Wealth

“Oh, Ren Zu,” intoned Cognition Gu, its voice trembling with exaltation. “You feel it, do you not? The threshold stands before us. Only one final step remains—more perilous, more sacred than every trial that has carved your soul.” Ren Zu’s eyes blazed with immortal resolve. Slowly, he rose, the embers of destiny swirling about him like a cloak. He walked toward the roaring fire. “So be it,” he declared, his voice ringing with inexorable fate. “Let heaven and earth bear witness: this Gu shall be wrought by the sacrifice of the hand of man.” Without a tremor, without a breath of hesitation, Ren Zu raised his arms—and in a single, unflinching stroke, severed both hands, casting them into the hungry flames. The heavens roared. A thunderous detonation split the sky. The fire surged upward like a golden spear, rending the veil of endless black clouds. Light—pure, blinding, sovereign—poured down as the darkness broke and fled. And from that resplendent radiance, a little girl stepped forth, her presence overflowing with boundless prosperity. She regarded Ren Zu, her smile gentle yet majestic. “Father,” she said, her voice like ringing jade, “your gift has called me into being. I am Myriad Gold Wondrous Essence.” Ren Zu stared, struck silent, and then laughter burst from his lips, tears of blood and joy mingling on his face. “Ha! Another daughter, born from my very flesh and sacrifice! Tell me then—have I succeeded in my Gu refinement?” With a graceful flourish, Myriad Gold Wondrous Essence revealed her right palm. Nestled within it was a brilliant, pulsating Gu, radiant as a newborn sun. “Look, Father,” she said, her words shimmering with pride. “This is what your suffering has forged. It is called—Wealth.”