Volume I: The Lich Cataclysm Chapter 227: The Three Ancestors of the Human Race, Passing Down the Torch

By the shores of the Eastern Sea lay the ancestral homeland of the human race.

Since Nuwa created humanity, the people gradually multiplied along the Eastern Sea. Yet, as time passed, the Twelve Ancestors of the human tribe began to realize that, as a fragile and weak race, survival in the vast primordial wilderness was exceedingly difficult.

At first, they noticed that none had any garments to cover their bodies; all stood naked before one another. Over time, a sense of shame slowly emerged. Moreover, as the weather grew colder and the earth froze, many humans succumbed to the harsh chill.

In this dire moment, Zhisheng, one of the Twelve Ancestors, observed the surrounding leaves and the furred animals who were spared the biting cold. Suddenly inspired, she fashioned wide leaves to shield the body and then crafted clothing from animal pelts, helping her people resist the cold’s assault. This innovation marked the end of the era without clothing.

After Zhisheng fully imparted this knowledge to the tribe, a convergence of merit and virtue gathered above the humans by the Eastern Sea, descending upon her. Before she could fully comprehend, she absorbed this blessing, and her power soared from the early stage of the Golden Immortal to the perfected realm of the Great Dao Golden Immortal.

The other Twelve Ancestors, witnessing Zhisheng’s transformation, showed no envy but instead bowed with reverence. Upon reaching this pinnacle, Zhisheng understood many truths—realizing cultivation was a gradual journey. Since her advancement came from the merit she absorbed, she still needed to retreat into seclusion and adapt continuously.

“From now on, the tribe is entrusted to you all. I have suddenly gained much power and must retreat to adjust slowly—otherwise, it would hinder my further progress,” she said, summoning the other ancestors to entrust them with the people before withdrawing into seclusion.

Under their guidance, the human race continued to develop and flourish. Their numbers multiplied several times over in a short span. Yet, as new generations were born, fresh challenges arose.

“Why is our people’s progress so arduous?” one ancestor named Youchao pondered, noticing that the new generations were far weaker and more fragile than the robust and resilient first humans. Even a breeze or a touch of sunlight could be fatal to them.

Many newborn humans failed to adapt to their surroundings and perished prematurely. Concerned, Youchao began to study these new descendants closely, searching for the differences from the original humans.

Suddenly, a sigh echoed behind him.

“What troubles you now?” Youchao turned to ask.

“Many newborns have died today. If this continues, what will become of us?” came the heavy reply.

The pressure weighed heavily upon Youchao as he contemplated the despair of a future without a solution. Observing further, he saw that not only infants but adults, too, suffered from the venomous threats of beasts, snakes, and poisonous creatures.

Then, an image caught his attention—a bird diligently building a nest atop a towering tree, tending to a hatchling.

This sight sparked a revelation within Youchao. Soon, many humans watched as he gathered wood, branches, leaves, and wild grass.

“Youchao, what are you planning?” they asked.

With a faint smile, he replied, “Wait until I finish, and you will see.”

He climbed the tall tree, constructing a simple nest-like structure. Upon completion, the tribe suddenly understood: Youchao was creating a suitable dwelling for their people.

At that moment, merit gathered again above the humans. Having witnessed Zhisheng’s ascent, all recognized Youchao’s contribution as a monumental act for the tribe, thus receiving heavenly reward.

The merit split into two parts—one descended upon the newly built shelter, which then radiated golden light and transformed into a precious spiritual treasure, revered as the Human Ancestral Shrine.

The other part descended upon Youchao, whose aura surged, elevating him from Golden Immortal to the realm of Great Dao Golden Immortal.

Youchao then taught this knowledge to all his people. Later, he sought out caves and other suitable natural homes, providing the tribe with secure dwellings. After passing on these teachings, he, too, retreated into seclusion like Zhisheng.

With homes established, humanity entered a new era of growth and prosperity. Yet, as seasons changed and fruits became scarce, a new challenge emerged.

They witnessed weaker animals being devoured by stronger predators and soon entered an era of consuming raw meat and blood.

However, prolonged consumption of raw food brought illness; the raw flesh’s foul smell and harsh nature harmed their stomachs.

In this crisis, a wise and resilient ancestor stepped forward to change their fate.

While observing the environment, one day a bolt of heavenly lightning struck a dry branch, igniting it. Inspired, he preserved the flame with dry grass and discovered that roasting raw food improved its flavor and reduced illness.

He realized he had found a solution, ushering in the era of cooked food.

Yet, the flame often went out, and the problem remained unsolved. Thus, he continued searching.

One day, watching a woodpecker strike a piece of flint, sparks flew.

Suddenly enlightened, he gathered flint and branches to strike fire by friction.

When he successfully kindled flame this way, a profound transformation occurred within him. At the same time, a powerful blessing descended from the heavens, more potent than ever before.

Again, the merit split. One part was absorbed by this fire-bringing ancestor, who was thereafter revered as Suiren, the Fire Starter. He attained the perfected Great Dao Golden Immortal status.

The other part infused the fire itself, forging a wondrous treasure of merit—a flame that existed within the souls of all humans. As long as humanity endured, this sacred fire would never be extinguished.

Suiren taught all the people how to produce fire by friction. Later, the tribe discovered countless uses for flame—cooking, illumination, warmth, and even metal smelting.

After Suiren’s withdrawal into seclusion, another ancestor, a woman named Ziyi, emerged. She taught the people to weave silk, hemp fibers, and plant threads into suitable clothing.

Thus, the human race gradually stepped into a prosperous and powerful era.