Chapter 45: Chapter 45: The Bear King Commits Arson and Murder [Seeking Collection and Recommendations]_1
Only after truly cultivating the Eight-Nine Profound Art and the 72 Polymorphic Transformations did Brother Black Bear still feel muddled and incredulous. To think he actually had the chance to cultivate such profound Dao Techniques and Great Divine Powers—it was inconceivable. If he had possessed the Eight-Nine Profound Art earlier, his cultivation might have already reached the Greater Primordial Golden Immortal realm, perhaps even allowing him to attempt breaking through to the Da Luo realm! After all, he was ancient, having lived since the primordial era. This experience only solidified Brother Black Bear’s conviction that Sha Chen was truly powerful and mysterious. He didn’t even seem to value the Eight-Nine Profound Art or the 72 Polymorphic Transformations highly, casually passing them on to me. This proves Sha Chen must possess even greater arts!
Sha Chen said, "As long as you follow me and serve me diligently, I will eventually pass on the superior Thirty-Six Transformations to you."
Brother Black Bear was instantly ecstatic, as if injected with adrenaline. "Rest assured, Master, I will serve you wholeheartedly." He no longer addressed Sha Chen as General, but directly as Master. This signified his complete acceptance of Sha Chen’s status.
Sha Chen was very satisfied. "I hope you discard those unrealistic notions from your past and abandon the futile ideal of attaining Buddhahood. Only by becoming strong yourself can you grasp the fundamental truth. Personally, I dislike fighting and killing, but some people simply don’t learn their lesson without one."
At this, Brother Black Bear understood. He respectfully said, "Master, has someone angered you? I will go and eliminate them for you."
Sha Chen patted Brother Black Bear’s shoulder, saying with appreciation, "Now that you’ve learned the 72 Polymorphic Transformations and the Eight-Nine Profound Art, you need to put them into practice. Truthfully, I have plenty of assistance to deal with that person, but since you’ve offered, I’ll give you the opportunity."
Brother Black Bear said, "Thank you, Master."
Sha Chen then asked, "Have you heard of someone overseas called King Guangling?"
As a seasoned figure in the Demon World, Brother Black Bear nodded immediately. "I’ve heard of him. He’s a Flood Dragon from overseas with powerful Mana, notorious for robbing cultivators at sea. He’s made quite a few enemies. However, he’s backed by the Nine-headed Saint, so no one dares to provoke him; everyone avoids him."
Sha Chen said, "I want you to take his head. Do you have the guts?"
Brother Black Bear thumped his chest. "No problem! Others may fear that Guangling vermin, but I don’t. But, what if the Nine-headed Saint seeks revenge?"
Sha Chen smiled faintly. "Can’t you run?"
Brother Black Bear’s cheek twitched. "Aren’t you going to help me, Master?"
Sha Chen asked, "What is the Nine-headed Saint’s strength?"
Brother Black Bear replied, "A Daluo Golden Immortal, possibly even a Quasi-Saint."
Sha Chen said, "When will the cycle of retribution ever end? Just eliminate the prime culprit, King Guangling. That will suffice."
Brother Black Bear nodded repeatedly. "That makes sense. I agree."
Sha Chen then gave Brother Black Bear a few more instructions, telling him to give the Eight Diagrams Immortal Clothes to a young man named Chen Sha. He mentioned that the young man’s talent was decent and that they shared a fateful connection. If an opportunity arose, Black Bear should try to recruit him. If not, it didn’t matter; the Eight Diagrams Immortal Clothes could be considered a meeting gift. The Eight Diagrams Immortal Clothes could render the wearer invisible, a wonderful Magical Tool for concealment.
Brother Black Bear caressed the clothes, his eyes filled with avarice, yet he didn’t dare to pocket them. In his heart, he merely envied Chen Sha’s good fortune at receiving such favor from the Master.
Now, Brother Black Bear was wholeheartedly committed to serving Sha Chen. He believed Sha Chen was likely the disciple of some ancient, mighty figure, or had inherited such a being’s legacy. Boundless prospects and formidable strength! To ascend from a True Immortal to the peak of the Golden Immortal realm in such a short time, mastering not only the 72 Polymorphic Transformations and the Thirty-Six Transformations but also the Eight-Nine Profound Art, along with even stronger Divine Powers and Cultivation Techniques—this was no ordinary opportunity! Following him is indeed far better than joining Buddhism.
Brother Black Bear knew his own situation. Converting to Buddhism halfway would hardly yield any benefits, let alone grant him access to good Cultivation Methods and Divine Powers. Now, by following Sha Chen, he had access to all of these.
Beaming, he took the Eight Diagrams Immortal Clothes and prepared to depart. Before leaving, he noticed a large expanse of Immortal Rice fields in the backyard. Vast quantities of Immortal Rice grew there, alongside Elixirs, Immortal Herbs, and even two divine trees. His eyes practically popped out. This place is simply a celestial paradise!
Then, with a fawning smile, he said, "Master, those peaches... they seem to be almost ripe..."
Sha Chen said nonchalantly, "Oh, I know. I’ll pick them to eat when they are."
Brother Black Bear licked his lips. "This journey is long and arduous. If I could have some Immortal Rice for the road, that would be wonderful."
Sha Chen smiled. "I’ve prepared some silver for you. Buy some dry rations on the way; don’t go hungry."
Brother Black Bear’s cheek twitched. Why is Master so stingy?
Even a landlord doesn’t have endless surplus grain, Sha Chen thought. Why won’t this Bear King just leave? Why is he always eyeing the crops in the Immortal Rice fields?!
Brother Black Bear hinted several more times, but Sha Chen remained utterly ungenerous. It took a great deal of coaxing and a bit of trickery to finally send him on his way.
After he exited the Formation, Sha Chen added, "Head west. On your way, set fire to Huanghua Temple. Remember not to get entangled with its master."
Brother Black Bear was puzzled but did as instructed.
After sending Brother Black Bear away, Sha Chen once again entered seclusion.
「Guanyin Zen Temple.」
Elder Jin Chi waited anxiously. When Brother Black Bear and his companions didn’t return, he grew unsettled and sent a disciple to investigate.
「Three days later.」
The disciple returned, his expression peculiar.
Elder Jin Chi asked, "Did you see Brother Black Bear and the others?"
The disciple replied, "I saw the Bear King, but not the other two."
Elder Jin Chi was perplexed but also sighed in relief. As long as Brother Black Bear was alright, it meant nothing was seriously wrong. He quickly asked, "Why hasn’t Brother Black Bear returned yet?"
The disciple answered, "He headed west, towards the overseas regions."
Elder Jin Chi’s eyes lit up. "I’ve long heard that Brother Black Bear is well-informed and has extensive connections. Perhaps he’s gone overseas to ask old friends for help. It seems that immortal from the river must be quite capable to have even stumped Brother Black Bear."
The disciple, looking even more peculiar, said, "Master, the Bear King said he no longer wishes to be in conflict with the immortal of the Flowing Sand River. He is going overseas to seek his own Dao."
Elder Jin Chi was aghast. "How can that be? Hasn’t he yearned for Buddhism for a long time?"
The disciple replied, "That’s what I said to him. He said he has lost his aspiration for Buddhism and now feels that being a free demon is better."
Elder Jin Chi’s face turned grim, and he gritted his teeth. "The Bodhisattva was right; that immortal is indeed peculiar! The Bear King has yearned for Buddhism for so long, yet a single encounter made him abandon his faith!"
The disciple said, "I personally saw him pass by a Daoist temple to the west called Huanghua Temple."
Elder Jin Chi paused, then snorted coldly. "That brute is spouting nonsense! He clearly wants to join a Daoist sect, yet he lied to this old monk, saying he wants to remain a demon."
The disciple, his expression still odd, said, "But, Master, he set Huanghua Temple on fire. He was pursued by the temple’s master, and his current whereabouts are unknown."
Elder Jin Chi was utterly dumbfounded, his face a mask of disbelief. What in the world is he trying to do?!