Chapter 441: The First Civilization On Blue Planet
Chapter 441: The First Civilization On Blue Planet
Cizhen's revelation left Ye Guan in awe. A guardian had actually been protecting Blue Planet since its conception. Ye Guan couldn't even quite fathom just how many years had it been since Blue Planet was born, but a guardian had actually been protecting it until now? Ye Guan was left speechless in awe.
Ye Guan exclaimed, "This planet really is a treasure trove of secrets."
Cizhen agreed with a smile. "Yes."
Ye Guan fell silent. He suddenly felt how insignificant he was in the vast expanse—no, he wasn't alone. The majority of living beings were mere specks of dust before the vastness of the vast expanse. The realization made Ye Guan feel that he had to be more humble from now on.
Ye Guan recalled something and asked, "Are we going to get that divine item that the Time Reversers wanted back then?”
Cizhen nodded.
Ye Guan was curious. "Will that guardian on Red Star allow us to take it?"
Cizhen assured him, saying, "Yes."
"Why would they?" Ye Guan asked.
Cizhen smiled and chose to remain silent, leaving Ye Guan at a loss for words.
Leaning against Ye Guan's shoulder, Cizhen said, "Stop talking and rest."
Cizhen then closed her eyes.
Ye Guan glanced at Cizhen and decided to take some rest as well.
The plane landed three hours later, and Ye Guan was astonished to find that they had landed in Qianzhou. Ye Guan cast a confused look at Cizhen, but she offered little explanation and simply said, "Let's go!"
Ye Guan couldn't help but ask, "Where are we heading?"
Cizhen responded, "We're going to a tribal village."
Ye Guan furrowed his brow, seemingly confused. "A tribal village?"
Cizhen nodded without saying anything.
The two then spent two hours traveling in a car before they reached a mountainous region. After driving past a mountain, a large village unfolded before them. The large village actually comprised more than ten interconnected hamlets built along the mountainside.
The entire village was surrounded by mountains, and their fields followed the mountains up, seemingly connected to the sky. There were rivers in the middle of the village, effectively splitting it into two regions.
The buildings were unique, and they were all suspended wood buildings. Over a thousand such buildings were built across the landscape, creating a mesmerizing sight.
It was lunchtime, and the aroma of cooked food wafted from the houses in the village. Smoke ascended into the skies from each house, creating a solemn scene that would make anyone feel as though they were staring at something sacred.
Ye Guan marveled, "This place is amazing..."
Cizhen nodded and said, "The village is distinctively beautiful indeed."
Ye Guan smiled and held Cizhen's hand as they walked toward the village down below. Cizhen cast a glance at him without uttering a word.
In no time, they reached the entrance of the village. Looking up, Ye Guan saw that the majestic gates were constructed from ancient wood. The gate was old, but the villagers were maintaining it, so it didn't look dilapidated.
A plaque was hung above the wooden gate, and four characters were written in bold on the plaque—Thousand Western Tribal Village.
The village was teeming with people. The majority of the people were tourists, and their excitement created a bustling scene. There were tribal women adored in unique attire among them, and they were a stark contrast to the tourists.
Cizhen broke the ice with a smile. "Why don’t we try the local cuisine here?"
"Oh, that sounds great," Ye Guan responded, nodding.
They chose a restaurant and settled in front of a table by the window. Cizhen ordered a variety of dishes, making it clear that she was pretty fond of the Milky Way's culinary scene.
Handing the menu back to the waiter, Cizhen turned to Ye Guan with a smile and said, "The food here is fascinating. Take beans, for instance—they can be transformed into a myriad of dishes, from stinky tofu, tender tofu, dried tofu, and even tofu dregs..."
"Really?" Ye Guan was surprised. "I guess beans are versatile wherever they are..."
"It's just like cultivation," Cizhen remarked, "A singular Dao can manifest in many ways.”
Ye Guan pondered over Cizhen's words.
Cizhen shifted her gaze outside and said, "Look at those people."
Ye Guan followed her gaze, and Cizhen explained, "Most of them have a lifespan of less than a hundred years. They work hard throughout their lives, but it's mostly just for the sake of survival."
Ye Guan frowned and questioned, "Survival?"
Cizhen nodded. "Indeed, for survival."
Ye Guan fell silent. He had spent a considerable amount of time here, and he had gained a rough understanding of the place. People here couldn't cultivate, and they would work incredibly hard throughout their lives.
Cizhen was right—it was all for the sake of survival!
Cizhen turned to Ye Guan and said, "What do you think about limiting the lifespan of beings and preventing them from cultivating? I'm sure you know what that means—it means the universe will be able to save a ton of spiritual energy."
Cizhen stared deeply at Ye Guan and asked, "What do you think? Is it a good or a bad idea?"
Ye Guan shook his head decisively. "It's a bad idea."
Cizhen smiled. "Why do you say so?"
"I just think it'd be too hypocritical of us to prevent the future generations from cultivating and fighting for their own fate once we've become invincible ourselves. I guess we can dress it up, saying that it's for their well-being and for the greater good of the universe.
"Regardless, I think it'd still be a bit too hypocritical of us," Ye Guan replied.
Cizhen chuckled and asked, "It'll save the universe, you know?"
Ye Guan fell silent and sighed to himself.
"Does it trouble you?" Cizhen probed.
Ye Guan nodded.
Cizhen smiled faintly. "Well, that's life for you. Things often don't go as planned."
Ye Guan thought briefly before saying, "Actually, I don't think it's necessary to dwell on it."
Cizhen was intrigued. "Explain."
"Cultivators are always fighting for their own place, may it be against others or even against fate itself. Cultivation itself is going against the natural order, so if the Universe Tribulation wipes us out; we can't blame anyone else for it.
"We've basically been asking for it, after all," Ye Guan explained.
Cizhen nodded. "Well said."
Ye Guan continued, "If I were in charge of the entire universe, I'd impose some restrictions, but I wouldn't stop everyone from cultivating. When it comes to the Universe Tribulation, the entire universe should go all out to challenge it. We can fail, sure. It just means dying with the universe, after all."
Cizhen smiled and pointed out. "You're pretty optimistic, but it's not that easy to let go of your beloved ones and what you've achieved to die along with the universe. Who knows? Your opinion might change by then."
"I get it." Ye Guan nodded slightly and explained, "Things are often easier said than done."
Cizhen gazed deeply at Ye Guan but remained silent.
Just then, the dishes were served. Cizhen chuckled upon seeing the hot pot and said, "This is a famous local dish, and I think they call it Sour Fish Soup. Give it a try; it tastes better while hot."
Cizhen picked up a piece of the boiling fish and placed it in Ye Guan's bowl.
"Thanks," Ye Guan said, smiling. He lifted the piece of fish and stuffed it into his mouth. The tender and tangy flavor of the fish was truly unique.
"How is it?" Cizhen asked.
"Delicious," Ye Guan replied, smiling.
Cizhen selected another dish for Ye Guan and asked, "Do you know what this is?"
Ye Guan shook his head.
"This is tofu meatballs," Cizhen explained, "This is just deep-fried tofu combined with meat. It sounds like a simple dish, right? It does, but it's really delicious once coated with chili powder."
Cizhen then sprinkled some chili powder over the tofu meatballs.
Ye Guan picked up one of the tofu meatballs and took a bite. "It's crispy on the outside and tender inside. It is really delicious"
Cizhen grinned and picked up one for herself.
Ye Guan enjoyed tasting the local specialties of the village, as each and every dish he had tasted so far tasted far more delicious than even dragon meat.
Ye Guan suddenly pointed at a bowl of food before him. "This looks strange. Is this made entirely from tree roots?"
Cizhen chuckled and explained, "It's a herb called fish mint. It has a unique taste, so you should give it a try."
Ye Guan nodded and picked up a piece. He gave it a taste, but he soon frowned.
Cizhen laughed at Ye Guan's grimace and asked, "How is it?"
"It's not my cup of tea," Ye Guan said, shaking his head.
Cizhen nodded in understanding and said, "I thought the same as you the first time I tasted it. However, I decided to give it another try, and it became palatable to me afterward."
"Another try?" Ye Guan looked at Cizhen and asked, "Have you been here before?"
"Yep, and it was then when I discovered the divine item," Cizhen replied.
Ye Guan's curiosity was piqued. "Can you tell me what exactly is the divine item?"
Cizhen grinned. "You'll find out later."
Ye Guan could only sigh at Cizhen's response.
Just then, a group of tribal women entered the restaurant and started offering toasts to the guests. They began singing folk songs, creating a lively atmosphere in the restaurant.
Ye Guan observed the scene with curiosity.
Cizhen chuckled. "The shows here are pretty popular."
"I can see that," Ye Guan said, "It's entertaining."
Cizhen smiled and asked, "Had your fill?"
Ye Guan nodded.
"Let's go, then," Cizhen said.
The two settled the bill and left the restaurant.
Cizhen led Ye Guan deep into the mountains.
They walked past several mountains until Cizhen pointed at a distant mountain and said, "Look over there."
Following Cizhen's finger, Ye Guan saw a small cave on a mountain a few kilometers away from them. The cave was so small that it would be impossible to find it if one weren't deliberately looking for it.
Ye Guan held Cizhen's hand and said, "Let's hop on my sword and fly over there!"
"You sure?" Cizhen said, sounding doubtful as she asked, "How much profound energy do you have left?"
"Not much," Ye Guan replied.
"Let's just walk over there, then. It's not that far. And what if there's something dangerous there? You have to conserve your profound energy just in case of an emergency,” Cizhen said.
Ye Guan nodded. Then, he held Cizhen's hand and started walking away. After a few steps, he seemed to have recalled and turned to Cizhen.
"I'll carry you," Ye Guan said and crouched down.
"Okay, then," Cizhen said with a smile before climbing Ye Guan's back.
Ye Guan carried Cizhen as the two of them continued on their journey toward the distant cave.
"Sister Zhen, have you ever time traveled?” Ye Guan asked.
Cizhen shook her head and replied, "No."
Ye Guan was puzzled. "Why not?"
Cizhen smiled. "I'm not interested."
Ye Guan sighed. "Fair enough."
"You're on the Invincible Sword Dao?" Cizhen asked.
Ye Guan nodded. "That's right."
Cizhen acknowledged with a light nod.
Ye Guan inquired, "What's on your mind?"
"The journey ahead of you will be pretty challenging."
"Yes, it will."
Cizhen smiled and said, “I'm looking forward to the day you become invincible.”
Ye Guan smiled, but he stayed silent and picked up the pace.
Ye Guan soon reached the summit of the mountain where the cave was located, but to his dismay—the cave had been obscured by the lush greenries. Ye Guan had to trust his instincts and hopped onto his sword to fly down.
After a while, the two reached the cave entrance. The cave was pitch-black, and Ye Guan couldn't help but glance at Cizhen. Cizhen proceeded to take out an object that resembled a tube.
"What is that?" Ye Guan asked.
Cizhen didn't reply and instead pressed a button. An audible click echoed, and a beam of light pierced the darkness, illuminating the cave.
Cizhen held Ye Guan's hand and led him deep into the cave. The cave seemed endless, and they had been walking for quite a while now, but the end was still nowhere to be found.
Ye Guan dared not to let his guard down as he looked around. The Blue Planet was a planet of extremely scarce spiritual energy, but he dared not underestimate it.
Soon, the two arrived in front of a stone door.
Cizhen approached it and pushed it open gently.
Crack...
The stone door swung open, revealing a gloomy hall with numerous stone pillars.
A carving of a human being was on every stone pillar, creating a unique sight.
Ye Guan looked around. The sinister air made him feel unsettled.
"Where are we?" Ye Guan asked.
"We're at the ruins of the Blue Planet's very first civilization,"
Ye Guan looked at her, puzzled. "The first civilization of this planet?"
Cizhen nodded. "Yes."
Ye Guan's curiosity deepened. "What kind of civilization was it?"
"I don't know," Cizhen said, chuckling, "I'm not interested in them."
Ye Guan shook his head, smiling.
"There's something valuable here that will benefit you greatly."
Ye Guan asked, "What is it?"
Cizhen grinned. "It's right ahead. I'll take you to it."
Ye Guan nodded without saying anything.
Then, the two continued on their journey deeper into the cave until something caught Ye Guan's attention. He turned to the right and saw that a carving on a stone pillar had opened its eyes and was staring at both Ye Guan and Cizhen.
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