When the morning sun rose over Crescent Moon Lake, the deer from Lumbini Deer Park, led by the stag, approached Bensheng.They had witnessed the great battle, seen the sword light that soared from Bensheng's hands. Their previous arrogance had completely faded. The stag spoke with utmost respect: "Deer King, you have sat here all night. Will you and your human friends return to Lumbini Deer Park?"Yeluo turned to look at Bensheng. Ruoqiao also looked over while bandaging his wounds.Bensheng nodded. "Let's go."Originally, Bensheng should have properly hosted Yeluo and Ruoqiao, newcomers to Lumbini Deer Park, but he simply couldn't muster the energy. Fortunately, no words were needed; everyone understood.But as days passed, Ruoqiao could no longer hold back his true thoughts: "Bensheng, even if you don't become a Comprehender, being an Adept who subdues demons and aids the world is good too. This place confines you, prevents you from using your power."Bensheng shook his head. "No, being able to protect Lumbini Deer Park is enough."Ruoqiao sighed helplessly. He and Yeluo really wanted to question Bensheng. Is your so-called protection just sending one deer daily to the humans?Since making the pact with the human Lord, Bensheng and the stag had been drawing lots among both deer herds for the daily duty. The chosen deer would leave that day, going voluntarily to the human territory.But on this day, a problem arose.The stag frowned, looking at the doe kneeling before him, pleading."I shouldn't refuse my turn to go to the human territory, but I am with child. Please, Great King, allow me to go after I've given birth!""No," the stag said sternly. "The lottery is decided and cannot be changed. Who would willingly go to die in your place? It has to be you."Heartbroken, the doe wandered until she came before the Deer King's mansion under the Asoka tree. She knelt again, pleading with Bensheng.After hearing the reason, Bensheng asked, "Does the stag know about this?"The doe wept. "He did not grant my request."
It was truly a difficult situation... Knowing the date of death signified fate was sealed. The deer of Lumbini Deer Park were accustomed to accepting their fate peacefully; no one would step forward. And this was indeed the doe's fate.But the fawn in her womb was innocent. It shouldn't lose its chance to enter the world like this.Bensheng thought it over and made a decision. "Go back in peace. I will go in your place."The doe was stunned, not understanding his words. By the time she collected herself, Bensheng had already gathered the elders and the stag to bid farewell in the Deer King's mansion."After I am gone, you should publicly elect a new Deer King. The stag is a good choice. Remember to treat every race kindly. Especially the humans; they are not all bad." He finally reached out and touched the staff hanging on the wall, released the "Shedding Skin and Bones" art, and transformed back into his deer form.Yeluo stood at the door, staring at him in disbelief. "Bensheng, have you gone mad?!"Youyou cried until she was a deer soaked in tears.The stag was furious. He grabbed the doe and scolded her harshly. "Your own fate, you should fulfill it yourself! How can you let the Deer King go in your place!"Bensheng raised a hand to stop him. "After she gives birth, she will go herself. Do not trouble her."Youyou could no longer hold back and rushed out. "Brother, let me go in your place!"The young stags looked at each other, gritted their teeth, and also stepped forward. Hundreds of them blocked the path in a rustling mass."Deer King, you saved us from the human Lord's arrows. This time, let us go in the doe's place."Ruoqiao's expression was dark. "Bensheng, are you still remembering my words about saving every life? I'm sorry, I was too impulsive. Actually, I know, even a god might not save every life. As long as we give within our capabilities, that is perfect merit. But now, you shouldn't sacrifice yourself anymore. You saved me; use my life instead!"But Bensheng smiled and shook his head."Why act as if facing a great enemy? Life is but a cycle. I will not truly die but exist endlessly, life after life. If fate allows, we will meet again."
He said no more and left Lumbini Deer Park directly, running towards the human territory. But the enlightened deer herd chased after him relentlessly; thousands of deer followed him to the human territory.The Lord looked at them in astonishment. After hearing Bensheng's intention to offer himself, he said, strangely, "Isn't your deer herd still numerous? Why has it come to your turn?"Bensheng briefly explained the reason. Seeing the Lord staring at him blankly, he thought the Lord was dissatisfied and hurriedly added, "Do not worry, Lord. Our deer herd's numbers have begun to increase. After my death, the succeeding Deer King will continue to honor our agreement.""Wait..." The Lord found it hard to believe. "You are willing to exchange your life for a doe destined to die? Why? You are the Deer King!"Even the nobles who had scorned the deer herd during the hunt stopped their actions to watch.Silence spread like a wave, extending endlessly. Everyone looked at Bensheng at the center; his mottled fur did not diminish his bearing and dignity.He too was a king of his tribe.This was an unprecedented event, making everyone let go of all prejudices, genuinely curious from the heart.Curious about this unknown answer.Bensheng's tranquil heart finally experienced a loosening of its own.He declared clearly: "Because we are all lives born upon this continent. We are equal."In the end, finally, he could calmly realize these words.It could be considered fortunate...He closed his eyes, accepting the Lord's judgment.A great force grabbed his body. The Lord's deep-set eyes were right before him.His expression was vivid, verging on ecstasy): "You are right. We are equal. Deer King, the direction I couldn't find for many days, you have pointed it out for me."Bensheng was stunned. "What...?""Since Buzhou Kingdom ceased its wars, I have been contemplating the future direction. What are humans now?" The Lord stood up, looking at his people. "A wise race? Hah, they don't even know what peace is... The power of unity? Hah, still fragmented to
this day... A collection of desires? Hah, ambitions as high as the sky, yet constrained by heaven... We are merely equally flawed lives.""As you said, no nobility, no lowliness. We are equal."The Lord pulled Bensheng up. "Deer King, I have decided to find a path for all humans to live equally. All territories within Zhaoyun Kingdom shall be designated the 'Deer Park'. For you, the Beast Tribe, to live and multiply freely. Starting from me, no human shall hunt or eat you anymore."The silence was broken.All living beings in the city, human and beast alike, erupted into fervent cheers.Ruoqiao was stunned by the cheers, only managing to laugh after a long moment. Youyou beside him, however, took advantage of the loud noise to cry unrestrainedly.Bensheng stared at them blankly, still not processing it.No... I don't have to die? The herd and I can all live?Yeluo opened her arms, pulling them all into an embrace, smiling through tears."Bensheng, you did it. You changed the world!"Dong... Dong... Dong...Sanbao's eyes snapped open. He rolled off the bed.Pushing open the window, he saw commoners still singing and dancing in the streets under the night sky."What's happening?"The inn attendant happened to be passing below, clearing bowls and dishes. Hearing the question, he looked up and smiled. "If you're not tired, guest, come join the streets! It's the new Comprehender striking the Bell of the Moment! Though we don't know which Adept it is, from this moment on, the continent enters a new era!" Infected by the street's atmosphere, he sighed sincerely. "To have passed the one hundred and eighty years peacefully is truly wonderful!"No...This bell sound... he would never forget it, even after another one hundred and eighty years.It was after hearing this bell sound that his beloved foresaw her impending death. Just like the bell sound struck by Lüqiu, who was possessed by inner demons... this was an ominous bell sound.Moreover, a Comprehender had emerged, yet Zhoku was utterly silent. Even the commoners didn't know who the new Comprehender was.It was highly abnormal.
Sanbao decided immediately to investigate Zhoku under cover of night.Fortunately, due to the recent matter of restoring his beloved's lifespan, he had frequently visited Zhoku and was already familiar with the academy's layout. His steps were extremely light; crossing rooftops, he didn't even disturb a speck of dust. Soon, under the moonlight, he entered Zhoku Academy.Zhoku at night was pitch black and deathly still.Sanbao's heart grew heavier. He slipped into the dormitories and performed an art.No connection.All the disciples had lost their connection to the earth and fallen unconscious. There was only one possibility: they had become existences "outside the natural order."Sanbao nearly lost his composure. Forcing himself to stay calm, he wasted no more time. Directly through the earth, he sensed all locations connected to it.Northwest. Vesak Pavilion.By the time Sanbao arrived, this place had already become another existence "outside the natural order."Country Supervisors, Court Supervisors were piled on the steps, forming a path leading up the mountain.With a boom, the pavilion's roof exploded. Red tiles scattered, rolling into the Zhoku Forest. Amidst it all, a voice coldly asked:"You clearly favored me. Why won't you acknowledge that I am the Comprehender?"The Six-Leaf Fan, lying amidst the broken walls and debris, ruthlessly dominated everything here.The Old Dean sat upright before the shattered desk, his heart gripped by regret."I also want to know why you, whose heart was pure and bright when you entered the Main Shrine, have become like this after being chosen by the Bell of the Moment... You were the child we valued most, Lüzang!""Valued most?" The icy voice sneered. "So, to make me the Comprehender, you drove Bensheng away?"A gale rose. Sanbao, hiding behind a tree on the hillside, was nearly suffocated by the force."I only wanted to defeat him fairly and obtain what is rightfully mine. But every single one of you refused to give me this chance!"Old Huang cried out in pain as Lüzang grabbed his lapels and
lifted him."Tell me! Just how strong is Bensheng?!"Old Huang strained to force words from his throat. "He... is my pride."Thump! Sanbao's heart clenched, not knowing what had happened to Supervisor Huang..."Hah. 'Sacred Light of the Earth'. He actually got such a title... Then I shall become the Master of the Earth."The wind finally subsided. Sanbao slumped to the ground, gasping for breath after a long moment.In half a lifetime as a thief, he had never encountered such terrifying energy. Without even trying to sense it, the spiritual power permeated the air, stinging his skin with cold pain. Summoning his courage, he peered out.The Vesak Pavilion was empty. The figures of Lüzang and the Old Dean were gone."Zhoku's situation... we must bring Bensheng back..." Sanbao's voice caught. Considering the pervasive spiritual power, perhaps Lüzang had already detected his presence and intentionally left him alive to fetch Bensheng.The harm brought by the ominous bell sound was etched in his bones. If this continued, history would repeat itself, and innocent commoners would suffer. He had no other choice.But the Saptaparna Kingdom and Zhaoyun Kingdom were too far apart. The round trip would definitely take too long.Sanbao reached into his robe and slowly pulled out a few yellowed talisman papers."This time, I really will have to 'fetch something across the void'!"