Chapter 257: 257. Chapter 257: Qi Returns to Cloud Dream Marsh, a Jest from Years Ago

257. Chapter 257: Qi Returns to Cloud Dream Marsh, a Jest from Years Ago

Qi slowly opened their eyes; a huge snake tail swayed on the lotus platform, and a feeling of relief washed over them.

"It's been a long time since I slept, yet I didn't expect that recuperating from injury would allow me to sleep well."

Qi twisted their body, feeling genuine ease; although awake, Qi had no intention of leaving seclusion immediately, their true form rarely shown before others, and with the situation still stable, naturally they took a moment of leisure amidst busyness.

"It's a pity there's no one to fight with right now; this lasting peace is making my bones rust."

With a slight sigh, amidst the swaying snake tail, water sounds rose in the quiet chamber, and in a moment it transformed into a marsh.

Qi plunged into it, wandered there pleasantly, then the tide receded and they emerged from seclusion as a Dao embodiment.

"Welcome His Majesty Emperor Qi's emergence from seclusion!"

Along the way, the celestial maiden's wonderful sound never ceased, only upon entering the Hall of Ascending Heaven did it finally grow quiet.

"Fuxi, Taiyi, I've come to find you for a drink."

Hardly had they entered the hall when Qi's voice echoed throughout the palace; Fuxi looked up and, unable to help, smiled and said:

"You're quick—didn't you say three aeons? Why aren't you here yet, and you've already left seclusion?"

Without waiting for Qi's reply, Fuxi spoke again: "The Primordial Purple Qi is the supreme treasure of heaven and earth; you don't devote yourself to proper cultivation and comprehension, yet you run to me for drink—truly wasteful."

As the words fell, Fuxi swept open the jade slip on the table, without bothering to change the celestial maiden dancers, and took out some spiritual fruit wine, saying: "Never mind; I also know you, like Taiyi, are beyond persuasion, so I'll just keep you company with a drink."

Seeing this, Qi smiled; Fuxi really is just as before—though his mouth spares no one, he always treats them gently.

After two or three steps they stood beside Fuxi, casually took a seat, and Qi said with a smile: "Your temperament is fine; you know I'm aware of how precious the Primordial Purple Qi is—back in ten thousand years ago I already passed it on to Di Jun."

"I imagine he's now enjoying it; after all, what one seeks one obtains—such a realm is rare in the world."

Fuxi tossed two fruits into his mouth, accompanied them with wine, and then, feeling curious, asked: "According to what you say, Qi, you had already left seclusion ten thousand years ago—why haven't you come to help me?"

Moreover, thinking that Qi could have emerged early but instead delayed ten thousand years, Fuxi couldn't help but laugh and scold:

"You should know that although the Heavenly Court is now powerful, the Great Wilderness is vast; even with assistance, there's still plenty of work for me to handle."

"You're fine—you're just a lazybones, with all the burdens falling on me; is this even human?"

Qi merely smiled, shifted the topic, and asked: "Where's Taiyi? I haven't seen him; when he arrives I'll surely give him a good scolding, have him assist, yet to this day no one has shown up."

Faced with such an abrupt change of subject, Fuxi naturally displeased, raised his wine cup and said: "He's heartless; I never thought you'd be the same—I set aside my duties to drink with you, yet your first words are to seek him."

"Had I known you were so unfeeling, I shouldn't have done this, and I've wasted the good wine I stored."

After the two finished drinking, Qi then began to explain the purpose of this journey.

"Regarding Heavenly Court affairs, you'll still need to bear more responsibility later; I came this time also to inform you that I will soon return to Cloud Dream Marsh."

Fuxi expressed some doubt: "Has anything major happened? Cloud Dream Marsh is now stable, a rare spiritual land in the Great Wilderness; Qi, I didn't know there was anything suitable that would require your personal intervention."

Qi merely gave a helpless smile, opened their palm slightly, a speck of spiritual light flickered in their hand, and Fuxi instantly understood: "Ah, so it is—the matter of Ao Xing is also time to be resolved; the Dragon-Phoenix Great Calamity has long passed, and the karmic remnants left in Cloud Dream Marsh also need to be cleared."

"Ao Xing is a good child; having him stand in for you to endure the calamity was also a last resort."

"Resolving this will also ease your burden—at least the Dao lineage can be passed on."

Qi nodded in agreement and said:

"Exactly so; now that the Heavenly Court is on the right track, I had intended to emerge and help you, but I suddenly sensed that Ao Xing's chance for reincarnation has arrived."

"When I first took him as a disciple, my motive wasn't pure; now that he has a proper opportunity for reincarnation, I naturally cannot delay."

"I originally intended to find you and Taiyi to explain the reason for my outward journey, but I didn't expect Taiyi to be absent, so my whereabouts can only be relayed by you later."

Fuxi shook his head slightly, indicating Qi need not worry; seeing Fuxi's stance, Qi departed with great enthusiasm.

Just from the jade slip of last night, Qi realized they were not the optimal choice for management, and thought to themselves:

"Fortunately, this time I emerged from seclusion precisely to settle Ao Xing's reincarnation issue; otherwise I'd likely end up as overburdened as Fuxi, mired in paperwork."

After bidding farewell to Fuxi, Qi lay upon a cloud mass, entered the Great Wilderness, and only then felt the vastness of heaven and earth; having been absent for so long, they realized they had been cut off from the world for ages.

Meanwhile, as Qi was on the road, two people had just stepped out of the bounds of Cloud Dream Marsh—those two were Luó Hú and Yang Mei.

Now Luó Hú works at sunrise and rests at sunset, just like ordinary beings of the Great Wilderness—laboring (walking) by day and meditating by night.

Whenever they entered stillness, they awoke at dawn; Luó Hú felt they were not submitting to Yang Mei, unaware that Yang Mei never harbored such a notion.

"Since I captured them, two aeons have passed; I accompany them daily in cultivation, and I suppose this has forged a mortal heart, shedding divinity."

"But they are no ordinary person; if they were a common innate divinity, I would have long been at ease."

"But Luó Hú is too special—his thoughts are dark and deceitful; although they show some signs, they remain ultimately unreliable."

"They have been with me in the Great Wilderness for a long time, a hero of the age, and they have devised this aberrant Demonic Path cultivation method that points straight to the Great Dao."

"Looking at them now, they seem sunk among mortals, yet I always sense their heart must be elsewhere—most likely they are deceiving me."

"Moreover, the time is still short; even if this is a temporary sinking, they might yet regain divinity and devote themselves to cultivation."

"This is not acceptable; well, I'll spend a bit more time—I truly don't believe their mind could be so steadfast."

"From Mount Buzhou to the battlefield of Western Mount Sumeru, walking for a hundred aeons—such an arrangement might yet awaken them!"

For cultivators, a heart transcendent of material things is extremely important, but even more crucial is, during cultivation, needing a heart unmoved by external influences.

Past Luó Hú naturally possessed this; basically, all innate divinities under the Great Dao inherently possess it from birth.

This heart enables them to transcend worldly affairs, indifferent to the speed of time, to persist steadfastly, and to cultivate in tranquility.

However, as they came into contact with the Great Wilderness, the gods, calling friends and companions, gradually contaminated this heart, and thereafter it slowly faded.

And like Yang Mei, Luó Hú, Hongjun, and others—either they devote themselves single-mindedly to still cultivation, or they single-mindedly pursue the Great Dao, immersed in comprehending the Dao, treating time as nothing.

And Yang Mei's current move is precisely to break Luó Hú's heart, so that they can clearly perceive temporal changes, to which they have some sensitivity.

Once they sink into it, gaining a sense of time's passage, their divinity collapses of its own accord.

By then, even if Luó Hú manages to escape Yang Mei's grasp, the knowledge accumulated over a long time will be hard to discard.

When that time comes for Luó Hú, if they cannot discern its meaning, then the Great Dao thereafter holds no hope; comprehending the Dao is not a one-day effort, and the accumulation of life's cultivation requires long-term tempering.

Luó Hú, unable to see through its mysteries, if they later cultivate, will likely find it difficult to achieve prolonged stillness.

In a day there are twelve double-hours; Rahu perceives it clearly, and whenever sunrise comes, he always automatically feels himself exiting the tranquil state.

As for comprehending the Dao, just those few hours of entering stillness— I'm afraid even thoughts are hard to suppress.

If that's truly the case, then Rahu's great path is hopeless.

Translation: "If that is indeed the case, Luo Hou's Great Dao is hopeless."

And Yang Mei can also set aside his previous inner estrangement, attaining peace of mind.

Translation: "And Yang Mei can also let go of the previous estrangement in his heart, seeking perfection of mind."

If Rahu can pierce through it and regain his divinity, then he will no longer be the same as the former demon lord Rahu.

Translation: "If Luo Hou can indeed see through it, regain his divinity, then at that time Luo Hou will no longer be the same as the former demon lord Luo Hou."

For Yang Mei, this also counts as, without killing Rahu, being able to avenge a few close friends and vent his inner emotions—the best method, and it brings fulfillment.

Translation: "For Yang Mei, this also counts as, without killing Luo Hou, being able to avenge a few close friends and vent his inner emotions—the best method, and thus fulfilling."

Hongjun in the chaos is still preparing for the union of the Dao; he already knows what Yang Mei has done, and he feels both anticipation and concern.

Translation: "Hongjun in the midst of Chaos is still preparing to unite with the Dao; he already knows what Yang Mei has done, and he holds both anticipation and worry about it."

Hongjun is pleased at the prospect of destroying Rahu's divinity and believes there is a good chance of success.

Translation: "As for destroying Luo Hou's divinity, Hongjun is pleased to see this, and he feels there is some chance of success."

But Rahu's earlier oath still lingers in his heart, so the Dao–demon conflict will not end.

Translation: "But Luo Hou's previous oath still lingers in his heart; the struggle between Dao and demon will not end."

He knows Rahu's methods inside out and is confident he can suppress them; and once Rahu loses the position of demon lord, whoever replaces him will surely have exceptional qualities.

Translation: "He knows Luo Hou's methods inside out and is confident he can suppress them; but once Luo Hou loses the position of demon lord, whoever replaces him will surely have extraordinary abilities."

Once he unites with the Dao, after all the saints return to their places, he must not interfere; and with the saints not acting, he does not know how the future of the Dao–demon struggle will unfold.

Translation: "Once he unites with the Dao, after all the sages return to their positions, he may not intervene therein; and with the sages not acting, he also does not know how the future of the Dao-demon struggle will unfold."

Never mind; someone else will come later.

Translation: "\"Never mind, there will be others later. \""

In the Ziwei Palace, Hongjun slowly closes his eyes; the purple light of the Jade Butterfly of Creation shines ever more brilliantly, the Dao manifests within that light, gradually merging with Hongjun's silhouette, and the Dao becomes ever more complete.

Translation: "In the Purple Cloud Palace, Hongjun slowly closed his eyes; the purple light of the Creation Jade Butterfly grew ever more brilliant and moving, the Heavenly Dao manifested within that purple light, gradually merging with Hongjun's silhouette, and the Heavenly Dao itself became ever more perfect in this process."

As soon as Qi enters the Yunmze Marsh, Pingyi has already been waiting; the vast expanse of clouds and rosy vapors is spread out as a jeweled chariot road to welcome the grand arrival of the deity Qi.

Translation: "Qi had just entered Yunmeng Ze when Pingyi was already waiting; the aura of clouds and rosy hues spanning myriad miles was laid out as a jeweled carriage road to welcome the grand arrival of the God Qi."

Between us, no need for so much ceremony; I have come this time not for the affairs of the Yunmze Marsh.

Translation: "\"Between us, no need for so much ceremony is needed; my coming this time is not for the affairs of Yunmeng Ze. \""

To Qi, Pingyi makes a special impression; regarding Qi's words, Pingyi merely smiles and says: 'Today I welcome you not as a greeting to the Heavenly Court's Emperor Qi, but as a deity of the Yunmze Marsh, welcoming the water deity Qi of the Yunmze Marsh.'

Translation: "As for Qi, Pingyi finds him exceptionally special; regarding what Qi said, Pingyi merely smiled and said: \"Today Pingyi welcomes you, not as a greeting to the Heavenly Court's Emperor Qi, but as a deity of Yunmeng Ze welcoming the water deity Qi of Yunmeng Ze. \""

To the exalted one and me, he is both father and elder brother; this is how juniors should treat their fathers and elder brothers, and it is not excessive.

Translation: "\"To you, my lord, I am both father and elder brother; this is how juniors should treat their fathers and elder brothers, and it is not excessive. \""

Qi's gaze fixes tightly on Pingyi; after a few glances he says: 'You always speak so thoughtfully, it actually leaves me somewhat unable to cope.'

Translation: "Qi's gaze fixed tightly on Pingyi; after a few looks he said: \"You always speak so considerately, it actually leaves me somewhat unable to cope. \""

Since Pingyi's birth, Qi finds it hard to feel any ill will toward someone who speaks so thoughtfully and regards himself as a sovereign father.

Translation: "Since Pingyi's birth, Qi has found it hard to bear ill will toward such a person who speaks so considerately and whom he regards as his lord and father."

However, Pingyi is simply too enthusiastic; although he is somewhat dissolute, his words carry respect, even admiration and longing, and Qi always finds it hard to accept upon hearing them.

Translation: "However, Pingyi is simply too enthusiastic; although he is somewhat dissolute, the respect, even admiration and longing in his words, each time Qi hears them, he finds them somewhat hard to accept."

Sometimes Qi even feels that he himself is just as majestic.

Translation: "Sometimes Qi even feels that he himself is just as magnificent."

Qi does not know how Pingyi manages to say such things, but each time he hears them, he feels embarrassed yet also extremely comforted.

Translation: "Qi does not know how Pingyi manages to say such things, but each time he hears them, besides feeling embarrassed, he also feels extremely relieved."

Your Excellency, everything Pingyi says comes from the heart, with not a single false word; to Pingyi, you are truly a sovereign father.

Translation: "\"My lord, all that Pingyi says are words from the heart, without a single falsehood; to Pingyi, you are truly a lord and father. \""

Even from the moment of his birth, Pingyi has felt this way, and he has never changed it.

Translation: "\"Since the very moment of his birth, Pingyi has felt this way, and he has never changed it. \""

As Pingyi says this, he seems worried that Qi might not believe him, so he wants to take off his upper garment and bare his chest and abdomen to show his sincerity.

Translation: "Saying this, Pingyi seemed worried that Qi might not believe him, and wanted to take off his upper garment to expose his chest and abdomen, to show his words were sincere."

Qi quickly stops him, saying:

Translation: "Qi hurriedly stopped him, saying:"

I do not doubt you; your loyal and sincere heart is felt by heaven and earth, and it is certainly not false.

Translation: "\"I do not doubt you; your loyal devotion is felt by heaven and earth, certainly not false. \""

After finally freeing himself from Pingyi's entanglement, Qi steps into the Heart of the Pond Pavilion, looks out, and feels as if back in the past, sighing softly: 'I recall those days when I, together with Emperor Jun and Taiyi, expounded the Dao here; the marsh waters receded, refining the great sun, and spiritual vitality flourished.'

Translation: "After finally shaking off Pingyi's entanglement, Qi stepped into the Heart of the Pond Pavilion, gazed out, and as if recalling the past, he sighed softly: \"Remembering back then, I, together with Emperor Jun and Taiyi, expounded the Dao here; the marsh waters receded, to refine the great sun, and spiritual vitality flourished. \""

Merely guarding the innate Yunmze Grand Formation, one dares to relax and act freely, pointing directly to the root of the Dao, purifying the source and guarding the flow.

Translation: "\"Merely guarding the innate Yunmeng Grand Formation, one dares to relax and act freely, pointing directly to the root of the Great Dao, purifying the source and preserving the flow. \""

Three people, just newly emerged from their thatched huts, bonded by shared interest with no hidden agendas; looking back now, we realize it was merely a fortunate coincidence back then.

Translation: "\"Just three people who had only just left their thatched huts, bonded by shared interests, with no concealment whatsoever; looking back now, we finally understand that it was a mere coincidence of circumstance back then. \""

Later, because ferocious beasts ran rampant, we met Fuxi and Nüwa, made two more close friends, and together built a great formation to hinder the beasts' encroachment.

Translation: "\"Later, due to the rampage of ferocious beasts, we came to know Fuxi and Nüwa, made two more close friends, and jointly established the great formation to block the beasts' encroachment. \""

Traveling together to the northern continent, we only then saw the vastness of heaven and earth, felt our differences, and cultivated together in the Yunmze Marsh, daring not to slack in the slightest.

Translation: "\"Traveling together to the northern continent, we only then saw the vastness of heaven and earth, felt differences in our hearts, and cultivated together in Yunmeng Ze, daring not to slack in the slightest. \""

In the end, we achieved something; each day we drink and enjoy ourselves in the Yunmze Marsh, singing in harmony—how could we not be happy?

Translation: "\"In the end we achieved success; each day we drank and enjoyed ourselves in Yunmeng Ze, harmonizing strings and singing—how could we not be happy! \""

We never dared to imagine that today we would be adorned in splendor, exalted above heaven and earth, standing firm in the wilderness, with the gods daring not to look down on us.

Translation: "\"We never dared imagine today's scene of flourishing flowers, lofty above heaven and earth, dominating the wilderness, with the gods daring not to look down on us. \""

Now, returning alone, I have lost the original flavor; if Hou were thinking of gathering again in the Yunmze Marsh, it would be hard to wait.

Translation: "\"Now returning alone, I have instead lost the original flavor; if one were to think of gathering again in Yunmeng Ze, it would be hard to bear. \""

Having thought this far, Qi feels somewhat uneasy; today the heavenly court cannot lack the emperor presiding, and the Yunmze Marsh is somewhat distant from the heavenly realm, so if something were to happen, it would be inconvenient to rush there.

Translation: "Qi's thoughts reaching this point feel somewhat uncomfortable; today the Heavenly Court cannot lack an emperor to preside, and Yunmeng Ze is somewhat distant from the heavenly realm, so if anything were to happen, it would be inconvenient to rush there."

In the heavenly realm, the five of them can still gather, but the realm is vast and populated by many deities, so they cannot afford to be too unrestrained.

Translation: "In the heavenly realm, the five can still gather, but the realm is vast and many heavenly deities dwell there together, so they also cannot be too unrestrained."

Although the Palace of Divine Thunder serves merely as their residence, it is also an office where countless celestial maidens and deities often attend.

Translation: "Although the Heaven of Divine Thunder serves merely as their residence, it is also an office where countless celestial maidens and deities often attend."

If they were to behave as before, it would inevitably harm their dignity; as leaders of the wilderness, they are also burdened by their reputation.

Translation: "If they were to behave as before, it would inevitably damage their dignity; as leaders of the wilderness, they are also burdened by their reputation."

When Qi, alone, was feeling nostalgic, a voice came: 'Qi, although the five cannot all gather, today I am here; a little indulgence should not be taken to heart.'

Translation: "When Qi, alone, was feeling some sentiment, he heard a voice say: \"Qi, although the five cannot all gather, today I am here; a little indulgence is nothing to mind. \""

Back when we were refining the Innate No-Dream Star Array, the two of us went out for a stroll—wasn't that enjoyable?

Translation: "\"Back then, you and I, in order to refine the Primordial No-Dream Stellar Grand Formation, went out together—wasn't that enjoyable? \""

The five of us have not never returned to the Yunmze Marsh; it's just that we wait a bit longer for the Purple Emperor Star Prince to grow a bit more and enter the Mixed Yuan Dao.

Translation: "\"The five have also not never returned to Yunmeng Ze; it's merely a matter of waiting a bit later, for the Purple Astra Star Lord to grow a little more, then enter the Mixed Yuan Dao. \""

Upon hearing this, Qi turned in surprise and saw Taiyi wearing a golden robe, brows smiling, striding over.

Translation: "Hearing those words, Qi turned in surprise and saw Taiyi wearing a golden robe, brows and eyes smiling, striding over."

When did you arrive?

Translation: "\"When did you arrive? \""

Qi asked with a blank expression.

Translation: "Qi asked with a blank expression."

Before you, roughly a thousand years ago.

Translation: "\"Before you, roughly a thousand years ago. \""

Taiyi showed a faint smile, though his smile carried a hint of strangeness.

Translation: "Taiyi showed a smile, though his smile carried a hint of strangeness."

How could I have failed to notice you?

Translation: "\"How could I have failed to notice you? \""

Taiyi moved his finger slightly, pointing to the hidden spot where they once eavesdropped on Qi punishing many water deities, and said: 'Back then it was just a joke; I never imagined it would still have such an effect today. Qi, I never realized before that you are such a person of rich feeling.'

Translation: "Taiyi moved his finger slightly, pointing to the hidden place where they once eavesdropped on Qi punishing many water deities, and said: \"Back then that joke, I never imagined it would still have such effect today; Qi, I never realized before that you are such a person rich in feeling. \""

Upon hearing this, Qi finally broke down, his face contorted with rage, and said:

Translation: "Upon hearing this, Qi finally broke down, his face turning ferocious as he said:"

Taiyi!!!

Translation: "\"Taiyi!!! \""

(End of chapter)