"Tell me-
"In the Three Realms of Ancient Times, Immortals and Gods appeared and vanished, cultivators stood high above all, and mortals were no better than ants. A single clash between mighty Immortals and Gods could devastate countless lives and leave suffering everywhere. Yet merit and sin were weighed by nothing more than a passing thought. However great one's merit, it served little purpose; however deep one's sins, no punishment followed. Throughout heaven and earth, those who knew the white yet kept to the black, those who proclaimed themselves transcendent, those who treated others as straw dogs... were beyond counting.
"In such a world, how... were mortals to protect themselves?"
An impassive voice sounded deep within the hearts of the many Heavenly Dao Powerhouses, echoing through their consciousness, as though seeking a true answer.
One powerhouse followed his heart and answered resolutely:
"Only by striving ceaselessly to better themselves and walking the path of cultivation could they protect themselves, roam freely through heaven and earth, and enjoy long life."
Another powerhouse answered:
"Even if great accomplishment was beyond them, they could attach themselves to the strong and find shelter beneath the various cultivation lineages. That, too, would keep them safe."
The impassive voice asked again, "Among the many mortals in this world, most have poor aptitude for cultivation. If they cannot enter any cultivation lineage, what should they do?"
The many powerhouses fell silent for a while before one answered:
"Heaven and earth are impartial, treating all things as straw dogs. The Heavenly Dao regards all equally. Who lives briefly and who lives long is all a matter of fate. Nothing can be done."
Another powerhouse followed his heart and scoffed:
"Weakness is itself a sin. Heaven and earth are boundlessly vast, so all things are weak. Thus, all things