Chapter Nine: On the Altar and God
"What if I want to block it?" Yan Feifei said angrily, puffing out her chest and placing her hands on her hips.
Those who surged into the stone hall all withdrew voluntarily, indicating their discernment
Xuan Yuan then stood up. At this moment, Yan Hu had already walked to Xuan Yuan's side, smiled and nodded at Jiao Meng, and then turned to Xuan Yuan with a sincere smile, saying: "Young man, what you have said is the best among all the arguments I have ever heard. Our mother is so great and noble. How could she ask for anything from her children? We must honor her, and we cannot go against her benevolent nature! Well, young man, what is your name?"
Uncle Ya and Heidou exchanged a glimmer of excitement in their eyes, clearly relieved by Xuanyuan's vigorous rebuttal
Yan Feifei was so enraged that her face turned pale; she never expected Xuanyuan to respond in such a manner, leaving her momentarily at a loss for words.
"Father, his name is Xuanyuan!" A crisp sound echoed behind Yan Hu.
Xuanyuan sat quietly, the weather was somewhat hot at this time, which could be considered summer, a summer filled with lush foliage and abundant leaves
"So it turns out that my esteemed niece has also arrived. Why didn't you inform me in advance?" Although Jiao Meng felt immense pain in her heart, she still forced a smile as she spoke
"Xuanyuan, would you like me to bring you some food?" Heidou seemed to understand Xuanyuan well. Noticing that Xuanyuan did not respond, he gently inquired. He was accustomed to Xuanyuan's behavior; sometimes he would sit for two or three days at a time, and now it was merely an afternoon. If Xuanyuan did not choose this way to alleviate the pain in his heart, Heidou would actually consider it unusual. He was accustomed to Xuanyuan's behavior; sometimes he would sit for two or three days at a time, and now it was merely an afternoon. If Xuanyuan did not choose this way to alleviate the pain in his heart, Heidou would actually consider it unusual
I would like to ask the Celestial Priest a question. May I request your guidance, Celestial Priest?" Xuan Yuan inquired calmly
Not yet ... ...
Did you tell her? Xuanyuan asked calmly
Let's go!" Heidou tugged at Xuanyuan and whispered
Is the power of God boundless? Is it omnipotent? Xuanyuan inquired
If a person is not acting voluntarily, but is coerced into doing something, do you think that person will not feel resentment? Moreover, when it concerns matters of life and death, depriving them of their rights to choose and to live, do you think this person will not harbor hatred? Will their soul not feel wronged? Indeed, as some say, God is great, merciful, and kind. Look at the beautiful Jishui, and see how fertile the land along the river is. This beautiful Jishui has nourished countless generations and lives; we all live in its embrace, and it has embraced us with its broad heart. Yes, as some say, God is great, merciful, and kind. Look at the beautiful Jishui, and see how fertile the land along the river is. This beautiful Jishui has nourished countless generations and lives; we all live in its embrace, and it has embraced us with its broad heart. The God of Jishui is like a mother to us humans, and this endless flowing river is like a mother's milk!" Xuanyuan said this with growing excitement, but suddenly fell silent. The God of Jishui is like a mother to us humans, and this endless flowing river is like a mother's milk!" Xuanyuan said this with growing excitement, but suddenly fell silent
Hahaha... It is truly enviable to have such talent among the overseas Chinese community!
Uncle Ya clearly appreciated Xuanyuan's words, but Heidou was worried for Xuanyuan. If Xuanyuan offended the priest, the days ahead would indeed be difficult.
Everyone here knows Yan Hu, as the relationship between the Youguo clan and the Youqiao clan is extremely close, with instances of intermarriage and precedents documented in the records. Moreover, they jointly worship the goddess of the Jishui River every year, making them akin to brother tribes. Therefore, the people present naturally hold great respect for Yan Hu, the chieftain of the Youguo clan.
Hello! A crisp shout suddenly echoed from behind Xuanyuan
It is a heart-wrenching day. As soon as he stepped out of the grand hall of Xuanyuan, he came alone to the edge of the divine pond, found a relatively flat stone to sit on, and faced the three cascading springs. He then fell into a deep contemplation, or perhaps one could say, mourning.
The High Priest and the Human Priest exchanged a glance, simultaneously shaking their heads, saying: "No!" Yet, in their hearts, they seemed to sense something.
The great hall remained enveloped in silence, to the point where one could almost hear a pin drop, and each person's eyes revealed a deep contemplation. The celestial priest and the human priest displayed a hint of shame on their faces. After a moment, the celestial priest spoke somewhat hesitantly: "However, the 'sacrificial offerings' we use do not reside within the protective domain of the God of Jishui."
"Well said! Well said!" Immediately followed by the sound of several claps...
"Young child, what do you know? Is it really to execute a living person? It is to send her to the divine realm, and not just anyone can go there," the High Priest said angrily
"Yan Feifei is looking for you," Hei Dou finally said, as he sat down next to the stone where Xuanyuan was seated.
Heihei has left, and he said little, for any further words would be of no use. Over the past decade, Heihei has been like a tapeworm in Xuanyuan's belly; no one understands Xuanyuan better than the two of them. It is a bond of friendship that is pure and untainted by any impurities.
Yan Hu felt greatly embarrassed; his precious daughter seemed to be overly reckless. Originally, he had prepared what to say, but in that moment, he did not know where to begin. He could not help but pat Jiao Meng's shoulder, took a deep breath, and said: "May you find peace in your sorrow"
Xuanyuan took a gentle breath, his tone becoming solemn and deep, imbued with profound emotion: "Indeed, the Goddess of the River Ji is a truly great, compassionate, kind, and noble mother. She loves us, which is why she has given us sweet waters, endless forests, fertile lands, and the wild beasts and birds for us to hunt. She has bestowed upon us the spirit of perseverance, allowing us to enjoy the beauty of life. Yet, which mother would wish to stifle her own children? Which mother would desire her children to die in a humiliating manner?" Yet, which mother would wish to stifle her own children? Which mother would desire her children to die in a humiliating manner?
Everyone was stunned; they could not deny the reasonableness of Xuanyuan's words. This was because Xuanyuan's argument was precisely a case of using one’s spear to attack one’s own shield, leaving them with no way to refute it
If the priest becomes enraged, he may find that he is unable to assist even if he wishes to
Xuan Yuan furrowed his brow slightly and said indifferently, "What does she want from me? I don't even know her."
"Please do not block my view, alright?" Xuanyuan finally spoke softly
Xuanyuan cast a grateful glance, yet he remained silent and did not reach for the sword. Instead, he was fully absorbed in gazing at the deep blue pond and the pure white splashes of water, listening to the fragmented sounds of the rushing stream
Xuan Yuan was indifferent to all of this; he had never cared about such external conditions. Instead, he focused on the tranquility found in books, a tranquility that transcended the mundane. Today was particularly special.
Xuanyuan revealed a faint smile, his gaze shifting away from the two high priests to sweep over the four elders, and then, after passing over the dragon, it finally settled on Jiaomeng. He then took a breath and asked: "Who believes they can represent the Divine in governing all? Who can clearly understand the will of the Divine?"
What exactly do you want to say?" the dragon asked impatiently
Indeed, how great is God, for He created life. Yet, God also governs human life through 'birth, aging, illness, and death.' Therefore, although our lives are to be enjoyed by ourselves, they are ultimately in God's hands, including our destinies. Does the High Priest believe he can represent God to dominate human life and fate?" Xuanyuan fixed his gaze on the Heavenly Priest and the Human Priest, and asked resolutely. Does the High Priest believe he can represent God to dominate human life and fate?" Xuanyuan fixed his gaze on the Heavenly Priest and the Human Priest, and asked resolutely.
No need!" Xuanyuan sighed lightly, saying weakly, "I don't want to eat, just let me be alone for a while.
Jiao Meng glanced at Hei Dou, then looked at Uncle Ya, and said calmly: "Hei Dou, you may step aside for now; I will make my own decision."
Xuanyuan took a deep breath and calmly said: "The greatness of maternal love lies in protecting the weak, in empathy. Mothers love their own children, but they also care for others' children, just like our kin, who love, care for, and help each other. This is what enables our kin to live more happily. Anyone who comes to the banks of Jishui, anyone who loves the master of Jishui, regardless of where they originally reside or what their name is, they are all children of the God of Jishui. This is the greatness of the God of Jishui, and this is why we feel proud to have such a noble and compassionate mother!" After a pause, Xuanyuan continued: "Do you know? A mother's love for her children is selfless; she only wishes for us to live well and for us to carry forward her compassion. Anyone who comes to the banks of Jishui, anyone who loves the master of Jishui, regardless of where they originally reside or what their name is, they are all children of the God of Jishui. This is the greatness of the God of Jishui, and this is why we feel proud to have such a noble and compassionate mother!" After a pause, Xuanyuan continued: "Do you know? A mother's love for her children is selfless; she only wishes for us to live well and for us to carry forward her compassion. If we each become butchers, repaying her with the blood of hatred and the souls of the wronged, would that not erase her compassion and her nobility?"
The body is of utmost importance!" Black Bean advised cautiously
Jiao Meng said to Xuanyuan: "Rise up."
Xuan Yuan's dull and indifferent expression made Yan Feifei feel a sense of humiliation; no man had ever treated her with such disregard in front of her, ignoring her words completely. With her spoiled young lady temperament, how could she possibly endure this
A glimmer of surprise flashed in the eyes of the high priest, for he could not fathom the intent behind Xuan Yuan's question. However, as a priest, he naturally dared not doubt the power of the divine, and thus he replied, "Of course!"
"Hey, Xuanyuan, did you hear me speaking?" Yan Feifei exclaimed in anger, hands on her hips, glaring at Xuanyuan, who seemed to regard her as if she were invisible.
Xuanyuan showed no reaction at all, as if he were a stone statue
Then go tell her that you do not know my whereabouts. I do not want anyone to disturb me. You should go back first; I will sleep here tonight
You ... ...
Xuanyuan showed no sign of emotional fluctuation and calmly affirmed once again: "Indeed, God is omnipotent. He created humanity, but in order to distinguish humans from themselves, He and the -图-书 (Tush) have imposed limitations on human life. Thus, God allowed humans to experience birth, aging, illness, and death. Do you agree, High Priest of Heaven?" Both the High Priest of Heaven and the Human Priest nodded, clearly in agreement with Xuanyuan's perspective. Even Jiao Meng and Jiao Long were captivated by Xuanyuan's words, wondering how he would continue and how he would defend himself.
"Uncle Jiao, Fei'er has come to see you and Aunt. Fei'er knows that you and Aunt love Sister Jiao You very much, but a person who has died cannot come back to life. So, Uncle, just treat Fei'er as your daughter. Fei'er will also treat you like Sister Jiao You did." The young girl grasped Jiao Meng's hand tightly, speaking earnestly, her face still bearing a hint of innocence, sincerity, and anticipation
"You are deceiving yourself. When you send a heart filled with hatred to the divine realm, are you not tarnishing its purity? A soul burdened with grievances will only damage the image of the Goddess of Water, leading to a tragic conclusion. As a priest, do you not understand even this?" Xuanyuan said angrily
It is unclear when, but dozens of people suddenly surged into the stone hall, including both men and women, with several more standing at the entrance, and others beneath the windows outside. All were silent, seemingly completely immersed in the kind of realm expressed by Xuanyuan. The expressions of the two high priests also revealed a hint of barely perceptible surprise, while the faces of Uncle Ya and Jiao Meng remained as tranquil as the vast sky. Clearly, they too had fallen into the realm conveyed by Xuanyuan.
The region of Shentan appears darker than others; the sun shines here the latest each day, yet departs the earliest. This is due to the extremely irregular shape of the towering cliffs of the terrace.
Xuanyuan did not look at the Jiaolong. He had initially wanted to retort in a way that would leave Jiaolong without a way out, but upon recalling the death of Jiu You, a wave of pain surged within him, causing him to swallow back the words he intended to say. He simply took a breath and calmly stated: "Since no one can represent the divine, and no one can know the true will of the divine, we are all unqualified to arbitrarily destroy the greatest creation of the divine. If the divine requires someone's life, with His omnipotent power, He will ensure that person dies. However, we do not have the authority to carry out this task; otherwise, we would disrupt the natural order of life, aging, illness, and death established by the divine, and we would surely face the rightful punishment from heaven!" Xuanyuan paused for a moment and continued calmly: "Since no one can represent the divine, and no one can know the true will of the divine, we are all unqualified to arbitrarily destroy the greatest creation of the divine. If the divine requires someone's life, with His omnipotent power, He will ensure that person dies. However, we do not have the authority to carry out this task; otherwise, we would disrupt the natural order of life, aging, illness, and death established by the divine, and we would surely face the rightful punishment from heaven!" Xuanyuan paused again and added: "I do not wish to see such sins take root, and this is also the reason I released the 'sacrifice'!"
The young people in the clan seemed to be meeting Xuanyuan for the first time, casting admiring and astonished glances at him. The women were even more deeply moved by Xuanyuan's earlier words, displaying expressions of approval towards him. However, Xuanyuan remained silent, as if he had fallen into a profound sadness.
Xuanyuan also awakened from his sorrow, feeling a pang of bitterness in his heart, and slowly stepped back out.
Everyone was taken aback, only then noticing the tall and graceful young woman standing behind Yan Hu, resembling a lotus blooming proudly in spring water. Her brows and eyes rippled with countless charms, and a hint of mischief always lingered at the corner of her mouth, revealing a captivating smile on her jade-like delicate face. Dressed in light, simple fabric, her refreshing and neat appearance was akin to dewdrops on green leaves, leaving the young men dumbfounded. Previously, all their attention had been focused on Xuanyuan, their thoughts captivated by his words, and they had failed to notice such a beauty entering the grand hall.
I know what to do, do not worry about me. Xuanyuan fell silent for a moment, then sighed and said
The High Priestess expressed a slight surprise and replied somewhat indifferently, "What is the problem?"
Xuan Yuan, however, showed no signs of fear. Today, he seemed to awaken from a decade of silence; at the very least, he was no longer afraid of having his true nature revealed, nor did he need to care about the majority.
Xuan Yuan, seeing that everyone was moved by his words, took the opportunity to add: "Offering sacrifices to heaven is merely our expression of respect towards the God of the Ji River and the deities of nature; it is a form of expression. However, if we were to use living people as 'sacrifices' in the name of offering to heaven, it would contradict the very essence of the ritual. The purpose of offering to heaven is to pray for the peace and happiness of the people, to beseech the gods to bless all humanity. Yet, to cruelly execute living beings before the blessings arrive—can this truly be what a benevolent deity wishes to witness?"
Xuanyuan ... ... '' the black bean hesitated to speak.
"Hey, what are you doing sitting here all alone? It's almost dark!" Yan Feifei, seeing that Xuanyuan did not respond to her loud call, felt quite bored. She unhappily walked in front of Xuanyuan, blocking his line of sight, and pouted as she asked.
The two high priests exchanged a glance, both recognizing the astonishment and surprise in each other's eyes. In the eyes of the dragon, there was a hint of jealousy, while only the expression of the Dreaming Dragon remained completely unchanged, with no trace of emotion in its gaze.
"Is there anything else?" Xuanyuan turned his seemingly indifferent eyes towards Heidou's face and asked lightly. Although he seemed somewhat distracted, he could discern something from Heidou's tone.
"Xuanyuan, have you eaten?" The call of the black beans echoed in the distance
Xuanyuan remained still, seemingly unaware of the call from Heidou, merely gazing silently at the three flying springs and the bottomless deep blue water in the pool
Xuanyuan cast a disdainful glance at the High Priest, having little faith in this esteemed figure within the clan. The three major priests of the clan resembled butchers cloaked in the guise of benevolent saviors, only appearing during the annual sacrificial rites to slay the innocent "offerings." If one were to claim that they truly provided any protection for the clansmen, it would be nothing but a delusion, at least as far as Xuanyuan had witnessed.
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Xuan Yuan was taken aback, as everyone's gaze shifted over; the newcomer was actually Yan Hu, the chieftain of the Youguo tribe
Please do not block my view, alright?" Xuanyuan spoke again, still sounding so indifferent
He sighed helplessly, seemingly well-acquainted with Xuanyuan. Drawing the short sword that Xuanyuan had left behind from his waist, he placed it beside Xuanyuan and said helplessly: "I knew you would say that. The short sword is here; you need to be careful. The clan has been unsettled these past two days, and this is not a safe place."
But she seems to know you very well, and she asked me where you are
Xuanyuan is sour and astringent in flavor
Xuanyuan's eyes remained fixed, seemingly unaware that his line of sight was obstructed by a living person.
Brother Yanhu, hetushu.com! Startled by the dream of the flood dragon, he hurriedly stood up, stepped down the stairs, and walked towards the person who was speaking.
The four elders also furrowed their brows slightly, clearly pondering over Xuanyuan's earlier remarks
The beauty of Jiao You lies in her simplicity, her innocent and carefree nature that is untouched by the complexities of the world. Her genuine kindness, devoid of any ulterior motives, makes one feel that she is forever a girl in need of protection. Pure and untainted by the slightest hint of worldly affairs, she resembles a snow lotus blooming atop a snow-capped mountain, which is why some secretly compare Jiao You to the goddess of the Jishui River. However, this girl before us possesses an added charm and spontaneity, further revealing her capriciousness and wildness, which can be discerned from her unabashed gaze.
The High Priest and everyone else were taken aback, seemingly surprised by Xuanyuan's question. This question was indeed difficult to answer, as no one could definitively affirm or deny it. However, in their primitive thinking, it was natural to believe that the divine was omnipotent.
"Oh, does Fei'er know him?" Yan Hu asked, somewhat surprised
The gazes of the crowd gradually shifted back to Xuanyuan. Unmoved, Xuanyuan cast a sweeping glance at the people standing solemnly in the stone hall. Many of these individuals were elders of the clan who had returned after failing to find Jiao You, and there were also numerous women among them. Standing at the entrance were the strong men of the clan, while outside the window stood the young women of the clan.
Uncle Ya signaled to Hei Dou, who immediately understood his intention and hurried forward to kneel in the hall with Xuan Yuan Ping, addressing Jiao Meng: "Clan Leader, Xuan Yuan has always been thinking of the clan, which is why he released the 'sacrifice.' Moreover, he has also contributed to uncovering the treachery of the demon. Even if there are any faults, I hope the Clan Leader and the elders will consider Xuan Yuan's merits and be lenient in his punishment"
The atmosphere within the grand hall suddenly became somewhat subdued. This was originally a topic that no one wished to mention, yet it was inadvertently brought up by the young girl before them, causing everyone to once again fall into a state of mourning
Everyone was taken aback. While Jiao Meng felt a deep pain in her heart, she was also extremely moved. Unable to help herself, she gently stroked her beautiful hair and sighed, saying: "You are truly a good child"
Xuanyuan cast a cursory glance at her, forming a somewhat vague impression. Although it was merely a brief look, it was evident that her beauty possessed a charm distinct from that of Jiao You.
Xuanyuan glanced at everyone before finally fixing his gaze on the High Priest. He had never had a good impression of the priests, at least for the past ten years, as he had always believed that in his mind, the priests were all people who hid in the shadows, pretending to be benevolent and righteous.
The area by the pond is quite cool, primarily due to the three waterfalls cascading from a great height, which create a refreshing mist. This mist also generates currents of air, making the surroundings by the pond exceptionally refreshing and tranquil
"Alright, Xuanyuan, can you explain why that is a soul filled with hatred and full of grievances?" Jiao Meng interrupted the somewhat angry words of the Heavenly Priest and asked.
He has been sitting here for an entire afternoon, the sun has already set, and only a trace of the mournful evening glow still lingers atop the distant mountains
Everyone fell silent, for this is yet another question that no one can answer, as in fact, no one possesses the ability to do so