Chapter 49: Chapter 49: Sha Chen’s Strategy Traps the Centipede Demon [Seeking Favorites and Recommendations]_1
Seventh Mother felt that Sha Chen was being overly cautious. However, she still agreed to Sha Chen’s request. If she were to faint and Brother Huanghua showed no reaction, she would have to devise another way to handle the situation. She couldn’t let Brother Huanghua become disheartened.
To help Sha Chen turn his hostility with the centipede demon into an alliance, Seventh Mother decided to assist Sha Chen in testing the waters.
Sha Chen handed over another box, smiling. "If Brother Huanghua reacts badly to the test, becoming furious with embarrassment, I’m worried you won’t be able to defeat him. Inside this box is a Magical Tool that can restrain his Thousand Eyes Divine Power. It’s for you; keep it for self-defense once this matter is settled."
Upon opening it, Seventh Mother found an embroidery needle imbued with a powerful killing intent. Her expression grew serious, for she knew that if it turned out the master of Huanghua Temple harbored ill intentions towards Sha Chen, it would be time for her and her sisters to take a stand.
Seventh Mother said, "Don’t worry, Big Brother. If Brother Huanghua truly harbors evil intentions against you, I will kill him."
Sha Chen patted her on the shoulder with a laugh. "Maybe I’m just overthinking it, haha."
Seventh Mother’s eyes lit up; it was the first time she had experienced skin-to-skin contact with Sha Chen. Even though it was just a pat on the shoulder, I’ve already thought of what to name our future children! I must handle this matter beautifully.
After sending Seventh Mother off, Sha Chen obtained ten drops of Gluttonous essence blood.
He didn’t specifically follow up on the matter between the spider demons and the master of Huanghua Temple because he knew the centipede demon very well. It’s a selfish and egotistical monster. On the journey west, Sun Wukong captured the spider demons and demanded he release Monk Tang, but he refused, ultimately causing the spider demons’ deaths. It was clear he never cared for the spider demons; he’s utterly selfish. Would such a person apologize to me? He’s probably plotting to lure and kill me! I surely won’t fall for that. Why not just keep lying low and enjoy life?
He began devouring the Gluttonous essence blood. This time, it was ten drops, which would probably take a while for Refining. But once successfully refined, his physical body would receive a tremendous boost, and his swallowing power would also be strengthened. At that point, I’ll start to worry: if I devour too much Divine Power and my own talents can’t keep up, making me unable to fully transform and refine it, what should I do? For now, though, I’ll focus on Refining the Essence Blood first!
「Huanghua Temple.」
The centipede demon was entertaining several other spider demons, constantly probing their relationship with Sha Chen. However, before they left, the spider demons had already been instructed by Sha Chen not to mention any relationship with him to anyone. So, they fended off the questions, claiming they were merely Sha Chen’s defeated underlings who had made certain agreements with him to collect Elixirs and Immortal Herbs in exchange for their lives.
The centipede demon was skeptical. "Sisters, when I reconcile with the General for Folding the Curtain, I will also plead on your behalf to ask him to spare you from your labors."
The spider demons all smiled, but they felt somewhat guilty. We’ve deceived Brother Huanghua. We must ensure the General for Folding the Curtain truly reconciles with Brother Huanghua.
Soon, Seventh Mother, transformed into Sha Chen’s likeness, arrived alone for the appointment.
The centipede demon, seeing the ’Sha Chen’ who had actually appeared before him, seemed somewhat unable to believe his eyes. Isn’t he rumored to be a coward, hiding like a turtle? Why has he come out so readily?
’Sha Chen’ said, "Fellow Daoist invited me; I dare not refuse."
The centipede demon nodded but secretly mobilized his Heavenly Vision to check if the figure before him was the true body. However, his Cultivation of Heavenly Vision was not yet perfected, and Seventh Mother practiced the Thug’s Seventy-two Variations. She also carried the God Needle of Usagi Day, which had a certain shielding ability against the prying eyes of Divine Power. Thus, the centipede demon could not discern the truth.
Even the other sisters could not see through the disguise; they just found ’him’ strangely endearing. In the end, they unanimously agreed that they felt close to Sha Chen.
Seventh Mother’s heart was also filled with nervousness and hesitation, but the thought of her eventual ’skin-to-skin contact’ with Sha Chen and their future ’child’ solidified her resolve. I have to try.
She smiled and said, "I heard from Seventh Mother that Fellow Daoist wants to resolve past grievances with me. I dislike making enemies and have specifically come to clear the air."
The Master of Huanghua Temple secretly nodded. This seems to match the character of the Great General for Folding the Curtain.
’Sha Chen’ continued, "I wonder what delicacies and generous gifts Fellow Daoist has prepared. I am a simple man; please forgive any rudeness on my part."
The Master of Huanghua Temple nodded again in secret. Blurting out demands for benefits like this is even more in line with the character of the General for Folding the Curtain.
However, he was also secretly thrilled. The greedier Sha Chen appears, the happier I am. Only a greedy person can fall into my trap.
Recalling a recent dream from Bodhisattva Pilanpo of Qianhua Cave, informing him that once he lured Sha Chen out of the Flowing Sand River and caused him to fall into demonhood, he would become an Arhat of Buddhism, he couldn’t help but feel excited. I no longer want to kill Sha Chen, but I have my sights set on him. For my own future, I have to make Sha Chen fall! The best way is to let him eat humans here and indulge in lust. My several junior sister spider demons are quite suitable for this, and I’ve also captured many mortals. Now, I’ll intoxicate Sha Chen. Then, in his confused and impassioned state, I’ll make him mistakenly eat humans and arrange for a few spider demons to consort with him. Perfect! The Arhat Position is beckoning me!
He casually asked, "Why didn’t my Seventh Sister come with you?"
’Sha Chen’ laughed. "She’s quite particular about her appearance and is taking a bath in my cave dwelling."
While the centipede demon was pondering, the other spider demons began clamoring, "Our sister is really too cunning, bathing secretly! We’ll go join her later."
’Sha Chen’ nodded with a smile. "No problem. Now, let’s have a look at the welcome gift, shall we?"
The centipede demon inwardly scorned. Truly greedy. But he said, "There’s no hurry. Let’s eat first."
He then ordered the attendants to serve the dishes, and a parade of delicious food was set before everyone.
As ’Sha Chen’ and the centipede demon drank and dined, with wine flowing and courses passing, she detected no problems. It seems Big Brother was overconcerned. Brother Huanghua truly bears him no ill will, she thought.
At that moment, the Master of Huanghua Temple laughed. "General for Folding the Curtain, you’ve had a bit too much to drink. I recently came across some immortal dates during my travels seeking immortals and friends. I’ve made some water infused with them. It’s quite effective for sobering up and can even improve one’s Cultivation. Shall we share it?"
Thrilled, ’Sha Chen’ replied, "That’s wonderful! Bring it quickly."
The Master of Huanghua Temple again secretly cursed. So greedy! Yet, he rapidly had the attendants serve several cups of the water, each containing red, date-like immortal fruits.
The Master of Huanghua Temple glanced at the cup before ’Sha Chen’ and said with a smile, "Come, come, let’s drink and eat together."
’Sha Chen’ seemed hesitant. The Master of Huanghua Temple, keeping a straight face, laughed. "Is the General unaccustomed to this? I’ll swap with you."
He then stepped forward, picked up the cup in front of ’Sha Chen,’ and handed his own over.