“All things are born of Heaven, and all tribulations are forged by Earth. The Dao lies within; surviving tribulations gives rise to fate. The finest things in this world are the supernatural, blessed by Heaven and Earth. Those revered by all beings are honored as immortals; those feared by all beings are called ghosts and demons. Yet I believe that whether immortal or ghost, fate plays tricks on us, and each must fulfill the purpose of their life.”
These words, like lines from a heavenly scripture, were elegant and powerful, carved into a green stone stele. There was no signature or date, and the characters were weathered and worn by time and wind. At the base of the stele crouched a black-and-white basalt turtle, covered in moss. A vermilion Suzaku bird of red stone stood atop it, dust settling on its feathers, yet its eyes seemed lifelike and it looked ready to spread its wings and fly. Carved Azure Dragon and White Tiger flanked the stele, their fearsome forms enough to inspire awe.
Yi Xingchen was struck by the stele's grandeur and instinctively reached out to touch the inscription. The moment his fingers brushed the words, a vortex sucked him in. In an instant, he found himself in a boundless realm. No sky or sun could be seen above, but rosy light stretched for miles. Peaks rose like cranes, strange rocks jutted everywhere, and green pines and bamboo stood among them. Streams and waterfalls plunged down from the sky into a sea of clouds whose depths were impossible to see. Yi Xingchen floated among the peaks, unsure what to do, when the voice of an old man suddenly called out:
“Young man, come have some tea. I can answer whatever questions are troubling you.”
Yi Xingchen looked toward the voice. Not far away stood a strangely shaped pine tree, with an old man reclining on a bed of sweet flag beneath it. Beside him was a stone table with a teapot and two cups, filled with green tea. Yi Xingchen tentatively took a step. Though there was nothing beneath his feet, a soft force supported him, so he boldly walked toward the old man.
