Chapter 100

As a large amount of water vapor poured into the Immortal Volcano, it evaporated, the steam turned into mist, and spread throughout the Primordial Wilds.

Translation: As a large amount of water vapor poured into the Immortal Volcano, the vapor evaporated, turned into steam, which became mist and spread throughout the Primordial Wilds.

A large amount of water vapor poured into the Immortal Volcano. The vapor evaporated, steam turned into mist. Spread throughout the Primordial Wilds.

Over two million threads of water vapor rose, gradually returning to the land of the Primordial Wilds, flooding the myriad isles; countless beings continually moved to higher ground, awaiting the flood's retreat.

Translation: Over two million threads of water vapor rose, gradually returning to the land of the Primordial Wilds, flooding the myriad isles; countless beings continually moved to higher ground, awaiting the flood's retreat.

Over two million threads of water vapor rose. Gradually returning to the land of the Primordial Wilds. Flooding the myriad isles. Countless beings continually moved to higher ground. Awaiting the flood's retreat.

Yet all they awaited was endless rain; the heavens' clouds blocked the sun, as if there were no end.

Translation: Yet all they awaited was endless rain; the heavens' clouds blocked the sun, as if there were no end.

Yet all they awaited was endless rain. The heavens' clouds blocked the sun. As if there were no end.

Once tranquil Cloud Dream Marsh now lost its calm, with waves rolling and surging tumultuously.

Translation: Once tranquil Cloud Dream Marsh now lost its calm, waves rolling, surging tumultuously.

Once tranquil Cloud Dream Marsh. Now also lost its calm. Waves rolling, surging tumultuously.

Countless torrents surged in, carrying silt, sand, and plants, and even beings unable to escape were all swept away.

Translation: Countless torrents surged in, carrying silt, sand, plants, and even beings unable to escape, all swept away.

Countless torrents surged in. Carrying silt, sand, plants. And even beings unable to escape. All swept away.

Qi alone at the spring's eye strove to quell the turbulent water vapor.

Translation: Qi alone at the spring's eye strove to quell the turbulent water vapor.

Qi alone at the spring's eye. Strove to quell the turbulent water vapor.

The clear spring vanished; at the spring's eye water vapor constantly churned, trying to break free of Qi's hold.

Translation: The clear spring vanished; at the spring's eye water vapor constantly churned, trying to break free of Qi's hold.

The clear spring vanished. At the spring's eye water vapor constantly churned. Trying to break free of Qi's hold.

The Water‑Subduing Divine Staff shook under impact; the Innate Twelve‑Grade World‑Purifying White Lotus stood in the center of the Great Marsh, swaying as it continually shed pure light.

Translation: The Water‑Subduing Divine Staff shook under impact; the Innate Twelve‑Grade World‑Purifying White Lotus stood in the center of the Great Marsh, swaying as it continually shed pure light.

The Water‑Subduing Divine Staff shook under impact. The Innate Twelve‑Grade World‑Purifying White Lotus stood in the center of the Great Marsh. Swaying as it continually shed pure light.

The previously forged formation base began to operate; though it could not form a great array, it continually guided the turbulent flow back to calm.

Translation: The previously forged formation base began to operate; though it could not form a great array, it continually guided the turbulent flow back to calm.

The previously forged formation base began to operate. Though it could not form a great array. It continually guided the turbulent flow. Back to calm.

These eased much of Qi's burden, yet even so he felt a terrifying pressure; the once gentle, obedient water vapor now incessantly tore at his divine power.

Translation: These eased much of Qi's burden, yet even so he felt a terrifying pressure; the once gentle, obedient water vapor now incessantly tore at his divine power.

These eased much of Qi's burden. Yet even so he felt a terrifying pressure. The once gentle, obedient water vapor now incessantly tore at his divine power.

Qi chanted the White Lotus World‑Purifying Universal Illumination of the Dao Beginning True Scripture; supreme divine power turned into pure light, and wherever it reached, heaven brightened and earth grew pure.

Translation: Qi chanted the White Lotus World‑Purifying Universal Illumination of the Dao Beginning True Scripture; supreme divine power turned into pure light, wherever it reached, heaven brightened and earth grew pure.

Qi chanted the White Lotus World‑Purifying Universal Illumination of the Dao Beginning True Scripture. Supreme divine power turned into pure light. Wherever it reached, heaven brightened and earth grew pure.

Qi sat cross‑legged atop the spring's eye, chanting the True Words of the Great Dao, like wind aiding the water's surface, willows drooping over misty branches.

Translation: Qi sat cross‑legged atop the spring's eye, chanting the True Words of the Great Dao, like wind aiding the water's surface, willows drooping over misty branches.

Qi sat cross‑legged atop the spring's eye. Chanting the True Words of the Great Dao. Like wind aiding the water's surface, willows drooping over misty branches.

The sudden rain ceased abruptly, revealing brilliant multicolored light; heavenly water fell like a waterfall, striking the water's mirror.

Translation: The sudden rain ceased abruptly, revealing brilliant multicolored light; heavenly water fell like a waterfall, striking the water's mirror.

The sudden rain ceased abruptly. Revealing brilliant multicolored light. Heavenly water fell like a waterfall. Striking the water's mirror.

The Innate Twelve‑Grade World‑Purifying White Lotus upon the Great Marsh responded to Qi's voice, gaining boundless purity, dispelling all turbid worldly evils, speaking of the myriad works of heaven and earth, and hearing it transformed enjoyment into pure clarity.

Translation: The Innate Twelve‑Grade World‑Purifying White Lotus upon the Great Marsh responded to Qi's voice, gaining boundless purity, dispelling all turbid worldly evils, speaking of the myriad works of heaven and earth; hearing it transformed enjoyment into pure clarity.

The Innate Twelve‑Grade World‑Purifying White Lotus upon the Great Marsh. Responded to Qi's voice. Gaining boundless purity. Dispelling all turbid worldly evils. Speaking of the myriad works of heaven and earth. Hearing it transformed enjoyment into pure clarity.

Qi's mind immersed in the scripture; the water vapor within the spring's eye heard its meaning and became naturally tranquil.

Translation: Qi's mind immersed in the scripture, the water vapor within the spring's eye hearing its meaning, became naturally tranquil.

Qi's mind immersed in the scripture. The water vapor within the spring's eye hearing its meaning. Became naturally tranquil.

Cloud Dream Marsh seemed to respond to Qi as well; myriad spiritual impulses gathered, like a galaxy entering the bosom, flowing into the spring's eye.

Translation: Cloud Dream Marsh seemed to respond to Qi as well; myriad spiritual impulses gathered, like a galaxy entering the bosom, flowing into the spring's eye.

Cloud Dream Marsh seemed to respond to Qi as well. Myriad spiritual impulses gathered. Like a galaxy entering the bosom. Flowing into the spring's eye.

The heavenly vapors were also drawn into the water; the lingering Cloud Dream Marsh Formation operated spontaneously, binding the vapors to the surface.

Translation: The heavenly vapors were also drawn into the water; the lingering Cloud Dream Marsh Formation operated spontaneously, binding the vapors to the surface.

The heavenly vapors were also drawn into the water. The lingering Cloud Dream Marsh Formation operated spontaneously. Binding the vapors to the surface.

Once mirror‑still Cloud Dream Marsh now truly possessed the Words of Cloud Dream; mist and vapor on the surface swayed, thickness shifting with the wind.

Translation: Once mirror‑still Cloud Dream Marsh now truly possessed the Words of Cloud Dream; mist and vapor on the surface swayed, thickness shifting with the wind.

Once mirror‑still Cloud Dream Marsh. Now truly possessed the Words of Cloud Dream. Mist and vapor on the surface swayed, thickness shifting with the wind.

A jade bead fell from Qi's bosom; the primordial Cloud Dream Marsh Formation once used to protect him slowly unfurled, hooking mist, vapor, and water.

Translation: A jade bead fell from Qi's bosom; the primordial Cloud Dream Marsh Formation once used to protect him slowly unfurled, hooking mist, vapor, and water.

A jade bead fell from Qi's bosom. The primordial Cloud Dream Marsh Formation once used to protect him slowly unfurled. Hooking mist, vapor, and water.

It operated spontaneously; this time, having initially covered only a small patch of water, it expanded to envelop the entire Cloud Dream Marsh.

Translation: It operated spontaneously, but this time, having initially covered only a small patch of water, it expanded to envelop the entire Cloud Dream Marsh.

It operated spontaneously. But this time, having initially covered only a small patch of water. It expanded to envelop the entire Cloud Dream Marsh.

Countless strands of vapor turned into chains, continually pulling heavenly mist into the marsh; sunlight filtered through gaps, rendering the whole Cloud Dream Marsh dreamlike and illusory.

Translation: Countless strands of vapor turned into chains, continually pulling heavenly mist into the marsh; sunlight filtered through gaps, rendering the whole Cloud Dream Marsh dreamlike and illusory.

Countless strands of vapor turned into chains. Continually pulling heavenly mist into the marsh. Sunlight filtered through gaps. Rendering the whole Cloud Dream Marsh dreamlike and illusory.

Taiyi and the others beheld this sight; instantly awestruck as if by heavenly beings, never expecting such a view.

Translation: Taiyi and the others beheld this sight, instantly awestruck as if by heavenly beings, never expecting such a view.

Taiyi and the others beheld this sight. Instantly awestruck as if by heavenly beings. Never expecting such a view.

Only the morning glow entered the water, reflecting with the vapor; as if the rosy hue flew through cloud, water, and air alike.

Translation: Only the morning glow entered the water, reflecting with the vapor, as if the rosy hue flew through cloud, water, and air alike.

Only the morning glow entered the water. Reflecting with the vapor. As if the rosy hue flew through cloud, water, and air alike.

Qi unconsciously waved his hand, binding a great volume of vapor to the incoming turbid currents.

Translation: Qi unconsciously waved his hand, binding a great volume of vapor to the incoming turbid currents.

Qi unconsciously waved his hand. Binding a great volume of vapor to the incoming turbid currents.

A slight stir, and clear separated from turbid.

Translation: A slight stir, and clear separated from turbid.

A slight stir. And clear separated from turbid.

The Water‑Splendor Awakening World Drum appeared of its own accord beside Qi; he grasped the small mallet and lightly tapped its surface.

Translation: The Water‑Splendor Awakening World Drum appeared of its own accord beside Qi; he grasped the small mallet and lightly tapped its surface.

The Water‑Splendor Awakening World Drum appeared of its own accord beside Qi. He grasped the small mallet. And lightly tapped its surface.

No thunderclap sounded; only a radiant gleam rose on the water, the marsh returned to calm, waves undisturbed.

Translation: No thunderclap sounded; only a radiant gleam rose on the water, the marsh returned to calm, waves undisturbed.

No thunderclap sounded. Only a radiant gleam rose on the water. The marsh returned to calm. Waves undisturbed.

The Tranquil Heart Bell appeared in Qi's hand; a slight shake sent its tone ringing over Cloud Dream Marsh, pure above, turbid below, and the marsh gradually returned to its former tranquility.

Translation: The Tranquil Heart Bell appeared in Qi's hand; a slight shake sent its tone ringing over Cloud Dream Marsh, pure above, turbid below, and the marsh gradually returned to its former tranquility.

The Tranquil Heart Bell appeared in Qi's hand. A slight shake. Sent its tone ringing over Cloud Dream Marsh. Pure above, turbid below. And the marsh gradually returned to its former tranquility.

The World‑Separating White Jade Token also appeared of its own accord, yet Qi hesitated a moment before taking it into his mind.

Translation: The World‑Separating White Jade Token also appeared of its own accord, yet Qi hesitated a moment before taking it into his mind.

The World‑Separating White Jade Token also appeared of its own accord. Yet Qi hesitated a moment. Before taking it into his mind.

The Innate Twelve‑Grade World‑Purifying White Lotus detached from the marsh water, shrank to an ordinary lotus pedestal, and Qi sat cross‑legged upon it, saying:

Translation: The Innate Twelve‑Grade World‑Purifying White Lotus detached from the marsh water, shrank to a ordinary lotus pedestal, and Qi sat cross‑legged upon it, saying:

The Innate Twelve‑Grade World‑Purifying White Lotus detached from the marsh water. Shrank to an ordinary lotus pedestal. And Qi sat cross‑legged upon it. Saying:

Good.

Translation: "Good."

Qi opened his eyes, rose from the Innate Twelve‑Grade World‑Purifying White Lotus; at that moment heaven was clear and earth peaceful, the waters of Cloud Dream Marsh filled the entire basin, leaving only scattered islets and the formation base peeking above the water.

Translation: Qi opened his eyes, rose from the Innate Twelve‑Grade World‑Purifying White Lotus; at that moment heaven was clear and earth peaceful, the waters of Cloud Dream Marsh filled the entire basin, leaving only scattered islets and the formation base peeking above the water.

Qi opened his eyes. Rose from the Innate Twelve‑Grade World‑Purifying White Lotus. At that moment heaven was clear and earth peaceful. The waters of Cloud Dream Marsh filled the entire basin. Leaving only scattered islets and the formation base peeking above the water.

One epoch passed, and the Heaven‑Earth Water Tribulation ended.

Translation: One epoch passed, and the Heaven‑Earth Water Tribulation ended.

One epoch passed. And the Heaven‑Earth Water Tribulation ended.

The heavenly vapors, once seeming transparent, though still aloft, now let sunlight filter through, albeit dimmed.

Translation: The heavenly vapors, once seeming transparent, though still aloft, now let sunlight filter through, albeit dimmed.

The heavenly vapors, once seeming transparent. Though still aloft. Now let sunlight filter through. Albeit dimmed.

On the land, vast streams still flowed into Cloud Dream Marsh, but no longer foul and muddy; the relentless waters that had spread across the Primordial Wilds finally began to recede, revealing long‑absent earth.

Translation: On the land, vast streams still flowed into Cloud Dream Marsh, but no longer foul and muddy; the relentless waters that had spread across the Primordial Wilds finally began to recede, revealing long‑absent earth.

On the land, vast streams still flowed into Cloud Dream Marsh. But no longer foul and muddy. The relentless waters that had spread across the Primordial Wilds. Finally began to recede. Revealing long‑absent earth.

Countless beings that survived the calamity burst into cheers that echoed through the Primordial Wilds, rising and falling in waves.

Translation: Countless beings that survived the calamity burst into cheers that echoed through the Primordial Wilds, rising and falling in waves.

Countless beings that survived the calamity. Burst into cheers that echoed through the Primordial Wilds. Rising and falling in waves.

Qi lifted his gaze to the heavenly vapors in the sky; seeing that though they had dimmed considerably, they still persisted, he thought:

Translation: Qi lifted his gaze to the heavenly vapors in the sky; seeing that though they had dimmed considerably, they still persisted, he thought:

Qi lifted his gaze to the heavenly vapors in the sky. Seeing that though they had dimmed considerably, they still persisted. He thought:

To restore the former state would require at least a hundred epochs, for the remaining vapors are the lightest and hardest to shed.

Translation: To restore the former state would require at least a hundred epochs, for the remaining vapors are the lightest and hardest to shed.

To restore the former state would require at least a hundred epochs. For the remaining vapors are the lightest and hardest to shed.

As the Great God Hongjun said, the Heavenly Realm seeking true formation would likely need thousands of epochs.

Translation: As the Great God Hongjun said, the Heavenly Realm seeking true formation would likely need thousands of epochs.

As the Great God Hongjun said, the Heavenly Realm seeking true formation. Would likely need thousands of epochs.

By then, the Heavenly Dao would probably have emerged as well.

Translation: By then, the Heavenly Dao would probably have emerged as well.

By then, the Heavenly Dao would probably have emerged as well.

Seeing Qi awaken, Taiyi and the others instinctively gathered around, saying:

Translation: Seeing Qi awaken, Taiyi and the others instinctively gathered around, saying:

Seeing Qi awaken, Taiyi and the others. Instinctively gathered around. Saying:

"Qi, this harvest looks abundant; I wonder how far your progress has advanced?"

Translation: "Qi, this harvest looks abundant; I wonder how far your progress has advanced?"

Qi, this harvest looks abundant. I wonder how far your progress has advanced?

Qi saw the curious gazes of the crowd, smiled slightly, and said:

Translation: Qi saw the curious gazes of the crowd, smiled slightly, and said:

Qi saw the curious gazes of the crowd. Smiled slightly. And said:

"Luotian Zunshen, there is nowhere left to advance."

Translation: "Luotian Zunshen, there is nowhere left to advance."

Luotian Zunshen, there is nowhere left to advance.

The crowd gasped in astonishment; Taiyi was especially thrilled, never imagining that Qi would be the first among them to reach this stage.

Translation: The crowd gasped in astonishment; Taiyi was especially thrilled, never imagining that Qi would be the first among them to reach this stage.

The crowd gasped in astonishment. Taiyi was especially thrilled. Never imagining. That Qi would be the first among them to reach this stage.

Qi also felt immensely satisfied; this harvest was immense, and now he, even facing Taiyi, had enough confidence to suppress him outright.

Translation: Qi also felt immensely satisfied; this harvest was immense, and now he, even facing Taiyi, had enough confidence to suppress him outright.

Qi also felt immensely satisfied. This harvest was immense. And now he, even facing Taiyi, had enough confidence to suppress him outright.

The Innate Twelve‑Grade World‑Purifying White Lotus and the Water‑Splendor Awakening World Drum had been thoroughly refined; now they contained Qi's Dao.

Translation: The Innate Twelve‑Grade World‑Purifying White Lotus and the Water‑Splendor Awakening World Drum had been thoroughly refined; now they contained Qi's Dao.

The Innate Twelve‑Grade World‑Purifying White Lotus and the Water‑Splendor Awakening World Drum had been thoroughly refined. Now they contained Qi's Dao.

If Qi wished, he could even rename the Water‑Splendor Awakening World Drum the Qi God Drum, and likewise the Innate Twelve‑Grade World‑Purifying White Lotus.

Translation: If Qi wished, he could even rename the Water‑Splendor Awakening World Drum the Qi God Drum, and likewise the Innate Twelve‑Grade World‑Purifying White Lotus.

If Qi wished. He could even rename the Water‑Splendor Awakening World Drum the Qi God Drum. And likewise the Innate Twelve‑Grade World‑Purifying White Lotus.

Just as the Ancestral Dragon did with the Chaos Pearl, only the name would be unpleasant, so Qi declined.

Translation: Just as the Ancestral Dragon did with the Chaos Pearl, only the name would be unpleasant, so Qi declined.

Just as the Ancestral Dragon did with the Chaos Pearl. Only the name would be unpleasant. So Qi declined.

Such an opportunity is truly a rare encounter for the Innate Divine Saints, and only then can it be called an opportunity.

Translation: Such an opportunity is truly a rare encounter for the Innate Divine Saints, and only then can it be called an opportunity.

Such an opportunity is truly a rare encounter for the Innate Divine Saints. And only then can it be called an opportunity.

The remaining Innate Spiritual Treasures and Supreme Spiritual Roots are, for the present Innate Divine Saints, hardly important and hardly qualify as opportunities.

Translation: The remaining Innate Spiritual Treasures and Supreme Spiritual Roots are, for the present Innate Divine Saints, hardly important and hardly qualify as opportunities.

The remaining Innate Spiritual Treasures and Supreme Spiritual Roots. Are, for the present Innate Divine Saints. Hardly important. And hardly qualify as opportunities.

Over the long passage of time, encountering these things for them would be a possibility.

Translation: Over the long passage of time, encountering these things for them would be a possibility.

Over the long passage of time. Encountering these things for them. Would be a possibility.

Rather than call them opportunities, they are more like fate, destined for his use.

Translation: Rather than call them opportunities, they are more like fate, destined for his use.

Rather than call them opportunities. They are more like fate. Destined for his use.

Qi carefully examined the present Cloud Dream Marsh; mist and vapor entwined, ripples gentle, under the sunlight it truly bore a dreamlike, illusory aspect.

Translation: Qi carefully examined the present Cloud Dream Marsh: mist and vapor entwined, ripples gentle, and under the sunlight it truly bore a dreamlike, illusory aspect.

Qi carefully examined the present Cloud Dream Marsh. Mist and vapor entwined. Ripples gentle. Under the sunlight. It truly bore a dreamlike, illusory aspect.

Qi could not help but sigh.

Translation: Qi could not help but sigh:

Qi could not help but sigh.

"Perhaps this is the true form of Cloud Dream Marsh—mere chance, or destiny?"

Translation: "Perhaps this is the true form of Cloud Dream Marsh—mere chance, or destiny?"

Perhaps this is the true form of Cloud Dream Marsh—. Mere chance, or destiny?

Qi's words plunged everyone into contemplation; after a while, Taiyi voiced the collective thought.

Translation: Qi's words plunged everyone into contemplation; after a while, Taiyi voiced the collective thought.

Qi's words plunged everyone into contemplation. After a while. Taiyi voiced the collective thought.

"The Great Dao is fifty, utterly simple and fair, deriving its changes, leaving no omission; thus it is a fixed number."

Translation: "The Great Dao is fifty, utterly simple and fair; deriving its changes leaves no omission, thus it is a fixed number."

The Great Dao is fifty. Utterly simple and fair. Deriving its changes. Leaves no omission. Thus it is a fixed number.

The crowd fell silent.

Translation: The crowd fell silent.

The crowd fell silent.

I think it's not necessarily so; if it truly is all predetermined, then what's the point of our cultivation? We need only quietly await the changes of heaven and earth.

So-called destiny is nothing other than the best understanding of the Dao; you and I live in harmony with the Dao, and without our own efforts, how could we have today?

If it truly is destiny, then the Great Dao in the primordial wilderness, how could Chaos have come to today's state?

Qi saw that everyone was a bit discouraged, and he couldn't help but comfort them with a few words.

As Qi said, if all things had no change, what would be the point of their cultivation?

(End of chapter)