Chapter 1486: Amidst the Water

This matter of "living"... it does not exist.Always, always.It is ever forward movement, ever cultivation. Bearing burdens of ten thousand jun, how can there be a single moment of pause?He feared if he stopped... he would never have the strength to continue.Only before kith and kin could he find temporary respite.Only this time, having made a decision true to his heart in Qi, and having rested body and mind in Yun, did a touch of clarity emerge upon arriving in Chu.Speaking of happiness exclusive to oneself, this is truly a topic not easily broached.Li Longchuan, born into a lineage of generals, first loved military strategy, second loved archery and horsemanship, and thereafter loved "loosening the bowstring."Yan Fu, placing family above all, held many refined personal preferences, fastidiously particular in matters of clothing, food, dwelling, and travel.Chong Xuan Sheng indulged in feasting, drinking, playing, and merrymaking, seeming to enjoy everything, mastering everything. Yet, he concealed his true thoughts beneath that smiling, plump face, inscrutable to all.Xu Xiangqian delighted in petty gains, cadging meals, wine, tea, even visits to brothels...Each person's peculiar habits, their joys, having associated with friends for a long time, one is always able to learn a little.But if one were to ask Jiang Wang what he liked, what hobbies he had.He truly could not recall.He seemed to possess no particular inclinations.Yet, he was not born thus.Zuo Guangshu said, one must have their own life, possess happiness exclusive to oneself. While undeniably words filled with good intention, they were also somewhat ephemeral, lacking concrete grounding.Some things that appear simple and ordinary are what countless individuals risk their lives to obtain, yet cannot.Peddlers and porters, retiring at the third watch, rising at the fifth, busying themselves from morn till night, their sweat and blood yielding barely enough to fill their bellies. Do they not wish for happiness, not yearn for a life of fulfillment?But merely the word "life," sometimes merely "survival," already renders one unable to stop, unable to catch a breath.Zuo Guangshu, born into nobility, and well-protected besides, his benevolence was also that of wealth. It was the sunlight of ideals shining upon a magnificent mansion, everything radiant...Untouched by pain and sorrow.But looking at this pair of bright eyes before him,Jiang Wang still smiled, his entire face, every muscle fiber, alight with joy.Regardless, in this world, a pure concern, a benevolent expectation, are flames of light that can warm the heart, are they not?He raised a hand and flicked the forehead of the richly dressed youth, scolding with a smile: "What are you saying? How has Brother Jiang disappointed you? Ask yourself, do you know the truth now? Do you know it?! And look at our lineup..."He swept a large hand in a circle, assuming a posture of 'behold this vast expanse,' his spirit soaring: "Is this not enough to sweep across the Mountain and Sea Realm?""Do not think Brother Jiang is bragging to you, has it not all come to fruition?" Lord Jiang declared emphatically: "Facts speak louder than words!"The experienced Lord Jiang, having intended to seize the opportunity to impart a lesson to the novice youth.He was never one to presume to teach others, but for younger brothers as close as Zuo Guangshu, and kin as precious as Jiang An'an, he could not escape the common inclination, always wishing to impart some of his life experiences, offering the earnest advice of an "old hand."The pits he had fallen into, he did not wish them to stumble upon again. The mistakes he had made, he did not wish them to repeat. The hardships he had endured, he did not wish them to suffer again.Unexpectedly, he was instead given a lesson by this young fellow.Zuo Guangshu understood his weariness, was clear about his efforts, and grasped his confusion.This touch of bewilderment was not newfound.In the past, when branded a vile demon under heaven, his wicked name spreading through the ages, of course he had thought, how utterly innocent am I!Journeying through the world, everyone has their reasons.Zhuang Gaoxian striving for good governance, Du Ruhui with his deep stratagems, Dong A loyal to the nation...Fang Pengju could not fail his parents' expectations, Zheng Shangming strived with the diligence of a mediocre talent, Fang Heling's choice was made under duress...Zhao Xuanyang could not disobey his master's command, Cui Zhu and Zhang Yong sacrificed for their ideals...He was merely a young man who had just turned twenty.Of course, he had been bewildered.What exactly is right, what is wrong?A sincere heart illuminates a bright mirror, yet dust upon dust accumulates.These perplexing thoughts existed in the past, exist today, and will appear in the future.Dwelling in the world, one cannot remain unsullied by a single speck of dust.But just as Zuo Guangshu requested—Make choices that feel right to yourself, do things that you believe are right.Thus is sufficient.In one's life's deeds, why care about the world's judgment?In this world, there are those who slander me, deceive me, insult me, mock me, slight me, belittle me, despise me, cheat me. I do not forgive.But nor will I fall into depravity and become the one who slanders and insults me.If the world brands me a demon, and I become a demon, is this not also a form of failure?The three-chi sword in hand, wherever the blade points, steadfastly adhere to one's own principles and true heart.Let others say what they will, but the path trod beneath one's feet lies there, and will not be altered by anyone's words.The so-called Dao path is to recognize oneself and see oneself clearly, again and again, and then walk forward with unwavering resolve.Jiang Wang, jesting with Zuo Guangshu at this moment, was no different from the Jiang Wang before.But having learned the truth of the Mountain and Sea Realm, having seen Huang Weizhen's Dao path transcending the peak, having taught Zuo Guangshu and also been taught by Zuo Guangshu, he became ever more certain of his life.That self-assurance and freedom emanating from his soul lightened the atmosphere atop Liu Bo Mountain considerably.There was a touch of amusement in Moon Slave's eyes.Zuo Guangshu rubbed his forehead, his handsome face furrowed, looking quite displeased, yet he also smiled.Wang Changji, who had informed Jiang Wang of the truth of the Mountain and Sea Realm and also provided him with the confidence to sweep across it, merely watched them quietly, speaking no words.Fang Heling silently observed Wang Changji, finding him unexpectedly gentle at this moment."Ten thousand years ago, there was no Mountain and Sea Realm. Before a great era, there were no myriad nations. Before ancient times, it is uncertain if living beings existed. A thousand years of regret, ten thousand years of fame, are all but fleeting clouds." Moon Slave sighed with emotion: "Seeking Buddha, seeking Dao, seeking merely understanding. If Huang Weizhen goes and never returns, he has left no explanation for this world. And if he returns from fantasy, why would he need any explanation? I shall attain this Chan heart."This Chan Master, with a puppet body, had clearly formed his own Buddhist philosophy.It was unlike the other Buddhist practitioners Jiang Wang knew. When speaking of clarity, it was sometimes very cold; when speaking of dogma, sometimes it displayed roundness, compassionate yet ruthless, appearing quite unconventional.Of course, the Buddhist practitioners Jiang Wang was familiar with were also not considered normal.Thus, he truly did not know whether Moon Slave's way was considered normal or not..."Speaking of which." Jiang Wang looked at Wang Changji and said: "Brother Wang has told us these things... the truth of the Mountain and Sea Realm, Huang Weizhen's Dao path, and so on. And then? What are your plans?""And then?" Wang Changji gently raised his eyes, speaking lightly: "Do what must be done. Huang Weizhen is a figure who will impact beyond the peak of the extraordinary. How can his power, his thoughts, be measured by us?"He looked at Jiang Wang with a slightly strange gaze: "You wouldn't think we have the ability to influence his plans, would you?"Jiang Wang awkwardly rubbed his nose. He did indeed think that Wang Changji had some method to stir the waters, for this person had repeatedly shattered the fences of his imagination, displaying all sorts of wonders.Wang Changji sighed, unsure whether to be pleased or disappointed by Jiang Wang's blind trust in him.Perhaps a bit of both."The reason I could discern some clues is merely because... the Mountain and Sea Realm has developed to such a degree that concealment is no longer necessary. Huang Weizhen's return from fantasy is a certainty, and the time will not be too late." Wang Changji said: "When the master is not home, I can secretly ladle a bit of water to drink, it matters little. But if I were to do something excessive to this house, the master of the house would likely be displeased.""When will Huang Weizhen return? Does your esteemed self know a more specific time?" Zuo Guangshu asked.Wang Changji sighed again: "You think too highly of me. Even standing on my tiptoes, I can only distantly see a trace of the path Huang Weizhen once walked, guessing that he will walk back. How could I make such an accurate judgment?"He thought for a moment, and ultimately said: "If I must offer a guess, I believe it will be clear within a hundred years."Huang Weizhen's return from fantasy is naturally not something everyone is happy to see.Let alone the Qin Kingdom, which has not long recovered from a great war, and the powerful Jing Kingdom that overlooks the world, even within Chu itself, there may not be a unified will.Therefore, the moment Huang Weizhen truly returns, there will inevitably be some upheaval...However, this is also irrelevant to him."Thank you for your guidance." Zuo Guangshu thanked him courteously.Compared to the over nine hundred years of the Mountain and Sea Realm's evolution, within a hundred years is indeed not "too late."Truth be told, the news Wang Changji shared today is of immense value.A strong individual above the peak of the extraordinary, about to return from fantasy to reality, will undoubtedly influence the entire Chu Kingdom, and even the world's landscape.The Zuo family, knowing this a step ahead, has vast room for maneuver.Of course, if, as Wang Changji said, the evolution of the Mountain and Sea Realm has reached its final stage, and concealment is no longer necessary, perhaps various channels will soon spread the news.Jiang Wang thought for a moment and said: "Since that is the case...""Let's go to the Central Mountain." Wang Changji said directly: "As the saying goes, courtesy calls for reciprocity. You helped me obtain the Kui Cattle True Pill, so I should also do something for you."He glanced at the world outside Liu Bo Mountain: "However, the privilege gained by fishing has been exhausted in the recent action. Henceforth, we can only fly there ourselves."Jiang Wang naturally would not be reserved. To ensure Zuo Guangshu obtained the Nine Phoenix Chapter, he had already planned to invite Wang Changji to accompany them."Then the road is long, let us not delay." Jiang Wang soared directly into the air, light as a celestial being: "This journey in the Mountain and Sea Realm should also come to an end."Zuo Guangshu, Moon Slave, Wang Changji, and Fang Heling followed in succession.In the world of the overturned Mountain and Sea Realm, five figures, with clear purpose, flew swiftly towards their destination.Be it hurricane or fierce thunder, no matter what kind of natural disaster, they could not even approach within a hundred meters of their surroundings.Crossing mountains and seas was like an idle stroll, passing through wind and snow with a smile.In this unrestrained, soaring flight, ignoring everything, Zuo Guangshu finally felt the sensation of sweeping across the Mountain and Sea Realm.How exhilarating!The inversion of the heavens intensified, the Central Mountain stood proudly at the very center of this realm, like the only remaining pillar supporting the sky.Or like the candle flame in the dark night, attracting countless moths drawn to the light.Those who fall first are followed by those who come after.The journey in the Mountain and Sea Realm had reached its final moments.Those eliminated had already left.Those who should abandon had already abandoned.Those who remained in the Mountain and Sea Realm, regardless of whether they had gained anything, had to begin preparing for the final contention.Zhong Liyan, Fan Wushu, Wu Ling, Xiang Bei, Tai Yin, Qu Shunhua, these names, each brilliant in their own right, had one by one withdrawn from the journey in the Mountain and Sea Realm.No one was a weakling, but no matter how gloriously the word "competition" was packaged, its essence was ultimately cruel.The winners remain, the losers depart.It is as simple as that.Regardless of your family background, your origin, your glorious past.The strong fall before the stronger."A great change, unprecedented in ten thousand years, is before us. Gefei, I often feel... like walking on thin ice."Gefei, in his heart, repeatedly recalled this sentence.He recalled the teacher's brows, heavy with sorrow, when saying this sentence.That once renowned and distinguished figure, that extraordinary being who once sought Dao at Evening Drum Academy, has retired from the position of Prime Minister of Yue Kingdom many years ago.He had always kept his door shut to visitors, meeting no outsiders.When the Son of Heaven inquired about governance, he no longer responded. When old colleagues paid visits, he did not open the mountain gate.As reclusive and stern as a stone sculpture, facing a chessboard on which not a single piece had been placed, he had sat for seventeen years.Only he could come, only he could "observe the game."That nineteen-by-nineteen grid had never been to his liking. Nor did he understand what insight could be gained from a game with no pieces.The teacher never spoke.He had questions about cultivation, he would ask. After asking, he would leave.He never knew what the teacher was sorrowful about.But he always remembered those furrowed brows, like rivers, like mountains, like a desolate autumn scene.He, Gefei, was born into the most prominent aristocratic family in Yue Kingdom, a direct descendant of the Ge clan.From a young age, his talent was exceptional, surpassing his peers.His master was the renowned Prime Minister Gao Zheng.His companions were all princes and noble sons.Going out in fragrant carriages and fine steeds, returning home to crowds of servants.He should not understand sorrow.Yet, ever since he could remember, that furrowed brow of sorrow had weighed on his heart.Preventing him from being complacent.He always moved forward, always moved forward.Just as he was doing now, diligently moving forward.Facing the great wind and heavy snow, battling the tsunamis and thunder.Without the Nine Chapter Jade Disc, unable to communicate with the elemental forces of heaven and earth, he could only rely on his own Dao Yuan, his divine abilities, and even his vitality...Just like this, he moved forward.Constantly expending, constantly advancing.But perhaps the overly dazzling lightning blurred his vision.Perhaps the overly fierce wind scattered a certain call.The heavens and earth were so tumultuous, yet he felt too quiet, so quiet that the sound of his own breathing became so clear—"Hoo hoo, hoo!"He should not have felt cold.But it became colder and colder.Named after a Fei, carrying all sorts of rare insects, preparing his most potent techniques, he had specifically come to the Mountain and Sea Realm.Yet, without even seeing the appearance of a Fei, he turned back upon reaching the mountain.His Dao Yuan was fundamentally unable to circulate.The heat from his body continuously drained away, never to return.His eyelids grew heavier and heavier, he exhausted all his strength, trying very hard to rouse his spirits.As if in this scene of world-ending destruction, he saw light breaking through the layers of dark clouds above...Did it truly exist?In a daze, he raised his hand, yet closed his eyes.The only faint starlight on his body immediately dimmed.And so, he descended.And so, he became silent on the road rushing to the Central Mountain.Falling away with the wind and snow.