Chapter 168: Chapter 162: Ancient Ran Deng Buddha Comes to Ask for Treasure【Seeking Subscription and Monthly Tickets】_1
SMACK!
No sooner had Marshal Tianpeng finished speaking than Fairy Chang E slapped him across the face, leaving him stunned once more.
With aggrieved and bewildered annoyance, he said, "Fairy, what was that slap for?"
Chang E snorted. "Although I did trick you, I explained everything clearly. We’re even now. Stop trying to associate yourself with me, and don’t you dare insult my brother."
Marshal Tianpeng was dumbfounded. "Old Sha is your brother?"
Chang E stated matter-of-factly, "Of course."
Then, her face flushed pink as she lightly massaged Sha Chen’s shoulders.
Sha Chen furrowed his brow and said, "Little sister, didn’t you eat? Put some strength into it."
Fairy Chang E hastily apologized, "I’m sorry, brother. I’ll try harder. Is this force alright?"
Sha Chen nodded, and only then did she relax.
Seeing Sha Chen’s enjoyment and Chang E’s servitude, Marshal Tianpeng felt like he had swallowed a forest of lemons, so sour he seemed ready to explode on the spot.
With a complicated expression and dripping with sarcasm, he asked, "Fairy, what virtues or abilities does he possess to deserve such service from you?"
Chang E scolded, "Shut up, you scoundrel! What gives you the right to speak of my brother?"
Sha Chen was quite pleased with Chang E’s attitude. Now, that’s what a good sister should be like.
He then looked at Marshal Tianpeng mockingly. He knew Tianpeng liked Chang E, but seeing her being so nice to him felt just like watching a play. It was a very satisfying feeling.
Marshal Tianpeng continued with his sour tone, "But still, Fairy, how could I be a scoundrel when you’re the one who tricked me?"
Chang E replied as if it were the most natural thing in the world, "How could I have tricked you if you weren’t lecherous? Do you think just anyone is worthy of being tricked by me? Or that just anyone is worthy of appreciating my dance?"
Tianpeng pondered for a moment and felt she made quite a bit of sense. So, it was his fault after all? But still, it didn’t seem right.
Chang E was too nice to Sha Chen, inquiring if he was warm enough, pouring tea, and acting subservient. She didn’t seem like a younger sister at all but rather like a concubine.
Marshal Tianpeng couldn’t take it anymore and tried to build a connection with Sha Chen.
He said, grinning, "Old Sha, we’re brothers. How did you get so close to Fairy Chang E? Teach me, won’t you?"
Sha Chen replied indifferently, "My sister and I share a deep, mutual affection, so we naturally get along, right?"
Marshal Tianpeng pressed, "Just ’get along’? What about beyond that?"
Sha Chen frowned. "You’re being inappropriate."
Marshal Tianpeng continued with his sour tone, "Old Sha, we’re brothers. Your sister is my sister; Fairy Chang E is my sister too, isn’t that right?"
Before Sha Chen could respond, Chang E rebuked, "Shut up! Would you even qualify to be my brother?"
Marshal Tianpeng replied timidly, "But Old Sha and I are brothers..."
Chang E huffed, "That’s between you two. My relationship with my brother is separate. Don’t try to associate yourself with me; you’re not worthy."
Sha Chen shrugged helplessly but with a teasing look in his eyes.
Patting Marshal Tianpeng’s shoulder, he said, "I can’t help you there. My sister is aloof by nature; indeed, not everyone is worthy of her favor."
With a conflicted expression, Marshal Tianpeng asked, "So, can I be the Fairy’s younger brother then?"
Chang E replied, "You couldn’t even qualify to be my son."
Then she added, "If it weren’t for your connection to my brother, you wouldn’t even be worthy of an explanation from me. Wrongly accused? Even if you were, so what?"
Sha Chen’s heart skipped a beat; he worried that Chang E had agitated Marshal Tianpeng too much and was just about to try and ease the tension.
But he had underestimated the extent of Tianpeng’s bootlicking. Tianpeng himself, with a sycophantic smile, said, "Yes, yes, the Fairy is right. It’s good to be wronged; I deserve to be wronged."
He continued, "But now that the Fairy has wronged me and I have forgiven you, can’t you offer me a kinder expression?"
Chang E chuckled. "Do you deserve it?"
Then, pointing at the shoes beneath Sha Chen’s feet, she said, "Do you see those?"
Marshal Tianpeng replied, "I see them. Would you like to wear them, Fairy?"
He was about to move Sha Chen’s foot aside to pick up the shoes. But Chang E slapped away his hand, saying, "Don’t touch my brother’s shoes; you’re not even fit to carry them for him."
Marshal Tianpeng was heartbroken.
Sha Chen, on the other hand, was embarrassed, sweating profusely.
He hadn’t expected Chang E to be so cold and dismissive toward Marshal Tianpeng. What shocked him even more was that Marshal Tianpeng was just as much of a bootlicker as ever, much like in the original story—helpless in the presence of a beauty and reduced to a sycophant around Fairy Chang E. Everything was his fault. Even knowing Fairy Chang E had harmed him, he still felt it was his own wrongdoing.
Sha Chen initially felt a bit sorry for him and wanted to persuade Chang E not to be so harsh. But now, he thought Tianpeng deserved it. And he wouldn’t say a word in his defense. To each their own.
Sha Chen said, "Marshal Tianpeng, if you don’t believe me, you should at least believe my sister, right?"
Marshal Tianpeng nodded repeatedly. How could he dare to say no, with Sha Chen being Chang E’s brother and Chang E herself present?
Sha Chen continued, "Since you believe her, do you still want to return to the Heavenly Court? Let me tell you, if my sister hadn’t told you that you were deceived this time, you probably would have remained in the dark for the rest of your life."
Marshal Tianpeng nodded repeatedly in agreement.
Sha Chen added, "In that case, you should thank my sister. Thank her for telling you the truth and allowing you to escape from your suffering."
Marshal Tianpeng paused, then awkwardly thanked Fairy Chang E.
He still felt something was off. He was apologizing? Wasn’t he the victim? Why was he thanking the one who harmed him?
After giving thanks and wanting to delve deeper into the matter for further explanation, Chang E interjected, "Don’t be such a nag. I’ve already let it go; why bring it up again?"
Marshal Tianpeng instantly didn’t dare to speak another word.
He nodded repeatedly in agreement.
Sha Chen laughed inwardly, certain that Marshal Tianpeng had been utterly hoodwinked. He also knew that Chang E’s firm stance was intentional, meant to help him completely subdue and win over Marshal Tianpeng. However, what Sha Chen hadn’t anticipated was Chang E’s impressive ability to manipulate; she played Tianpeng perfectly. At the same time, he felt somewhat proud of himself. Fortunately, his heart was as firm as iron, and he never succumbed to the allure of women, so he wouldn’t follow in Marshal Tianpeng’s old footsteps.
Marshal Tianpeng finally gave up the delusion of returning to the Heavenly Court to resume his post and sincerely dedicated himself to his very promising role as a human shield in the mortal world.
Feeling content, he decided to cook a delicious meal himself.
Just as he was about to start, Chang E hurried to help him with the preparation.
Initially, Marshal Tianpeng had only wanted to eat without lifting a finger to cook, but seeing Fairy Chang E roll up her sleeves, revealing her fair forearms, his eyes shone with excitement, and he too offered to help.
Sha Chen said, "You’ve come from afar; how can I let you do the work?"
Marshal Tianpeng replied, "Old Sha, don’t be so formal. We’re brothers, after all. It’s only right that I help out."
He protested, "Don’t stop me! Anyone who tries to prevent me from cooking, I’ll be at odds with them."
Sha Chen sighed. "Since you insist, go ahead."
Then he clapped his hands and stepped aside.
Seeing Sha Chen step back, Chang E also withdrew, rolling down her sleeves and stepping back as well.
Upon seeing this, Marshal Tianpeng, astonished, said, "You’re not cooking anymore?"
Sha Chen replied, "Let’s do it another day."
Marshal Tianpeng was confused and turned to Chang E, saying, "Fairy, you’re not cooking anymore?"
Chang E, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, said, "I’m merely a delicate woman, my hands untouched by the waters of spring. Have you no shame asking me to perform such rough work?"
Marshal Tianpeng thought she had a point. Then, he no longer felt like cooking either.
Chang E said, "Did you really think just anyone has the privilege to cook for me?"
Marshal Tianpeng suddenly felt that cooking a meal for Chang E, and having her take just one bite, would be an immense honor. And so, he sincerely prepared a lavish feast.
His culinary skills were quite good; he had just been lazy and hiding his talent before.
Sha Chen tried his cooking and thought it was rather good.
With the wine flowing and the dishes pleasing, Marshal Tianpeng tried several times to take advantage of the situation to get closer to Chang E, but she remained aloof and unimpressed.
Having been aloof and an expert manipulator for over a hundred thousand years, Chang E surely knew Marshal Tianpeng’s intentions. No different from other men prowling around the doors of widows. However, how could she fancy someone so superficial? She favored Sha Chen. Upon seeing Sha Chen, she was smitten. A man so indifferent to fame and fortune, in pursuit of the natural Dao, completely unfazed by her beauty—he was worthy of her trust. Those who covet beauty will eventually leave her as she ages and loses her charm.
After several rounds of drinks and a multitude of dishes, Sha Chen broached the important topic again, asking about Red Boy and the situation overseas.
Marshal Tianpeng recounted everything he knew, seizing the chance to boast about himself.
Sha Chen’s expression turned grave as he said, "Red Boy is in great danger. We must absolutely prevent him from meeting Guanyin."
Then, looking at Marshal Tianpeng, he said, "Unfortunately, I can’t leave. Marshal Tianpeng, I’m afraid I have to trouble you..."
Marshal Tianpeng hastily waved his hands, objecting, "Please, don’t trouble me."
Chang E snorted. "So, you are the type who fears death and clings to life."
Marshal Tianpeng was near tears as he said, "Fairy, I, Marshal Tianpeng, am steadfast and unyielding! I was captured by the Nine-headed Dragon overseas, faced hundreds of his men attacking me alone, and I didn’t even frown nor fall in defeat. How could I be someone who fears death and clings to life?"
Sha Chen added insult to injury: "That’s because you were tied up and beaten."
Chang E said, "Brother, if Marshal Tianpeng is so afraid of death, then let me contact Red Boy."
Sha Chen conceded, "Okay, but be careful, little sister; it’s dangerous."
Actually, he had other plans for Chang E, but since Marshal Tianpeng remained unmoved by their provocation, there was nothing he could do. Ultimately, he decided to let Chang E leave to gather information on Red Boy and incidentally help him avoid Guanyin.
He too needed more information before deciding his next steps.
Chang E even took the Biyu Lotus Root with her, as Sha Chen had privately instructed. He took her into the palace and whispered to her in secret.
Marshal Tianpeng, anxiously looking on from outside, was scratching his head in frustration.
When they came out, Chang E was blushing fiercely, and Marshal Tianpeng’s heart broke.
After sending Chang E off, Sha Chen revealed that he had given her the Biyu Lotus Root to help his incarnation, Hanshan, coalesce a physical form.
He also instructed her to bring any news from the Heavenly Court at any time, for his doors would always be open to her.
Naturally, Chang E left with flushed cheeks, elated.
Her doors, too, were open for Sha Chen.
Having settled these matters, Sha Chen finally had the time to deal with Marshal Tianpeng, saying, "How come you haven’t left yet?"
Marshal Tianpeng replied, "Old Sha, I just said I wouldn’t do that task for you. Why be so harsh? I’ve already paid my dues, yet you still want to send me away."
Sha Chen huffed. Not working was the biggest mistake.
Suddenly, Marshal Tianpeng said, "Actually, there’s something else I’ve been meaning to tell you, but I couldn’t because Fairy Chang E was here."
Sha Chen calmly asked, "What’s so important that you couldn’t say it in front of my sister?"
Marshal Tianpeng’s expression turned serious as he said, "I’ve learned that a secret cache has been unearthed overseas. It’s said to contain the Sky Shaking Bow and the Sun Shooting Arrow, both of which belonged to Fairy Chang E’s late husband. Could I have said that in front of her?"
He continued, "What’s strange is that while everyone was fighting over the cache overseas, the Sky Shaking Bow suddenly flew away, leaving only the Sun Shooting Arrow for the taking."
Sha Chen was intrigued. "Are you suggesting that my Sky Shaking Bow came from that cache?"
Marshal Tianpeng nodded, then added, "Is there a second Sky Shaking Bow in the world? Also, Old Sha, you need to be careful. Among those interested in the Sky Shaking Bow were powerful figures, two of whom were determined to possess it."
Sha Chen inquired, "Who?"
Marshal Tianpeng said, "Empress Shiji from the former Sect of Interpretation, and Ran Deng Buddha from Buddhism."
Sha Chen was stunned. "Why would they want the Sky Shaking Bow?"
Marshal Tianpeng explained, "It’s rumored that the Tongtian Hierarch wishes to restore the Sect of Interpretation, and Empress Shiji probably wants to offer it as a treasure. As for Ran Deng Buddha, he has always claimed that the Sky Shaking Bow is a sacred relic of Buddhism."
Sha Chen scoffed, "Ridiculous. It belongs to a Great Witch of the Witch Clan. How could it be a sacred relic of Buddhism?"
Marshal Tianpeng shrugged. "He doesn’t play by the rules; there’s nothing I can do about that. Be cautious; those two might come looking for you."
Sha Chen became alert. Trouble was brewing. Unexpectedly, the item given by the system was so fraught with risks.
Amidst these thoughts, Buddhist chanting suddenly echoed from outside Flowing Sand River.
"Amitabha. Good patron of Flowing Sand River, would you kindly return the sacred relic of our Buddhism?"