Chapter 10: The Hidden Truth
Xu Xuan, carrying a basket of medicinal herbs on his back and holding a hoe, arrived at East Sea Bay. A gentle sea breeze swept across the shore, and the waves rhythmically crashed against the jagged rocks, producing a soothing melody. Along the coastline grew many rare herbs, and Xu Xuan had come tirelessly in search of a particular plant capable of curing a stubborn ailment.
As he carefully dug beside a rocky outcrop, a melodious sound of a bamboo flute suddenly drifted through the air. The notes were ethereal and distant, as if emerging from the depths of the ocean. Curious, Xu Xuan looked up and saw an elderly man dressed in white standing atop a large reef not far away. The old man’s hair was pure white, yet his face was flushed with health, radiant and full of light. His eyes were deep, carrying an air of mystery.
Drawn by the man’s aura, Xu Xuan instinctively approached him. When he reached the old man, the flute’s music ceased, and the elder smiled warmly.
“Young man, you gather herbs here—do you understand their properties?” the old man asked gently, his voice kind and serene.
Xu Xuan replied respectfully, “I know a little, sir. I seek these herbs to help heal the sick.”
The old man nodded slightly, then gazed toward the vast sea and spoke slowly, “Do you know that within the Three Realms lie many secrets hidden from mortal eyes?”
Xu Xuan’s heart stirred. He recalled the trials of the Demon Soul Pearl and the tales of immortals and demons once told to him by Xiaobai and Xiaoqing. He said, “I have heard some stories, but they must be only the tip of the iceberg.”
The elder smiled softly. “Then let me tell you of a great event five centuries past. Five hundred years ago, Chiyou, the mighty and malevolent demon god, sought to shatter the order of the Three Realms and seize dominion over heaven and earth.”
Xu Xuan listened intently, his eyes alight with curiosity and astonishment.
The elder continued, “Chiyou conspired in secret, sowing discord between the immortals and demons, pushing them to the brink of war. Humanity was caught in the crossfire, and chaos engulfed the Three Realms. Flames of war ravaged the lands, living beings suffered unspeakable horrors, mountains and rivers were shattered, and the balance of the realms was lost.”
Xu Xuan could almost see the harrowing scenes, a wave of sorrow swelling within him.
“But,” the elder’s voice rose with conviction, “justice always exists in this world. From the fates of heaven, earth, and humanity, destined champions arose. They came from the human, immortal, and demon races alike. These few possessed extraordinary courage and strength and saw clearly through Chiyou’s treachery.”
“One was a human warrior. Though lacking grand magic, his will was unbreakable. He traveled the mortal realm, uniting those oppressed by war into a formidable force.”
“From the immortals came a fairy whose sorcery was unmatched. Wielding a celestial sword, she felled countless demon soldiers corrupted by Chiyou. Her beauty and kindness shone like a beacon in darkness, bringing hope to the people.”
“Among the demons was a hero too, fierce in appearance but just in heart. Knowing Chiyou’s plot would doom his own kind, he betrayed the demon god and led a faction of demons to fight alongside humans and immortals.”
Xu Xuan was captivated, images of these heroes forming vividly in his mind.
“These destined ones faced Chiyou in a breathtaking battle beneath the Martial God Altar on War God Mountain. The fight raged for days, turning the heavens and earth strange colors. With wisdom, bravery, and mutual trust, they defeated Chiyou.”
“Together, they cast a powerful sealing spell, imprisoning Chiyou beneath the altar, where he would slumber for a thousand years. Only then was peace restored to the Three Realms.” The elder sighed deeply.
Moved, Xu Xuan said, “These destined champions are truly admirable—they saved the Three Realms.”
The elder looked at Xu Xuan with profound meaning in his gaze. “Young man, the Three Realms may yet face new perils. That you heard this tale today is fate. I hope you carry a heart of justice. Perhaps one day, you too will become a guardian of the realms.”
A surge of resolve stirred within Xu Xuan. Meeting the elder’s eyes, he vowed, “I will remember your teachings, sir.”
The elder nodded with satisfaction, then lifted the bamboo flute once more, playing that same haunting melody. Watching the old man, Xu Xuan felt as if he glimpsed the future of the Three Realms—filled with hope and challenge alike.