Cloudy Great World, Fire Cloud Mountain, Human Emperor Hall.
Many men and women, dressed in ornate and elaborate garments, their every movement seemingly governed by strict rituals and distinctions of rank and status, had gathered in the hall and bowed toward a rather young-looking man above them:
"Greetings, Saint Emperor Your Majesty!"
Guo Daocheng, only around ten years old, was at precisely the age when he yearned for tales of heroes and legends. Thus, while paying his respects, he secretly watched the fabled Saint Emperor, his heart stirred with excitement and unease. Is this the Saint Emperor Your Majesty who led our Human race, step by step, through a Great Thousand World where Great Demons, Gods, Great Witches, and others stood side by side, through peril on every side and utmost hardship, to forge this flourishing age for humanity? He truly lives up to his name!
Though Saint Emperor Bai Li Che looked utterly ordinary, the aura of Benefit All Beings and nourishing all creation naturally emanating from him gave people the feeling of starlight in full brilliance and river water in crystal clarity. One could not help but submit in admiration and worship with utmost sincerity.
"All of you are imperial kin of the various great dynasties. There is no need for such ceremony."
Bai Li Che revealed a faint smile and spoke slowly.
After everyone had finished their salutations, an old man with long brows and an ancient, rustic bearing stepped forward. "Human Emperor Your Majesty, are you truly leaving this Great Thousand World? This is the great foundation you carved out only after hacking through brambles and thorns and pouring out your heart's blood."
Among the great dynasties, Bai Li Che's formal title was "Human Emperor." It was only because Saintly Virtue surrounded him that he was