The Words That Shook the Heavens

The dark clouds scattered across the sky, revealing a bright full moon. Its faint radiance fell over Lanruo Temple and the surrounding area, draping everything in a hazy silver veil.

Following the commotion, Yan Chixia flew out of the temple. He happened to see an old monk in gray robes climbing up from the foot of the mountain, each step bringing forth a lotus. The monk had kind eyes and a benevolent face, and his eyes were closed.

"Master Foolish Monk!" he cried out in delight.

Foolish Monk had only just heard the news when his glassy heart-lake stirred, ripples spreading across it. He instinctively opened his eyes, revealing a clear, golden gleam that seemed to reflect all things, and looked toward the center of the mountain forest.

A man in blue robes stood there. His profile was handsome, his manner refined, and he bore the weathered air of one who had endured the passage of years. With his hands behind his back, he gazed calmly at the starry sky, his eyes deep and indifferent, as though pondering all the mysteries between heaven and earth.

Where lay the Great Dao? What existed beyond the starry sky?

With him there, the surroundings grew tranquil of their own accord. Everything seemed to transcend the ordinary, sparkling with the light of wisdom. Even someone like Yan Chixia instinctively descended from the air, landing on the ground and holding his breath.

Then Foolish Monk saw the man in blue slowly turn around. His deep, shadowed eyes met Foolish Monk's gaze.

In an instant, heaven and earth grew dim. All things seemed to sink into those eyes, falling into stillness and peace, returning to the very beginning of beginnings—without before or after, without thought, spirit, or sensation!

Whoosh! Golden lotuses surged from the earth around