CHAPTER 87: CHAPTER 87 UNFATHOMABLE [ASK FOR RECOMMENDATION VOTES]_1

Amidst the Flowing Sand River, a tense standoff ensued.

Nezha intended to penetrate the Formation, but Sha Chen firmly refused to allow it.

Lady Di Yong was inside the Formation, terrified beyond measure, truly worried that Sha Chen would be unable to withstand the pressure and would hand her over. The terror inspired by the Li Family’s father and son was still vivid in her mind.

However, Sha Chen’s resolute refusal of Nezha moved her unexpectedly, stirring deep emotions within her. She thought, My master has sacrificed so much for me; I too must serve him in all ways possible.

At that moment, Sha Chen was troubled. Nezha was unwilling to give ground, and he, in turn, could not possibly let anyone in. If a real conflict were to break out, it would be very troublesome indeed.

It wasn’t that he feared Nezha could force his way in. The Apricot Yellow Flag of Wuji could repel anyone below a Saint. A mere Nezha, likely only at the Taiyi level, absolutely couldn’t break through.

Nezha himself was also hesitating. Had this been earlier, he would have charged into the Formation without a second thought. But having heard of Sha Chen’s various exploits, he hesitated. As a member of the foremost family in the Heavenly Court known for its strategic maneuvering, Nezha naturally understood Sha Chen’s importance. He was the bridge between the Heavenly Court and Buddhism. He could not be harmed.

Moreover, his Second Brother Muzha had sought him out to tell him about Sha Chen. Sha Chen had managed to send his Second Brother flying with a single palm strike, indicating his inscrutable strength. It was highly possible that he had already reached the mid-stage of Greater Primordial Golden Immortal, or even stronger.

However, Nezha himself was still assimilating the karmic ties from Divine Enthronement and growing stronger day by day. Yet, he was currently only at the mid-stage of Greater Primordial Golden Immortal as well. He and Sha Chen were evenly matched. He couldn’t be sure he would win in a one-on-one duel with Sha Chen.

What’s more, Sha Chen was within the Formation. Even if Sha Chen came out to fight, it would still be within the Flowing Sand River. Moreover, he was not adept in water. In battle, his power would be significantly diminished, while Sha Chen would fight with an added advantage. With such a disadvantage, he truly feared he would not be Sha Chen’s match.

Therefore, he hesitated. If he charged the Formation and provoked Sha Chen, who then fought back in earnest, Nezha feared he might not be his match. If he didn’t charge, the likes of the Mighty Miracle God and his other followers were watching. This would cost him considerable face. Furthermore, he did suspect that the golden-nosed white-furred mouse spirit might have been hidden away by Sha Chen.

However, that was only a suspicion. He doubted Sha Chen would have the audacity to oppose their Li Family directly. Moreover, Sha Chen likely didn’t know that the spirit possessed a tremendous opportunity and was part of their Li Family’s scheme in the Journey to the West.

Yet, he was mistaken. Sha Chen knew everything and indeed had saved the spirit. The only accurate assessment was that he certainly couldn’t defeat Sha Chen within the Flowing Sand River. Within the same realm, Sha Chen possessed the body of a true dragon and was at the mid-stage Greater Primordial Golden Immortal level. Furthermore, he was within the Flowing Sand River. Nezha was truly outmatched.

His subordinates continued to clamor, and Nezha remained indecisive.

Sha Chen frowned. He really didn’t want to engage with Nezha and the others, for he did not wish to invite monumental trouble upon himself. He knew the Li Family had placed bets with various major powers. Provoking Nezha might mean antagonizing major powers connected to half the Three Realms. The loss would not be worth the gain. But this headstrong youth wouldn’t leave, and that gave Sha Chen a headache.

After considering his options, he decided to give Nezha a minor lesson to demonstrate that he was not one to be trifled with. Those who understood the situation would leave on their own accord. Otherwise, if they ended up losing both face and any advantage, they could not blame him. Although Sha Chen was cautious and feared trouble, if anyone thought they could trample over him, they were gravely mistaken.

Sha Chen made up his mind to repel Nezha and his company. His eyes changed, and his form manifested above the Formation, staring down Nezha and the others with a grave expression.

"Great God Nezha, it is difficult enough for a nobody like me to endure such hardships here. If you continue to oppress me," he declared, "even as feeble as an ant, I shall still endeavor to shake an immense tree."

His words meant that he was going to make a move, and it was Nezha who had forced him into it. All responsibility lay with Nezha.

The Mighty Miracle God and the others sneered. How dare a mere Attendant General challenge their Great God Nezha!? It was laughable! They seemed to already envision Nezha stepping on Sha Chen, who would be kneeling and begging for mercy.

At this moment, Nezha himself was alarmed and hesitating over what to do. In fact, in his heart, he wanted to find an excuse to back down, such as attacking the Formation a few times, finding it indestructible, and then having a reason to retreat. But before he could make a move, Sha Chen, unable to bear the verbal abuse and threats, seemed ready to fight him.

He didn’t want to fight at all. Muzha had instructed him that Sha Chen’s strength was at least at the mid-stage of Greater Primordial Golden Immortal, no less than his own. Moreover, in the water, he wouldn’t be able to defeat him. If they really fought, that would be a real embarrassment.

Seeing that Sha Chen was about to act, Nezha grew somewhat panicked. I was just being arrogant to scare you, don’t take it seriously!!

Sha Chen raised his hand. The Undefined Flying Rings were about to be thrown to drive the challengers back and then open the Formation.

But at that moment, Nezha said, "Enough."

Sha Chen stopped his hand. Nezha quickly said, "Facing me, knowing you cannot win, yet still choosing to battle to preserve your reputation—it shows that the demon truly isn’t here."

Everyone was stunned.

The Mighty Miracle God wanted to tell Nezha that this wasn’t about the demon anymore, but a matter of face. Sha Chen had refused their search. If they didn’t give him a taste of their might, where would their face be!?

Seeing Sha Chen’s confusion, Nezha coughed and said, "General for Folding the Curtain, you are no match for me. And it is said that you saved the scripture seekers years ago, showing that you have a kind heart and would definitely not harbor a demon guilty of heinous crimes."

Sha Chen didn’t understand what Nezha was up to, but it seemed Nezha didn’t want to fight anymore. He was happy because he didn’t want to fight either. Although he was confident he could beat Nezha, if he could avoid fighting, he would. He didn’t want to invite trouble. Keep a low profile and grow stronger, isn’t that sweet!?

He thus nodded and said, "That’s right, I’m a good person. Thank you, Great God Nezha, for your discerning eyes and insightful perception."

Nezha’s cheeks twitched slightly. Going against his conscience, he praised Sha Chen a bit more, enduring the odd looks from his subordinates, and announced the retreat.

「Out of the water and back into the sky.」

The Mighty Miracle God couldn’t help but ask, "General, what merit or ability does Sha Chen possess? He’s just a demoted general. Why did you praise him so much and repeatedly show forbearance?"

Nezha sighed. "He has already been demoted, and day and night he endures the pain of Thousand Swords Piercing The Heart. I simply couldn’t bear it."

The Mighty Miracle God wanted to say more.

Nezha, in deep distress, said, "You don’t understand me. He was once our comrade in arms!"

The Mighty Miracle God and the others immediately said they dared not disagree, all the while muttering to themselves. They guarded the main gate, Nezha enjoyed wealth and status, and Sha Chen served as a Phoenix Chariot Attendant. They weren’t even part of the same division, nor had they ever fought together. How could they be called comrades in arms!?

But they didn’t dare to contradict Nezha.

The Mighty Miracle God asked, "So, is this matter just dropped? We’re not looking for the demon anymore!?"

Nezha stared at the Flowing Sand River and frowned. He said, "Juanlian is naturally cautious and certainly would not make an enemy of my Li Family for the sake of a demon. Perhaps this really has nothing to do with him."

The Mighty Miracle God and the others looked at each other in dismay.

However, Nezha then dispatched his subordinates to monitor the Flowing Sand River from the sky. If there was any movement, they were to report immediately. Only then did he depart. From his attitude, it was clear he intended to settle the score.

「Within the Flowing Sand River.」

Lady Di Yong knelt before Sha Chen, tears of gratitude streaming down her face.

"Thank you, General, for saving my life once again. I have no way to repay your kindness except by offering myself to you."

Sha Chen warned, "Don’t even think about it. You’re after my wealth."

Lady Di Yong was taken aback for a moment.

Sha Chen told her to get up. He consoled her, "I helped you, so you don’t need to offer yourself. Serving as a beast of burden would suffice."

Lady Di Yong’s face turned red. "Does the General wish for me to be his mount?"

Sha Chen was stunned for a moment, his face darkening.

"Something’s off about you."