Back to Chaos in a Dream | Chapter 09

Fengjiu woke, but discovered that she wasn’t sleeping in the Holy Blue Sea’s Suihan Hall, instead lying in Taichen Palace’s Baye Hall. She slowly sat up in bed, her gaze passing over a set of little ceramic foxes on the nearby zither table. That set of little foxes was from when she woke up after the battle with Miao Luo, that Dijun made to delight her.

Fengjiu was stunned for a moment.

She immediately understood, this was the Taichen Palace from 260,000 years later. She had returned.

Goddess Zuti said that when the fated opportunity arrived, she and Gungun would be automatically returned to the current world from Antiquity. She rubbed her forehead and worked hard to remember for a while. She recalled that a moment ago, she had been with Dijun in the Water Marsh Academy in the Shouhua Wilderness… could it be… the fingers rubbing her forehead paused. Could it be that that box made of fuli jade¹ in the Water Marsh Academy was the fated opportunity that Goddess Zuti spoke of?

She sat cross-legged on the edge of the bed and thought carefully for a while, thinking that this should be how it was.

---

Dijun planned to go to the Water Marsh Academy. It was the month after the establishment of High God Hou Zhen as the Third God King of Jiuchongtian. He said he was taking advantage of Hou Zhen not having the mental capacity to take the academy as private property and going there to retrieve something first.

Dijun usually didn’t really bring up official matters, but if Fengjiu asked, Dijun never kept anything from her either. If she could not understand, Dijun would even patiently explain to her. Fei Wei said that Dijun was actually that type who would be too lazy to speak to a person if he felt that they were not intelligent enough. He had served Dijun for more than 100,000 years, and this was the first time he had seen Dijun being this patient with someone.

The honest Fei Wei originally said these words to make Dihou happy, but he obviously did not realize that he had classified Dihou under this category of unintelligent. Dihou might indeed have been a little dull, and did not understand it, so she also did not think anything of it. But the terrible thing was that these words were heard by Dijun as he passed by. Dijun took out a copy of Learning the Art of Conversing with High God Zheyan and punished Fei Wei to copy it thirty times. Learning the Art of Conversing with High God Zheyan was a book High God Zheyan had gifted to Dijun after his first time coming to call upon the Holy Blue Sea and being stifled so badly by Dijun that he doubted his life. Perhaps High God Zheyan himself had never thought that this book would end up being used in this way either.

---

Because Dijun never kept anything from her, Fengjiu learned that the thing Dijun wanted to get was a formation diagram passed down by Shaowan.

According to what Dijun said, the only formation in the Eight Realms that could restrain his Qianyuan formation at the present time was the Jiezi Xumi² formation that Shaowan had privately designed. Regarding the existence of this formation, only three people in the world knew of it. One was him, one was Shaowan herself, and the last was High God Moyuan who had kept and preserved this formation diagram. Actually, that formation diagram that he had previously leaked to Fu Ying was really not completely useless either. So long as the thirty-six hidden gaps within it were corrected one by one, the Qianyuan formation could truly be completely restrained. But compared to Shaowan’s Jiezi Xumi formation, there was an inferior portion of that diagram. The Jiezi Xumi formation; a mustard seed can contain Sumeru Mountain, Sumeru Mountain can contain a mustard seed³. In the large is small, in the small is large. It was a formation that could defeat the many with the few, overcome hardness with softness. To restrain the Great Qianyuan formation secured by absolute military strength with small military strength, in the world, there was only the Jiezi Xumi formation that could do it.

Although Fengjiu was young, she was the Queen of Qingqiu after all. She was not so dull all the time. After thinking for a moment, she understood. Since the Jiezi Xumi formation had this function, and Dijun planned to obtain it, this proved that Dijun already had the intention to return to the Nine Heavens at this time. And it was not as narrated in the history books, that it was not only 3,000 years later when Heaven and Earth were in chaos again that Dijun could not take the wars beginning again and only because of this, made the decision to come out of retirement once more, unify the five clans, and take power once again.

What else did the history books say? Oh, right, it was recorded in the history books that after High God Hou Zhen wielded the zhoudu tree scepter and became the Third God King, the Demon Clan, Ghost Clan, and Monster Clan were in fear of the Great Qianyuan formation and all submitted. In the Four Seas, within the Eight Realms, this ushered in the longest period of peace in the chaotic wars between the five clans. For 3,000 years, the creatures of the four clans were able to recuperate and multiply. But 3,000 years later, one of the seven Demon lords, the Purple Demon Lord, eventually successfully found a way to break the Qianyuan formation. With the Qianyuan formation broken, the God Clan’s army was no longer invincible. The Purple Demon Lord tore up the Zhangwei Accord and the alliance of the seven Lords of the Demon Clan jointly declared war on the God Clan. The curtain on the war between Gods and Demons thus rose, the Eight Realms falling into chaos once again.

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Fengjiu shared this stretch of history with Fei Wei: “The history books say that Dijun had never intended to, but the Demon Clan tore up the treaty and began a war that caused misery to the creatures of the Eight Realms, High God Hou Zhen was incompetent and incapable of cleaning up the situation, and Dijun was benevolent so he could not sit by and watch the Eight Realms fall into chaos once again, thus, he opened up the Holy Blue Sea once again, led the seventy-two generals under his command and an army of a million, and took care of both clans, one by one.” At the same time, she raised a doubt of her own, “But I think that Dijun seemed to already anticipate that the world would definitely fall into chaos again, and had already made up his mind to involve himself in this war. Moreover, he’s already begun to prepare for this war, right?”

Fei Wei deserved to be Dijun’s most trusted caretaker. He had a grip on everything inside and outside of the Holy Blue Sea. He knew everything. Fengjiu could see Dijun’s plans undoubtedly because Dijun did not hide anything from her, but that she could be so devoted, so considerate, made Fei Wei feel very satisfied. He immediately replied with everything he knew without holding anything back. “The Demon Clan is the best in formations. Having seen the prototype formation-breaking diagram Dijun leaked to Fu Ying, no matter how stupid they are, they should be able to find a good way to break the formation after studying it for 3,000 years. But then again,” He paused, correcting himself, “Actually, even if they didn’t have Dijun’s prototype diagram, the Demon Clan should still be able to break the formation in the end. It’s just a question of how many years they would need to break it. That would be hard to say.”

Having made his correction, he continued, “The God Clan’s biggest enemy has actually always been the Demon Clan. Once the Demon Clan breaks the Qianyuan formation, they will naturally start a war again. Dijun indeed had predicted this very early on.”

Seemingly lost in thought, Fengjiu nodded.

Fei Wei smiled faintly. “In these Eight Realms and Four Seas, only Dijun could be Master of all the clans. The Council of Elders and High God Hou Zhen all do not understand and even believe that they will be able to sit firmly on the position of God King by scheming against Dijun. Since they cannot understand, then he can take advantage of this opportunity to make them thoroughly understand. This has also always been Dijun’s tidy style of handling things.”

Fengjiu was silent for a moment. “I know that Dijun has always loved to play chess, but to regard Heaven and Earth, the Eight Realms, as a game on a chessboard… Is Dijun such a devoted person?”

Fei Wei was also silent for a moment, and then sighed softly. “If Dijun had already long held the intention of vying for the world, how could he not build up capable warriors and a powerful army early on? If he had sufficient military power, why would he still need to wait several thousand more years to clean up the God Clan and subdue the Demon Clan? When High God Moyuan was here, Dijun was indeed too lazy to bother with these things and also admitted that High God Moyuan was the best candidate for God King. He came from Fushen, a direct descendant of Heaven and Earth, who would dare to not obey? But High God Moyuan has left, and after all, the New Age of the Gods was due to the painstaking efforts of High God Moyuan and Goddess Shaowan. They’ve already achieved this much, letting mediocre people ruin this would be such a pity.”

Fengjiu was dazed for a long time. “When I know Dijun, it’s already more than 260,000 years in the future. Dijun was already secluded from the world in Taichen Palace. The only thing he left for the later generations was a figure in history books that won every battle and every fight he ever fought. It seemed like he did everything so easily, and that there was nothing he couldn’t do. I didn’t know that it turns out that Dijun also times when he needs to have such forbearance and careful deliberations, thoroughly planning when he does something.”

Fei Wei smiled. “After all, this is indeed a considerably difficult matter.”

---

Fengjiu did not mention this conversation with Fei Wei to Dijun, only inwardly making a decision. Since Dijun had important matters to prepare for right now, the herself by his side must be even more considerate. Although she might not have any way of sharing any of Dijun’s worries, she at least could not let him worry over her. Because Dijun needed to go to the Water Marsh to take care of official matters, even though she originally really wanted to go along watch the excitement, she restrained herself from mentioning it.

However, Dijun actually brought her along of his own accord, saying that she could take care of his day-to-day needs on the way. This reason, Fengjiu could not refuse. Besides, she really wanted to go see that mysterious academy that had already sunk to the bottom of the Eastern Sea long before her birth.

In the end, at the Water Marsh, they unexpectedly encountered the High God Moyuan in the rumors who had already been missing for a long time. Seeing Dijun’s expression, he didn’t seem to be particularly surprised that High God Moyuan was hiding here.

High God Moyuan was her aunt Bai Qian’s master. For this reason, after High God Moyuan woke from his 70,000 year deep sleep after sealing away the Ghost Lord Qing Cang, Fengjiu had also seen this eminent god’s face before. The eminent god she saw at that time was prudent and composed, calm and reclusive, making people look on him with reverence; but although there were no differences in this High God’s appearance in the Water Marsh from 260,000 years later, his disposition was very different. If one were to say that the High God Moyuan in 260,000 years was a piece of serene ancient jade, this eminent god at this time seemed like a bloodstained blade. Because it was tired it hid its brilliance, holding itself away from the conflicts of the world. He also seemed like an orchid soaked in blood, living in an otherworldly secluded valley, his heart in an endless hell.

The history books never recorded the reason why Moyuan had suddenly gone missing after founding the New Age of the Gods. For this reason, Fengjiu did not know that this matter had something to do with Shaowan. Seeing this appearance of this eminent god right now, although she was inwardly curious, she also knew that this was not the right time to ask Dijun.

The good thing was that although High God Moyuan had already been disheartened over the affairs of the world, when he heard that Dijun was looking for the Jiezi Xumi formation, he also did not make things difficult. After looking around in the library for a bit, he very quickly found an exquisite box made of fuli jade, saying that the formation diagram was kept within the box.

The jade box was not made by Shaowan. It was a gift from Zuti, because Zuti’s name was inscribed in the lid’s lower right corner.

Fengjiu saw the exquisiteness of the jade box. After Dijun opened the box and brought out the formation diagram, she intended to appraise it. As a result, just as her hand touched it, a dazzling silver light suddenly erupted from the jade box, and as suddenly as a flash of lightning, she had already been whirled into it. And in the moment she was spun into the silver light, she fell unconscious. After she woke up again, she had already returned to the present.

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In Baye Hall, Fengjiu sat cross-legged on the edge of the bed propping her chin in her hand, returning from her recollections. Having just recovered, she heard the sound of hurried footsteps drifting over. Raising her head, she unexpectedly saw that the person approaching was the Dijun who was originally supposed to be in seclusion inside Yangshu Tower. Fengjiu was a bit dazed. Dijun stared intently at her. Seeing her sitting up properly at the side of the bed, as if he had just let out a breath, he walked over and reached out to touch her forehead: “Do you feel any discomfort anywhere?”

Fengjiu was dazed for a while, then suddenly laughed, holding Dijun’s hand with both of hers. Lightly shaking it, she raised her head to look at Dijun. “You might not believe me when I say it. Dijun, I seem to have traveled back to 260,000 years ago and saw the you at 140,000 years old!”

Unexpectedly, Dijun was not at all surprised. “How was I then?”

She played with his fingers: “You were very good then too. Why aren’t you surprised?”

He smoothed out her hair that had become messy as she slept: “I took you to Zhangwei Mountain to play and to the Water Marsh to gain knowledge. Of course I was very good.”

Fengjiu’s eyes widened: “H- How do you know?!”

That day, Goddess Zuti’s ability emboldened her. After Gungun accidentally traveled through time, she also sent Fengjiu back to 260,000 years ago. Moreover, she did not seem to feel that there was any real need to notify Dijun. Fortunately, the Third Prince was prudent, personally going to Yangshu Tower to inform Dijun. When he found out about this matter, Dijun naturally wanted to chase after them, but even he did not have the ability to travel through time and return to the past. He could only ask Zuti for help.

Zuti’s meaning was that although she could look back in time, she had no way of sending whoever back for no reason. To say that it was because of her that young Gungun and young Fengjiu were able to travel back, it would be better to say it was because of Heaven’s will. Since Dijun insisted on chasing after them, she could only do her best. As for whether Dijun was able return to 260,000 years ago or not, it would depend on whether or not he had this fated chance. Additionally, because there already existed a Donghua Dijun in the time of 260,000 years ago, once he returned to that era, he would take the place of the Donghua of that time. Furthermore, he also would not be like Fengjiu and Gungun and still possess the memories of the present time, so whether he traveled back or not, was actually absolutely meaningless.

But Dijun did not feel that this was meaningless.

When he was in that era, he indeed no longer remembered the events of 260,000 years later. The Donghua Dijun of that time was indeed no different from the original Dijun of that era. But when Fengjiu touched Zuti’s jade box, the fated opportunity fell. Because he and Gungun far away at the Holy Blue Sea were the same, not belonging to that era, they also followed the silver light from the jade box that illuminated the world, traveling back again.

Listening to Dijun explaining clearly all the details of the story, Fengjiu was very shocked. “So that’s how it is? Goddess Zuti said that once Gungun and I traveled back to the present, all the impressions we left during that stretch of time would all disappear, and no one would remember us anymore.” Her almond-shaped eyes revealed happiness, “I was originally even thinking that it was such a pity that Dijun wouldn’t remember that we had those days, but now I feel so fortunate!”

She hugged his waist in her elation for a long while. Suddenly remembering something, she raised her head up from his waist. Withdrawing the smile on her face, she looked at him for a moment, and tugged his hand to make him sit down at her side. “But I have a question.” On her delicate rosemallow-like face appeared a hint of confusion. “If Dijun didn’t remember me, why would Dijun fall for me so quickly? Because according to what Dijun said, when I traveled back in time, you didn’t recognize me at all. You only heard me say that I was your future wife, but you started treating me very well from the beginning.” She furrowed her brow, genuinely confused. “Why would you treat me so well and fall for me so quickly?” She lightly bit her lip. “Because the real situation wasn’t like that at all. In the very beginning it was obviously me who chased Dijun for so, so long, until Dijun finally liked me.”

He raised his hand and tapped on her forehead. “The real situation was that you acted as a maidservant in Taichen Palace for 400 years, but I never saw you once. You say that you chased me for so long, but I was completely unaware of all of it. When we were fated, you had returned to your identity as the Queen of Qingqiu. The first time I saw you, I…” He suddenly stopped.

She knelt by his side, stroking the place on her forehead that he had tapped. A little curiously: “The first time you saw me, how did you feel, Dijun?”

The first time he saw her, she had come forth from the Wangsheng Sea, floating atop a wave. A head of long pitch-black hair, clothed in a snow-white dress, gracefully standing atop a wave and smiling at the entire wedding party. Her long waterfall-like hair was soaked, her hair plastered to her cheeks, making that face that was already only the size of a hand appear even smaller and more delicate. Of the fairies on the Nine Heavens, no one else had a smile so lively, or an appearance so beautiful.

He had always thought that the first time he saw her by the Wangsheng seashore, he actually had not had much of an impression of her, but when he recalled that day’s scene right now, he could actually see it clearly in front of his eyes. He was stunned for a long time.

Only when she pulled on his sleeve and again pressed him for an answer on how he felt the first time he saw her, did he come back to his senses. He too was unaware of the warmth in his expression. “The first time I saw you, wasn’t I already attracted to you?”

Her hand rubbing her forehead stopped. Her eyes widened. After a long time, she finally murmured, “Really?”

He smiled, replacing her in helping her rub the spot on her forehead that he might have tapped on too hard and caused pain just a moment ago. “So even if we didn’t know each other, as soon as I saw you, I would fall for you very quickly. No matter how many more times it happens, it would still be the same.”

She stared blankly at him. After a long time, her eyes suddenly reddened, then she threw herself onto him, tightly wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her cheek in his shoulder at the same time.

Very quickly, he felt his shoulder getting wet.

“Why are you crying again?” he softly asked.

But she only hugged him tightly, pressing her cheek more tightly against his shoulder, sadly and tenderly saying, “I don’t know either. I’m just very happy, but I still want to cry. Dijun, you’re not allowed to look at me!”

“Mmm, I won’t look.” He raised his hand and stroked her head, pressing a kiss at the top of her head.

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Reborn Bodhi vines climbed the palace walls, clustered flowers floating like clouds and mist.

Fuling flowers danced in the night breeze.

Tonight was a beautiful night.

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Notes:

1: 凫丽; there is a mountain called Fuli Mountain (凫丽山) recorded in Classic of Mountains and Seas that is said to be abundant in metals and jade

2: 芥子须弥; lit. mustard seed Sumeru Mountain; it’s derived from a Buddhist story

3: This refers to a line from a story in the Vimalakīrti Nirdeśa Sūtra