Mythical Card Creator: Myriad Ghosts Night Parade at the Start - Section 669

Now that Zhuangzi had pointed it out, that heroic spirit instantly returned.

"May I ask the True Person once more—what is the 'Transformation Realm'?"

Li Bai pressed him eagerly, like a thirsty child desperate for knowledge.

Zhuangzi gave a slight nod, revealing an expression that said his pupil was worth teaching.

He waved his hand again. The surface of the sea began to boil violently, as if something were about to burst from the water.

"'In the Northern Darkness, there is a fish, which transforms into a bird.'

This second level is 'transformation.'

'Transformation' is metamorphosis. It is rebirth.

More than that—it is Great Dream Awakening!

Zhuangzi stared at Li Bai, his gaze turning razor-sharp, as if he meant to see through his soul:

"Though the fish in the water is enormous, it is still constrained by the water.

Because it is mired in the water, the fish swims through the four seas, yet in the end remains trapped.

Though you are brimming with talent and renowned throughout the world,

you are shackled by the identities of 'talented scholar,' 'drunkard,' and 'wandering knight.'

You are trapped by other people's judgments, by the gains and losses of the imperial court, and by those insubstantial honors and riches.

You are like that great fish. Though you stir the Northern Darkness and cut an imposing figure,

you have, in truth, never been able to leave the water.

That water is your obsession. It is your chains!"

Li Bai's entire body shuddered violently, as if a thunderbolt had struck the crown of his head.

Countless scenes flashed through his mind like lantern slides.

He remembered lowering himself and presenting letters of recommendation at the gates of powerful nobles in his quest for office;

he remembered the seemingly carefree yet actually wretched figure he cut