The underground ruin was silent.
Ancient stone pillars stood beneath the massive roots of the World Tree like loyal guards that had remained on duty for countless ages.
At the center of the ruin sat Situ.
His eyes were closed.
His breathing was calm.
He looked no different from a sleeping mortal.
Yet inside his Sea of Consciousness, an astonishing transformation was taking place.
The inheritance of Withering and Flourishing continuously flowed through his soul.
Countless insights entered his mind.
Images flashed before him one after another.
He saw flowers bloom and fade.
He saw forests grow for millions of years before slowly turning to dust.
He saw rivers dry up and new rivers appear elsewhere.
He saw stars ignite, shine brilliantly, and eventually collapse into darkness.
Everything followed a cycle.
Nothing lasted forever.
Nothing remained unchanged.
The entire universe seemed to move according to this law.
Withering.
Flourishing.
Decline.
Growth.
Death.
