Traces of the Immortals

I spent my whole life seeking immortality and questioning the Dao. But what use is immortality? What is so wonderful about the Dao? Neither compares to drinking among the mountains, carefree in the company of moonlight and breeze.

I spent my whole life striving to stand above all others, never knowing that the heights are bitterly cold. When I look back, I find myself alone.

Can immortal dew and jade nectar compare to my humble wine of the mortal world? Can the skies above the Ninth Heaven surpass the mountains and rivers of my Nine Provinces?

At the end of it all, I realize immortality is only a thought, a desire, a refuge for a life beset by disappointment.

The mortal world rolls on, and countless travelers pass through. Longing is hard to sever, and all I have is a heart full of parting sorrow. Whether mortal or immortal, none can cut away the love and hatred of this lifetime.