Chapter 614 Keep it Simple (1/2)
Yinshang inherited the Eastern Barbarian's ritual of augury. They would face towards the north when they perform a divine reading and hail the northern God of Immortal as Xuan Ming. In fact, 'Ming' and 'Wu' shared the same meaning in Yinshang.
The residence of the Grand Perceptor and the palace were located at the north as a symbol of honor. Wuding brought Shen Lian to the southernmost point and found an exquisite wine bar. They got themselves a room that faced the river and had willow trees planted at the opposite. Although it was not a magnificent view, the wine made things a lot more pleasant.
Moreover, they were eating dragon liver and dragon flesh as well as drinking hundred-year-old celestial wine. What else could be better than that?
Wuding started with three shots in a row to dispel the mixed emotions he was having. He then fixed his gaze at Shen Lian, the wonderful Shen Lian whom he does not know how to treat.
Shen Lian started the conversation, ”We are all real men. Just say whatever that is on your mind.”
Wuding responded, ”Actually, I don't really understand all of you. Just look at Guan Longzi. Obviously, he had the chance to survive but why did he choose to die? Could it be that death is more attractive than being alive?”
Shen Lian answered, ”You are right. Only the people who are alive are qualified to enjoy the good while the deceased have nothing at all. I have heard of a saying that goes 'once deceased, all would turn into dust'. Thus, ever since I was young, I made a goal to live and enjoy life to the fullest. To me, Guan Longzi was a representation of extreme foolishness.”
Wuding was stunned by the words. He thought Shen Lian would compliment Guan Longzi but Shen Lian did the opposite. He asked, ”Why does it feel strange to see you this time?”
Shen Lian answered openly, ”Well, I am a different person now compared to the last time you saw me. To be honest, I have achieved the state of Taiyi. I am sure you know what this means.”
Wuding almost spat out his wine. He said, ”I would judge a person's character if they boasted about their accomplishments. Strangely, I don't have any ill feelings towards your arrogance. But honestly, my heart is filled with bitterness now.”
The willow trees swayed along with the wind. Although it was winter, the slim tree branches still looked elegant.
Wuding, on the other hand, was not as classy as the willow tree. He just wanted to gulp down an entire altar of wine.
Shen Lian smile faintly, ”You must be thinking that as long as Shen Lian is still in the state of heavenly immortals, the powerhouses gathered in Zhaoge would be able to hold me back without paying a huge price. Then you would go and beg for mercy on behalf of me. It would fulfill your values and morals although the people who are close to you would be greatly dissatisfied. But that also means that you have tried your best. However, the current Shen Lian was stronger than you expected and your most ideal plan has shattered completely. That is why you are feeling so bitter and dejected.”
Wuding sighed, ”Could you not crumble all the self-respect that I have for myself? I feel that my heart is so ugly right now.”
Shen Lian responded, ”Human nature is ugly. Do you think Shen Lian is squeaky clean? Even people like Tianyi and your master too have a dark side. In fact, the Primeval Lord of Heaven that had achieved supreme detachment too had a dark demonic side to them. Because of the ugliness, people are inspired to seek beauty. Anyone who exists in this universe would share the same view too. However, everyone has different views on beauty. Just as you said, me meddling in this puddle of dirty water would bring displeasure to you and myself. But you are not me and you don't understand that I take pleasure in this sense of displeasure.”