You Killed More! . . .
Wan-Er leaned gently against him, her eyes infused with adoration as her cheeks flushed with affection. She simply listened to him in rapt attention.
"Each time I gaze upon these bamboo groves, I am filled with the profound belief that the creation of the universe is truly and marvelously unbelievable," Master Bai mused in a tranquil tone.
"Observe. These bamboos all bear the same appearance, each one mirroring the same gesture. However, upon closer examination, one discovers that each is endowed with a unique beauty."
"Every single leaf holds its own life and possesses its own charm. They all share a common appearance, yet simultaneously, they are entirely distinct from one another."
"It's as if each bamboo and each leaf possesses its own life," he continued while holding a vibrant bamboo shoot in his hand, its verdant hue a testament to its vitality.
"Whenever I gaze upon this sight, I ponder the profound wonder of nature's creation. How many leaves stand before us? How many leaves exist in the world? There isn't a single leaf entirely identical to another. How does the creator bring forth such a multitude of diverse leaves? Perhaps it is a testament to the supreme power of the heavens and the earth."
Master Bai's narrative was unhurried, and Wan-Er remained silently enraptured.
Gradually, a radiant intensity illuminated her eyes. She surveyed the bamboo grove before her and could discern the minute distinctions between any two leaves. Her eyes grew progressively brighter, and a unique sensation welled up from within her heart, rapidly pervading her being.
"This bamboo forest leads me to contemplate... In this land, beneath this expansive sky, how many distinct varieties of plants akin to these bamboos flourish? Each one distinct, each one unique in its own right."
While Master Bai spoke, his eyes reflected profound wisdom.
"And it leads me to ponder the nature of humanity."
"Humanity!" he underscored.
"People, within this world, beneath this vast expanse of sky, their multitude is beyond measure. Every single one is distinct. In every individual, every aspect of their existence is unique. No two lives are identical."
Master Bai affectionately continued, "Aren't they reminiscent of bamboo leaves? Each bamboo could equate to a city, or even a country... perhaps an entire realm."
"Much like humans."
"As each autumn yields to the arrival of spring, leaves fall—indeed, even those that remain verdant throughout the year. Fresh leaves emerge in spring, gently displacing their older counterparts to the earth," he concluded.
"It is akin to the inexorable march of generations," Master Bai mused.
"Inescapable and, in its inevitability, profound."
As he gazed upon the bamboo forest, he spoke with a deep sense of sorrow, "Despite suffering divine retribution for my actions, deep within, I harbor no remorse."
"We, like the bamboo forest, like the leaves, brim with vitality and life. Yet what if..."
With a gentle motion, Master Bai tossed the bamboo branch, not with force, but with a gentleness that belied his words.
The branch descended, bringing with it a cascading shower of leaves.
The forest floor became a mosaic of fallen foliage, and as the bamboo grove swayed in the wind, the sound of falling leaves reverberated—countless leaves spiraling earthward.
Master Bai observed in silence, then posed a question, "Among these fallen leaves, do more descend naturally or as a result of my intervention? Or is it perhaps the other way around?"
His words seemed directed at himself, at Wan-Er, or perhaps at the divine forces of the world.
Wan-Er, too, surveyed the spectacle and ventured, "Perhaps more are carried down by the wind."
Suddenly, realization struck her, and she trembled.
She now comprehended the profound meaning behind Master Bai's words.
Master Bai wore a knowing smile as he spoke, "Indeed, it is the wind that ushers down more leaves."
He looked skyward, his voice gentle yet tinged with a trace of bitterness.
"It is you. You who have claimed the most."
His tone remained serene, yet it carried an undercurrent of resentment.
The sunny sky above bore witness to their exchange, yet at that very moment, a thunderous bolt split the heavens.
In this bright, cloudless sky, a deafening clap of thunder echoed—its presence undeniable.
A stark bolt of white lightning streaked down from the heavens, visible to all within the realm.
All, regardless of strength or weakness, sighted or blind, directed their gazes skyward.
The resounding thunder reverberated across the land, its rumblings felt by all.
Lightning streaked momentarily across the azure sky before vanishing, leaving the sun to cast its radiant glow over the scene. It was a seemingly ordinary day, unaffected by the extraordinary event that had transpired.
Within the confines of the bamboo forest, Master Bai observed the deep chasm that now scarred the earth. A gaping crevasse, its depth and length concealed beneath a tapestry of fissures resembling the intricate roots of trees. The ground bore witness to this bizarre and unsettling transformation.
Master Bai maintained his composure, unwavering in his countenance. Several strands of hair fell over his eyes as he spoke in an even tone, "You have claimed the greater share."
Wan-Er, in stark contrast, found herself overwhelmed by shock, her complexion drained of color. The sheer audacity of challenging divine forces struck fear into her heart.
"To contend against the gods?"
Beads of perspiration dotted her forehead as she grappled with the weight of this revelation.
Master Bai inhaled deeply, his eyes aglow with newfound resolve. A sardonic smile curled upon his lips as he mused, "The anger that has festered in my heart, the torment I have endured, the divine retribution spanning millennia—my actions are but a testament to these emotions. Yet, the heavens have deemed it necessary to strike me down with thunder."
"What must I do to release this pent-up fury? Shall I bring ruination to the entire world?"
Master Bai's laughter erupted, echoing through the bamboo forest.
He continued, "Very well. It is nothing more than catharsis—an expression of my long-suppressed emotions. I have finally unburdened myself of the hatred that has plagued me for countless years."
"I find solace in it. It feels right."
"If I desire dominion over the sky, the sun, and the moon, then I shall have dominion over the stars. If I covet chaos and upheaval, I shall plunge the world into turmoil. If the universe's mightiest throne is my ambition, then I shall stir ever more formidable tempests."