Fènghuáng

Today is April 31st, 2226.

A date on the Zhongli calendar.

Planet earth has entered the fourth epoch of the Oppenhamer era, which is part of the Quaternary Period within the Cenozoic Era of the Phanerozoic Eon. This epoch on planet earth was characterized by a relatively stable climate, allowing for the development of human civilization and the establishment of agricultural practices. It should have a time of peace, prosperity and tranquility for humanity, from the miracle moment of birth, a rite of passage for all humans during this epoch. Unfortunately, the inhabitants of the planet created their own destruction, and the near destruction of the planet’s environment.

Fenghuang was the exception.

These earthbound human inhabitants with their history or mastery of science; they had clasped the double-edged sword of scientific know how from its early green shoot’s foundations into the age of persecution of new knowledge and widespread ignorance by the masses during the Middle Ages and Islamic times. The weighty knowledge of self-destruction had been safeguarded by golden texts. Away from the illiterate eyes of masses, but perhaps the ignorant were not as unknowing as it seemed. Intuitively, they understood the ultimate truth: too much knowledge kills. Through the Renaissance and Scientific Revolution age, and into the Golden era the knowledge grew. Finally, the advent of the final paradox, the Oppenhamer era, where the equal scales of full knowledge, yet worldly destruction gave the human inhabitants God-like power, but without the societal conscious or equal power of responsibility to become peaceful loving guardians of their home planet and its natural living species.

The romance of science was missing; no matter what stage in its evolution, it was always missing key facts, that life was minuscule and precious; an eternal miracle unique in the entire universe. Understanding and acceptance, rather than destructively breaking it apart to gain supreme power, was the pathway to true enlightenment and longevity.

This epoch coincided with the fourth rise of Fenghuang, which according to written scriptures of the Manhattan Project, will see the rising from the ashes of the next and final great empire in the east, where the setting sun shines on those most blessed before returning the next day in the west.

Fenghuang is situated in the ancient province of Xiangxi Tuija and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, in the southwest of Hunan Province. Fenghuang had always been revered by the Chinese people. This ancient town of Phoenix or Fenghuang is located within this province, and its importance in China is represented by the large golden star on the flag of China. The four smaller stars on the flag of China represent the ancient myth that China will rise from the ashes four times. The ancient town of Fenghuang is also known as the most beautiful ancient town for its long and ancient history and well-preserved appearance. The name of Phoenix (Phoenix in Chinese Pinyin is Fenghuang) town is derived from the nearby Phoenix Mountain, as its profile is shaped like a phoenix bird. Especially, in the new light of the western dawn.

It was the Phoenix Mountain that saved human civilization, as the rest of the planet earth became inhospitable, a graveyard for all living species. Torched by the cataphoric nuclear war.

Xaio and Wei sat together by the fading light of the setting sun, silently witnessing a beautiful multi-coloured sky, with the descending orb of the sun glaring bright before disappearing beneath the horizon. The majestic sun: owner of the solar system and still shining as brightly as ever. For the longest time a silent witness to both vibrant life, and wanton self-destruction on planet earth. Unknown to the two observers, the ozone layer of the planet was fractured, and remained unsustainably thin, only the energy field of the Fenghuang Mountain kept the inhabitants alive and miraculously supported life in an ozone-like bubble with enough oxygen trapped inside to sustain surviving life. The energy from within the mountain could neutralize whatever aggressive, destructive and live threatening forces that were pitched against it.

But, as the ancient prophecy stated, this was the fourth and last time.

They both wore googles, and none of their skin was exposed to the outside air. They were from a generation that lived in the dark shadows of Oppenhamer era. They had seen pictures of the metal birds which took to the skies and obliterated the rest of the planet. What remained of humanity now lived in the bowels of Fenghuang mountain.

“Wonderful sunset tonight.” Wei interrupted the heavy silence without taking his eyes away from the horizon.

“Yes – if we didn’t wonder at it before, only with the passing years, and nowadays with no other distractions, does old age makes one appreciate it all, even more.” Replied Xaio.

“Our days are numbered, and yet we have seen so much. Enough for a hundred’s of lifetimes my dear friend Xaio.” Sighed Wei.

“The new generations are scared. They cower inside the Fenghuang sanctuary, forever frightened to venture outside, always worried about the poisonous air. You and I knew about the safe limits from day one, the ancient markings on the town’s walls. Gradually, over time earth will heal itself and those limits will expand each day. Then what will happen?” Xaio said with a flicker of emotion.

“They lack faith. Remember Xaio, these are the children and generation of Fenghuang, children from organized birthing programs, never knowing their true parents, institutionalized from birth. Any adventurous spirit, any sign of aggressive tendencies is treated like a disease in our new society. Passivity is rewarded. It’s all designed to never make the same mistakes. The old ways must never happen again.” Wei mused.

“But you and I know the old days wasn’t all that bad.” Xaio countered.

“That’s right. It was amazing growing up in this town, with this amazing river, the Phoenix Mountain, and of course the great wall. There were always tourists from all over China, wondering about the myths of Fenghuang. Worshiping the gods of Pheonix Mountain, walking the great wall, which was built for all of China. A wall, a pathway which led to sanctuary of the guardians of Pheonix Mountain. No matter what happened in the world, we lived next to the protection of Pheonix Mountain. We knew we were always safe, as the ancients had been protected so many years before.” Wei was reminiscing.

“It makes you think Wei, about the question of life and these so-called brilliant scientists over the years, trying to break things apart, trying to prove theories. Did it really make any difference to the world? These people are partly responsible for the near annihilation of all living species, trying to break the planet. Why weren’t they clever enough to stop the devil genie from escaping its eternal imprisonment. Maybe, they were too clever for their own good. They should have trusted their instincts, rather than prying about, trying to prove how things work in the natural world, then we wouldn’t have the mess we are now in.” Xaio said angrily.

“You have been listening to too many Lǐngdǎo Lee lectures, his policies are now the number law of the Fenghuang people. Rule one: To find out how something works in nature, keeping it to themselves, using it for their aims and advantages and not reporting it to Fenghuang Zhèngquán is a blasphemy against humanity.” Quoted Wei.

“You and I are old enough, wise enough to know it is bound to happen.” Mused Xaio

“What is bound to happen? Wei asked.

“The fifth and final time.” Answered Xaio.