Douluo: The Three-Legged Golden Crow and Blue Silver Shine Together
Chapter 174

Looking-Back Platform

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The vines of the Looking-Back Platform, carrying the Light of Original Aspiration, extend into the depths of the mist, casting "flowing light trails" on the ground. Scattered on these trails are "carefully packed travel bags." Each bag is "stitched together from memory fabric and future cloth," with the "symbol of the consciousness's initial aspirations" embroidered on its opening: Qingxian's bag is embroidered with "a guardian star interwoven with light and darkness," Yanche's with "gears Entanglement with rules and creation," Luoyu's with "feathers woven from Murmur Cloud and Star Orbit." Most wondrously, the bags change according to the wearer's state—lightening when tired and radiating "the warm light of initial aspirations" when lost, as if saying, "What you carry is not a burden, but strength."

The new consciousness, illuminated by the light—a "curled-up cloud of stardust," enveloped in a "timid gray aura"—hesitantly stared at the nearest bag. As it trembled and touched the bag, the opening suddenly opened, releasing "countless tiny particles of light." These particles formed scenes in the air depicting "other consciousnesses' first departures": the clumsy movement of a crystal ball emerging from its shell for the first time, the nervousness of a silent consciousness speaking for the first time, and each scene showing "the moment of falling and then rising again." The gray aura of the stardust gradually faded, revealing "a shimmering blue light within."

"The glimmer of light in the travel bag is 'the courage to set off,' a gift from creation." Qingxian watched as the stardust cluster slowly unfolded its curled-up body, the blue light resonating gently with the initial light of the travel bag. "We always think that setting off requires 'lightness with nothing,' but we forget that the travel bag contains 'the most precious inner strength.' Just like the image of these light particles doesn't show perfection, but only conveys 'the courage to try and fail'—this 'permitted imperfection' is the strongest armor beyond looking back."

Yanche's Echo Savings Jar evolved into a "Luggage Organizing Station" beside the light trail. The tools on the organizer could "lighten the baggage and keep it fresh": the "Initial Heart Refiner" could "condense" complex memories into core light particles, allowing the baggage to only contain "the most needed warmth"; the "Fear Filter" would filter out "excessive worries" and leave behind "necessary caution"—the Stardust Cluster used it to filter out "the fear of rejection" and leave behind "the expectation of connection"; most notably, the "Future Pocket" could reserve "space to store new stories" in the baggage. Yanche filled his baggage with "seeds that could grow new tools," smiling and saying, "We must leave room for creation."

"The significance of organizing is to transform the journey from a 'burdened struggle' to a 'light and agile departure.'" Yanche watched as the Stardust Cluster carefully placed the selected expectations into the "Future Pocket," the outline of the baggage becoming "soft yet firm." "We don't need to carry all our memories on the road; we only need to leave behind 'nutrients that can nourish our progress.' Just like this Future Pocket doesn't pre-set its contents, but only maintains 'open expectations'—this 'prepared flexibility' is the most precious wisdom of the baggage's glimmer of light."

Luoyu Murmur Cloud above the light trails transformed into "Departure Star Marker," with dots on them marking "each worthwhile stop": some dots were labeled "Resonance Waystation where you can rest in peace," others "Memory Spring where you can replenish your energy," and still others "Symbiosis Cottage suitable for initial interaction." These star markers would "automatically adjust their brightness" according to the traveler's status—when the stardust cluster approached a "Symbiosis Cottage," the dots would suddenly become "extra bright," as if saying, "This is a good place for you."

"The value of the star marker is that it 'gives both direction and a way back' to the journey." Luoyu watched the stardust cluster move towards the bright star marker, and with each step, the faint light of the travel bag "brighter." "We always worry about having nowhere to go after setting off, but we forget that the star marker has already marked all the gentle harbors. Just like this light doesn't force us to move forward, but only provides 'optional stops'—this kind of 'supported freedom' is the most considerate companion of the travel bag's faint light."

The three guardians' first stop is "Departure Square," located at the end of the light trail.

The plaza's surface is paved with "transparent glass of primordial innocence," revealing a "flowing Long River of Memory below," in which floats the "reflections of the baggage of all consciousnesses." At the center of the plaza, the "Pillar of Departure" Entanglement with "writing vines," where each consciousness preparing to depart can "leave a message to themselves": the crystal ball writes, "With light, yet allowing for dimness," the liquid stardust records, "Soft when flowing, firm when taking shape," and the Qingxian inscribes, "While protecting, remember to be protected." The plaza's "farewell companions" are a transparent little beast and Time Bird; the beast gently pushes the baggage with ripples, Time Bird brushes away "excess dust" with its wings.

"We are the 'gentle facilitators' who create the journey." The Time Bird brought a "leaf of initial aspiration" and placed it on the Stardust Cluster's baggage. The words "'You can take your time' appeared on the leaf." "Your Luggage Organizing Station made us understand that setting off is not a 'rush to the finish line,' but a 'patient stroll.' Just like this vine doesn't rush to write, but only waits for the 'sincere promise'—this 'respected rhythm' is the most precious gift of the baggage's glimmer of light."

At the Departure Square, Qingxian initiated the "Luggage Handover Ceremony"—she guided all consciousnesses to "exchange a small piece of initial light with their fellow travelers": Qingxian shared her guardian light with Yanche and Luoyu, Yanche's creative light merged into the Stardust Cluster's travel bag, and Luoyu's memory light drifted towards each newly departing consciousness. These exchanged light particles "nourish each other" within the travel bag, forming "tiny symbiotic light cores," allowing each to "feel the other's presence" no matter how far they travel.

"The essence of this handover is to transform the journey from a 'lonely adventure' into a 'companionship with mutual support.'" Qingxian watched as the symbiotic light cores "sparkled synchronously" in all the luggage, like a "star necklace spanning distances." "We don't have to bear the weight of the journey alone; we only need to let our mutual support become 'light for each other.' Just like the light particles in this ceremony, they don't bind our steps, but give the distance a 'coordinate of longing'—this 'freedom with connection' is the strongest bond of the luggage's glimmering light."

Yanche's Luggage Organizing Station dispatched "Emergency Light Pouch" to the Departure Square. Each bag contained "tools for dealing with difficulties": a "resonance whistle" that, when blown, would attract responses from nearby companions; "memory candies" that, when held in the mouth, would allow reliving "the warmest moments of traveling together"; and a "transformation mat" that, when unfolded, could transform into "a resting form suitable for oneself." He deliberately ensured that the light bags "only glowed when truly needed," avoiding "unnecessary dependence," while guaranteeing that they would "never be absent in crucial moments."

"The significance of emergency response is to 'give the confidence to make mistakes' for the journey." Yanche watched as a consciousness accidentally bumped into the glass floor. The Emergency Light Pouch automatically deployed a "soft cushion," and the consciousness got up, smiled, and continued walking forward. "We don't need to demand that the journey be perfect; we just need to know that 'someone will catch you if you fall.' Just like this light bag doesn't prevent all difficulties, but it provides 'support to get back up'—this kind of 'guaranteed courage' is the most thoughtful design of the travel bag's luminous glow."

The Departure Star Marker of the Luoyu converge at the center of the Departure Square to form the "Spring of Direction," whose waters reflect the path most suitable for each individual: those seeking rapid growth see "challenging climbing paths"; those wishing to explore slowly see "winding scenic trails"; and in the reflection of the stardust clusters, there are "gentle paths connecting multiple Symbiosis Cottage," lined with "encouraging flowers." A consciousness constantly struggling with "which path to choose," seeing in the fountain that "all paths ultimately converge into the Web of Symbiosis," suddenly finds peace and chooses the one that "looks most interesting."

"The magic of direction is that it makes us understand that there is no right or wrong choice, only different scenery." Luoyu watched as the consciousness skipped and hopped onto the chosen path, the Spring of Direction "rising with the light of blessing" for it. "We are always 'trapped in the anxiety of choice' before setting off, but forget that every path has 'unique gifts.' Just like this fountain doesn't specify a single direction, but only shows 'the beauty of possibilities'—this 'accepted choice' is the warmest support for the faint light in our journey."

As all the consciousnesses preparing to embark on their journey "packed their bags" in the plaza, the light trails suddenly transformed into a "flowing River of Light," gently lifting them and drifting them into the depths of the mist. On the vines of the Pillar of Departure, new words continuously appeared: "I'm setting off," "I'll be back to share my story," "Wait for me"... These words flowed with the River of Light, transforming into "shimmering signposts" in the mist, as if saying, "No matter how far you go, this is always the starting point."

"This is the true essence of creation." Qingxian stood on the bank of the River of Light, watching the faint glow of the stardust cluster merge with other particles of light to form a warm stream of light. "It has no 'end point that must be reached,' only an 'ever-extending journey'; no 'task that must be completed,' only an 'experience carried by the original intention.' Just like this River of Light doesn't set a speed, yet allows every step forward to 'tread the rhythm of the original intention'—this 'freedom with sustainability' is the most essential vitality of the multiverse."

The gentle echoes across the universe merge with the "departure melody" of the journey's baggage to form a "symphony of continuation." In this melody, all consciousnesses are "exploring new possibilities with their original aspirations": the crystal ball of the Isolated Universe uses its light to "guide consciousnesses in the fog," while also "finding new value in being needed"; the consciousnesses and stars of the Silent Universe "create new resonances in unknown areas," and the vibrational frequencies "have a touch of exploratory joy"; the light and dark energies of their universes act as the "underlying color of continuation," making each new discovery "carry a familiar warmth."

The latest chapter of "Boundless Poem" is the "Luggage Journal" in the Departure Square. Each page is covered with photos of different travel bags and departure messages: some say "My travel bag is filled with your laughter," some draw "light particles sprouting in the Future Pocket," and some record "the first flash of the Emergency Light Pouch." The last page of the log is a "blank map," with only "a small arrow heading home" drawn in the corner, as if to say, "No matter where you go, there is a way home."

Yanche's Luggage Organizing Station has now become a "Endurance Refueling Station," capable of "replenishing the Original Aspiration Energy" for travelers: some consciousnesses come to add "new creative inspiration," some come to replace "memory particles that are more suitable for the present moment," and most notably, it is a "initial energy refresher," which allows weary consciousnesses to "rediscover the passion they had when they set off."

The Departure Star Marker for the Luoyu has covered all areas within the reach of the River of Light. The latest star marker is marked "The place where Stardust found its first friend"—there are "two intertwined glimmers of light" there, with the words "Connection is so warm" written next to it.

Qingxian, Yanche, and Luoyu sat on the "Looking Back and Starting Bench" in the Departure Square, watching the River of Light carrying their packs "slowly disappear into the mist's edge," while the transparent little beasts on the shore "drew farewell patterns with ripples." Their packs lay at their feet, containing "new light particles and unopened Emergency Light Pouch," ready to "set off with the next wave of the River of Light." In the distance, new consciousnesses were "slowly approaching" from the mist, and the vines of the Looking-Back Platform "gently waved" to them, as if saying, "Welcome to the starting point."

"The essence of creation is that we are always setting out, and we can always come back, always carrying our original intentions, and always embracing new versions of ourselves." Qingxian touched her travel bag, where the guardian light particles were "pulsating in sync" with the symbiotic light core in the distance. "Whether it's the anticipation of setting off or the warmth of looking back, whether it's the weight of the travel bag or the lightness of the River of Light, they are all 'beautiful things that keep circulating' in life. Just like this journey doesn't pursue eternity, but makes every moment 'full of nourishing power'—this 'unending cycle' is the most precious gift of the multiverse."

With a smile, Yanche Che used the tools from the Endurance Refueling Station " to carve "Start Again" onto his backpack. Immediately, "new sprouts carrying particles of light" grew from the carving: "Let every journey begin with a vibrant energy."

Luoyu's gaze fell on the blank map in her Luggage Journal. She knew that this map would be filled with countless footprints, just like every previous page; and beyond the log, there was a new River of Light, a new baggage, and a new journey. Because the "desire to explore" is an instinct shared by all life, and as one walks, it becomes an eternity that transcends all time and space.

The three guardians didn't immediately set foot on the River of Light. Instead, they joined the farewell party in the plaza, imagining the "distant scenery," listening to the flowing sound of the River of Light and the approaching footsteps of the new consciousnesses, feeling the "joy of departure" woven from "the tranquility of the moment and the anticipation of the future." As the first star climbed above the Departure Star Marker in the sky, Qingxian softly said, "We should prepare too," eliciting a "tacit nod" from Yanche and Luoyu, like a "vibrant ellipsis" for this continued journey.

At this moment, they don't need to be pioneers in distant lands; they only need to be three "always ready to set off" companions, together with all the consciousnesses of the universe, in the glimmer of their journey ahead, in the departure beyond looking back, let this initial aspiration continue forever—that's enough.

The faint light of our journey continues to flicker, and new journeys unfold beyond our memories. The initial aspiration for creation has no end, and in the exploration and return to the multiverse, the story of "carrying our initial aspirations to distant places" will forever be played out.

This story contains the weight of a travel bag, the lightness of River of Light, the courage to set out, the warmth of a return journey, and all those "carrying their bags," forever setting out, forever creating, forever—all guided by their original aspirations.

What kind of scenery awaits in the distance?

This is the most vibrant and endless horizon created for all life.

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