After swallowing the Heaven Crystal, a scene appeared in Pan Long's mind.
Flames and thick smoke filled the world. Turbid currents spilled across the ground, while countless grotesque Fierce Beasts ran rampant, attacking anything they could reach.
Looking up, he saw an enormous pillar piercing the clouds. Beside it, two giants taller than mountains fought with thunderous roars. One blazed with fire; Water Stream surged over the other.
A voice he could not place as male or female, young or old, sounded beside his ear.
[In the distant ancient past, heaven and earth first separated. Mount Buzhou held them apart. The fire god Zhurong and the water god Gonggong fought without end for dominion over heaven and earth.]
The scene shifted. Who knew how much time had passed? Few living creatures remained. The two giants had grown even larger, but their movements had slowed. Both were plainly exhausted.
Suddenly, flames exploded outward. Zhurong surged forward and struck Gonggong under the chin, knocking him down. Then he rushed in, planted a foot on his face, and roared at the sky. Endless flames poured from him as he proclaimed his victory.
A moment later, the fire god soared into the sky. Countless points of fire appeared overhead and became a sky full of stars. One became a red sun that, seen from afar, bore Zhurong's laughing face.
[Zhurong emerged victorious and became lord of heaven and earth. He made "fire" the master of all power and all living things, brought forth the great sun and the stars, and ruled over everything.]
The scene changed again. The earth flourished, giving rise to all manner of life.
A weary giant slowly climbed to his feet. He washed himself by the sea, but no matter what he did, he could not wash the clear footprint