Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 656 - 650: Shiva’s World of Telekinesis [Subscribe!]_1

"You have discovered that the host has been asked by Tathagata Buddha to co-create the rules of the Journey to the West. Here are your choices."

"Option one: Agree to co-create the trials of the Journey to the West with Tathagata Buddha and receive the reward [Buddhist Merit]. Buddhist Merit: With countless Buddhist followers and a multitude of disciples, you can refine the accumulated merits and beliefs of these people doing good deeds. With a certain chance, these merits can lead to sainthood."

"Option two: Refuse Tathagata Buddha's request and receive the reward [Shiva World Mind Power]. Shiva World Mind Power: Buddhism has three thousand large worlds and three thousand small worlds; among them, the Shiva world is a discarded great world of Buddhism, containing the manifold stray thoughts of the Buddhist community, hence becoming the hell for Buddhist monks."

Sha Chen's lips curved into a smile. Tathagata indeed has great destiny! In just a brief moment, I'm being forced to make a choice again. However, there really isn't much to hesitate about. I will never leave the Flowing Sand River, much less cooperate with Buddhism to design any so-called Calamity of the Journey to the West. I disdain those who manipulate the world from behind, presuming to know everything and be capable of anything. Moreover, Buddhism's Calamity of the Journey to the West was originally targeted at me. If they're now asking me to join as a planner, and I actually agree, it's very likely I would genuinely be colluding with Buddhism. By then, I would truly be bound to them, and it would be impossible to break away. Even if I claimed I had no ties with Buddhism, certainly no one would believe me. Their apparent offer of cooperation is, in reality, a scheme to swallow me whole. What's more, if I cooperate with Buddhism to co-create the rules of the Journey to the West, it will be impossible to stay neutral and avoid involvement. I'll be embroiled in all matters, and karmic retribution will be inevitable. I don't want to invite trouble, nor do I wish to become entwined with Buddhism, so I can't possibly agree.

Sha Chen said, "I appreciate the Buddha's good intentions. However, the Calamity of the Journey to the West is caused by Buddhism and was instigated solely by Buddhism. For me to reap the benefits midway would be completely inappropriate."

Tathagata said, "Rest assured, my friend. With your participation, the Calamity of the Journey to the West will only become more perfect, and the karma of the Journey will grow stronger. This is an opportunity for mutual benefit and a win-win situation; there is no question of reaping benefits midway."

Ran Deng Buddha, at his side, also nodded and said, "Out of Buddhist compassion, I wish to join hands with you, my friend, to create a perfect Calamity of the Journey to the West."

Sha Chen laughed heartily. "You two Excellencies hold me in too high regard. The Calamity of the Journey to the West isn't something a minor character like myself can manage.

"You should return from whence you came. As for inviting me to leave seclusion to craft or partake in the Calamity of the Journey to the West, there's no need to mention that again."

Tathagata and Ran Deng Buddha looked at each other, their eyes flickering as if they had already anticipated that Sha Chen might say such a thing. However, they did not intend to give up. Tathagata continued, "Your strength is evident to all, my friend; even I may not be a match for you.

"Therefore, do not belittle yourself, nor consider yourself a minor figure. Doing so is truly disheartening to us."

Sha Chen chuckled. "To Buddhism, I am indeed a minor character.

"Even if I possess some strength, it is merely for self-protection, and even that might not suffice, let alone using it to control the lives of others or to set the so-called rules for the Calamity of the Journey to the West."

Tathagata wanted to say more, but Sha Chen's expression turned cold as he said icily, "I've said it before: I have no interest in your Calamity of the Journey to the West. I do not wish to be involved, nor do I wish to be exploited by you. Please leave."

Tathagata and Ran Deng Buddha had not expected Sha Chen to turn hostile so abruptly and ruthlessly. They did not get angry, however, as both were ancient beings who had lived for countless years and witnessed all manner of great storms. They knew Sha Chen had the grounds to be angry and the power to afford such hostility. They had even anticipated worse scenarios. Yet, they also understood that a Sha Chen who could turn hostile and disavow any prior understanding probably truly did not wish to join them. However, they found this outcome unacceptable.

Tathagata said, "My friend, why not listen to the benefits of joining forces with us before refusing outright? To reject without consideration seems far too hasty."

He did not wait for Sha Chen to speak and continued, "As long as you join us in setting the rules for the Journey to the West, you need not participate directly. You merely need to let your followers act as the obstacles in these trials.

"They will endure these trials on your behalf, and they too will reap the benefits, but the greatest benefit will ultimately accrue to you. With Buddhist Merit bestowed upon you, you might even have the chance to achieve sainthood through merit."

Tathagata continued, as if to himself, "In this way, you can reap the rewards without even leaving your door, which doesn't change your initial caution or original intentions in any way."

Having said this, he quietly watched Sha Chen, awaiting his response. He was actually quite confident about his proposal. Sha Chen was an insatiably greedy person, one who would let his followers toil outside while he sat back in his cave dwelling and reaped the benefits. Surely, he couldn't refuse such an offer; it was both safe and highly advantageous.

Yet, a cold smile touched Sha Chen's lips as he shook his head firmly without hesitation. "I told you to leave. Didn't you hear me?"

Tathagata froze, his face a mask of astonishment. "You refused?"

He truly couldn't understand what reason Sha Chen could have for refusing, or how he could possibly reject such a proposal. This proposal offered Sha Chen nothing but advantages and represented a significant concession from Buddhism. Of course, Buddhism also stood to gain a great deal; the influence created by allying with Sha Chen, both overtly and covertly, could yield even greater benefits for them. In any case, it was a decision that promised mutual benefits—a win-win situation. Sha Chen had no reason to refuse. Yet, he had refused, without a moment's thought or hesitation.

Tathagata asked, "Can't you consider it more deeply? How will you advance if you continue to stay holed up here?

"Without merit, you cannot establish yourself; without faith, you cannot achieve sainthood. Only by cooperating with us can you make progress and have the chance to attain sainthood through merit."

Sha Chen laughed and replied, "That's just your wishful thinking. I have no plans to achieve sainthood through merit, nor do I intend to use the merits of your Buddhism."

Tathagata questioned, "You linger here with neither faith nor meritorious deeds, nor a means to establish yourself. How do you plan to become a saint?"

Sha Chen said, "How I will do so is none of your concern. Just remember one thing: leave this place and stop bothering me."

Tathagata and the Ancient Buddha exchanged glances again, their expressions turning from initially solemn and calm to cold and impatient.

The Ancient Buddha said, "I've long said that it's impossible to reason with him; only by taking action can we make him submit."

Tathagata declared, "I have said to offer courtesy before force. Now that reason and logic have failed, it seems we must resort to fists."