Beginning of Cultivation
Chapter 45: The End of the Flight

Chapter 45: The End of the Flight

The sun was gradually setting, soon to disappear behind the mountains. The atmosphere aboard the hot air balloon was eerily quiet, as everyone harbored their own thoughts.

"I thank you, senior, for your guidance. But what should be done if humans slaughter each other?" a researcher spoke up.

Jun Wu Xiao didn’t ponder long before responding:

"It depends on the situation. For example, if two people want to duel to the death, bet all their assets, or simply want to fight. There’s nothing wrong with that because both of them are happy with that decision and they’re not harming unrelated people. However, if anyone voluntarily kills someone without consensus from both sides, they cannot be considered human and must be punished. Moreover, because they are not human, the punishment imposed on them would be inhumane punishment."

"I understand, but this is beyond our control since we are not the ones who make the laws. Well, let’s start by changing ourselves, and it would be good if we could influence others to do the same." another researcher said.

"Not being able to do so ourselves does not mean the emperor cannot. We will soon be attending a discussion at the royal court, and I must discuss this matter with his majesty. His majesty is extremely wise and loves his people dearly, so he will surely agree to this." After a long period of silence to give the stage to Jun Wu Xiao, Chu Wu finally spoke.

At that moment, all eyes turned to him, nearly forgetting Chu Wu’s status. Although now retired, he was once the second-highest-ranking person after the emperor. Even the crown prince did not hold as high a status as him.

"If Sir Chu says so, then we truly have hope for a bright future for humanity." the researchers said.

At this point, their love for humanity had reached a new height. No, it should be said that the shackles of natural survival mechanisms had been undone, revealing their true selves in their purest form.

"Now that the sun is about to set, it’s not very safe to fly at night, so we should land." a researcher said.

"There’s no problem. Thank you all for letting us experience the joy of flight." Chu Wu smiled and said.

"Indeed, it was truly an interesting experience. We thank you all." Jun Wu Xiao and the others expressed their gratitude.

The researchers laughed and said:

"Ha ha, you all are too polite. Without this senior, how could we have freed ourselves from our own shackles? We now finally understand our true selves. Our thanks to you are endless."

A while later, the hot air balloon finally touched down on the ground. The researchers, along with Chu Wu’s group, disembarked one by one.

Jun Wu Xiao observed the researchers for a moment, recognizing that they had come to some realizations. He thought:

"Since I’ve helped, I might as well help to the end. Let’s see if they have any more questions, and I will answer them."

"Do you have any more questions? After today, we may not have another chance to meet." Jun Wu Xiao said.

The researchers all looked at him. If they say they had no more questions, it would indeed be a lie. Although their knowledge of science was profound, it didn’t cover all fields.

After a moment of deep thought, a researcher asked:

"Senior, I still have a question. I now understand that what I own now may not belong to me in the future. Does this mean that humans don’t truly own anything?"

Jun Wu Xiao was somewhat surprised by the question but didn’t hesitate to answer:

"It depends on what you mean by ownership. If you’re talking about material wealth or social status, then the answer is no. You might have these now, but there’s no guarantee you’ll retain them in the future. Even if future generations remember you, it also doesn’t mean anything to you. The respect shown by future generations is a tribute to those who came before, but it means nothing to those who dead for a long time. However, if you’re talking about consciousness, then the answer is yes, each person owns their unique consciousness."

The researchers were momentarily taken aback, thinking they truly owned nothing, but it seemed that was not entirely the case.

Hearing the first part, they felt that being remembered by future generations wasn’t so bad, but upon further reflection, they realized that for those long gone, even a good reputation would no longer bring them joy.

"Senior, if all that humans possess is consciousness, then what do people gain by striving in life? If there is nothing to gain, why strive at all?" another researcher asked.

This question was very practical. If one knew in advance that there would be no reward, why exert any effort? Jun Wu Xiao found no fault with this question and smiled as he replied:

"Who says humans gain nothing? On the contrary, humans gain a lot, which can be summarized as ’experience.’ But what helps humans experience? It is each person’s unique consciousness that enables them to do that.

You can imagine life as a game, and from the moment a person becomes conscious, they begin to experience this game called ’life’ from various positions. During the game, people may think they own things like wealth, materials, and status, but this isn’t necessarily bad.

At least achieving these things makes people feel happy as if they’ve accomplished something. In the journey to achieve these accomplishments, people overcome many difficulties, face challenges, and experience a myriad of other events. All of these add up to create a wonderful experience. The time for this experience is limited. How to make this experience most meaningful depends on each individual’s thinking."

Hearing this, waves of realization swept through the researchers. Indeed, life is a game filled with a variety of experiences, including good and bad. But all are certainly more special than having none at all.

They also understood that creating valuable research works for humanity is the way for them to have the most wonderful and meaningful experiences.

The researchers looked at each other, their eyes now clear with understanding. For the first time, they truly comprehended their own lives. One of them stepped forward to speak on behalf of the group:

"Thank you, senior, for your guidance. From this moment, our lives will have no regrets. The only thing we do is strive to make this experience as meaningful as possible."

Jun Wu Xiao noticed the change in their eyes. They had grasped the path they needed to follow in the future, and perhaps it wouldn’t be long before they truly attained enlightenment. He smiled contentedly and said:

"Ha ha, it’s good that you understand. The more meaningful your lives become, the more you stand to benefit. Perhaps now is also the time to say goodbye."

Jun Wu Xiao’s mention of enlightenment was not incorrect. Many might misunderstand enlightenment as becoming a cultivator, but in truth, it’s about realizing the most suitable path for oneself, and what one is willing to strive for until their last breath.

"Thank you all for your help." the others said, then departed together.

The researchers also began to pack up and prepare to leave.