Cultivating Against the Odds

The five clans wage endless war,

The annals of the Three Kingdoms unfold,

Seeking immortality through the path of cultivation,

All arts unite in defying heaven.

Cultivation in a strange realm means defying heaven. Wanton slaughter will incur the wrath of heaven and earth. Without those who come after us, both humans and gods will perish.

The revered Lord of Heaven had a daughter named Jie. She quelled chaos in ancient times. The revered Lord's saintess composed these verses:

By the river, I gaze upon the mighty stream beneath the moonlit night. A thousand miles of emerald clouds glow with cold light. The river shines beneath the moon, its reflection blurred; the moon hangs overhead, while the stars grow dim. I gaze across the river, where silver light glitters. I head east into the mountains, crossing peaks and slopes. Among the nomads, our generals face the enemy. How could the sons and daughters of our clan fear them? We meet the southern barbarians in a bloody struggle. Our general faces peril, yet longs to sing. His voice cleaves the sky and reaches the heavens; his might shatters the depths of the earth and rouses the skies. Raising my sword, I point it at heaven and ask the bright moon: how long will you shine above? Though I am but a frail young woman, I would gladly become a hero who slays the enemy. I will defend our land and keep it at peace forever. My father was the ancient Heavenly Emperor; how could his children be weak? Today I raise my sword and make this vow before heaven and earth: I will protect every inch of our clan's territory. Even if only a single breath remains in me, I will fight to the death and never retreat. And even if I should perish, I will gather my soul and guard our homeland.