The moonlight brought forth a blurry and indistinct illusion before my eyes.
Emperor Shen, still in his middle-aged appearance, ascended Mount Qiuyi alone. Facing the fierce dragon that was causing chaos and harm to all sides, he showed no fear at all. He charged straight ahead, without following the path of immortality. Instead, he relied on his exquisite martial arts skills and a determined willpower.
In terms of martial prowess alone, he could be seen as an upgraded version of King Zhou.
He is strong beyond measure, quick on his feet, and his moves are fierce.
The concept of human way fortune is indeed formidable, and its effectiveness depends largely on the opponent. It instills fear in beings who possess Daoist immortality, as they are aware of the infinite consequences and karma that accompany such forces, leading to unforeseen calamities at any moment. However, this is not a concern for evil dragons; our mission is to commit acts of malevolence and bring calamity upon ordinary people. Your human way fortune stands in stark opposition to us from the outset.
Emperor Shen, fighting against overwhelming odds, ultimately defeated nine evil dragons, but he himself sustained a mortal wound. The injury was so severe that he could no longer leave Mount Qiuyi. His determination remained to guard the souls of the nine evil dragons, while his body lay lifeless by the roadside. It was not until several years later that the Empresses Ao Huang and Nü Ying found Mount Qiuyi after a long search, finally locating his body and burying their husband.
"Amidite Fo, sabi sabi, this humble monk still has some earthly matters to attend to. It is best for the Overlord to rest well. Be mindful of the wind tonight. Don't forget to cover yourself with more blankets." As the moonlight spoke these words, the shadow of Emperor Shen standing by the grave gazed at her more intently.
She wanted to pretend not to see him, but he didn't fall for it.
"Alas, alas, meeting is fate. Today, this monk will answer your question, good sir."
Emperor Shen himself was an extremely intelligent person. As the reincarnation of the Brightness Bird, his eyes could distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong, and he couldn't tell where Moonlight came from, but he knew that she was a good person.
"Immortal, I have no questions to be resolved. I am just filled with some lingering dissatisfaction in my heart."
Moonlight patiently listened.
"Father, when I was young, he had great expectations for me. Unfortunately, I disappointed him. My stepmother, Xiang, and the other patriarchs played cunning games, but in the end, I didn't contribute much to the human race. I left my tribe and my wife, thinking myself to be strong and powerful. However, I died on a barren mountain and caused my wife to weep tears of blood. I am ashamed of myself before the ancestors of our tribe. All my life has been a series of mistakes; one mistake after another. I feel that I have no face to see the old villagers who once knew me."
Emperor Shen was quite distressed, as if the Buddhist radiance emanating from Moonlight had enabled him to lower his guard. Although her gaze did not focus on him, he did not pay much attention to it either. He poured out his heart like a bamboo tube, recounting his entire past life.
Emperor Yao had remarkable achievements, taking the loosely organized Yan Huang tribes a significant step towards becoming a nation. Emperor Yu's water control achievements were well-known to all. Only he, Emperor Shun, who was said to bridge the past and future, actually felt that what he had done was quite ordinary.
He was very unhappy, so much so that even after so many years, his wandering spirit still did not want to enter reincarnation and instead lingered around his tomb, waiting for a true liberation.
Moonlight's face remained calm.
Since entering the Buddhist monastic order, he hasn't done any real deeds; he's just been telling jokes. It seems he'll have to continue doing so this time.
"Venerable, I will tell a story to the Overlord. Long ago, there was a wealthy merchant. He had a beautiful wife and an attractive son. Later, his son planned to marry the prettiest girl in the village, and the family lived happily ever after. However, one day suddenly, the son climbed a tree to pick flowers for the girl and fell to his death. A once happy family was completely shattered."
This time, it was Emperor Shen who listened attentively.
Moonlight continued, "The wealthy merchant's family plunged into a vortex of pain. The Buddha came to their doorstep and said he could bring their son back to life, but it required them to go to a house where no one had ever died and light three incense sticks, then bring them back. The merchant and his wife traveled through various countries, but in this world, who's house hasn't seen death? They finally realized the truth and let go of their attachment. Overlord, life and death are impermanent; there comes a time when one must let go."
Emperor Shen's expression was complex, but eventually he calmed down.
"I understand, regardless of how much I refuse to accept it, the human race has flourished well, and everything is just my own illusion. The human race indeed does not need me."
Moonlight comforted him, "Not just you, the human race can do without anyone. The era of the Three Emperors and Five Emperors is over. The Overlord should not sink into the past. Look forward instead."
The truth is, her words may not have much profound meaning, but it all depends on who is saying them.
The value of a piece of calligraphy written by a high-level leader and one by the neighbor across the street is different.
Emperor Shun was persuaded by her words and finally let go of his attachment, preparing to enter the cycle of reincarnation.
Before leaving, he asked, "Master, may I try to strive again in my next life? May it be possible?"
At this point, saying "no" might seem a bit inhuman. Emperor Shen was no ordinary commoner, and Moonlight, considering her past life as the Brightness Bird and her respect for the Master of Humanity, decided to give him face.
She nodded: "Indeed."
Emperor Shen asked, "Will I not be a commoner in my next life?"
Moonlight replied, "I will set your next life to be a fallen noble."
"Will my strength not be too weak?"
"It is strong enough to lift a cauldron."
"Am I still destined for the supreme position in the mortal realm?"
"Perhaps so."
Moonlight wrote him a note, listing several characteristics: duolong eyes, great strength, fallen noble background, destined to strive for dominion in the heavens. Afterward, she instructed him to go to the underworld and seek rebirth under Dizang.
After sending off Emperor Shen, she planted a section of variegated bamboo in front of the tomb. With her right hand, she formed a wood element magic seal. The bamboo grew rapidly, its roots plunging deep into the earth. Accompanied by a resounding boom, the ground quickly rose, and a massive rock over ten feet tall and striking in shape slowly rose up from the ground below.
Moonlight reached out to touch the massive rock. Within it, she could feel traces of the "Floating Flame Banner," "Wujǐ Xinghuang Banner," "Dinghǎi Pearl," as well as the essence of "Ba Jǐng Gōngdēng," "Yùxū Liulián Dēng," and "Hùnyuán Jin Dǒu." She could see the residual Daoist essence left by countless primitive celestial treasures within it. There was no doubt that this was the Dividing Treasure Rock used by Hóngjun at Zihóu Palace to distribute treasures to the Three Thousand Guests.
Treasures belong to those with virtue, and Hongjun the Elder had collected an excessive amount of treasures. These treasures were completely useless to him. To avoid affecting his own good fortune, he decided to disperse all of them.
This massive rock resembles a display shelf, where countless treasures once stood. Although each one held its own unique Daoist essence, they were not organized well, just randomly piled up together.
Many ancient Daoist artifacts are manifestations of the Dao itself.
This Treasure Dividing Rock can now be used to comprehend the true meanings of different artifacts. As for how powerful the effect is, it's hard to say for sure; it can only be said that one can draw some inspiration from it.
Moonlight certainly did not seek these treasure insights. Hongjun the Elder had looked down upon these treasures, and she had also surpassed the stage of relying on artifacts to display her status. Ordinary primordial celestial treasures, whether they are present or not, can be regarded as both good and unnecessary.
She brought her own ability of clairvoyance to its peak, listening to the voice of the Treasure Dividing Rock, trying to find the largest piece of opportunity within it.
