Restoring the Ancient Road, Longevity Dao Rhyme Unblocking the Network of Paths

In the heart of the Hongmeng Great Land, an ancient road ran from east to west, named the Thoroughfare Dao. Built in ancient times, this road had once been a vital route for trade and travel among all races. Yet, after enduring thousands of years of wind and rain, the ancient road was now in utter ruin; its surface was pitted with potholes, its bridges were heavily damaged, and the travelers passing to and fro suffered greatly. After returning from the Mysterious Ice Pond, Shen Hao resolved to take the lead in repairing this ancient road so that the Thoroughfare Dao might breathe anew, unblocking the network of paths across the Hongmeng Great Land and fostering exchange and communication among all peoples.

As soon as the news of the ancient road's repair spread, it received an enthusiastic response from the people of all races. Disciples of the Stone Race volunteered to take charge of patching the road surface and bridges; disciples of the Wood Race brought forth vast quantities of spiritual wood to construct post stations and pavilions; disciples of the Feather Race soared through the air, tasked with surveying the terrain and drafting blueprints; and folk of every background came forward carrying their own tools to help. Shen Hao and Zi Xuan threw themselves heart and soul into the work, arriving at the ancient road before dawn every day to labor alongside the common folk.

At this moment, the Thoroughfare Dao was a scene of bustling activity. Dressed in a coarse linen tunic with his sleeves and trouser legs rolled up, Shen Hao gripped a hoe as he filled the potholes in the road. His movements were practiced; a single stroke of his hoe leveled a hollow before he laid smooth flagstones over it. Sweat rolled down his cheeks