The Footsteps of Stillness
On that fateful day, an unprecedented event shook the imperial capital of the Divine Land. Tens of thousands of Righteous Fa disciples from every corner of the realm—from remote hamlets like Van Lac to vibrant metropolises—silently converged before the gates of the imperial court. They bore no worldly weapons nor armor; they carried only hearts filled with compassion, a demeanor of peaceful rationality, and an undying faith in the fundamental tenets of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.
The multitude moved in absolute silence, their rhythmic footsteps harmonizing with the wind through ancient streets. There was no shout of indignation, nor any manifestation of anger. Only an atmosphere of extraordinary solemnity prevailed, radiating a peaceful energy that forced the chaotic citadel to hold its breath.
Citizens lining the thoroughfares stood stunned by a spectacle unseen for a thousand years. They beheld serene countenances, eyes clear as primordial springs, and steadfast strides resembling a river surging toward the ocean. The presence of the practitioners was like a refreshing breeze, sweeping through the stifling air of a capital shrouded by the darkness of the Final Age.
The Prime Minister’s Awakening
As the crowd approached the high court, they did not storm forward or cause disorder. Instead, all sat quietly in the full-lotus position upon the stone steps or stood solemnly, forming a wall of Righteous Thoughts. Their collective appeal echoed through the air—not as the roars of insurgents, but as a harmonious call of benevolence vibrating across dimensions:
“We implore the imperial court to restore immediate freedom to the Righteous Fa practitioners who were unlawfully detained in Tan Thien Province a few days ago. The provincial authorities claimed they were merely following orders and directed us to seek resolution here at the capital... We come with no political ambition, but only to ask the court to redress this injustice, release the innocent, and allow the light of the Righteous Fa to bring peace to human hearts.”
That sound resonated like a great bronze bell awakening human conscience, blowing across parched fields and illuminating the decayed corners of declining sovereignty.
The incumbent Prime Minister, seated upon his high dais, witnessed the aura of compassion from the tens of thousands standing below. His heart was struck with a violent tremor. As an official who had devoted his life to the nation, his Wisdom Eye clearly saw the benevolence in their gazes and felt the patience in each steady breath. The pure energy of the Righteous Fa washed away impurities within the old statesman's heart.
Tears fell from the Prime Minister’s eyes. He decisively descended the palace steps, engaging in a peaceful dialogue with representatives of the practitioners, then turned to speak before the civil and military officials in a trembling voice:
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“These people are by no means rebels plotting treason. They are the most sincere, benevolent, and upright beings I have ever encountered. The court cannot tolerate injustice; we must release the innocent immediately!”
The Instrument of Sovereignty
But at the moment the statesman’s conscience awakened, the Sovereign—who was in truth an ancient, vengeful spirit inhabiting a reincarnated shell—roared with fury:
“Nonsense! This is a premeditated insurrection! Releasing them now would be courting disaster and shaking the foundations of the dynasty!”
He slammed his hand upon the throne, the jarring sound tearing through the hall. The ruler's eyes turned red as blood, his breath exhaling a viscous, malevolent miasma. His voice was filled with resentment and arrogance. These were not the words of a wise monarch concerned for his people, but the frantic shrieks of a demonic entity hidden in the shadows, trembling before the piercing luminescence of ultimate Truth.
Though shaken by the Sovereign’s tyrannical authority, the Prime Minister offered a cautious remonstrance:
“Your Majesty, the citizens below carry not a single weapon; they harbor no thought of rebellion against the court. They endure rain and sun here only to plead for justice for their genuine faith.”
The Sovereign gave a cold, hoarse laugh that echoed hideously like resentment in a murky swamp:
“Justice? On this land, justice is the absolute power held within my hand! Anyone who dares to use so-called faith to challenge the authority of the crown must be annihilated to the root!”
The Point of Light Amidst Chaos
Amidst the suffocating atmosphere of the court, Giang Long held his ground in the front ranks of the Righteous Fa disciples. The youth bearing the primordial bloodline showed not a shred of fear before the bloody threats of the royal puppet. His eyes shone bright as night stars, radiating an upright energy of compassion that caused the dark mists surrounding the hall to recede.
In the vision of the capital’s citizens witnessing the event, Giang Long’s lean figure appeared majestic as a lighthouse guiding a way through a murky night sea—a star of hope tearing through black clouds.
No matter how frantically the Sovereign roared, no matter how the shadows of brutal persecution prepared to envelop the imperial city, Giang Long guarded the tenets of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance deep within his heart. He had become an immortal point of light, an eloquent testament to the power of a righteous faith against worldly violence and tyranny.
The most ruthless crucible in human history officially commenced from this moment. And from here, a tragic and heroic chapter of the lives of those truly cultivating the Righteous Fa would be written, forged in blood, tears, and an undying faith.
CANTO XXXV: THE CRUCIBLE OF BLOOD AND FIRE
The capital trembles as peaceful steps sound,
Tens of thousands stand on sacred ground.
The Prime Minister weeps as the Dao he perceives,
While the demon reveals the darkness it weaves.
The youth stands tall, his heart guarded and true,
As the crucible of fire prepares to break through.
Compassionate Fa shall the tyrant restrain,
An undying faith shall forever remain.