Before Yi Beidou could even begin to answer, Hong Datong had already launched into his story.
"My former self was born a thousand years ago, during the tumultuous era of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms. As a young man, he aspired to bring order to a chaotic world and help its people, but he repeatedly failed the imperial examinations. Coupled with the world's corruption and the people's terrible suffering, he grew disheartened. He retreated to the mountains to seek the Dao, discussing the methods of Cultivation with wise companions. He found success in fifteen years, and in twenty, he achieved Body Ascension. After a long period of tranquility, he yearned for activity. Looking into his own heart, he discovered the desire to help the world still lingered, so he descended the mountain and re-entered the mortal world."
