All things return to one

Five years after the altar incident, Dawa has grown into a 21-year-old young man. He chooses to become a traveling doctor, using his medical skills to serve the grassland herders like his father, while carefully using his abilities to help those in need.

One spring morning, Dawa brought back disturbing news.

"I found this in the valley to the north." He placed a glowing crystal on the table. It felt as if a nebula was flowing within the crystal, emitting a familiar energy of time and space.

Tashi Phuntsok took the crystal, his expression suddenly solemn: "This is... a fragment of the primordial light."

Qi Diao Yanfei gently touched the crystal and felt a faint but clear fluctuation of consciousness within it: "It's calling for help."

That night, the three returned to the valley with the crystal. To their surprise, the valley was filled with similar crystals, scattered on the grass like stars, forming a huge pattern - the shape of the Mirror of Balance.

When Qi Diao Yanfei placed the crystal in her hand into the center gap of the pattern, all the crystals simultaneously emitted a strong light. In the light, the figure of the Origin of Light slowly condensed, but it was weaker than ever before.

"Thank you for answering my call." The voice of the First Light was like a candle in the wind. "My era... is about to end."

In the ensuing story, they learned a shocking truth: the Observer Council had split. The Control faction, led by the Primordial Eye, had staged a coup and imprisoned members who supported free will. At the last moment, the Primordial Light had split into countless fragments, escaping across time and space, and the crystal they held was one of the largest.

"The Control Faction plans to reboot the universe," First Light explained weakly. "Not to destroy it, but to reformat it. They will erase all traces of free will and return the universe to a fully controllable state."

Dawa asked in shock: "This means..."

"This means that all life will lose the right to choose and become puppets." The figure of the Origin of Light began to flicker. "But I see hope—you. Among countless experimental subjects, only you have proven the value of free will. Now, I need your help."

Tashi Phuntsok asked cautiously, "What kind of help?"

"Find the other fragments, reassemble my consciousness. Then...become the new Observer in my place."

This proposal caused the three to fall silent. Becoming an Observer meant transcending time and space and controlling the laws of the universe, but it also meant losing one's mortal identity and becoming a supreme being.

Qi Diao Yanfei was the first to shake her head: "We have chosen to live an ordinary life, and this decision will not change."

The Primordial Light seemed to have anticipated this answer. "Then the second option: Help me activate the 'Oneness of All Things' protocol. That will completely sever this universe's connection with the observer, allowing all life to gain complete freedom. But the price is... I will cease to exist."

Dawa asked softly, "Is there no other choice?"

"There's one more." The voice of the First Light was barely audible. "Do nothing and wait for the Control Faction to format the universe. Then I will still disappear, and all life will lose its freedom."

The three of them looked at each other and saw each other's decisions.

"We choose the second option." Tashi Phuntsok answered on behalf of the whole family.

The Origin of Light showed a relieved expression: "I knew you would choose this. Now, listen to me..."

Guided by the Primordial Light, they embarked on a journey to find the fragments. This time, unlike previous journeys, they no longer traveled through time and space, but instead searched for scattered crystals within the present. Each crystal contained a portion of the Primordial Light's consciousness and memories, and also recorded a fragment of the universe.

During their search, they witnessed countless miracles of life:

On the top of the snowy mountain, they found crystals that recorded how a snow lotus blossomed beautifully despite struggling against the harsh environment;

Deep in the desert, another crystal shows how the camel thorn found wisdom in surviving despite lack of water;

In the secret rainforest, they discovered crystals that recorded the symbiosis and prosperity of various creatures;

Even in the corners of the city, they found crystals that demonstrate the creativity of human civilization...

"Every life, every choice is a proof of freedom." Qi Diao Yanfei sighed when he collected the 100th crystal.

Dawa pondered, "Perhaps this is what the Origin of Light wants to tell us—freedom does not lie in the size of one's ability, but in the right to choose."

A month later, they had collected enough crystals to activate the protocol. Following the instructions of the Primordial Light, they returned to the valley and arranged all the crystals into a complete Mirror of Balance pattern.

When the last crystal fell into place, the entire pattern shone brightly. The figure of the Primordial Light condensed once more, but this time it was more solid, as if it had regained some of its strength.

"It's time," said the First Light, "but before that, I want to show you something."

With a wave of its hand, the pattern of the Mirror of Balance turned into a huge projection screen, showing the truth of the universe:

This universe is indeed the creation of the observer, but unlike other experimental universes, life here displays unprecedented creativity. From single-celled organisms to complex civilizations, from primitive emotions to profound wisdom, life in this universe constantly exceeds the observer's expectations.

The love between Qidiao Yanfei and Tashi Phuntsok is the epitome of this transcendence. They prove that even in a designed experimental environment, free will can blossom into the most beautiful flowers.

"Now," said the Primordial Light, "activating the protocol requires three steps. First, someone needs to sacrifice their own spacetime essence as the activation energy source. Second, someone needs to guide the energy flow to ensure the correct execution of the protocol. Finally, someone needs to protect the newborn universe to prevent interference from the control faction."

Tashi Phuntsok understood immediately: "You want us to..."

"No," the Primordial Light interrupted him, "I will complete the sacrifice. This is my final contribution to this universe. But I need your help in guiding and protecting it."

The process of launching the agreement was more difficult than expected.

When the Primordial Light began to sacrifice itself, the entire universe felt a tremor. Strange streaks of light appeared in the sky, the earth trembled slightly, and all living things looked up at the sky at the same moment, as if sensing some momentous change.

Qi Diao Yanfei was responsible for directing the energy flow. Standing at the center of the Mirror of Balance, she mobilized all her mental energy to ensure the energy of the Primordial Light flowed evenly to every corner of the universe. The process was excruciating, as if countless needles were piercing her consciousness simultaneously, but she gritted her teeth and persevered.

Tashi Phuntsok and Dawa were in charge of the defense. They set up a protective barrier around the valley to ward off the disruptors sent by the control faction. These disruptors appeared in various forms: sometimes black shadows, sometimes twisted monsters, and sometimes even clones of people they knew.

"Hold your ground!" Tashi Phuntsok shouted to his son. "We can't let them interrupt the ceremony!"

Dava displayed astonishing abilities. Not only was his defense impenetrable, but he also pinpointed the weaknesses of the disruptors and exploited them one by one. In battle, he seemed a completely different person, his eyes gleaming with wisdom and determination beyond his years.

Just as the agreement reached its most critical moment, the greatest crisis arose. The projection of the Eye of Origin descended upon the valley, its power far surpassing any previous disruptor.

"Foolish traitor!" The Eye of Origin roared, "Do you think sacrificing yourself can save these experimental subjects?"

The Primordial Light had become almost transparent during the sacrifice, but it still answered firmly: "They are not experimental subjects, they are proof of the miracle."

The Eye of Origin launched its attack. A destructive wave of energy barreled straight towards Qi Diao Yan Fei. If struck, not only would the agreement fail, but her consciousness would also be completely dissipated.

At this critical moment, Dawa made a move that shocked everyone. He jumped in front of his mother and blocked the attack with his body.

"No!" Qi Diao Yanfei and Zhaxi Pingcuo exclaimed at the same time.

But surprisingly, Dawa was not destroyed. His body emitted a soft light, and he actually absorbed and transformed the attack from the Eye of Origin.

"This is impossible!" The Eye of Origin showed a shocked expression for the first time.

Dava calmly replied, "You forget that I was born with free will. My essence is an existence that you cannot understand or control."

Under Dawa's protection, Qi Diao Yanfei completed the energy channeling, and Tashi Pingcuo also strengthened the protective barrier. The sacrifice of the Primordial Light entered its final stage.

"Goodbye, my friends." The final voice of the Primordial Light echoed in their consciousness. "Thank you for helping me understand the meaning of life. Now, this universe truly belongs to you."

With a flash of indescribable light, the Primordial Light completely dissipated. However, its consciousness did not disappear, but instead transformed into the fundamental law of the universe—the law of free will.

The Eye of the Primordial roared in anger, but its projection began to dissipate. Without the Primordial Light as an anchor, it could no longer intervene in this now-free universe.

When everything returned to calm, the three of them sat down on the ground exhausted. All the crystals in the valley had lost their luster and turned into ordinary stones.

"We... succeeded?" Qi Diao Yanfei couldn't believe it.

Tashi Phuntsok sensed the changes in the universe and said, "Yes, it worked. I can feel that some kind of restraint has disappeared."

Dawa's face was serious: "It's not over yet."

He pointed to the sky. There, a tiny crack slowly widened. Through it, they saw a shocking sight—countless universes floating like bubbles in a sea of ​​nothingness, and their universe was breaking away from it.

"That is..." Qi Diao Yanfei opened her eyes wide.

"Other experimental universes," Dava said softly. "The sacrifice of the First Light not only liberated us, but also set an example for other universes. They are also seeking freedom."

As Dawa had said, they saw similar changes beginning to occur in other universes. In some universes, the collective consciousness of life was awakening; in others, individuals were breaking through their limitations; in still others, civilizations were achieving a leap forward...

“Freedom is contagious,” Tashi Phuntsok said with emotion.

As their universe slips completely out of the reach of the observers, the three feel a connection they've never felt before—not with higher-dimensional beings, but with all life in the universe.

They can feel the breath of every blade of grass on the grassland, hear the voice of every living being, and understand the uniqueness of each consciousness. This connection is not control, but understanding; not domination, but empathy.

"This is true freedom," Qi Diao Yanfei said with tears streaming down her face. "It's not about doing whatever you want, but about coexisting with all things."

On their way home, they discovered that the world had subtly changed. The colors were brighter, the sounds were clearer, and even the air was fresher. It was as if the universe was celebrating its own liberation.

That night, the family of three sat under the redwood tree again. The starry sky was brighter than ever, and every star seemed to be winking at them.

"Dad, Mom," Dawa said suddenly, "I've decided to leave for a while."

Qi Diao Yan Fei was startled: "Where are you going?"

"Go help the other universes." Dava's eyes were firm and clear. "The First Light sacrificed itself, but the work is not yet done. The other universes still need help."

Tashi Phuntsok nodded in understanding: "Is this your choice?"

"Yes," Dava smiled, "This is my choice of my own free will."

The next morning, Dawa packed his simple bag and said goodbye to his parents. In the morning sun, his figure seemed to blend into the world.

"No matter where you go," Qi Diao Yanfei said with tears in her eyes, "remember, this will always be your home."

Tashi Phuntsok handed his son a talisman: “Carry this with you, it will remind you of the essence of freedom.”

When Dawa's figure disappeared on the horizon, Qi Diao Yanfei leaned on her husband's shoulder and cried softly.

"He's grown up," Tashi Phuntsok comforted her, "and he made his own choice. Isn't this what we've always hoped for?"

Qi Diao Yanfei nodded and wiped away her tears: "Yes, this is his choice. And we..."

“And we,” Tashi Phuntsok continued, “will continue the life we ​​have chosen. Ordinary, but real.”

Hand in hand, they returned to the cabin and began a new day. Life on the grassland continued as usual: herding, treating illnesses, performing sky burials... But in each ordinary moment, they felt a deep sense of freedom.

That night, Qi Diao Yanfei wrote down his final insights on the last page of "Poetry Biography of Tsangyang Gyatso":

“I don’t seek transcendence or envy of immortality, I just want to be real every day.

Freedom is not in the distance, but in every choice.

Everything returns to oneness like a dream, only this moment is the most real.

Holding your hand, we will grow old together, and I will not let you down in this life."

Closing the book, she gazed out the window at the starry sky. There, countless universes were awakening, countless lives were learning to be free. And she and Tashi Phuntsok would continue to live the ordinary lives they had chosen in this universe they had helped to free.

Because the true miracle lies not in controlling the universe, but in cherishing every ordinary moment; true freedom lies not in transcending limitations, but in finding meaning in limitations.

And this is the ultimate truth of the unity of all things.