Chapter 15 Only Those Who Live Bear the Weight

　　The herbs were lush, the trees were tall.

　　The peach tree is young and verdant, its leaves luxuriant. When this maiden marries, she will bring harmony to her family.

　　The shape is young, young, in its prime. The grass and trees are lush. When this maiden marries, it is indeed fitting for the name of the initial poet-official. Only after his death was he truly given the position of Xing Tian. What exactly happened back then…

　　Xing Tian, Chi You, Xuanyuan, Shen Nong, were they comrades?

　　Yes… Ji Xuanyuan buried Xing Tian at the foot of Changyang Mountain, honoring Chi You as the Lord of War, with sacrifices throughout the ages. If they were truly enemies, they would not have received such treatment. And most importantly, if they weren't old friends and comrades, it wouldn't have been possible for the war souls of Chi You, Shen Nong, and Xuanyuan to reappear from Xing Tian's memories.

　　Wei Yuan looked at Lei Zu in front of him.

　　The latter, holding a cup of tea, seemed to be recalling the distant, yet not-so-distant past, and replied, "You should also know that it was the greatest battle. But at the time, whether it was the Nine Li or the Youxiong, a large number of gods participated in the war. One side was the gods of the Great Wilderness, and the other was the gods of Kunlun."

　　"But were there any human heroes who emerged as the main force?"

　　Wei Yuan's expression faltered slightly.

　　He realized the subtle problem—that era was an era of explosive emergence of human heroes, but the main force in the final battle for the Human Emperor was actually all gods. One side relied on the gods to attack, and the other side pulled in the gods to fight.

　　"It was an agreement, a strategy."

　　The white-haired, red-eyed woman looked at Xuanyuan, who was drunk over there, and said softly, "The gods would not allow the rapid rise of the human race. At that time, the foundation of the human race was tantamount to suicide if they fought head-on with the gods. And at that time, the major tribes of the human race had just begun to converge. This process must not be interrupted."

　　"So Xuanyuan and A'You made an agreement."

　　………………

　　That was an era of great upheaval, yet already filled with the taste of swords, knives, and blood.

　　Eighty-one tribes gathered under Chi You's command, called the Nine Li Tribe. And the Yan and Huang tribes, who farmed and hunted along the great rivers, chose to gather under the Youxiong Tribe of Emperor Xuanyuan after a martial arts competition between Shen Nong and Xuanyuan.

　　The originally scattered human race finally began to converge in this era.

　　But such rapid growth also brought the attention of the gods.

　　"Let's break apart, let's start a war."

　　The tall Lord of the Nine Li looked calm, and Ji Xuanyuan drank wine.

　　"Just as the gods hoped. However, we will gather all the main forces of the human race, lure those gods in. I'll lure those from the Great Wilderness, and you lure those from Kunlun. Hmph, not to mention Dijun and the Queen Mother of the West, the power on these two sides is too great."

　　There were too many gods, and the sphere of influence was too large. There would be gods filled with surging ambition, gods who were prepared for a rainy day and felt that the human race was uncontrollable, there would be conflicts of interest and other calculations, there would be conquests. In fact, such things had already begun.

　　Ji Xuanyuan, with her hair tied up in a red rope and full of heroic spirit, stretched out her hand:

　　"The two sides go to war, luring the gods into the game, preserving the strength of our human race, and consuming the gods…"

　　"If they want war, then we'll give them this war!"

　　The Lord of Yan and Huang smiled, "The winner will be the Human Emperor."

　　The Supreme of the Nine Li looked heroic, "The loser is just dead."

　　"But no matter who it is, they must take care of the other's tribe."

　　"…Alright!"

　　So the Lord of War of the Nine Li drank the last wine with his friend and left Xuanyuan Hill. They led the elite of the Nine Li to sweep across the world, and the tribes of Yan and Huang also clenched their swords. The heroes of the ancient times roamed the battlefield of mutual slaughter, and their swords were aimed at friends who had once sung and drank together.

　　The initial heroes forged upward steps with their own blood and swords, their swords pointing at the gods. All the chiefs of the eighty-one tribes of the Nine Li died on the battlefield. Li Mu, the hero of the Yan and Huang tribes who grazed the world with his strength, also died in battle. Feng Hou also paid a sufficient price.

　　At the same time, in the Great Wilderness and Kunlun, more corpses fell. Those war gods and fierce gods who thirsted for blood and battle all withered in this place.

　　Stepping over the corpses of the gods, the forces of the Great Wilderness retreated beyond the scope of the human world.

　　That winter, Xuanyuan's sword pierced Chi You's heart.

　　Then, Shen Nong disappeared.

　　He killed the wrathful Xing Tian.

　　He exiled the crazed Nüba.

　　He buried Feng Hou and Li Mu.

　　He expelled Gengchen, who was in pain between the two tribes.

　　On the spring day of the seventh year, the peach blossoms of the Youxiong Tribe bloomed again, as bright as flames.

　　However, the young people who once sat on the ground under the flowering trees, drinking and singing, had already left. The heroism and ambition of the heroes scattered like ashes after burning in the pages of history. Under the flowering trees, which were like flames forged from the flames of Yan and Huang, and the military might of the Nine Li, only Ji Xuanyuan was left drinking alone.

　　Those who could accompany him were eventually sent away by his own hands, one by one.

　　And he turned around, holding his sword, and still had to confront the gods forcefully as the Human Emperor of the Yan Huang Limin, pouring the strong wine in his cup into the flames, quietly watching the peach blossoms of the Youxiong Tribe.

　　Ji Xuanyuan buried Chi You's corpse in Tushan Qingqiu, buried Xing Tian's body at the foot of Changyang Mountain, and spread the legend of Shen Nong to the human world.

　　And he raised his sword, calmly watching the gods. The people of the Shennong Yan Tribe, the Xuanyuan Youxiong Tribe, and the eighty-one heroic tribal leaders of the Nine Li gathered behind him, silently aiming their weapons at the heavens and the earth. This was when he was called the Yellow Emperor.

　　History and mythology had ended for some people, but for some people, it was just the beginning. The dead rushed to their final destination, and the heavy responsibilities would eventually be borne by those who survived.

　　…………

　　"Finally, the victor personally beheaded his friend… ending this absurd war. And no matter who wins, they will completely integrate the other's tribe into their own power, so it is the Yan Huang Limin."

　　Lei Zu quietly looked at Ji Xuanyuan over there.

　　Wei Yuan held his tea, not knowing what to say for a moment. The human race's struggle led to the general trend of the world, greatly consuming the internal friction of the gods. So, that Feng Hou also died early because of calculating the gods…

　　After the great struggle, the gods retreated, forming the current power structure. And the hearts of the people, weary of war, also longed for the emergence of a prosperous world. The concept of the Yan Huang Limin was also created for the first time. Wei Yuan said, "That Shen Nong…"

　　"Jiang Shu, I don't know where he went."

　　"However, the reason for Xing Tian is that once Shen Nong dies, he will definitely raise the banner of rebellion at all costs. The peaceful human world can no longer be like this, allowing the human race to have another great war of division. This may be the choice of the gods."

　　Lei Zu replied, "So Xuanyuan took the death of Shen Nong upon himself."

　　"Inviting Xing Tian to battle, using secret methods and supernatural powers to seal his divine soul. If he dies in anger, he can live longer… Perhaps this is also a kind of selfishness. They die in this era, but they will eventually be resurrected in the distant future, becoming a helping hand for the human race in another era."

　　"…Is that so?"

　　The tea in Wei Yuan's hand had cooled down.

　　Lei Zu looked at Xuanyuan, the former young hero, the high-spirited young Human Emperor, now full of the smell of alcohol, with gray hair at his temples, losing his original composure, losing the dignity of an emperor. The woman's eyes were complicated as she said, "However, people still need others after all."

　　"When those who knew him in the past are gone, the familiar scenery can no longer be seen, and familiar friends disappear one by one, in fact, our era has already passed. And no matter what the difficulties are, personally killing comrades, exiling companions, bearing a bad reputation, these are all facts."

　　"It's rare to be able to talk about these things with others."

　　"I just don't know why, looking at you, I feel a sense of affinity."

　　Lei Zu smiled and said, "Just treat it as the rambling of this old woman."

　　"No…"

　　Wei Yuan shook his head, thought for a while, and said, "I actually know some medical skills. If you don't mind, can you let me take a look?"

　　"Hmm? Okay…"

　　Wei Yuan took Lei Zu's pulse and circulated her qi. His expression became slightly gloomy, and the look on his face became more and more suppressed. On the contrary, Lei Zu looked gentle and said, "Is it time for the end of my lifespan? You don't have to feel difficult to say it. I understand my own body."

　　"I haven't seen the art of qi circulation for a long time since Gui Yuqu passed away."

　　"Does he have any inherited disciples?"

　　Gui Yuqu, Da Hongshi, the old man in the *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine) who taught Xuanyuan about qi circulation.

　　He invented the Five Elements, discussed the pulse classic in detail, and studied its meaning, considering it to be a classic theory.

　　He is the origin of the Five Elements in the Divine Land, the ancestor of medical families. Whether it is the Qi refining technique of Taoism, or the Qi circulation methods of various schools, the Five Elements of Heaven and Earth, the root is all the *Huangdi Neijing*, which records his words and deeds.

　　Lei Zu's injuries were far more serious than Wei Yuan imagined, and he soon understood the reason—in ancient times, even Gui Yuqu, who was recorded in the *Huangdi Neijing*, had only just passed away. The art of the Five Elements, the method of pulse and qi circulation, were all just beginning to be created. There was no real practice at all.

　　This era was an era of fighting with the heavens and the earth, seeking survival with all things.

　　The abundant vitality and high concentration of spiritual energy allowed those heroes with firm will to quickly improve their strength, but the rich vitality and violent spiritual energy would also impact their bodies, damage their foundations, and make their lifespans not very long. Shen Nong, who could solve this problem, was also missing.

　　…Was Shen Nong killed for this reason?

　　"Heh… it seems like I've scared you."

　　"It doesn't matter. In my life, I have also fought with the gods, seen the vastness of the sky and the sea, and seen the gods fall like rain. The length of life doesn't matter."

　　Lei Zu smiled, but sighed, "It's been quick and happy enough…"

　　Wei Yuan silently warmed the injured areas for Lei Zu, and according to the memories of the *Shanhaijing* (Classic of Mountains and Seas), wrote down many medicines that might be effective for her injuries. Lei Zu nodded with a smile, and suddenly remembered something, and said, "By the way, you are so interested in the matters of A'You and Xing Tian."

　　"Here is the corresponding method to lift the seal."

　　"Heh… passing it on to one more person can also ensure that this method does not disappear. If A'You and Xing Tian are always sleeping, they will also resent us."

　　Lei Zu took out two jade talismans and gave them to Wei Yuan.

　　Wei Yuan solemnly took them, was silent for a while, and said:

　　"Gui Yuqu, he…"

　　That is the source of the Qi refining technique of the pre-Qin philosophers in the Divine Land, the medicine of the Divine Land, the internal martial arts, and the Five Elements.

　　Lei Zu replied:

　　"In the Battle of Zhuolu, he died of exhaustion to save the people."

　　"Buried in Yong."

　　The white-haired Taoist was silent and bowed.

　　……………………

　　Wei Yuan slowly walked out. In the shadows behind him, he could hear the voices of Lei Zu and Xuanyuan. Ji Xuanyuan's strength seemed particularly strong in this era. However, even the role of the era for the Human Emperor was revealed. Was this really just a reflected small world?

　　Wei Yuan stretched out his hand, and two jade talismans flowed on his fingers.

　　That represents the method to completely unseal Chi You and Xing Tian.

　　It is a secret spell that has been lost in later generations.

　　Ancient times… it really was an era when the initial heroes ran across the land. Wei Yuan couldn't imagine that great battle back then. He put away the jade talismans and returned to the house. Xian had woken up. Wei Yuan lifted the things up and said, "I went outside to find something."

　　"I'll give you a big one today."

　　The girl Xian was curious. Wei Yuan relied on these movements to empty his mind while he was busy.

　　Chi You, Gonggong, Xuanyuan, Lei Zu.

　　Zhurong, Buzhou Mountain, one by one, the characters who were originally understood had new parts added.

　　Now, of the original protagonists, only Zhuanxu is left. Could it be that Zhuanxu had a problem… which led to a series of changes later? However, this is absolutely impossible. That is King Yu's idol, the Human Emperor who supported the human race with all his strength hundreds of years before the era of King Yu.

　　"Goo woo—!!"

　　A whimper came from behind. Wei Yuan was shocked and subconsciously turned his head. He saw the girl in white sticking out her tongue, her eyes full of anger, staring at the red fruits in the fruit basket. The white-haired Taoist laughed loudly: "Ah ha ha ha, I told you this thing is very sour, why did you still steal it?!"

　　"So sour… who would buy it?"

　　Xian grumbled with a grimace from the sourness.

　　Wei Yuan was smug: "Aiya, this hermit has his own clever plan. So to the ancestors of Qin Yuan, I'm really sorry…" He used ancient spiritual honey, plus spiritual fruits similar to hawthorn, to successfully concoct ancient candied haws.

　　Hmm, there are a lot of children on Gonggong's side.

　　That guy is also a rich and generous sucker, ahem, a good customer.

　　Limited to this small world, please let me earn a fortune from you, Water God Gonggong!

　　I'll owe you first, and I won't pay back the fruit ha ha!

　　Wei Yuan gave the girl Xian a candied haw with a lot of sugar, set up a stall aggressively, thinking that after seeing Zhurong's wife today, he would also visit Zhuanxu. And this time, Wei Guanzhu's stall once again received a warm response. It seems that there are already rumors that the Tushan clan is particularly good at making all kinds of food.

　　So the line was very long.

　　The girl Xian sat on the blue stone behind, biting the candied haw, her feet in deerskin boots swinging together, the bells ringing ding-dong ding-dong. The line in front was extremely long, taking at least half an hour from the back to the front. A figure deliberated for a long time, and suddenly shouted, "Lord Ji Xuanyuan is out!!!"

　　Huh?!!

　　Ji Xuanyuan?!

　　Wei Yuan was surprised and raised his eyes to look, but he didn't see Ji Xuanyuan's figure at all. Those who were queuing before didn't have his divine sense and cultivation, and they all rushed over to find the Yellow Emperor's figure. The line became empty all of a sudden. Wei Yuan's mouth twitched, understanding that someone probably didn't want to wait in line and was making trouble.

　　So despicable… this method.

　　Too despicable!

　　Wei Yuan complained in his heart.

　　The culprit soon appeared. The sound of sleeves fluttering, a figure squatted down in front of him, naturally curly black hair falling down, a blue hair band, a white robe, a beauty mark on the corner of his mouth, but he was a man. He supported his chin with his palm, a pair of purple pupils curiously looking at the snacks in front of him.

　　"What is this? The taste seems good…"

　　Wei Guanzhu's thoughts solidified, looking at those pair of clear purple eyes.

　　Huh? Kai Ming?

　　Kai Ming!!!

　　When you set up a stall to sell snacks and encounter an enemy coming to buy something, what do you do?!

　　Wei Yuan subconsciously clenched the candied haw stick in his hand, staring at Kai Ming's eyes.

　　I'm going to sprinkle sugar ash in your eyes.