Chapter 202: Chapter 202

Kui Mulang hastily said, "I wouldn’t dare presume my views are superior; I just have a small thought."

Sha Chen said, "Let’s hear it." ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩~𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢~𝔫𝔢𝔱

Kui Mulang thought for a moment and didn’t beat around the bush. He was now eager to establish a good relationship with Sha Chen and atone for his crimes through meritorious deeds, so naturally, he held nothing back.

Lady Di Yong was beside them, respectfully adding food to Sha Chen’s plate and pouring wine.

Kui Mulang said, "Mr. Sha, you actually don’t understand my mentor, Saint Yuan Shi, very well. The matter of the Imperial Gods’ Thunder can be considered significant or trivial."

"In fact, the Saint would probably not care about it ninety percent of the time. Many of the inner disciples from the Chan Sect practice the Imperial Gods’ Thunder, and this particular divine thunder is widely used within the Thunder Department of the Heavenly Court."

Sha Chen said, "Lei Zhenzi uses the Imperial Gods’ Thunder."

Kui Mulang nodded. "Exactly. So, it’s not some rare or unique skill. However, Mr. Sha, your use of it was much more powerful than Lei Zhenzi’s, which shows that your comprehension far surpasses his."

It wasn’t that my comprehension was stronger, but rather the system provided me with something more complete. Yuan Shi probably didn’t impart the complete and powerful form of the Imperial Gods’ Thunder to his disciples; perhaps only a very few core disciples learned it in its entirety. Or maybe none at all. My version is complete, and that’s why its power is boundless.

Kui Mulang continued, "Since Chan Sect disciples can learn it, it’s normal for it to spread. What’s more, the Three Pure Ones were originally one family before they separated. Even among us from the Sect of Interpretation, some have learned the Imperial Gods’ Thunder, and likewise, some of them know divine powers from my Sect."

Sha Chen was surprised. Had this happened? But upon further thought, it wasn’t impossible.

The Three Pure Ones were originally one family and were inseparable before their separation; it was only natural for them to learn divine powers and spells from one another. Furthermore, many of their divine powers and spells were handed down by the Daoist Ancestor. Each of the Three Pure Ones simply learned what suited them and then passed it on to their disciples. In fact, these divine powers and spells couldn’t truly be regarded as belonging to any one of the Three Pure Ones individually. Most of them originated from the Daoist Ancestor. They merely modified them or didn’t change them at all—perhaps just changed their names to make them unique to their respective Sects.

Kui Mulang said, "Therefore, Mr. Sha, you don’t need to worry. The Saint, ninety-nine percent of the time, won’t give it another thought. Matchmaker was just deliberately trying to scare you."

Sha Chen was still somewhat worried. "Even if there’s only a ten percent chance, that’s still not good. We do not welcome your mentor here."

Kui Mulang hesitated for a moment, then said, "Mr. Sha, forgive my candor, but if, as you say, my teacher has been here before, then you shouldn’t worry that my mentor would come."

Sha Chen was stunned for a moment, silent for a long while before he understood Kui Mulang’s meaning. His expression was peculiar, but at the same time, he breathed a sigh of relief. Kui Mulang is right—my worries were completely unnecessary.

The matter of Lord Yuan Shi joining forces with the Western Sect against the Tongtian Hierarch was a scandal within the Three Realms. It was also something Lord Yuan Shi wished to avoid, as he didn’t want to confront the Tongtian Hierarch about it. After the Divine Enthronement, the Tongtian Hierarch was taken away. Lord Yuan Shi then went to great lengths to suppress the members of the Sect of Interpretation, precisely to ensure the Tongtian Hierarch would have no one to rely upon on his return. Acting like a guilty thief, naturally, he dared not meet the Tongtian Hierarch. He would keep his distance from any place the Tongtian Hierarch had visited, not daring to approach. He feared encountering the Tongtian Hierarch. Being scolded to his face would be bad enough, but being physically attacked if called out would be worse. That would be truly troublesome. Lord Yuan Shi certainly wouldn’t personally intervene over such a trivial matter, especially not when it meant risking an encounter with the Tongtian Hierarch.

Moreover, Sha Chen was a candidate for Buddhism’s Journey to the West. If Lord Yuan Shi were to come here, regardless of his reason, it would raise suspicions that he was attempting to sabotage this important task. Even if Lord Yuan Shi came here without any ulterior motives, his presence alone could lead to misunderstandings.

Sha Chen breathed a sigh of relief; with this, Lord Yuan Shi truly might not come here after all. This place could be considered a forbidden land for Saints.

Kui Mulang said, "Mr. Sha, you not only don’t need to be concerned about my mentor coming here, but you also don’t need to worry about Matchmaker reporting this matter to my mentor."

Sha Chen made a sound of acknowledgment, and Kui Mulang then explained, "Because Matchmaker surely knows that my mentor wouldn’t bother over such a trivial issue. Besides, Matchmaker has already overstepped his bounds with his actions today. He’s the one who would be most afraid of this becoming a big deal, so how would he dare report this matter to the Saint?"

After a moment of silence, he looked at Sha Chen expectantly, waiting for his affirmation.

Sha Chen was momentarily stunned, then he realized, and his expression grew strange.

My concern clouded my judgment. Because it involved me, I became anxious, leading to an incomplete analysis. Now, thinking it through carefully, everything became clear, and he could let go of his worries.

Matchmaker had indeed overstepped his bounds, as the Journey to the West was a mission confirmed by both the Heavenly Court and Buddhism. For someone from the Chan Sect to appear here at such a time was already hard to justify, let alone determining his exact intent. If Sha Chen were to be harmed, Matchmaker would be even less able to clear himself of suspicion. Let alone what the Saint might do, Matchmaker himself could face retribution from both the Heavenly Court and Buddhism. It didn’t matter that he was a disciple of a Saint or that he had already reached the High Order of Daluo Golden Immortal, possibly even its peak or stronger. But when it came to hindering the great plans of Buddhism and the Heavenly Court, there would be no negotiation in dealing with him.

This means Matchmaker would not only refrain from spreading news of this incident but might even try to suppress it. He would also be concerned about Sha Chen talking.

After understanding this, Sha Chen finally felt completely at ease, smiling and nodding in affirmation to Kui Mulang.

Kui Mulang immediately smiled and said ingratiatingly, "Mr. Sha, why not seize this opportunity to report to the Jade Emperor? Say that Matchmaker is trying to sow discord among your ministers and even attempted to assassinate you. Perhaps the Jade Emperor will punish him for this?"

"Even if the Jade Emperor doesn’t punish him, Buddhism will certainly make things difficult for him if they become aware of this. He’ll be too preoccupied to focus on anything else."

Sha Chen, however, said, "You might have misunderstood some things. Although I am the chosen candidate for the Journey to the West by Buddhism and the Heavenly Court, I have always been resisting this. Buddhism has also been finding ways to torment me."

He sighed. "So, if someone can threaten me, as far as Buddhism is concerned, as long as it doesn’t go too far or involve fundamental principles, they are actually quite pleased to see it happen."

Kui Mulang was stunned for a moment, but upon careful consideration, it seemed to make sense. The task Guanyin had assigned him was to lure Sha Chen out. Buddhism wanted Sha Chen to degenerate into a demon so they could then intervene and ’save’ him. Now, reflecting carefully, Kui Mulang felt Buddhism was quite shameless.

Sha Chen smiled. "In fact, my purpose has already been achieved. Just knowing that Lord Yuan Shi will not come here is enough."

Then he said, "As for taking revenge on others and dealing with Matchmaker, I’ll do it if possible; if not, let it be."

Kui Mulang exclaimed, "Mr. Sha is truly a great man, able to endure humiliation and remain kind to others. I am far inferior."

At this moment, Lady Di Yong joined the conversation. "Of course you’re not his equal. You’re nothing but a scoundrel who only knows how to kidnap women; you’ll never achieve greatness."

On any other day, Kui Mulang would have already made his move to kill. But since Sha Chen had taken risks to save Lady Di Yong, who was likely his lover, he dared not act rudely.

He hurriedly said, "Yes, yes, I have offended you previously. Please forgive me, my lady."

Lady Di Yong’s face turned red. She knew Kui Mulang had misunderstood but didn’t explain, merely tilting her chin haughtily.

She nodded. "Fine. Seeing that your remorse seems sincere, hand over half of your possessions as compensation, and I will forgive you."

Kui Mulang was shocked for a moment, then quickly took out several Qiankun Bags and presented them to Sha Chen.

He quickly said, "Mr. Sha, I was rash before. These are my accumulations. Please accept them as a tribute to you."

Sha Chen frowned. "Since I’ve already forgiven you, do you think I’m the kind of person who would still want your possessions?" However, his hand rested on the Qiankun Bags, showing no intention of letting go.

Kui Mulang said, "Mr. Sha, if you don’t accept, then take my head instead."

Sha Chen said, "You’re putting me in an unjust position. I’ve forgiven you, yet you’re giving me resources. What would outsiders think of me?"

Kui Mulang wept. "Mr. Sha, this is the compensation I should give for my mistake. I won’t feel at ease if you don’t accept it. Please, you must."

Sha Chen repeatedly declined, though his hand remained firmly on the Qiankun Bags. Kui Mulang also persistently pushed them back. Finally, when Sha Chen pushed them back again, Kui Mulang drew his sword and placed it against his own neck.

He threatened, "Mr. Sha, if you do not accept, I will die right in front of you."

Sha Chen was startled. At first, he thought Kui Mulang was reneging and about to draw his sword to seize the treasure. It turned out he was coercing Sha Chen into accepting the resources with the threat of his own death.

Sha Chen actually couldn’t help his old face flushing red. How shameful!

Afterward, with a troubled expression, he said, "Well, well, you’ve made such a scene. If I refuse to accept now, I would indeed be the one at fault."

After hesitating repeatedly, he finally said, "Enough, enough! You’ve resorted to threatening your own life. If I still don’t accept, wouldn’t I be endangering your life?"

Kui Mulang said, "Exactly."

Only when he saw Sha Chen accept them was Kui Mulang thoroughly satisfied.

Lady Di Yong watched from the side, secretly amazed. Truly worthy of being Master! Such a kind heart, he can’t bear to see someone die before his eyes.

After accepting the bags, Sha Chen sneaked a glance and couldn’t help but gasp. So much! Kui Mulang’s wealth is truly substantial! It’s even more than what Ao Lie brought, and only a little less than the Dragon Girl’s. As expected of a Daluo Golden Immortal; his resources are indeed abundant.

A Daluo Golden Immortal!?

Sha Chen looked at Kui Mulang. Calculations formed in my mind. There’s a Daluo Golden Immortal here, crying and begging me to accept his fortune. If I don’t take him in, it would be a sin.

However, Kui Mulang’s current behavior was entirely due to a guilty conscience, and he didn’t know the true relationship between Sha Chen and the Tongtian Hierarch. Thus, to win Kui Mulang over, Sha Chen had to employ some tactics while also avoiding upsetting the Tongtian Hierarch. If he could indeed win Kui Mulang to his side, Sha Chen felt he would have another informant within the Heavenly Court. Relying on Chang E alone was insufficient. Kui Mulang, although not equal to the best, was better than the rest; his potential usefulness could sometimes surpass Chang E’s. Moreover, since he was a Daluo Golden Immortal, he was surely capable of much more.

But how can I subdue Kui Mulang and bring him under my command? After all, he’s a disciple of a Saint; not easy to win over. This is quite troubling.

At this moment, Kui Mulang suddenly knelt. "Mr. Sha, after much thought, I keep feeling guilty towards my teacher and lack the face to see him again. Upon returning to the Heavenly Court, I will certainly not be trusted by the Jade Emperor or Buddhism anymore.

"I wish to be at your service. Please, when you next see my teacher, put in a good word for me. I am willing to lay down my life for you, to serve you faithfully."