fynovel Chapter 7: The Eight-Fate Lamp
Chapter 7: The Eight-Fate Lamp
"boom--!!!"
The moment the command was confirmed, Xuan Tianyi's consciousness was brutally seized by a magnificent, cold, and undeniable force, which forcefully seized the last bit of his wandering thoughts and dragged him into a deeper transformation that touched his "origins".
There was no choice, no room for resistance.
"Buzz—!"
Chaos explodes in the mind.
It remains that indescribable, mysterious place, existing between reality and illusion, transcending the mundane world.
But this time, Xuan Tianyi's consciousness, guided by some invisible force, was no longer a helpless speck of dust in the chaos.
He seemed to be elevated to a higher "perspective," able to overlook the "creation of heaven and earth" that had just ended but was already imprinted deep in his soul.
He saw how that initial glimmer of light "emerged" from absolute "nothingness," how it suddenly erupted, giving rise to purity and turbidity, yin and yang, the four symbols... and finally, it magnificently established the Tai Chi Bagua, constructing the basic framework of the laws governing the world.
The scene of creation silently replayed, accelerated, and cycled before his eyes.
But this time, his attention was no longer drawn to the dazzling light, the violent energy, or the myriad things that had sprung up.
The system's cold and majestic Daoist voice, as if traversing through time, resonated directly within the core of his consciousness:
"Observe its appearance to understand its principle. Changes are the surface, but the principle is the same."
"The concept of 'Yi' (易) signifies change, immutability, and simplicity. The myriad phenomena are diverse and their changes are endless, yet the forces driving change and the laws maintaining order remain relatively constant (immutable). Its core essence can be attributed to simple laws."
"In the midst of chaos and stillness, a single spark of light pierces through the darkness—that is the lamp!"
"The Eight Trigrams give rise to all things, and all phenomena in the universe become lamplight, hence the name 'scenery'!"
"The Way of Change is like a flame, usurping destiny and burning away cause and effect; this is fate!"
"A glimmer of light shines through the gate, eight scenic lanterns illuminate the world. The inner landscape is clear, dust and grime are cleansed, the ever-burning lamp of the heart is the way of the immortal..."
The Daoist chanting rolled on, each word seemingly weighing a thousand pounds, containing boundless Daoist rhyme, crashing into the depths of Xuan Tianyi's soul, creating a strange resonance with the thunderous potential contained in the "Thunder Seed Jade Token" he had just obtained.
"Lamp...scenery...fate..."
Despite the intense pain and the impact of the Daoist chants, Xuan Tianyi's consciousness struggled to process these words.
In a daze, he saw that the scene of creation and endless evolution did not expand infinitely outward to shape the universe and galaxies, but instead began to collapse and condense inward, towards the core of his consciousness!
It was as if an invisible, supreme hand of the Great Dao was using the infinitely evolving scenes as "ink" and the chaotic void as "paper" to depict and outline a... concrete "form"!
The light began to subside, the violent energy became docile, and the trigrams representing heaven, earth, wind, thunder, water, fire, mountain, and marsh, and the light and shadow of the hexagrams symbolizing good fortune, misfortune, regret, and shame, converged, compressed, intertwined, and imprinted on a central point like rivers flowing into the sea!
The pain reached its peak. Xuan Tianyi felt as if his soul was being forged in the core of a cosmic furnace, and every wisp of consciousness was wailing.
But in the midst of this extreme pain, an indescribable, chilling clarity suddenly descended, like a sharp blade piercing through the ice!
He saw it clearly.
At the core where all the evolving phenomena converged, the light dissipated, the laws subsided, and finally... the outline of a lamp appeared brilliantly!
It was a palace lantern.
Its style is so archaic that it seems to have existed quietly in some unknowable dimension before the creation of the world, at the very beginning of time.
It lacks the gaudiness of gold and silver, and the warmth of precious jade. The lamp body presents a dark gray color like the beginning of chaos. It is neither gold nor jade, neither wood nor stone, but it exudes an eternal and vicissitude meaning that has gone through countless eons and witnessed the birth and death of the universe.
The lamp has eight sides, each with distinct edges and corners, and each side corresponds to one of the eight trigrams in the Earlier Heaven Bagua.
At this moment, the lamplight was illusory, and the eight lamp walls were still blurry, but Xuan Tianyi could sense that as his cultivation level increased and his understanding of the Book of Changes deepened, corresponding, flowing, and ever-changing mystical scenes would gradually emerge on these eight lamp walls:
The vast sky is boundless and supreme, with stars and rivers flowing endlessly.
The earth is thick and heavy, bearing all things and harboring hidden vitality.
The Kan River is deep and secluded, fraught with danger yet harboring hidden potential, nourishing all things silently.
The fire burns fiercely, its light shines brightly, and it burns away all falsehood.
Thunder roars, stirring and rousing, awakening those who are dormant.
The mountain of Gen is stable and secure, as firm as a rock, and its stillness brings wisdom and tranquility.
The Xun wind has no form, enters without obstruction, and changes according to one's will.
Dui Ze Yue Yu, Yan Shuo Huan Xi, Run Ze Tong Da.
Eight scenic spots surround and protect the center.
There was no ordinary lamp oil in the lamp; only at the wick, a tiny, bean-sized, yet extremely pure and concentrated black flame flickered.
That flame was neither burning matter nor ordinary energy.
It seems to be the undying "spirituality" deepest in his soul, the true self that he has never lost despite traversing two lifetimes, merging memories, and experiencing life and death, and the "spark of Daoist charm" generated after being bound to the I Ching system!
At this moment, it is newly born, weak, and swaying uncertainly in the endless darkness of consciousness, as if it could be blown out at any moment by the embers of chaos or the breeze of distracting thoughts.
But it exists, burning, radiating a warm, clear, and lustrous light that seems to pierce through all illusions and cleanse all impurities.
Just as this illusory palace lantern was completely formed—
"boom!"
The last vestige of the extraordinary phenomenon of creation, like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea, completely disappeared into the lamp!
On the surface of the lamp, on the dark gray material, extremely blurry and ever-changing natural patterns began to emerge.
Upon closer inspection, the patterns seem to contain a miniature Tai Chi Yin-Yang diagram, the trajectory of the stars in the celestial sphere, the geographical features of mountains and rivers, and even a vague microcosm of the cycle of birth and death of all things!
Profound and unfathomable, its Daoist essence is naturally formed.
[Based on the manifestation of the supreme Dao (chaotic light, Taiji Bagua) and the characteristics of the host's soul, a unique fundamental visualization method has been deduced.]
[Visualization Method: The Eight Views Mysterious Life Lamp Visualization Method]
[Rank: Unknown (Extremely high growth potential, closely related to the host's cultivation level, depth of understanding of the I Ching, and soul essence)]
[Core Essence: Using a spark of spiritual truth as the wick, and the power of destiny manipulation in the I Ching as the flame, visualize the life-spirit lamp surrounded by the Eight Trigrams and Eight Scenes, illuminating the sea of consciousness, reflecting upon oneself, and protecting the path of enlightenment.]
[Cultivation Effect:]
[Nourishing the Spirit: Visualize the Mysterious Life Lamp, using its light to nurture the spirit. This slowly and steadily strengthens the source of divine consciousness, enhancing thinking speed, memory, and spiritual insight. The clear light helps the practitioner clarify their true nature, resisting external spiritual erosion, illusions, and the growth of inner demons.]
[Gathering Qi: The light of the Heart Lamp illuminates the sea of consciousness, reflecting upon oneself, forming a unique "inner realm." This accelerates the sensing and absorption of external stellar energy, purifying and refining the absorbed energy with its clear light, removing impurities, stabilizing the foundation, and enhancing cultivation efficiency.]
[Guardian: The Eight-Scenery Mystic Life Lamp is the manifestation and protection of a cultivator's own life soul, spirituality, and path of cultivation. Where the lamp is, the soul is; where the lamp shines, the spirit is clear. It possesses extremely strong protective effects on the soul and stabilizes the spiritual platform, resisting attacks on the soul, curses, and attempts to possess and spy on one's body.]
[Note: This method has a profound purpose, directly addressing the origin of the soul and the mysteries of destiny. Its practice requires utmost caution, aligning with the principles of the *I Ching*, and focusing on understanding change. Impatience and restlessness must be avoided.]
With the cold system prompts, it was explained how to enter a state of tranquility, concentrate the mind, and construct the initial form of the Heart Lamp in the sea of consciousness using the "Eight Views of Mysterious Life Lamp Visualization Method";
The detailed methods of how to use one's mind to ignite that spark of spirituality, how to visualize the eight scenes in motion, and how to illuminate the inner and outer worlds with the light of the lamp, flowed naturally into Xuan Tianyi's consciousness like a clear spring, and were instantly understood and absorbed by him.
"Worth it! Absolutely worth it!!"
An immense joy, like a long-suppressed volcano, broke through the lingering pain of soul tempering and erupted in Xuan Tianyi's heart!
Based on the vague memories left by his predecessor, there are three fundamental elements recognized in the martial arts cultivation system of Xuanlan Star: innate talent, comprehension, and resources.
Resources (star stones, elixirs, rare and precious materials, etc.) can be acquired, accumulated, or even plundered through various means.
While one's physical constitution and aptitude are predetermined by birth, there are indeed rare and precious treasures or extraordinary techniques in the world that can improve or enhance one's physique; however, they are extremely rare and hard to come by.
Only enlightenment!
This is true talent, a reflection of the essence of the soul, the foundation for understanding the profound meaning of techniques, comprehending the mysteries of laws, having flashes of inspiration in battle, and gaining sudden enlightenment when facing bottlenecks!
It is so mysterious that it is almost impossible to permanently improve upon through external means.
Occasionally, there may be rare and precious materials or secret techniques that can temporarily enhance one's comprehension, but these often come at a great cost, have short-lived effects, and frequently have side effects.
The strength of one's soul is closely related to comprehension and is the cornerstone for casting profound spells, resisting mental attacks, and maintaining long-term high-intensity training and combat.
Cultivation is easy to achieve; as long as you have enough resources, a decent cultivation method, and are willing to work hard, you can always improve step by step.
However, the tempering of the soul and the sublimation of the spirit are recognized as the most difficult points and obstacles on the path of martial arts. Many martial artists are trapped here and never make any progress in their lives.
Therefore, on Xuanlan Star, any cultivation method that can systematically, safely, and permanently temper the spirit and enhance comprehension is far more valuable than body tempering and qi refining methods of the same level!
It is known as the fundamental law, the clan's treasure, and a secret that is not passed down!
Normally, only those who are in the core of a high-ranking sanctuary city, the true disciples of powerful forces, or those who have encountered extraordinary opportunities can possibly reach it.
Now, under the system's supreme deduction, Xuan Tianyi directly obtained a copy of the "Eight Scenes Mysterious Fate Lamp Visualization Method"!
Visualize your own soul as a lamp, with the Yi Jing (Book of Changes) as its flame, to illuminate the illusions and glimpse your destiny!
This is not merely a method for cultivating one's spirit and enhancing one's understanding; it also involves the mysterious realms of destiny and cause and effect!
Its lofty ideals, profound potential, and immeasurable value are truly remarkable!
"The Eight Scenic Spots Mystic Lamp... A single spark of spiritual light pierces through the mystical gate, the Eight Scenic Spots Lamp illuminates the vast universe..."
Xuan Tianyi repeatedly pondered the general principles and verses, his soul trembling at the thought.
This lamp will become his most solid beacon, his strongest protector, and his sharpest "eyes" on his future path!
Suppressing the urge to start cultivating immediately, Xuan Tianyi forced himself to calm down.
The more precious the Dharma, the more perilous it is to enter; it allows no room for haste.
He repeatedly pondered the key points of the incantation regarding the initial observation of the condensed lamp, especially the artistic conception of a glimmer of spiritual light penetrating the mysterious gate.
"Where is the inspiration? It is the unwavering truth of my true nature, the self-awareness that transcends time without confusion, the unyielding will to survive after experiencing life and death, and the unique spiritual insight that glimpses destiny after being bound to the system..."
He pondered silently,
"Where is the Mysterious Pass? It is the ancestral aperture between the eyebrows, the upper dantian, the abode of the spirit, the dwelling place of the nature, the pivotal gateway connecting the inner and outer worlds and manifesting the spirit..."
Within this tranquil sea of consciousness temporarily maintained by the system, a phantom slowly materialized, sitting cross-legged.
Following the instructions, abandon all worldly thoughts, gather your mind and spirit, and attempt your first visualization.
At first, all that remained before me was the inherent emptiness and darkness of my sea of consciousness. My consciousness was like a wild horse, difficult to gather.
Distracting thoughts rise uncontrollably like bubbles in a swamp.
The deep, bone-revealing bloodstains on Uncle Lin's chest and his resolute gaze... Ali's roar as he dragged Uncle Lin away... The last gazes and cries in the parents' memories...
The desperate faces of the fleeing crowd under the blood moon... the foul-smelling saliva dripping from the fangs of the corpse dogs... the burning killing intent as he frantically stabbed with an iron pipe...
And the profound mysteries of the system and the "Thunder Seed Jade Token" that I just obtained...
Various thoughts, emotions, and fragments of memory intertwined and collided. The image of the "Eight Scenes Mystic Fate Lamp," which had just sketched a vague octagonal outline in his consciousness, instantly disintegrated and distorted due to the fluctuation of his mind, like a reflection in water being disrupted by a pebble.
"A pure heart remains unperturbed even when the sky falls... unperturbed amidst countless changes, with a tranquil and serene spirit..."
Xuan Tianyi silently recited the calming mantra that accompanied the visualization method, knowing that being anxious at this moment was a major taboo.
Visualization is not something that can be created by brute force. It requires the guidance of intention and the brush of the mind, in harmony with the Dao, to gradually create it until it comes to fruition.
He no longer forced himself to visualize the complete shape of the lamp immediately, but instead focused all his consciousness on perceiving, capturing, and condensing the artistic conception of that "spark of inspiration".
He recalled the "origin" born from chaos, the first ray of "light of existence" containing all possibilities and contradictions; he recalled the "Zhen hexagram, Zhen Lai Xi Xi" line, the glimmer of hope suddenly grasped in the midst of a terrifying crisis and the subsequent composure.
Thinking of how he transmigrated through two lifetimes, took over this body, and bound himself to the system... wasn't this the most incredible and unpredictable glimmer of light in the long river of fate?
Gradually, the intense emotional turmoil was soothed as if by an invisible hand: deep sorrow, deep-seated hatred, the relief of surviving a catastrophe, the thirst for power, and the bewilderment at the unknown...
All these emotions did not disappear, but seemed to be enveloped and separated by a layer of warm, clear light, no longer able to interfere with the core of consciousness.
His mind became completely calm, entering a deep state of meditation where he forgot himself and the world around him, and only a single point of spiritual clarity illuminated him.
Perhaps it was because the spiritual essence brought about by the fusion of two souls far surpassed that of an ordinary teenager, or perhaps it was because the system had deeply imprinted the Daoist charm of that wisp of chaotic light into his soul during the deduction.
Or perhaps it was his state of mind at this moment, having experienced life and death, gaining enlightenment, and resolving to move forward, that perfectly aligned with the profound mystery of "the first flash of inspiration illuminating the darkness"...
In the deepest part of consciousness, at the core of absolute darkness and silence, there is a tiny, almost imperceptible, yet pure and condensed particle of light.
Like the first star at the beginning of the universe, it quietly, yet with unwavering determination, shone!
Immediately afterwards, it was as if the brushstrokes of creation were lifted up by an invisible hand.
With this light particle, which is the true form of myself, as the core, delicate, warm rays of light, imbued with a unique Taoist charm, began to spontaneously spread, outline, and intertwine...
First, the ancient and heavy base of the lamp appeared as a phantom, firmly anchored in the dark void.
Next is the octagonal lamp stand outline, with simple lines that contain an indescribable sense of stability and mystery.
The framework of the eight-sided lamp wall is faintly emerging. Although it is still empty and blurry, one can already feel that the eight trigrams of Qian, Kun, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Li, Gen, and Dui are each in their proper place and echo each other.
Finally, all the light converged at the center of the lamp, and that tiny particle of spiritual light flickered slightly, its radiance receding, transforming into the nascent form of a lamp flame...
Although the overall image remains ethereal and hazy, like a candle flickering in the wind, with its light and shadow constantly shifting, it seems as if it will vanish completely in the next instant.
But the nascent phantom of the "Eight Scenery Mystic Fate Lamp" was indeed, stubbornly and unyieldingly, suspended in the center of Xuan Tianyi's sea of consciousness. The tiny black flame was emitting a faint yet warm and clear glassy light!
"Buzz—!"
The moment the lamp was lit, Xuan Tianyi felt his entire "sea of consciousness," or rather his spiritual world, tremble violently!
It is not a physical vibration, but a sublimation and baptism originating from the source of life and the level of the soul!
The tiny, dark flame of the lamp, though weak, swayed firmly, casting a clear, luminous glow. Wherever this crystal-clear light touched, the darkness and chaos that had once filled the sea of consciousness receded like a tide, dispelled and illuminated!
Under the light, he felt his chaotic thoughts, memories, and emotions being gently and systematically sorted out by an invisible hand, becoming orderly and clear.
Since transmigrating, he has experienced extreme mental exhaustion, hidden pain, and a deep sense of "tears" due to witnessing hellish scenes, personally experiencing life-and-death battles, forcibly merging memories, and enduring the impact of system information.
At this moment, like the remaining snow exposed to the warm spring sun, it begins to slowly and truly melt and calm down.
An indescribable sense of peace, clarity, and tranquility filled my heart.
Even more miraculously, illuminated by the light of this "heart lamp," he saw the interior of his body with unprecedented clarity and direct perception for the first time—
It is not a specific blood vessel, bone, or organ, but a manifestation of an image that is closer to the essence or energy state:
The meridians are dry and shrunken, with dark red blockages and fine cracks in many places, like an ancient riverbed that has been cracked and scarred by a long drought.
Its vital energy and blood were weak and thin, and the last trace of it swam helplessly in the dried-up riverbed, its color dull, like the embers of a dying ember.
The internal organs were dimly lit, shrouded in a layer of gray and stagnant atmosphere, especially the heart, which beat slowly and weakly, pumping out a thin and lifeless stream of vitality.
Muscles were relaxed, tendons and bones were soft, and the whole body felt like an old machine that was severely damaged and about to run out of energy.
He could even see things hidden deeper within the body and soul, fueled by extreme fear, profound sorrow, and boiling hatred...
The negative emotions and psychological traumas resulting from the bewilderment in the unfamiliar world, like gray dust, are nowhere to be hidden under the light. Although they have not yet been purified, they have already become concrete and discernible from being vague and chaotic.
"This is... the Eight Scenic Lanterns Illuminate the Interior!"
A sudden realization dawned on Xuan Tianyi, and a strong sense of joy and control welled up within him.
He has officially entered the "Eight Views of Mysterious Destiny Lamp Visualization Method"!
Moreover, thanks to a profound spiritual foundation, a systematic Daoist imprint, and a suitable opportunity, this entry point was immediately solidified, and even faintly touched the threshold required for the "minor achievement" realm—a more detailed and subtle observation of one's own "inner landscape."
He was immersed in a profound understanding, carefully maintaining the stability of that nascent "heart lamp," feeling the faint light as the gentlest touch, smoothing the wrinkles of his spirit and purifying the impurities of his consciousness.
Mental strength, like a seedling receiving nourishment, begins to grow and condense little by little at an extremely slow but unwavering pace.
Every slight flicker of the lamp flame seemed to resonate and echo in a mysterious way with the omnipresent "Bagua" principles and the burgeoning thunderous energy within the "Thunder Seed Jade Token".
He didn't know how long he had stayed in this meditative state. When Xuan Tianyi felt a sense of saturation and fatigue in his spirit, he slowly withdrew from the deep meditation.
The illusory "Eight Scenes Mystic Life Lamp" was already suspended in the center of his sea of consciousness. Although it was still blurry and hazy, it showed no signs of dissipating. Like a stabilizing pillar, it eternally cast a warm and clear light, guarding his spiritual center.
As his consciousness returned, Xuan Tianyi felt an unprecedented clarity of mind, his thoughts racing, and an unparalleled understanding of his own internal and external state.
The weariness and trauma deep within my soul were mostly soothed, and a calm, peaceful, and hopeful power began to grow in my heart.
"This 'Eight Views of Mysterious Fate Lamp Visualization Method' is truly wondrous and unparalleled!"
He was extremely excited.
"With this method to guard my sea of consciousness, temper my spirit day and night, enhance my comprehension, and protect my soul, my future cultivation, use of the Thunder Seed Jade Token or other divination techniques, study of the martial arts of this world, and even handling of various crises will be twice as effective, giving me an advantage that is difficult for ordinary people to attain! This may even greatly compensate for the shortcomings of my physical constitution and talent!"
The significant enhancement and purification of his spiritual power allowed him to have a deeper understanding and control over the "Thunder Seed Jade Token" transformed from the first line of the Zhen hexagram in his sea of consciousness.
The mysterious jade token, coiled with purple electric snakes, resonated with the "Eight Scenery Mystic Fate Lamp" in the sea of consciousness, as if it too was nourished by the lamp's radiance, and the flowing runes gained a touch of lively charm.
Although his body was still severely injured and weak, and his blood and energy were almost depleted, the transformation and stabilization of his spirit allowed him to establish a real connection and confidence with this strange and dangerous world, a connection that originated from the depths of his soul.
The road ahead remains long and perilous, filled with thorns and unknown terrors.
But at least on a spiritual level, he has lit the first lamp, illuminating the initial direction, and taken an incredibly solid first step.
Unbeknownst to him, at the very moment he entered the state of visualization and settled his inner light, in the real world, his severely injured and unconscious body, simply bandaged and placed in a corner of the ruins, seemed to have a slight increase in its ability to absorb the faint "star energy" floating in the surrounding air.
The excruciating pain from the wounds all over his body seemed to be shielded by a layer of warm will, which lessened it by a negligible amount.
As Xuan Tianyi's consciousness fully returned and he was about to awaken, the sounds from the outside world—the groans of the wounded, the howling of the night wind, the crackling of the campfire, and the heavy footsteps of the patrolling soldiers—became clearer once again, drawing closer from afar.