Chapter 203: Chapter 203

Sha Chen was stunned. He had been worrying about how to subdue Kui Mulang. Then, the guy just surrendered on his own.

Sha Chen was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and asked Kui Mulang to rise. His face showed difficulty as he said, "General Li, this puts me in a tough spot."

Kui Mulang was about to stand up, but at Sha Chen’s words, he knelt down again. He was as firmly rooted to the ground as a tree, refusing to get up despite Sha Chen’s tugging.

He said anxiously, "Mr. Sha, I have no other options. If I return to Heavenly Court, I will definitely be ostracized by the Jade Emperor. Failing my mission, Buddhism won’t let me off either."

He cried out, "If you refuse to take me in, sir, I might as well bash my head in and die right here! It’s better than going back to Heavenly Court to be marginalized and die an obscure death one day."

Sha Chen said with difficulty, "General Li, this place of mine is but a tiny plot and quite desolate. The Elixirs and Immortal Herbs I grow are barely enough for my own use; how could I possibly share them with you?"

Kui Mulang replied, "As long as you take me in, sir, you won’t need to worry about these things. I will sort out my own Cultivation matters."

"I have devoted myself to you, sir, just to be tied to your fate and bask in your glory. I also hope that you could speak favorably of me in front of my Master."

Sha Chen asked, "Do you still plan to return to Heavenly Court?"

Kui Mulang hesitated for a long time before responding, "I don’t plan to return to Heavenly Court for the time being. I’ll continue to be a demon in the mortal world. When the time is right, it won’t be too late to go back."

This isn’t a bad choice, Sha Chen thought. After all, if Kui Mulang were to return to Heavenly Court now, he would indeed be marginalized to death with no way out. Being a demon in the mortal world could help him avoid a lot of trouble.

Sha Chen said, "That’ll work. As a demon in the mortal world, you can also give outsiders the impression that you are trying to complete the tasks assigned by Buddhism and Heavenly Court. This can help avoid a lot of trouble."

Kui Mulang quickly said, "Exactly, that’s what I was thinking."

"But I will come to ’trouble’ you from time to time, sir. I hope you can forgive me for that. We’ll be staging these fights, so please, don’t actually beat me to death."

Kui Mulang is quite shrewd, Sha Chen thought, a glint of light passing through his eyes. Through their exchange, he felt Kui Mulang was intelligent and worth connecting with. If coaxed properly, he could be an enhanced version of the Black Bear Spirit. Thinking of the Black Bear Spirit, Sha Chen’s teeth ached. How could that lump of coal have been gone for decades without returning?

Sha Chen smiled. "If that’s the case, then it’s doable. However, I need you to provide me with some news from Heavenly Court. Also, my Cultivation resources here are limited and quite tight..."

Before he could finish, Kui Mulang said, "I understand. The requisite gifts and tributes for you, sir—I will certainly provide them."

Sha Chen was very satisfied.

Look at his perceptiveness! he thought. He even glanced at Lady Di Yong. That woman only knew how to eat and act coquettishly. She’d been back for so long but hadn’t shown any sign of offering tribute. She’s not even as good as a man. Acting like a typical indecisive woman, always dawdling.

Lady Di Yong, as if sensing Sha Chen’s thoughts, looked quite aggrieved but still didn’t present anything.

Sha Chen had already steeled himself for Lady Di Yong coming up empty-handed, so he ignored her and began discussing with Kui Mulang how they should exchange intelligence.

The two reached a conclusion. Kui Mulang would provide information on various matters from Heavenly Court and the Demon World. As long as Sha Chen needed it, he would specifically gather it. He would also report major Heavenly Court events in advance. The method would be to stage periodic ’disturbances,’ using these occasions to pass intelligence and collected resources to Sha Chen. As for Sha Chen, he only needed to join Kui Mulang in these staged fights. This would let Heavenly Court and Buddhism know that Kui Mulang was still striving to complete his mission, that he hadn’t broken his promise for personal gain, and that he was still very loyal. Then, when Sha Chen next met Tongtian Hierarch, he also needed to sing Kui Mulang’s praises, emphasizing his loyalty and putting in a good word for him.

In short, it was mutually beneficial for both parties. Both felt they had gained a lot and were naturally very pleased.

The only slight imperfection was Kui Mulang’s loyalty, which remained a significant issue. Although he seems very loyal now, who can be sure he isn’t a double agent?

Sha Chen had always been troubled by this matter. However, since they had just agreed on mutually beneficial cooperation, it wasn’t right to directly question Kui Mulang’s loyalty. Otherwise, it would be too disheartening. However, if he didn’t completely win Kui Mulang’s heart, Sha Chen wouldn’t feel at ease about him. Never mind asking Kui Mulang for intelligence; even letting him leave required careful consideration.

Kui Mulang exchanged ideas with Sha Chen for an hour, and they reached a consensus. However, over the following days, he repeatedly expressed his desire to leave, eager to start on their agreed tasks. But each time, Sha Chen found ways to prevent him from going. In short, Sha Chen did not let him leave.

Kui Mulang was puzzled. He initially thought Sha Chen was being hospitable, as he was always invited to stay for meals. But, as the meals began to deteriorate, he realized Sha Chen wasn’t being hospitable; he had become suspicious.

Kui Mulang was also very perceptive. He understood that his sudden surrender and a few mere words wouldn’t easily earn trust. After all, he had betrayed his former sect and worked for Heavenly Court and Buddhism, although he was technically a free agent at the time. Still, it wasn’t a reputable part of his past. Therefore, it was quite normal for Sha Chen to suspect his intentions now.

After hesitating for a moment, Kui Mulang took the initiative to find Sha Chen. "Mr. Sha," he said, "I’ve decided to leave the Flowing Sand River. I’m concerned that if I delay, outsiders will become suspicious."

"However, I also worry that after I leave, if you, sir, wish to reach out but are unable to contact me... Therefore, I’ve decided to leave behind a wisp of my Yuan soul. If you have any need, sir, you can notify me through it."

Sha Chen was stunned for a moment. After hearing the first part, he had intended to refuse. But then, upon hearing the latter part, his eyes lit up instantly.

Kui Mulang is truly perceptive! Sha Chen thought. By offering to leave a wisp of his Yuan soul, he’s essentially placing his life in my hands. With just a thought, I could destroy that wisp of Yuan soul. While it might not cost Kui Mulang his life, it would leave him incomplete forever, give rise to inner demons, and prevent him from making any progress for the rest of his life. During Cultivation, inner demons would emerge, leading to qi deviation and catastrophic outcomes. Extremely serious. This is equivalent to entrusting his life to me.

Kui Mulang was a cautious person. He had hesitated for a long time, and after an intense internal struggle, he felt there was no other way to gain Sha Chen’s trust. Now, his only worry was that if Sha Chen wasn’t as powerful or trustworthy as he imagined, his own future would be ruined.

Sha Chen said, "General Li, it’s not that I don’t trust you, but the Cultivation Techniques of Buddhism are formidable. I’m just worried they might seize your mind and damage the trust between us."

Kui Mulang said, "Mr. Sha, no more words are needed. I understand."

Everything was understood without words; those who got it, got it.

Afterward, Kui Mulang indeed produced a wisp of his Yuan soul and handed it to Sha Chen. Immediately, he felt as if an extra gaze was fixed upon him from within his own mind. The sensation was quite uncomfortable. Kui Mulang found it unbearable. However, the sensation vanished after a moment. He looked at Sha Chen, astonished.

Sha Chen smiled. "The Yuan soul will be kept safe with me. I won’t use it. Once I am strong enough to no longer fear Buddhism, I will naturally return it to you, General Li."

He then embedded the Yuan soul deep within his own spiritual platform and sea of consciousness but did not directly attempt its Refining.

Kui Mulang immediately felt genuinely respected and was immensely touched.

Sha Chen smiled. "General Li, did you really think I kept you here just to scheme for your Yuan soul? If so, you’re vastly underestimating me."

Kui Mulang hastily said he wouldn’t dare think so, but in his heart, he still felt that Sha Chen simply didn’t trust him.

Of course, I don’t trust him, Sha Chen thought. But how can I let Kui Mulang leave with such a notion? That would chill Kui Mulang’s heart, making him less proactive in his duties. A competent boss never allows an employee to slack off.

Sha Chen wouldn’t just offer empty promises; he preferred to deliver tangible benefits.

He patted Kui Mulang on the shoulder. "Actually," he said, "I’ve been observing you. I feel that you’ve accumulated a great deal to reach the Daluo Golden Immortal realm, yet further advancement seems hopeless."

Upon mention of his own Cultivation, Kui Mulang’s expression immediately fell. "Indeed," he said, looking disappointed, "my talent is limited. I only broke through to become a Daluo Golden Immortal thanks to Buddhism’s assistance. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have made it. That’s why I..." He was too embarrassed to continue, bowing his head in shame.

Sha Chen asked, "Do you want to know why?"

Kui Mulang replied, "My talent is limited, and I’ve had no one to guide me." His gaze was complex, filled with envy as he looked at Sha Chen. Even though he was a Disciple of a Saint, Tongtian Hierarch had countless Disciples, with a myriad of immortals paying homage. He was just one among them. Even with some talent, he couldn’t even touch the threshold of the Daluo Golden Immortal realm while the Sect of Interpretation still existed. Therefore, Tongtian Hierarch had no intention of instructing him in the Da Luo Method, leaving him to fumble his way forward on his own. Now, with the Sect of Interpretation gone, he also feared being implicated by its downfall and dared not seek out the Sect Hierarch. Naturally, he was unable to learn the true Daluo Golden Immortal methods. So, when Buddhism extended an olive branch, he naturally accepted it. Everything was for personal gain.

Sha Chen said, "When Tongtian Holy Man last visited, he actually imparted to me the Da Luo Chapter of the Qingping Scripture. As his Disciple, you are also qualified to learn it."

Kui Mulang’s eyes turned red with jealousy. The Da Luo Chapter of the Qingping Scripture was something he had never even had the opportunity to learn! In the past, he could have learned alongside others, but his strength was insufficient, so the Saint had only taught a small part of it. Now that he possessed the strength, the Sect of Interpretation had disintegrated, and he dared not return. Like Sha Chen, he too feared being implicated by the Sect of Interpretation. So, although he spoke eloquently, he wouldn’t dare return even if the Saint asked him to. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩~𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢~𝔫𝔢𝔱

Kui Mulang immediately knelt and begged to be taught.

Lady Di Yong also heard this. She hurried over, knelt, and also eagerly asked to learn.

Sha Chen said, "Alright. Teaching one is teaching, teaching two is also teaching. I might as well teach you both together."

Lady Di Yong was overjoyed. She thanked him profusely, frantically batting her eyelashes at him.

Sha Chen merely glanced at her and paid no further heed.

Women only slow down the speed of my sword.