Mortal

Mortals are born of their parents’ flesh and blood, grow up in the towns and countryside of the human world, and must pass through hunger, sickness, age and death. Without an immortal art to shield the body, a blade, a fire or a hard winter is enough to end a life.

Di Xin sat in the palace at Chaoge and could move the armies of the lords, and still had to rely on Wen Zhong, Huang Feihu and his other officers to fight. Ji Fa crossed at Mengjin in a chariot and armour, and marches, supply and walled passes could all halt the royal army.

Tang Sanzang, once he had left Chang’an, could neither ride a cloud nor fight a monster. He needed the white dragon horse to cross the mountains and Wukong, Bajie and Sha Seng at his side; the moment his disciples were gone, a mountain wind, a wild beast or a demon’s cave was enough to stop the journey.

The Investiture List taking a soul, an elixir extending a life, or the Buddhist gate granting an attainment can all change where a mortal ends; but until that change comes, they are held to the years of the human world and must walk their road one day at a time.