Please save me, King Li."

Li Jing snorted. "It’s inevitable that Sha Chen ascends to Heaven. It seems he, too, is tired of his bitter life by the Flowing Sand River and will certainly agree to ascend."

"But you need not worry too much. Even if he ascends to Heaven, he is unlikely to hold a high position. Moreover, many such positions are titular and pose no threat to you."

Taoist Master Gou remained worried. "I fear he will kill me on the way."

Li Jing chuckled. "Do you think the laws of Heaven are just for show? No one can kill an official of the Heavenly Court on a whim, not even Sha Chen. Even as a Daluo Golden Immortal, the laws of Heaven would not spare him."

Taoist Master Gou was half-believing; only after receiving Li Jing’s reassurances did he finally alleviate his worries and take his leave. Yet, he remained uneasy.

After he left, a faint smile touched Li Jing’s lips; Wang Lingguan approached him.

Wang Lingguan commented, "King Li, that was quite the skillful maneuver."

Li Jing replied, "What do you mean by that, Eminent Wang?"

Wang Lingguan laughed. "You’ve managed to shake the foundations of the Thunder Department, and you’ve played Taoist Master Gou like a fiddle."

Li Jing’s heart skipped a beat, but his face remained impassive. "Do not speak nonsense, Eminent Wang, lest you falsely accuse me."

Wang Lingguan said, "Is that so? Taoist Master Gou of the Thunder Department is willing to die for you. Surely, he must have received some promise and benefits from you. But the way you’ve used him is distasteful. He’s already terrified of Sha Chen, yet you offer him no protection or solutions to his troubles."

Li Jing remained silent.

Wang Lingguan persisted, "Once Sha Chen ascends to Heaven, the laws of Heaven can, of course, still restrain him. However, should he kill Taoist Master Gou, the laws wouldn’t claim his life. Instead, they would send him back down to the Flowing Sand River, turning him into an impetus for the quest for scriptures."

He chuckled, looking at Li Jing. "King Li, should Taoist Master Gou die, you would instead become the pivotal figure in pushing forward the quest for scriptures, earning boundless merit."

After a hearty laugh, Li Jing tried to argue, but Wang Lingguan had already walked away. Li Jing frowned, his eyes flickering.

「Returning to his palace.」

Li Jing had not even taken a sip of water when General Fish Spear arrived, reporting the recent events. Jinzha was still pursuing those who misled the scripture seekers but to no avail. Muzha was chasing Red Boy all over the world, while Guanyin restrained the Bull Demon King, ensuring the Flaming Mountain remained quiet.

Both sons were full of work motivation. Li Jing was very satisfied and then instructed, "Any news from Lingjiu Mountain?"

General Fish Spear replied, "The Ran Deng Buddha of Lingjiu Mountain has sent a message."

Li Jing was startled then pleased. "It seems my teacher has guidance."

After perusing the message, his countenance grew solemn. No wonder Sha Chen’s rise has been so swift; it seems he may have been supported by the Tongtian Hierarch, though even my teacher isn’t entirely sure.

Then looking around, he realized there was no one to help him analyze the situation. He waved his hand, signaling General Fish Spear to leave.

Afterward, musing to himself, If that’s the case, it seems Sha Chen has already become an object of contention among various parties. It’s unexpected that he, initially the most insignificant among the scripture seekers, has now become so sought after.

A knowing smile touched Li Jing’s lips as he murmured to himself, "I will surely subdue you."

Then he bellowed, "Summon the Fourth Miss!"

「In the mortal realm, at Five Finger Mountain.」

Wukong, who was drinking with Li Bai, a clone of Sha Chen, suddenly frowned and looked towards the west. He exclaimed in bewilderment, "Who’s undergoing divine tribulation?"

Naturally, Li Bai knew it was his original self going through the tribulation. He simply said, "Sha Chen, once the Great General for Folding the Curtain of the Flowing Sand River, has just passed the tribulation of the Daluo Golden Immortal Realm."

Wukong was stunned. It had been years since he’d last heard that name. Hearing it now, he was momentarily at a loss for words.

Wukong’s teeth itched with irritation. "Is that the same river deity, Sha Chen, whom others have dared compare with me, Old Sun?"

Li Bai corrected, "He is not a river deity."

Wukong said, "It doesn’t matter! What does matter is that he has stepped into the Da Luo Golden Immortal Realm before me, Old Sun!"

He was irritated. His pride, which had been unchallenged for a long time, was now broken.

He patted Li Bai’s shoulder. "Old Li, you told me to keep a low profile here while I gather strength. But now, others are catching up, and I, Old Sun, am stuck here unable to make a move! It’s really frustrating."

Li Bai, or rather, Sha Chen’s clone, was somewhat alarmed. Hurriedly he said, "Great Sage, what are you planning to do?"

Wukong roared to the sky, "Today, I, Old Sun, will also step into the Da Luo Golden Immortal Realm!!"

Suddenly, the earth shook and the sky split apart.