Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 655 - 649: One Laugh Dissolves Grievances【Seeking Subscriptions】_1

Sha Chen clearly saw through Tathagata's thoughts, knowing that Tathagata believed he dared to come out only because he had Siti by his side.

However, Sha Chen did not point this out. Instead, he slowly extracted the reward from the system and began refining his eyes.

In just an instant, he had mastered the Eyes of the Past and Future.

Having already mastered the art of cosmic calculation, and now with the aid of the divine eyes, he could be said to have achieved Great Perfection in the methods of divination.

Even if Fuxi himself were to compare calculations with him, Fuxi probably wouldn't dare claim he could completely defeat him.

After serving the wine and laying out the dishes, Siti returned to the Flowing Sand River Cave and did not reappear.

Tathagata was somewhat perplexed. If they were to fight, Siti's help would arrive too late if he had to emerge from the cave entrance. After all, at their level of cultivation, a fight might last for a year and a half or even longer, yet it could also be decided in a mere instant. Emerging from the cave during a battle would take time, and in the midst of the struggle, Tathagata could easily use his spatial powers to enter the cave himself.

Therefore, given Sha Chen's caution, he would certainly not allow the cave entrance to be opened again. He would then be left to face them alone. How could Sha Chen dare to entertain such a notion?

As if aware of what Tathagata was thinking, Sha Chen simply smiled indifferently. "Buddha, this is all vegetarian food, and the strong alcohol is brewed from fruits. If the Buddha isn't afraid to indulge, you are welcome to try."

If Sha Chen hadn't said this, Tathagata might have started eating directly. However, these words made Tathagata even more wary. He simply smiled faintly and said, "This humble one has been Fasting for a long time, so even with such delicacies before me, I have no appetite."

The Ancient Buddha had also wanted to taste the culinary delights of the Flowing Sand River Cave, but after hearing Tathagata's words, he refrained from mentioning it.

Sha Chen nearly laughed out loud. He then started serving himself the dishes, began eating, poured his own wine, and drank it by himself.

Inside the Flowing Sand River Cave, Yang Jian and the others watched this scene. The spider spirit said, "What a coward! He's already so powerful, yet he still fears we might poison him?"

Yang Jian replied, "Actually, the world's most potent poisons are ineffective against them now. But Tathagata is cautious. Facing my big brother, how could he dare risk even the smallest mistake?" He smiled. "Only Big Brother can remain so composed, discussing heroes over wine."

In his words, the respect they once held for Tathagata Buddha had vanished, replaced with a touch of contempt.

Although Tathagata and the Ancient Buddha could not see what was happening inside the cave, they could hear the conversations. The voices of Yang Jian and the spider spirit reached their ears, making their faces burn with embarrassment. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Yet Tathagata remained unmoved, still convinced that this was merely a provocative tactic from Yang Jian and the others. As Yang Jian had said, when facing Sha Chen, he could not afford to be careless; any minor error could lead to utter disaster. He could only watch as Sha Chen boldly ate and drank, talking and laughing with carefree joy.

Sha Chen asked, "Buddha, what brings you here?"

Tathagata replied, "To turn hostility into friendship."

Sha Chen said, "Buddhism commands vast power, Buddha, and your Mana is boundless. If the Buddha wishes it, not only can we turn hostility into friendship, but what would be the harm in me offering an apology?"

Tathagata chuckled. "My friend jests. Indeed, I am here to resolve the misunderstandings and grievances between us."

Sha Chen suggested, "Then let us drink a toast to dissolve our resentments. Afterward, we can part ways and each return to our own homes, our own separate paths." He then raised his cup, but how could Tathagata possibly lift the cup before him?

Tathagata merely smiled. "This humble one practices Fasting and silent meditation, my friend. Please understand!"

Sha Chen chuckled. "As the Buddha wishes. In that case, I shall drink first as a sign of respect." After finishing his own drink, he picked up the cups of watered wine in front of Tathagata and the Ancient Buddha and downed them both, one after the other.

His bold demeanor made the faces of Tathagata and the Ancient Buddha flush uncomfortably. At the same time, they realized that the table laden with food and drink was probably perfectly safe and without any trickery. They had merely been judging a gentleman by their own petty standards. However, things having reached this point, they would not admit their mistake, much less acknowledge their narrow-mindedness.

Continuing to drink, Sha Chen asked, "Now, is there anything else to discuss? Have we dissolved our enmity?"

Tathagata replied, "As you say, my friend, a smile dispels hatred. We have resolved our grievances. Even if we are not friends, we are no longer enemies."

Sha Chen laughed heartily. "So, dissolving grievances is this simple! A smile can dispel all grudges. Since that's the case, then you two may take your leave. We hold no more resentments, and I have no desire for deeper exchanges with you, so I will not keep you."

Then, he rose as if to return to the cave, clearly signaling that he was seeing his guests out.

Tathagata and the Ancient Buddha also stood up but continued to watch Sha Chen, showing no intention of leaving. Sha Chen knew he couldn't possibly open the cave door and return in their presence, so he turned back to face them.

Sha Chen inquired, "What is it? Have you not eaten your fill, or is there something else you wish to say?"

Tathagata replied, "Besides coming here to dispel our enmity with a smile, we also hope that you, my friend, will lend your strength to assist Buddhism."

Sha Chen remarked, "Buddha, you flatter me too much. What merit or ability do I possess? I am but a humble fisherman. How could I possibly be of assistance to Buddhism?"

Tathagata said, "My friend, you truly undervalue yourself and also belittle my Buddhism. Once one possesses strength, they can go anywhere under the heavens. Except for Saints, there is likely no one who can be your adversary." His gaze twinkled as he smiled. "Even I myself may no longer be worthy of your consideration." Though he said this, the confidence in his eyes was enough to prove that it was merely an expression of modesty.

Sha Chen chuckled. "Why the undue praise, Buddha? You shower me with such compliments, clearly because you want my assistance. If it's chores like laying bricks, tiling roofs, or pouring tea and wine, I might be able to lend a hand. However, if it's anything to do with killing, arson, fraud, or deception, then I must respectfully ask the Buddha to find someone more adept."

Tathagata's expression became strained, and the Ancient Buddha beside him also squinted his eyes. Sha Chen's words were a clear jibe, suggesting that Buddhism engaged in such nefarious activities.

But Tathagata maintained his composure. "I am not here to ask you to misuse your great talents on menial tasks like serving tea; naturally, there are other Monks for that. I hope, my friend, that you will come forward and work with my Buddhism to complete the great trials of the Journey to the West."

A smile spread across Sha Chen's face. Tathagata's true motive is finally out.

Without betraying his thoughts, he said, "If the Buddha is still talking about me accompanying some so-called pilgrim on the Journey to the West, then please, Buddha, take your leave."

In the past, Tathagata had indeed invited Sha Chen. But at that time, the circumstances were different: Tathagata was strong and Sha Chen was weak, making Tathagata's invitation more of a threat. Now, however, Tathagata's tone was more one of request.

Tathagata smiled. "My friend, with your current strength, you possess power but lack status, and you have followers but no established faith. If you wish to advance further, you must establish yourself, usher in an era of lasting peace, author works to found your doctrines, and create an immortal legacy.

"My Buddhism intends to collaborate with you, offering you such an opportunity. With Buddhism's support, you can establish yourself and help usher in an age of great peace for generations to come. All you need to do is align with my Buddha to devise the eighty-one tribulations and help the pilgrim overcome the calamities of the Journey to the West."