Part 34: Reverend Insanity

Ren Zu said, “I want freedom and to get rid of fate’s shackles. After that, I can go wherever I want to go and be with whomever I want to be forever.” The birds berated him, “You humans are destined to be alone; all gatherings will end up in separation. Oh human, you want to pursue freedom, but you also need to abide by your nature; you should not indulge in wild fantasies.” Ren Zu said, “I want freedom and to get rid of fate’s shackles. I will possess countless delicacies and wines, endless wealth, and all kinds of comfortable and beautiful clothes.” The beasts ridiculed him, “But you humans were born with empty hands and will pass away with nothing. Oh human, you want to pursue freedom, but you also need to abide by your nature; you should not indulge in wild fantasies.” Ren Zu said, “I want freedom and to get rid of fate’s shackles. I will breathe freely and live on forever; I want eternal life.” The fishes rebutted, “But you humans are destined to have no relation with eternal life; you will die of old age and illnesses. Oh human, you want to pursue freedom, but you also need to abide by your nature; you should not indulge in wild fantasies.” Ren Zu was puzzled. Ren Zu was disgruntled. Ren Zu was irritated. Ren Zu became insane. “Why can’t I have the same thoughts?” “Why can’t a human be together forever with their loved ones?” “Why can’t a human live life without worries and have endless wealth?” “Why can’t a human have eternal life?” “Because fate does not allow it.” “Because it does not allow, therefore I cannot do it?! I cannot even think about it?!” “On what basis!?” “On what damned basis?”

“On what basis am I not allowed to think about it?”

“On what basis is eternal life forbidden?!” “If such pursuit makes me demonic.” “Then let me become a demon!”