Story Reader / Floating Record / ER00 Reveries with a Whale / Story
The jagged mountain path is strewn with damaged stone statues. Time has not yet stripped them of the aroma of incense etched inside.
When she calms her mind to listen, there are still faint sounds of bells and chanting from long ago.
Trekking further in the chorus of birds and beasts, the greenery climbing up the stone statues gradually drowns the mountain path, leaving only the indistinguishable tracks left by animals.
(Panting)
Where is the celestial?
Pulao pushes aside the bush in front and wipes off the sweat, looking around.
I must calm down. I once heard that, to find the celestial, one would need "destiny" or something...
Right, "destiny will lead your way."
I'll take this way then.
Pulao walks forward without hesitation, entrusting her mission to instinct and destiny.
Hmm... Have I been here before? It feels so familiar.
No, I must trust my instinct. The celestial must be not far away.
Huh? I hear water.
I know my instinct would work!
Wow, this must be the mouth of the spring. What a great place to live.
Pulao sees a lake in front. Several streams fall from above, converging into a blue mirror that melts with the sky. The lake decorates the forest like a masterpiece of the most passionate painter, whose strokes splash around to make some of the most radically perfect paintings of sky and earth.
What's this...
The beautiful scenery also makes the silk clothes hanging on a branch extremely eye-catching.
When Pulao looks closer, she even sees monkey claw marks on them.
This is so mean. Who did this?
Unable to find anyone nearby, Pulao takes the clothes down, folds them up and puts them on a large rock near the lake that can be easily spotted. She then puts a few stones on the clothes, ensuring that they will not be blown away by the wind.
The moment she finishes laying the clothes, she hears water splashing. She quickly turns around and covers her eyes.
Wow! These are my clothes... gulp.
It wasn't me.
Haha, I know. It must be that monkey. He really wanted to become my student... gulp.
Anyway, thanks for getting my clothes back, little girl... gulp.
No worries, but would you have any idea where the celestial lives on this mountain?
I'm right here... gulp.
What? Really? Celestial, I...
Huh?
Pulao looks at the direction of the voice in excitement, only to see a... PANDA standing in the mist.
Are you that sad to see me... gulp.
No, not at all. I swear.
Liar. All the passion in your eyes is gone... gulp!
Ahem, but as far as I know, I am the only being that can be called "celestial" on this mountain... gulp.
The panda grabs its clothes, on which a big word "Celestial" is written.
It only takes it one spin to change into them. The well-fitting outfit is obviously carefully crafted to its body shape, adding to its credibility.
It's okay. It is only natural for you to have this reaction... gulp.
Everyone who came to seek the celestial had similar reactions. I don't get you humans... gulp.
Do I have to put a large, gold exclamation mark on top of my head, so you can differentiate me from just any ordinary panda... gulp?
Sorry to make you feel that way...
Oops, that was probably a little too harsh. Many said that I had a poker face... gulp.
Relax, I was just joking. Alright, what do you need me for... gulp?
I have a very, very important favor to ask you, celestial!
You found my clothes, and passed the test in the mountain, so no problem.
T-thank you! My Master is...
Alright. I got it... gulp.
Huh? But I just started!
Oh, I saw a dark flash, then I felt like I had already learned the entire story. What's that word... Oh, it's like "fast-forward" in your human's words.
???
Don't worry. It doesn't matter... gulp.
I would love to help, but unfortunately I cannot save your Master... gulp.
Because I don't have the most important ingredient, "Big Fish's Tear"... gulp.
What's that?
As the name suggests, it is the tear of Mr. "Big Fish". I need it to make the elixir that can cure all the diseases.
But I have no idea where he is now. Last time I heard, the company assigned him to the east.
Are you saying that you can make me the elixir once I find Mr. Big Fish and get some tears from him?
Correct... gulp.
Okay. I'll go find him right now.
It's not safe over there... gulp.
No problem. As long as I can heal Master, nothing is a problem!
Good! I like your spirit... gulp.
Take care. I'll wait for your good news... gulp.
