At this moment, the spider spirit, the Six-Eared Macaque, and others within the cave dwelling were all extremely tense, each one staring intently at the Tongtian Hierarch who walked in slowly. Even Yang Jian felt as if there were thorns on his back, his scalp tingling with unease.
In their eyes, Sha Chen was someone who would never allow a person capable of threatening him to step into his cave dwelling; yet, he permitted the Tongtian Hierarch to enter, which was truly perplexing. However, seeing Sha Chen's composed and humble demeanor, they became somewhat confused and began to speculate.
Yang Jian, being the most astute, instantly guessed a few things. He whispered softly, "There's no need for everyone to be nervous. I suspect Big Brother knows the Saint. If I'm not mistaken, the Saint might have even guided Big Brother in the past."
After inviting the Tongtian Hierarch into the cave dwelling, Sha Chen introduced him, "This is the widely renowned Tongtian Hierarch. Everyone, come and pay your respects."
The spider spirit and the others stepped forward to offer their salutations, not daring to show the slightest negligence. At the same time, they were visibly shocked and pleasantly surprised. Sha Chen's ability to introduce the Tongtian Hierarch in such a manner indicated that their relationship was far from superficial.
So it turned out Sha Chen wasn't a loner after all! He still had the support of a Saint; at least the Tongtian Hierarch favored him.
The Tongtian Hierarch surveyed the assembled group, nodding slightly. "It seems you have already established your own team. And with your current strength, you probably disdain becoming my disciple now."
Sha Chen gave an awkward, forced laugh and invited him to take a seat. He then quickly arranged for the spider spirit to prepare fine wine and delicacies. The Three Holy Mother served tea to the Tongtian Hierarch and presented some fruit.
Siti also came out and greeted the Tongtian Hierarch. She and the Tongtian Hierarch were old acquaintances. There was no distinction of seniority or inferiority between them; they simply nodded slightly to each other and went about their own affairs. Siti transformed back into the Bodhi Tree and paid no further attention to the Tongtian Hierarch. The Tongtian Hierarch, for his part, showed no curiosity about her presence, seemingly accustomed to it.
Soon, fine wine and delicacies were laid out on the table. The Tongtian Hierarch naturally sat in the seat of honor, with Sha Chen next to him, and the others then took their seats in order beside them.
The Tongtian Hierarch said, "The dishes made by these young ladies are far inferior to yours. However, with your current strength, status, and reputation, you probably disdain cooking for me now." He commented thus after only a brief glance at the dishes.
Sha Chen gave a wry smile and explained, "This junior must accompany the Saint for conversation, and I'm afraid I'm simply too preoccupied to be able to cook myself. If Senior is willing to stay here for a few days, this junior will certainly prepare several delicious meals for the Saint, ensuring the Saint does not leave with any regrets."
The Tongtian Hierarch stared intently into Sha Chen's eyes and said, "With your current level of strength, even I would not find it easy to capture you."
Sha Chen simply smiled, offering no comment.
He had completely refined the Shiva World and even slain Ran Deng Buddha, his state of mind having already ascended to a higher plane. Although he was still in the Quasi-Saint Realm at this moment, his mental state had already transcended it. Furthermore, his power of space had also reached Great Perfection, and his attainments in spatial arts were no longer beneath Di Jiang's. He was the second person in all the lands to achieve Complete Realization of Space. Moreover, his physical body, mana, and primordial spirit far surpassed Di Jiang's. His mastery over various Divine Powers and Magical Tools also greatly exceeded Di Jiang's.
One could say that if Di Jiang were to fight me now, he would be no match for me. The outcome wouldn't be much better for him than it was for Ran Deng. For Di Jiang, his advantages would be completely gone, and his other aspects are quite ordinary and mediocre.
Even I, Sha Chen, having achieved Complete Realization of Space, am not entirely sure to what extent my strength has reached. Whether my actual combat power is significantly stronger than Saint Zhunti's, I cannot yet determine. After all, it was only after I slew Ran Deng Buddha and let Tathagata escape that I returned to the cave dwelling and gradually comprehended the Great Perfection of space. This means my strength has reached its current realm, but I haven't truly tested it yet. Even before achieving Great Perfection of space, I hadn't used my full strength in a battle, because Tathagata and Ran Deng together hadn't pushed me to that point.
Seeing Sha Chen's calm, composed, and confident smile, the Tongtian Hierarch understood that Sha Chen's strength was likely no longer beneath his own. He also sensed that Sha Chen himself believed this, even if he didn't outwardly show it. Although the Tongtian Hierarch was somewhat skeptical, Sha Chen's various astonishing performances over the years made it difficult for him not to believe. He didn't understand where Sha Chen's confidence stemmed from, but it exuded naturally and was unmistakably genuine.
Yang Jian, watching from the side, was also internally shaken. The Tongtian Hierarch had actually stated that Sha Chen's strength was not beneath his own! This revealed just how truly formidable Sha Chen was.
I know very well that Sha Chen's cultivation is still at the Quasi-Saint Realm. Can someone merely at the Quasi-Saint Realm actually be comparable to long-established Saints?
The strength of the Tongtian Hierarch was renowned. During the War of Divine Enthronement, armed with his Sword Technique of Immortality and the Ten Thousand Fairies Formation, he had single-handedly fought against three Saints. For such a terrifyingly powerful Saint to say that Sha Chen's strength was not beneath his own... Truly terrifying!
Looking at Sha Chen's composed smile, Yang Jian realized that Sha Chen likely thought so too. This realization shook Yang Jian to his core.
I feel a trace of defeat... I remember when I first came to the Flowing Sand River to challenge Sha Chen, there was a whole major realm difference between us, yet we fought to a draw. Although I never admitted it publicly, nor did I announce it widely, I always aimed to defeat Sha Chen. But the harder I worked, the more I discovered that the distance between myself and Sha Chen was only growing wider. This ever-widening gap made me feel somewhat hopeless. After I reached the High-Rank Quasi-Saint Realm, I regained some confidence. But witnessing Sha Chen's true power, that confidence has been shattered time and time again.
Now, hearing the Tongtian Hierarch personally admit that Sha Chen's strength was not inferior to his, Yang Jian felt even more despair. A bitter taste filled his mouth, followed by a sense of resignation.
Why must I set Sha Chen as my goal? Even a Saint like the Tongtian Hierarch feels he might not be Sha Chen's match; am I supposed to be more formidable than a Saint?
Once he thought it through this way, Yang Jian's state of mind underwent a subtle transformation.
The Tongtian Hierarch cast a particular glance at Yang Jian and smiled faintly. "It seems following Lord Yuan Shi was truly a waste of your talents."
Although Yang Jian had already left the Chan Sect, he still dared not speak disrespectfully of Lord Yuan Shi. Hearing his Martial Grand-Uncle's words, he could only lower his head and remain silent.
The Tongtian Hierarch, seeing this, grew even more interested. He nodded slightly in approval. If it had been someone else, the Tongtian Hierarch mused, upon hearing me speak ill of Lord Yuan Shi, they would probably have tried to curry favor by agreeing. Some unfilial ones might have even joined in the criticism. Yang Jian's reaction, however, pleased him greatly.
The Tongtian Hierarch then pointed a finger, sending a ray of divine light into Yang Jian's forehead. Instantly, Yang Jian's Brow's Celestial Eye opened, emitting a brilliant gleam of sword light. Yang Jian closed his eyes and then opened them again. Apparently realizing the benefit he had received, he was overcome with a mix of surprise and joy.
He quickly knelt on the ground and expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Saint, for bestowing upon me the Qingping Divine Light!"
The Tongtian Hierarch said, "Rise. Now that your Heavenly Eye can emit the Qingping Sword Light, you will likely be unrivaled among those in the same realm."
