Chapter 382: White Crane Flowing Light? (3)
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
“Crane Flowing Light? Later generations got it wrong. The true name of this sword… is Crane Illumination.”
“Because I hope that someday, someone can leave a ray of light in my dark path.”
“Daoist, you are the third person I’ve encountered after my passing. The first three individuals didn’t provide me with the answer I sought. I wonder if you can offer me an answer?”
Lu Yuan gazed at the Crane Immortal before him and responded after a brief pause, “I don’t know what answer you’re seeking, but my understanding of immortality is vastly different from yours.”
“I’m willing to hear the details.”
“Since Daoist mentioned that so-called immortals are a mountain and a pair of people, why did you only see the mountain and not the individuals who ascended the mountain with you?”
“The individuals who ascended the mountain together?”
Hearing Lu Yuan’s words, Crane Immortal immediately fell into deep contemplation.
Lu Yuan seemed unaware of this and continued, “My path to celestial cultivation doesn’t entail pursuing so-called supremacy or transcendence. Rather, I seek longevity and the protection of those I cherish.”
“The heavens may be unforgiving, but humans possess sentiment.”
“Without affection, humans cease to be human.”
“What’s the purpose of such an immortal cultivator’s journey?”
“Daoist, you may have long traversed beyond the mountain within your heart. It’s not that you haven’t discovered the mountain beyond the mountain, but you haven’t encountered…the people beyond the mountain.”
“People beyond the mountain…”
“Daoist, have you visited the mortal world?”
Lu Yuan’s question prompted Crane Immortal to awaken from his reverie, and he subconsciously inquired, “I haven’t visited it much.”
“If so, should Daoists decide to live through a third life, I strongly recommend visiting the mortal world.”
“Go to the streets of the festival and see the charming fireworks.”
“Let’s go to that crowded teahouse and restaurant to listen to the interesting stories inside.”
“Then explore the alleys teeming with the melodies of songbirds, embracing a different vitality.”
“Immortals, firstly humans, secondly mountains, and ultimately humans.”
“My journey in celestial cultivation is intended to tread farther, witness more diverse sceneries…and encounter a greater variety of intriguing individuals.”
“I wonder if my response satisfies you, Daoist?”
“To journey farther, witness more sceneries, and encounter more intriguing individuals…”
Crane Immortal repeatedly echoed Lu Yuan’s words, his expression gradually becoming animated.
“I’ve comprehended it, I’ve comprehended it!”
As Crane Immortal rose to his feet, the surroundings of the two once again transformed.
This time, they found themselves on a lively street.
Somewhere along the way, Crane Immortal had transformed into a seven-year-old child.
This was his appearance in his first life, and the vicinity was the mortal world where he resided before embarking on the path of celestial cultivation.
The childlike Crane Daoist appeared as though he were crafted from jade. Though devoid of his previous Daoist aura, he exuded an exuberance previously absent.
Crane Immortal gazed at Lu Yuan and remarked with a smile, “Thank you for elucidating Daoist. It’s not that I couldn’t traverse beyond the mountain within my heart, but rather that I hadn’t discovered the individual within my heart.”
“It’s amusing that I once believed I possessed extraordinary talent, yet I’ve squandered two lives and remained unaware of this revelation.”
“Daoist, may I know your name?”
“Surname Lu, single given name Yuan.”
“Lu Yuan…”
The young Crane repeatedly uttered this name, as if harboring a profound fear of forgetting it.
Afterward, he lifted his head and looked at Lu Yuan with a smile. “Fellow Daoist Lu, I appreciate your assistance. If there’s an opportunity, I must treat you to the wontons from my hometown. The place is at the corner of Changping Street, and I guarantee you’ll enjoy it.”
“My mother used to take me there often when I was young. At that time, I would think every day that if I had money someday, I’d eat there every day.”
“But after I ascended the mountain, I gradually forgot about all that. Not only did I forget about the shop on the street corner, but I also forgot about the people at the corner.”
As he spoke, tears welled up in Crane’s eyes.
“A person’s life is like a journey in the mountains, with ups and downs along the way, witnessing the blooming and fading of flowers in the mountains.”
“But when you’re only fixated on climbing the mountain, you slowly forget about the people waiting for you at the foot of the mountain.”
“So, what I’ve been searching for isn’t the elusive mountain beyond the mountain, but rather the people who once laughed and quarreled with me at the mountain’s base.”
“If there’s a third life, I will descend the mountain to take a look.”
“Explore the lively streets you mentioned, listen to the stories within the inns and restaurants, and experience the unique vitality within the so-called brothels.”
“Cough, cough, cough…”
Initially, everything was fine, but when Crane mentioned the word brothel, Lu Yuan suddenly began coughing.
Crane, whose Dao heart was clear, immediately sensed something amiss and asked in confusion, “Daoist, what’s so special about this brothel that it can make you so uncomfortable?”
Lu Yuan’s gaze wandered as he stammered, “Nothing. It’s just that this brothel…” It’s better to wait until you’re an adult before going there. In fact… Maybe it’s better not to go at all. After all, I was just talking about that place.”
The young Crane’s eyes instantly formed crescent shapes as it grinned mischievously, its gaze filled with playfulness.
“If Daoist hadn’t mentioned it, I might not have considered visiting the brothel. However, since Daoist has brought it up, then this brothel…! will go if I have the chance!”
Lu Yuan sighed, “Well, as long as Daoist is happy.”
The two exchanged a silent moment before bursting into laughter.
Crane Immortal steadied himself and bowed respectfully to Lu Yuan.
“Fellow Daoist Lu, see you later..”