Feng Shui - Chapter 34
Huang Quan did not answer Feng Shui's question, but remained lying there, though his crying was no longer as intense.
“From the very first moment I saw the Demon Butterfly in ancient times, you should know why I fell in love with it.” Feng Shui’s eyes were also a little moist, and he said in a desolate voice.
"I know... I know everything...!" Huang Quan remained lying down, not raising his head, and sobbed as he spoke.
“Back then, the Demon Butterfly was killed by the gods because of my love for her. I refined the Demon Butterfly into seven separate individuals with different emotions, hoping to separate you, the ‘joy,’ so that we could continue our relationship and you could have the complete love I had for the Demon Butterfly… But you, you still can’t let go… Alas…!” Feng Shui’s tears finally fell, unable to bear to continue.
“How could I not know your feelings? But do you know? The Seven Emotions Butterfly is a complete and indivisible whole. How can it be divided into individual parts? Feng Shui, you were wrong from the beginning. If you can’t fully accept your lover, the only result can be tragedy!” Huang Quan raised his head, his eyes blurry with tears, his face filled with unbearable loneliness, and sobbed as he spoke.
"Could it be... that I was wrong all of this? Why does the Demon Butterfly have seven emotions? Why..." Feng Shui slumped to the ground, muttering as if in a dream.
※ ※ ※
A new song, a cup of wine; the weather of last year, the old pavilion; when will the setting sun return?
The flowers fall helplessly, the swallows return seemingly familiar. Alone I wander the fragrant path of the small garden…
※ ※ ※
The two people sat silently in the hall, each reminiscing about the tender years of ancient times, the love they once shared, and the bitterness of love turned to hate in this very place.
"Is there still a chance for us?" Huang Quan broke the silence in the hall, looking at Feng Shui with pleading eyes and asking softly.
"Peach blossoms drift by, we flutter together, butterflies weary from their dance, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. In heaven and on earth, love and hate are hard to reconcile. This year the flowers fall, their colors fade; next year when they bloom again, who will be there? I've already seen pines and cypresses felled for firewood, and heard of the sea turning into mulberry fields. The ancients are no more in eastern Luoyang; today we still face the falling flowers and wind. Year after year the flowers are similar, but year after year the people are different... Farewell, take care..." Feng Shui's eyes flashed with pain and determination as he softly and slowly recited the poem.
"The flowers bloom the same year after year, but the people are different year after year..." Huang Quan repeated this line of poetry over and over, slumping there helplessly, tears welling up in his eyes once again.
Feng Shui didn't linger any longer. With a heart full of helpless desolation and indignation, he tearfully bid farewell to the enchanting butterfly that had once caused him to love and hate so intensely, even to the point of fearing death. He secretly vowed in his heart that he would never again concern himself with the word "love" in this life.
The white teleportation array lit up again, and Feng Shui's desolate figure vanished from before Huang Quan in the Yellow Springs Palace. Huang Quan sobbed weakly, his heart full of sorrow turning into heartbreaking tears that echoed throughout the Yellow Springs Palace. This mournful cry traveled far into the Netherworld. The celestial sounds that had been hovering above Huang Quan were replaced by this tragic cry. All the exotic flowers and plants in the once beautiful Yellow Springs Garden withered and died because of this cry. Countless "Su" who had not yet crossed the River of Three Crossings were reminded of their love in the mortal world by this cry and wept along with Huang Quan.
The entire underworld was shrouded in a scene of ghostly wails and howls; the underworld had finally become the true underworld...
2004-12-08 23:28:00
Part Two: Cultivation Array
Chapter Thirteen Jimmy
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A strange and eerie realm.
Light rain, a still lake, a painted boat, and a man admiring the rain on the boat...
The rain, fine as silk and dense as cow's hair, falls gently and softly on the ripples of the lake. This rain seems to soothe the soul, and perhaps even taste sweet. On a rainy night, alone by the window, I watch the rain quietly weave a veil of mist and smoke, enveloping the distant forest. In the hazy fog, the boundary between heaven and earth becomes indistinct.
Close your eyes and listen to the whispers of the rain, like smoke, like a dream, like the faint sound of a flute coming from afar, drifting into your heart, bringing indescribable comfort!
A white teleportation array appeared on the deck of the pleasure boat. Feng Yileng's thoughts of appreciating the rain were interrupted by the appearance of the teleportation array. A smile appeared on his lips, but he did not get up to go out and see what was going on, because he knew that the person would enter uninvited.
The thought had barely crossed his mind when Feng Shui lifted the curtain outside the pleasure boat, his body covered in raindrops, and he walked in with a weary expression.
“I knew you would come.” Feng Yileng turned his gaze from the window to the feng shui who had just entered, and asked softly.
"Do you have any wine?" Feng Shui asked softly, sitting listlessly by the coffee table in the room.
"Heh, people who are heartbroken get drunk very easily," Feng Yi said with a cold laugh.
"If one could get so drunk that one never wakes up, wouldn't that be a good thing..." Feng Shui sighed.
“That makes sense. As the saying goes, a good drink can dispel a thousand sorrows. I happen to have a jar of Daughter's Red wine that has been sealed for a long time. Since you're in the mood, I'll take it out and share it with everyone.” Feng Yileng said with emotion, looking at Feng Shui’s somewhat haggard face.
Feng Shui didn't say anything more, looking somewhat tired. Feng Yileng took out the jar of "Daughter's Red" wine from the inner room, and also took out two unique and simple wine cups, placing them in front of Feng Shui and himself respectively, and filling each of them with a cup.
Feng Shui picked up his wine glass and downed it in one gulp, placing the empty glass in front of Feng Yileng. Feng Yileng smiled helplessly, then poured him another glass, which Feng Shui again downed in one go. This went on for a while, and Feng Shui had already drunk nearly ten glasses, yet he still seemed unsatisfied. However, Feng Yileng stopped pouring him wine, simply standing there holding the wine jar, watching him with a deep, knowing smile in his eyes.
"What's wrong?" Feng Shui looked at Feng Yi Leng curiously and asked, puzzled.
"At the rate you drink, even a hundred jars of wine wouldn't be enough for you," Feng Yi said with a cold smile.
“Sigh… I once saw a rather confusing movie in the human world called ‘Ashes of Time,’ and there was a kind of wine in it called ‘Forgetting’…” Feng Shui sighed.
"Some things can't be forgotten just like that," Feng Yileng comforted her.
“That’s true. I’ve realized that I’m happier if I don’t regain all my memories,” Feng Shui said with a helpless bitter smile.
"Some things cannot be avoided," Feng Yileng comforted her again.
Outside the window, a gust of wind swept by, and a few raindrops veered off course, drifting into the gauze curtains, landing on Feng Shui's hair, and then on his lips—clean and cool. The rain grew colder, mingling with a few white snowflakes that scattered in the lonely, serene world outside. If snow is winter's messenger, then rain is its spirit. The cold, icy rain, pelting against one's skin, awakens the intoxicated and guides the lost!
Snow falls at dusk, a dismal dream abruptly ends, the sun's rays are nowhere to be seen. Dark clouds surge, the cold wind howls, and the world seems turned upside down. With a heart full of passion, I face the menacing yellow sand, the desolate trees stand forlorn, and I alone savor the poignant beauty of the red plum blossoms.
Another magnificent scene unfolds, pure and pristine, yet the white silk is shattered. Children frolic in the heavens, their faces reflected in the snow. I leave a trace of my thoughts, sending the early swallows to carry them away. I sweep away the worldly coldness from my heart, leaving only my intoxicated, tinkling voice.
Feng Yileng reluctantly poured Feng Shui another cup, but Feng Shui didn't drink it because he didn't want to appear too heartbroken in front of this friend from ancient times.
"Let's have a drink together," Feng Shui said softly with a slightly awkward, wry smile.
2004-12-08 23:29:00
"A pot of wine among the flowers, we drink together and feel close. I sing as the rain lingers, my robe dances and my shadow is scattered." Feng Yileng raised his wine cup and looked at Feng Shui as he spoke softly.
"Raising a cup to invite the night rain, we drink together, two delighted souls. When awake, we rejoice together; when drunk, we go our separate ways." Feng Shui's interest was also piqued by the poem recited by Feng Yileng, and he continued.
"The rain cannot drink, and my shadow merely follows me. Let us forever roam in this carefree world, and meet again in the distant Milky Way. For now, I'll keep company with the rain and my shadow; let us enjoy ourselves while spring lasts." Feng Yileng continued reciting.
"Hehe, you've changed Li Bai's 'Drinking Alone Under the Moon' to 'Drinking Together in the Rain.' If he were still alive, I think he'd be furious and wouldn't dare write poetry again," Feng Shui said with a laugh.
"What's wrong with using the work of a junior as a pastime? If he knew in the afterlife that a divine being would use his poem to celebrate, he would be ecstatic," Feng Yi said with a sneer.
"Unfortunately, I am no longer a god." Feng Shui finished his drink in one gulp and said with a sigh.
“Someone from the Thousand Immortal Realm has already come looking for you here. The appearance of a demon cultivator who can refine the universe in the cultivation world is a momentous event.” Feng Yi coldly looked at Feng Shui’s dejected eyes and smiled.
"Hehe, do you really believe I am that demon cultivator?" Feng Shui looked at Feng Yi Leng and asked with a smile.
“I don’t want to believe it, but from ancient times to the present, you are the only demon cultivator who has ever possessed a demonic body. Moreover, in the cultivation world today, you are the only demon cultivator I know who has truly reached the ‘True Demon’ realm.” Feng Yileng said with a serious expression.
"Have you ever heard of the magical treasure, the Dragon Release Plate?" Feng Shui's expression turned strange as he asked Feng Yi Leng.
“There are only a handful of supreme treasures in each realm, and besides, you and I have been cultivating for so many years, I really don’t want to know,” Feng Yileng said with amusement.
"The supreme treasure of the Demon Realm—the Dragon Release Disc—has been refined." Feng Shui said softly, then poured himself another glass of wine.
"What did you say? Did you refine it?" Feng Yileng suddenly stood up, even spilling the wine glass in his hand, and asked in shock.
"It wasn't me..." Feng Shui took another sip of wine and said softly.
“That’s impossible. From ancient times to the present, you are the only one still alive in the world of demon cultivation. Moreover, only demon cultivators can refine the Dragon Release Disc. Could it be that…” Feng Yileng asked in even greater shock.
“That’s right, I’m not the only demon cultivator. And right now I’m just a target for the demon cultivator behind the scenes who subdued the Dragon Release Disc,” Feng Shui said with a sigh.
"This is impossible. There is another demon cultivator. Why haven't I sensed his presence at all?" Feng Yileng asked in disbelief.
"Such a simple question, can't you figure it out with your cultivation level of the Wandering God realm?" Feng Shui said with a hint of mockery.
"You mean, another demon cultivator has already crossed the realm of true demon?" Feng Yileng gasped.
Demonic cultivation is essentially a method of cultivation that uses the physical body as a "formation." However, it differs from cultivation paths like divine cultivation, immortal cultivation, and Daoist cultivation, which rely entirely on the inner body's nascent soul for cultivation. The level of a demonic cultivator is primarily determined by the level of the "formation" cultivated by their physical body.
To truly enter the ultimate realm of "demonic cultivation," one must first possess the physical form of a demon, namely, a "demonic body." Once one possesses a "demonic body," one has embarked on the true path of "demonic cultivation." Those who cannot cultivate a demonic body, such as the "Demon Butterfly," will fall into the demonic path, specifically the Demon Realm, where they continue their cultivation in a "demonic form." However, this cultivation in a "demonic form" has absolutely no connection to demonic cultivation; in other words, they are banished.
Feng Shui now possesses a demonic body, making him a true demon cultivator. From ancient times to the present, Feng Shui is the only demon cultivator to have possessed a demonic body. Possessing a demonic body signifies entering the first realm of demon cultivation, namely, "True Demon."
This is a realm that countless demon cultivators dream of reaching, but so far only Feng Shui has been able to achieve it.
The "Demon Body" and the "Divine Body" of gods are classified on the same level. This is why cultivating demonic arts is the most difficult path of cultivation. However, once you truly enter the "righteous" path of cultivating demonic arts, the rewards you will receive will be beyond your imagination.
Since ancient times, no cultivator has ever truly witnessed a demon cultivator who has achieved the "Demon Body." Even those cultivators who have now reached the level of gods only know the superficial meaning of the first realm of demon cultivation, "True Demon," and nothing more. While possessing the first realm of demon cultivation may not be as powerful as cultivators above the immortal level, the immortality they possess allows them to reign supreme in the cultivation world. Even immortals and gods dare not underestimate them.
Because, regardless of their cultivation level, all cultivators possess an innate fear of the unknown. Those who have reached the divine realm have primarily cultivated since ancient times, and they only know the first true realm of demonic cultivation, a realm already worthy of their awe. If a demonic cultivator were to reach the second realm, even divine beings wouldn't fully comprehend its significance, as they have never witnessed it. However, legend has it that eight "venerable gods" of the Divine Realm once had the opportunity to see a demonic cultivator who had reached the second realm. But these eight "venerable gods" are merely legendary figures, so knowledge of demonic cultivators in historical accounts is even scarcer, making the realm beyond the second one an unsolved mystery.
2004-12-08 23:31:00
This is why Feng Yileng was so surprised; he simply couldn't imagine how powerful another demon cultivator, besides Feng Shui, who had already surpassed the second realm of demon cultivation, would be. The fact that even someone like him, a wandering spirit, couldn't sense the aura of another demon cultivator was already quite telling.
"Hehe, don't be so surprised. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times before." Feng Shui poured himself another glass of wine, drank it down, and patted Feng Yileng, who was still in shock, as he spoke.
"Really? Tell me quickly, what kind of person is he? How does his cultivation level compare to that of a god? What's his name?" Feng Yileng asked excitedly, like a child.
"His name is Jimmy Liao. He's an extremely handsome man, very classical, and also... I can't quite put my finger on it," Feng Shui said with emotion, recalling his first meeting with Jimmy Liao.
"What is his cultivation level? The second level of demonic cultivation! It's both exciting and frightening. Tell me quickly!" Feng Yileng asked anxiously and excitedly.
“I feel that his cultivation level is even higher than when I was a god. However, I feel that he is not someone who cultivates in the mortal world…” Feng Shui frowned and said seriously.
"Why do you say that?" Feng Yi asked, puzzled.
"Because he obtained the Dragon Release Disc from outside the human realm." A strange smile flashed in Feng Shui's eyes as he spoke softly.
"The Dragon Release Disc, the legendary demonic artifact used by a demon cultivator who refined the universe—the Dragon Release Disc. Could he be the demon cultivator who truly refined the universe?" Feng Yi slumped in his chair, muttering to himself.
"Hehe, you don't need to take this too seriously. I've only met him a few times. But like you, he seems quite interested in me," Feng Shui comforted him.
"Gods are interested in you, immortals are interested in you, even fox spirits want to know what a true demon cultivator will achieve, and even demon cultivators who have surpassed the second level of demon cultivation are interested in you. Hahahaha... It seems you are truly loved by everyone." Feng Yileng pointed at Feng Shui and laughed loudly.
"Don't provoke me. By the way, the quasi-divine artifact you forged in ancient times is here with me. Do you want it?" Feng Shui suddenly remembered the divine artifact he obtained from Yao Ji and asked curiously.
"Sigh... I have lost all interest in the path of cultivation. What use is it to me now? I originally intended to give it as a gift to a former disciple, but it seems we are not destined to meet again," Feng Yileng sighed.
"It is this gift of yours that will prevent the Demon Butterfly from ever becoming a complete whole," Feng Shui said sadly again.
"The Demon Butterfly can no longer be a complete whole? Really?" Feng Yi asked, puzzled.
“‘Worry’ is dead,” Feng Shui said painfully.
"Hahahaha... It seems you're getting more and more useless as you get older. Don't you know that although the Demon Butterfly's physical body will die, its demonic soul is immortal? Only by eliminating all seven emotions can the Demon Butterfly be completely killed!" Feng Yileng said to Feng Shui with amusement.
"What do you mean?" Feng Shui suddenly realized something and asked in surprise.
“I think the ‘Joyful’ Butterfly you like should know this. The ‘Joyful’ Butterfly… among the seven emotions, it is the most affectionate and the most intelligent.” Feng Yileng finished his wine and reminded Feng Shui.
"Thank you, Yi Leng. I have to go now, thank you..." Feng Shui jumped up excitedly, stepped forward and hugged Feng Yi Leng tightly, saying excitedly.
The white teleportation array reappeared, and Feng Shui, no longer concerned with anything else, excitedly disappeared into the teleportation array.
"Sigh, what exactly are demon cultivators thinking? Heh, only they themselves know the true meaning of the path of demon cultivation..." Feng Yileng poured himself a glass of wine, stood up and walked to the window, looking at the icy rainy night outside, and said with emotion.
They say time is merciless, but who can truly understand the desolation that tender love endures through the years? Frost and dew are the condensation of heartfelt tears, while unripe fruit, caressed by time, turns crimson. Do not say time is merciless; amidst the vibrant tapestry of love, the passion of devoted affection shines through, carrying boundless emotions on a journey, hearing the voice of true love from the heart of one's beloved.
2004-12-08 23:32:00
Part Two: Cultivation Array
Chapter Fourteen: The Origin of Blood
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