Li Yuan floated calmly two hundred meters from the pier, positioning himself behind a large wooden pole that supported the dock. From here, he could observe the port's activity without attracting attention, while remaining close enough to feel the dynamics of life happening on the water's surface.
The water around him vibrated in a familiar way—a sign that it had a story to tell. Li Yuan fully opened his Understanding of Water, ready to listen to what his old friend had to convey.
There is something you need to know about the humans in this place, the water's vibrations began to form a complex meaning. They... are different from any you have known before in how they see one another.
Li Yuan frowned in his inner silence. Different how?
The water gave a response that carried the weight of a long history, like a river that flows slowly because it carries sediment from thousands of years. They use the word "race" to separate themselves. They group their fellow humans based on skin color, hair texture, facial features—things that are actually just small variations within the same large family.
I don't understand, Li Yuan responded honestly. Aren't they all human?
Yes, the water vibrated with something resembling sadness. They are all one race—the human race. But they create unnecessary divisions. Those with light skin call themselves a different "race" from those with dark skin. Those with straight hair feel different from those with curly hair. Yet these differences are only like... variations in color within a single rainbow.
Li Yuan felt something uncomfortable in his heart. In his thousands of years of life, he had indeed seen physical variations in humans—some were tall, short, light-skinned, dark-skinned, had round eyes, or slanted eyes. But he had never thought that these small differences could be used as a reason to separate them into different groups.
This is like saying that the water flowing in a river is a different race from the water in the sea, Li Yuan thought with a feeling of disbelief. Even though it is all just water.
Exactly, the water responded with a vibration of agreement. But unfortunately, these divisions often cause... problems. What they call "racism"—where one group feels better than another just because of superficial physical differences.
The water continued its story with increasingly heavy vibrations. In this port, you will see three groups that call themselves different "races." Those with light, tall features call themselves the Luxen, proud of their splendor and innovation. Those with medium skin and sharp eyes call themselves the Kuatri, proud of their discipline and tradition. Those with glowing dark skin call themselves the Zuwa, proud of their harmony with nature and their physical strength.
But they all breathe with the same lungs, bleed the same red blood, and love their families in the same way, Li Yuan mused with sadness. Why must they separate themselves?
Because differences are easier to see than similarities, the water replied with a wisdom born from witnessing thousands of years of human history. And unfortunately, some take advantage of these small differences to gain power, to create a sense of superiority, to justify unfair treatment.
Li Yuan floated in silence, digesting this weighty information. He remembered the early days of his life in Ziran village, where people lived simply and never had issues with physical differences. He remembered at the Qinglong Academy, where students were judged based on character and ability, not appearance. Even on the brutal battlefield, soldiers fought side by side without questioning skin color or eye shape.
When did this begin to happen? Li Yuan asked.
As civilization became more complex, the water explained. When groups of humans were separated by vast geographical distances, they began to develop different cultures. That is natural and beautiful. But then, when they met again, instead of celebrating diversity, some chose to create hierarchies—who was "better" than whom.
In truth, the water continued with a vibration full of fundamental truth, the physical differences between human groups are simply adaptations to different environments. Dark skin developed in areas with strong sunlight for protection. Light skin developed in areas with little sunlight for better vitamin absorption. The shape of eyes, nose, hair—all are adaptations to climate and geography. They are not a sign of superiority or inferiority.
Li Yuan felt a new understanding flow through his consciousness. So, essentially, they are all one large family that has been separated for a long time, and their physical differences are evidence of the incredible adaptability of the human race itself.
That's right, the water vibrated with warmth. But unfortunately, not everyone sees it this way. In this port, you will see cooperation, but also tension. Some already understand that difference is richness, but there are also those who are still trapped in prejudice.
Li Yuan looked toward the port with eyes that now saw a more complex dynamic. He could see how people with different physical features worked in different areas. Some were mixed, but there were also clear groupings based on physical appearance.
What should I do? Li Yuan asked himself more than the water. How can I interact with them without getting caught up in these senseless divisions?
Do as you have always done, the water answered gently. See the soul, not the appearance. Hear the intention, not the words. Treat every individual as an individual, not as a representative of a group. Your Wenjing Realm ability will help—you can hear a person's intention directly, transcending prejudice or stereotypes.
Li Yuan nodded in his inner silence. He remembered how his Understanding of Water had always taught him that water doesn't discriminate between the vessels it occupies—a crystal glass or a clay bowl is all the same. Water only sees if the vessel is clean and ready to receive.
Perhaps that is the example I can set, Li Yuan thought. To be like water—not differentiating based on external appearance, only seeing the heart's readiness to receive kindness.
The water vibrated with agreement. There is one more thing you should know. Because you have the physical features of the Kuatri—skin that is neither too dark nor too light, sharp eyes, black hair—some may immediately assume you are of the "Kuatri race" and bring certain expectations or prejudices. Do not let this limit you or make you feel you must meet their expectations.
I am Li Yuan, Li Yuan replied calmly. Not a representative of any race or group. I am an individual who happens to have been born with a certain appearance, but my identity goes far beyond physical features.
That is the correct attitude, the water responded with warmth. And remember, beneath all these artificial divisions, they are still one family. When you see them fighting over superficial differences, remember that they are like siblings who have forgotten they came from the same parents.
Li Yuan floated in deep reflection. His long journey at sea had prepared him for many things, but he hadn't expected to face the complexity of man-made divisions within the human family itself.
Thank you for telling me, Li Yuan said to the water. This knowledge will help me interact wisely.
We know you will use this knowledge well, the water replied. You have learned from us about flowing without prejudice, about accepting all vessels without discrimination. Carry that lesson to land.
With a heart that was heavier yet wiser, Li Yuan began to swim slowly toward the pier. He now understood that his journey on land would involve more than just interacting with humans—he might need to help them remember that they are all part of the same family.
One human race with beautiful variations, Li Yuan mused as he approached the wooden steps leading to the pier. Like one sea with different waves—all of it is still water, all of it is still one.