chapter 12:
Forming a Party
Wan Jie sat meditating beneath a floating aureate lotus in his personal pocket realm. Vast mountain ranges surrounded him, capped in snow and veiled by drifting clouds. Somewhere out there his disciples were consecrating land for the planned grand sanctuary, life's work for generations to come. But many efforts arose before such a monument could manifest.
Ripples in the celestial channels connecting realms alerted Wan Jie to an arrival. He opened his eyes as space folded and twisted until a glowing portal formed. Two disciples stepped through and prostrated themselves. Wan Jie smiled and gestured for them to rise.
The first apprentice spoke hesitantly. "Master, forgive us for disturbing your meditations. But dire events are unfolding that require intervention. An ancient demon king has awakened and marches on the capital with a horde of monsters. Their numbers are too vast for the imperial army."
Wan Jie nodded solemnly. "I am aware of this rousing darkness. But enlightened leaders understand the value of even diabolical opposition. Force often leaves unwise roots that fester when harmony proves more profound."
The second apprentice responded eagerly. "Still, the people suffer and fear spreads. Please master, let us lead a blessed crusade to vanquish this threat in your name!" His fist clenched at the thought of holy battle. But Wan Jie slowly shook his head.
"Easy victories cultivated through power alone inevitably contain the seeds of arrogance and entitlement that taint future generations. True and lasting change arises not through domination but transformation." Wan Jie smiled compassionately at their crestfallen faces.
"Return to the capital and instead help the people build faith in their own resilience. Through unity, wisdom and compassion, they can illuminate any darkness." With understanding bows, the two disciples departed through the portal, minds swirling with their master's insight.
Alone again, Wan Jie returned to serene contemplation atop his lotus. All threats contained hidden potential for growth when met with equanimity rather than reflexive force. In time, a gentle touch could transform even a raging demon into protector. But quick fixes often blinded nurturing understanding.
Days passed in focused silence. As his disciples rallied the capital people toward spiritual liberation, Wan Jie's projected soul drifted invisibly across the land. He observed the hulking demonic hordes besieging cities like mindless beasts. Blind destructive urges containing no lasting ambition or vision.
Hovering unseen near the largest encampment, Wan Jie studied the central tent sheltering the hibernating demon king. A century ago it had crossed the celestial realms, ravaging its way through material planes and amassing power through savage reaping of souls before finally being sealed. Now some fool mortal's meddling had freed it again.
The demon king's corporeal form was an immense toad-like creature shrouded in boiling miasma, veined with gold and swollen as a hideous parasite upon the land. But its true essence lay coiled in the black crown resting upon its misshapen head. That tainted artifact contained the demon's consciousness and exercised control.
Having discerned this, Wan Jie returned fully to his sanctuary. The disciples had stalled the crisis for now through promoting faith in the capital. But a more active demonstration of transcendent truth was required to awaken the people and transform the threat. The time had come to summon stalwart companions.
Closing his eyes again, Wan Jie channeled power into summoning forth exemplars of virtues too often ignored when they were most needed. His disciples were powerful but still saw too much in binaries. For fundamental change, subtler role models were required.
First came a young farm girl covered in filth from tending her fields. "Why was I brought here?" she asked Wan Jie nervously. "Please help me return to my family, great immortal." He smiled reassuringly back. "Have faith, child. Through you I will remind all that true nobility and character often arise in overlooked places."
Next a frail, silver-haired old man leaning on a knarled cane appeared. "Eh? Is this the celestial realm?" he squinted at Wan Jie. "I am but an ordinary elderly teacher, respected immortal. Of what use could someone like me ever be in exalted matters?" Wan Jie placed a hand gently on his shoulder. "The greatest wisdom is often revealed through those the world overlooks."
Finally a weary soldier took form, her armor dented and worn from endless conflicts. "Why do you summon a lowly grunt from some nameless battlefield?" she asked Wan Jie bitterly. "Your mighty disciples surely surpass me." He smiled back. "Some of the truest courage and insight is forged far from the lofty halls of power."
Before the gathered souls, Wan Jie materialized a viewing portal to the besieged capital cities. "Darkness rises, but beginnings contain many possible endings. Will you help guide the realm toward more enlightened fates?" Moved by his sincere words, they all solemnly pledged their aid to Wan Jie's cause.
He then conjured a glowing lotus platform that carried the unusual band of heroes across the sky. They gazed upon sprawling lands below with wonder and contemplation. Serene sights stirred long-dormant hopes within their tired hearts.
In time, glowing domes sheltering the capital cities came into view. Regiments of soldiers manned the barricaded walls, steadfast but inadequate against endless demonic tides. This land had weathered crises before through resilience and compassion. Rediscovering those wellsprings was the surest path to salvation.
The odd troupe descended from their lotus towards the largest city's towering walls. Guards cried out in surprise, scrambling to ready weapons. But Wan Jie transmuted the platform into a glowing bridge of light arcing safely over fortifications to reach open ground beyond. Their intentions required no brute force to convey.
Setting foot on dusty streets, the ragtag group proceeded toward the central district with Wan Jie in plain robes leading the elderly teacher, young farm girl, and battle-worn soldier. They walked not with haughty pride but dignified humility and purpose. Those they passed turned and stared in wonder at the strange sight.
Reaching the district square, Wan Jie's eyes flashed with power, summoning forth his two disciples waiting nearby. They emerged from swirls of light and proceeded to amplify their master's voice for all to hear. The time had come to guide these imperiled people toward hope.
"Citizens!" Wan Jie's magically projected voice resounded. "Dark times often illuminate truth. Though threats loom, courage endures. Through compassion and unity, we cultivate the light within until shadows cannot touch us." Murmurs rippled through the crowd at his profound words.
The elderly teacher stepped forward, projected voice quavering with emotion. "Each of us contains a spark of wisdom and virtue. But only together can we kindle those into something that truly protects and nurtures our souls." Many listeners felt their eyes grow wet at the heartfelt sagacity.
Next the young farm girl shared beautiful words on finding nobility through community and preserving traditions that fed more than just bodies. More joined the swelling crowd as her virtue stirred hearts numbed by fear and uncertainty.
Finally, the weary soldier spoke. "Those who have seen war's horror know true courage is standing for higher ideals rather than destructive ambition." Her words lit a fire in veterans and youth alike hungry for meaning beyond hollow conflict.
In every soul Wan Jie's words ignited, another light bloomed, kindling motivation and resilience against despair. Through him, these unlikely mentors had awoken the populace to their own strength. The demonic legion no longer seemed so vast and unstoppable now.
As night fell, Wan Jie and his makeshift band departed the stirred city. Much work remained, but the roots of understanding were planted. People dispersed to share food, offer comfort, and reinforce community bonds. Arts celebrated cherished values and culture.
Watching through mystic sight, Wan Jie was pleased to see these small acts ripple out steadily across the besieged land. Even distant regions benefited from the compassion radiating outward. Light blossomed in countless hearts like scattered lanterns dispelling the dark.
The time soon approached to take action against the demon hordes directly. But thoughtless destruction was not the answer Wan Jie sought. Thanks to his unorthodox companions, the people themselves now contained the kindling for a different solution. With care and wisdom, even evil could illuminate the righteous path.