In the ancestral master’s quiet chamber, the True Man, upon hearing that the Master wished to speak with him about matters concerning the calamity of tribulations, dared not be negligent or careless.
He bowed deeply to the Master and listened attentively.
The Master said, “Child, today I will speak with you about the calamity of tribulations. But first, tell me what you know regarding the matters related to these tribulations.”
The True Man replied, “Master, your disciple only knows that one tribulation lasts one hundred twenty-nine thousand six hundred years. This is the number at which Heaven and Earth reach their end. Once this number passes, Heaven and Earth will perish. This is called one tribulation.”
The Master nodded with a smile. “What you say is correct. This indeed is one tribulation. But after this tribulation passes and Heaven and Earth perish, with all things silent and void, what do you think should happen then?”
The True Man did not answer immediately.