Banquet Hymn

Author: Zhang Jinbu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features:
Beiming, the vast marshland. Zhuangzi's Daoxiao You states: "In Beiming, there is a fish named Kun. The size of Kun is unknown, perhaps thousands of miles." The boundless ancient sea has seen countless changes, with the tides of time turning like white clouds and dogs. The transformations of the sea and land have never ceased. The power of creation is like the work of spirits; the work of nature is shaped by wind and fire. The Beiming Mountains rose amidst lightning and thunder, standing alone in the world. The majestic Beiming Mountains stretch for thousands of miles. The cycles of day and night, bathed in purple light, nourish all living beings, and the blessings are immeasurable. Deep seas hide dragons, and high mountains rest immortals. The words of the people are indeed not false to me. The Beiming Mountains are both high and deep, and after thousands of years of misty winds and rains, bathed in the light of dawn and dusk, they have been nourished day and night. The waterfalls, cliffs, rare flowers, strange plants, and magnificent scenery are beyond description. If there were only birds, beasts, ancient trees, and edible fungi, with misty landscapes, it would not be necessary to speak of them. But in this mountain, many spiritual creatures and strange beasts have emerged. They often reveal their true forms on nights of full moons and during auspicious times, drinking the essence of the wind and feasting on the beauty of dew. This allows them to avoid the calamities of thunder and fire, ascend to the heavens during the day, and join the ranks of immortals. Moreover, those who revere immortals and follow the Dao, after long searches, encounter this heavenly and blessed land, build huts with thatch, and practice their arts with sincerity. Over time, as the conflicts between the Dao and the demons have not yielded, and as the world is in turmoil, they have also been drawn into these deep mountains and wild forests. Over the years, how many strange events have come from here has become unknown. The righteous path, if left for too long, will be invaded by the evil; the evil path, if rampant, will be punished by heaven. A rare green-eyed blood dragon, appearing in the mortal world during the transition between the old and new worlds, will absorb the ultimate essence of the universe. Sword immortals, strange people, and demons—how many storms and winds have they endured!