"Steady Character Scripture" (Meticulously Revised Second Edition)
—Primordial Wilderness · Anonymous
Come in haste, ignore idle matters; once the Dao is firm, striving to get ahead becomes hard.
When injustice arises, think of relying on yourself; when hardship strikes, do not shut yourself away.
If friends are many, there is nowhere for troubles to hide; if friends are few, unexpected disasters are fewer.
Do not make enemies; once made, danger follows. Strike first, and raise dust into the air.
Seek a backer, cling to a thigh; do not hold yourself too high, nor belittle yourself.
Private desires are the root of disaster. Accept your fate first, then cultivate yourself.
The Dao lies ahead—walk with steady steps. Look around often, and disasters never cease.
Though treasures are good, do not seize them by force. The Dao's true meaning lies in cultivating the true fruition.
When entering a forked road, retreating is advancing; when chance comes, scheme first, then gain.
That Red fellow of old was too much of a nice guy; in the end, he was plotted against—how miserable.
There was a Demon Master, full of schemes; after being knocked senseless, he disguised himself as an iron pot.
The Water and Fire Gods encountered provocation; the Heaven Pillar fell, and their fates came to nothing.
Old Xuan Turtle loved peace and comfort; not knowing to hide, he suffered an unexpected calamity.
Kuafu perished, Yi shot the suns; both turned to ash and fell after the tribulation.
The old Witch Ancestors possessed strength that defied Heaven, but thought too little and were too few; they could only meet a sorrowful end.
The Demon Emperor of old saw no one in his eyes and acted with ruthless ferocity; in the end, there was nowhere to hide.
From ancient times to now, there have