LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 18: The Earth Ranking
Arriving at the Hall of Yama, the ten Yamas were already waiting. Lu Yu keenly noticed that the King of Taishan was holding a peculiar list, inscribed with two large characters in ancient seal script: "Earth List."
"Lu Yu, heed my command. By the order of the all-powerful and virtuous Empress Hou Tu, I entrust you with a great responsibility due to your compassionate nature. You are commanded to post the Earth List and oversee the appointment of the City Gods," came the directive.
Lu Yu knelt on the ground and kowtowed three times with utmost respect, paying homage to the great compassion of Empress Hou Tu and to the utmost fairness of the Heavenly Dao.
As he received the Earth List with both hands, he realized that it was not made of silk, but seemed like a mass of nebulous qi coalesced into form.
"You must take good care of the Earth List, as it's a corner of the Book of the Earth and a precious treasure of the Underworld. Once the matter of Divine Enthronement is concluded, you must return it," cautioned King Qinguang, seemingly a bit uneasy as he instructed Lu Yu.
Lu Yu nodded, aware that such a treasure was not something he could claim as his own, and harbored no greedy thoughts. He was merely curious, for it was his first encounter with so-called Innate Spiritual Treasures.
In the mortal world, treasures are divided into two main categories: Innate Spiritual Treasures and Acquired Spiritual Treasures. As the name suggests, Innate Spiritual Treasures are born with the world and are often mysterious and powerful, supreme in suppressing Fortune and Destiny and concealing Heaven's Secret.
However, there are but a few Innate Spiritual Treasures in the world, and most already have masters, making them exceedingly rare to glimpse.
In comparison, Acquired Spiritual Treasures appeared after the formation of heaven and earth. They vary greatly in type and power, with some rivaling the strength of Innate Spiritual Treasures, though they are inferior in suppressing Fortune and Destiny and in concealing Heaven's Secret. For example, the Monkey's Jingu Bang is a very powerful Acquired Spiritual Treasure.
Finally, there are Magic Artifacts that Cultivators refine themselves. These cannot be compared with Innate or Acquired Spiritual Treasures and are thus referred to as Magical Treasures. Many of these also possess remarkable power but generally require Cultivators to invest time in their gradual refinement. Lu Yu's Great Dao Treasure Vase and Sword of state are among these.
The Book of the Earth is a renowned Treasure among Innate Spiritual Treasures. Although what he held was merely a fragment of the Book of the Earth, it was as esteemed as treasures like the Apricot Yellow Banner, the Zhu Xian Sword, and the Xuanhuang Linglong Tower, and thus Lu Yu cherished it dearly.
The night sky was exceedingly bright with stars adorning the dark expanse, making it exceptionally beautiful, and a dazzling Milky Way stretched across the horizon in a spectacular and colorful display.
Liu Qingyun had gone to sleep early, and despite being accustomed to Mr. Lu's presence, he still felt lonely. However, as long as he thought of the chance to see his family again, his heart would warm.
In his dream, he wandered aimlessly on the pitch-black earth, aware that it was his own dreamscape, where he still had a lucid consciousness. He couldn't remember the last time he had dreamt.
Suddenly, a warm hand rested on his shoulder, that calloused hand from years of martial practice emanating such warmth that Liu Qingyun's tears flowed instantly.
In his youth, it was with the support of this very hand that he learned to walk and to write. He had naively imagined his father as an everlasting mountain, ever standing before him, until the day they parted and he realized that his father had aged. Years of guarding the frontiers had etched wrinkles all over his face, and time had left profound marks upon him.
Turning around with tearful eyes, Liu Qingyun looked at his father, who appeared just as he remembered him—tall, mighty, seemingly capable of shielding all storms behind him.
Liu Qingyun nibbled at his lips but found that he couldn't utter a single word. He fidgeted as he straightened his clothes, trying to muster a bright smile, yet tears betrayed him and spilled out uncontrollably.
"Good boy! You've suffered a lot," Liu Feihu lifted his hand, gently stroking his son's head just like when Liu Qingyun was a child.
"It wasn't hard. I had a good life. There was a teacher who took good care of me, taught me skills, and truly liked me." Liu Qingyun wiped away his tears and glossed over all his bitterness and suffering. Even in his dream, he still didn't want his father to worry about him.
"Now I've become quite capable. Old man, you definitely can't beat me now. In a little while, I'll say farewell to my teacher and then I'll avenge you."
In response, he was embraced in his father's warm arms. At that moment, Liu Qingyun could no longer contain his emotions and burst into sobs. His tears flowed like a breached dam, pouring out all the pent-up frustration, turmoil, pain, and despair.
Liu Feihu held his child close, gently patting his back, unable to fathom how this once innocent and kind child had managed to live with such a deep-seated vendetta. He had never hated himself as much as he did in that moment. If it weren't for his foolish loyalty, perhaps his son wouldn't have had to carry these burdens.
"Good boy, good boy!" Liu Feihu, not knowing how else to comfort his son, awkwardly consoled the wronged child, silently waiting for him to calm down.
Liu Qingyun soon composed himself, drying his tears and gazing intently at his father. He was terrified he would forget his father's voice and smile and equally scared of becoming accustomed to life without his loved ones.
"Come, let's go see the family. They've all missed you so much!" Grasping his son's hand, he started walking forward.
Liu Qingyun followed his father, somewhat dazed, and gradually, they entered a wondrous place. Bright light illuminated the land, which contrasted sharply with the darkness outside, and a grand mansion appeared before him.
His relatives stood at the entrance, welcoming him with their radiant smiles. Liu Qingyun felt an unprecedented happiness upon seeing them. People often realize the value of something only after losing it. After losing all his family, Liu Qingyun understood just how blissful it was to see their smiling faces.
That night, Liu Qingyun felt as though he'd returned to his carefree days, surrounded by his beloved family. The family gathered, chatting and enjoying each other's company; everything was perfect.
But as always, such beautiful moments were fleeting. Before he knew it, the night had passed. Liu Feihu gazed at his grown son, his heart filled with both pity for the pain he had to endure so young and pride that despite his trials, he had remained unbroken.
"Yun'er, it's time for you to go back. Staying here too long isn't good for your health. Take good care of Mr. Lu, and one day we shall meet again."
With a gentle push, Liu Qingyun felt as though he were falling into an abyss. Suddenly awaking, he discovered that the night had ended, and the sun was already high in the sky—in all this time, he'd never woken up so late.
Touching his still tear-stained cheeks and recalling the dream, his heart warmed. He didn't know if it was reality or a dream, but he couldn't help thinking how wonderful it would be if his teacher were there.