Chronicles of Cosmic Vicissitudes II
When Bai Yu compiled this book, the universe was still undetermined. Now twenty years have passed, the cosmos has risen and fallen, and old friends have withered or flourished.
Our master was a person beyond this world who did not seek fame, so nothing was recorded of him. Besides Xu Fengming, Bai Yu, and Bai Mingyue, the Cosmic Sect had another disciple, Lu Bugui, who upon entering the martial world took a wrong path, even killing his fellow disciples a transgression beyond redemption. Yet these mistakes were due to Second-Generation Sect Leader Xu Fengming's failure to teach properly. If he could have persuaded Lu to turn back, things might have been salvaged. Without proper guidance before punishment, Xu Fengming must bear karmic retribution for generations.
By now, the universe has settled. Looking back at the path we've traveled, it seems like only yesterday, bringing forth uncontrollable sighs. I leave a poem to guide those who come after.
Prelude to Water Melody - Lore of the World
Snow blankets Cangzhou's roads, how many traverse these broken paths? A thousand mountains illuminate the world with torches, also lighting the ancient city walls. I attempt to trade the remnant gold in my sleeve for a straw cape of long winds, to blow away all the dust and frost. Youth aged yesterday, even hills and valleys stumble along.
Fame in life, matters after death, spoken over wine. In the vast Martial World, who ever claimed to calm the wind and waves? Clouds flow, unfurl, gather and disperse. The universe rises and falls, unites and separates, all becoming drifting travelers. Looking back at the road we've come, a drunken dream sings of the bright moon.