"Blessings."
Heaven and Earth are bounded by Kunlun. Above Kunlun lies a separate paradise; below its realm stretch vast mountains and rivers. Few mortals ever reach Mount Kunlun. Therefore, the Patriarchs established the celestial assembly and ranking of immortals and gods to be held at the peak's Kunlun Realm. Folklore often says that those who comprehend their original mind, whether human or century-old beast, can receive supreme empowerment when the Kunlun Divine Scroll unfolds, thus ascending above Kunlun and being permitted a minor deification.In ancient times, a seer painted the entrance to the Kunlun Mirror on a turtle's back and set it adrift on rivers and seas, hoping a destined individual might chance upon it.
Volume One: Faith | Chapter 1: Prologue"Blessings."
The first rainy season above Kunlun arrived unexpectedly today. Fearing the scroll would get wet, the Kunlun Heavenly Scroll slowly began to close. Suddenly, a fragrant breeze arose around Ancient Lamp Patriarch. The gathered gods looked up towards the Patriarch beneath the closing scroll. There, sun and moon shone with equal brilliance, and countless lamps blazed together, as if something momentous was about to occur.But even such a rare sight couldn't move Zhong Lixi, a guest residing here, as much as the delightful greeting from the enchanting celestial maidens: "Blessings."She smiled back at them, "Blessings." Treading on clouds, she soon passed beneath the gathering of gods under the Kunlun Scroll and arrived at the gate of Ancient Lamp Patriarch's gardens.At the garden gate stood apārijātatree, a hundredyojanashigh. Beneath it, cross-legged, sat a figure draped in crimson ancestral robes. His beard and hair seemed to float, subtly merging with the tree itself.Hearing movement, he opened his eyes and looked at her."Why so early? Today, the Patriarch is going to the Kunlun Realm for a debate on Dharma. All the immortals and deities from above
Kunlun are there. The Spirit Beast Clan, the Shaman Clan, and the earthly immortals and deities from below Kunlun will also gather. Such a grand occasion, won't you go watch?""No. The time for my descent from Kunlun is already set. What difference does a moment sooner or later makes? Besides, look..." Zhong Lixi lifted her sleeve and pointed towards the clouds in the western sky.From their vantage point above Kunlun, their gaze easily transcended time, looking down upon the ten directions of the world below Kunlun. There, faint illusions shimmered: the earth shook, hills flattened; withered trees bloomed anew, flowers boasting dual colors; purple lotuses surged from the earth, turbid waters cleared themselves..."Such strange phenomena! It seems a new enlightened one has appeared in the mortal realm below!"Thepārijātatree's feathery leaves were lush and verdant. As the corners of his lips curled up, deep crimson tassels of flowers cascaded forth, their fragrance enveloping them.She bowed solemnly. "Divine Tree, thank you for your care these past six months."The Divine Tree smiled and returned the gesture. "A tree god's days are long and lonely. Having your company for half a year has added joy. We have the karmic bond of your watering. Today, let me see you off. Do you have a destination?""Yes. The center of the Great Continent, Zhouku Academy.""For what purpose?""To witness the birth of an enlightened one."