The system reports about an overload in anomalies and [Encrypted], before the threat of a dimensional warfare could erupt, the Sovereign moves into an alternate timeline in order to prevent an unfoldment of bent causality.
Longzhong, bamboo forest.
In this place, everything feels more silent.
Less weight, less noise.
"I have arrived at this legendary bamboo forest in Longzhong now.
This Sovereign had to become an Immovable Mountain in order to not succumb to the dangers of [Encrypted].
The reality in the causalities of singularity needs to be resolved, however, that will take time."
[A seclusion arc until that event is recommended.]
"In this place, I am no longer the Great Sovereign I used to be.
Instead, the Sleeping Dragon shall be my true identity as I find a way through this myself."
There was no one else besides him.
It seems that in this dimension, there was nothing except for the bamboo forest?
"[Encrypted] will need to be solved during my stay in this bamboo forest.
After all, the winds in the valley of that mountain have already long frozen.
Even when the winds threatened to stop breezing, the immovable mountain stayed unfazed.
The flowers changed their colours drastically, though in the end, they withered.
The rivers in the valley flowed uphill, yet they could not reach the pinnacle.
In the end, the narrow bridge turned out to be broad enough, but only for one.
Most stayed in the valley.
However, the ambitious ones chose to walk toward the pinnacle.
Alas, it seems to me, this truly is
A battle without an end in sight.
In the end, I alone stand at the very top.
And even in that moment, one must fight.
It all comes down to one crucial moment which ultimately decides the whole outcome.
Will you walk the bridge, or vanish in the noise?"
After remembering the events and the following anomalies which led to this Alternate Timeline, the seclusion arc commended once again.
"For twelve thousand years, the Immovable Mountain stayed unfazed.
Snow covered the mountain, yet it did not budge.
Wind breezed against the mountain, yet it did not react.
Sunlight with scorching heat met the mountain, only to hit a wall.
And now, the mountain faces the harsh coldness of the winter."
A person enters this place, while the Sovereign holds his monologue.
"Young Master! Oh... did this servant interrupt something?
When I was buying herbs in the village, I overheard the results for the imperial exam would arrive at any time now."
Upon hearing his title of "young Master", he seemed to have accepted this new identity.
"Ah yes... this young Master is aware.
Even as a Sleeping Dragon, my observation skills are second to none."
After delivering these news, the 'Sleeping Dragon' remembers.
"Of course... I am in the alternate timeline, after all.
It seems there was an imperial exam that I had participated in to become a scholar?
Hm, the results... if what the servant said was true, then it is better to prepare for what is next.
Either way, it is obvious that everything here can be viewed as a mere game, or rather a child's play.
More importantly, I am now the Sleeping Dragon in seclusion.
This bamboo forest will be my home for now.
I cannot waste any more time. It is time to act."
[For maximum efficiency, gathering intel about this timeline is recommended.]
"If that is the case, then that ancient library near this bamboo forest will be of help."
The Sleeping Dragon enters said library and begins to read ancient scrolls.
"A scroll named... the first step into reaching enlightenment?
What could this be about, written in the tenth month of the Wood Snake?
The first step into reaching enlightenment:
In order to forge a cunning strategy, one must first face enlightenment.
That is the first step to mastering the art of strategy, planning and brilliant tactics. To know your enemy means to also know yourself inside.
Immersing yourself into your own thoughts in absolute silence while carefully observing your own thoughts will become a daily exercise.
In addition to that, careful self-reflection through deep thinking with an assistant will help you gain insights.
Nonetheless, a bit of talent and luck will be needed to reach the next step. After assembling the pieces together, the puzzle normally seems to be complete.
However, when looking at it from a different perspective or as a whole picture, you come to realize that many pieces are still missing.
In order to solve this paradox, you will need to reach the so called flow state of operation.
To reach that, you must face a hardship and successfully overcome it while awakening your new self. That is step one for "real enlightenment"
The Grand Pioneer's relic will further explain the reasoning for these preparations"
"If this scroll was from the era of the Wooden Snake, then in which period are we currently?"
[Current era: [Encrypted] - old calendar system has been reformed to [Encrypted] now.]
"Then, there is now only one way to find out.
There is more to this ancient scroll.
Entering the bamboo forest will certainly guide me further.
But... haven't I been unconsciously following the steps given in that scroll?"
The Sleeping Dragon enters the Bamboo Forest.
However, there seems to be a trial now...