Chapter 1367
"A seed planted in the earth—no one knew whether it would break through the soil and grow strong into a towering tree, or rot beneath the ground and slowly decay into mud.
"What you gave was opportunity, but also restraint; support, but also shackles. I am grateful for those opportunities—they allowed me to grow—but I must also face those seeds that rotted in the soil before they could take root and sprout."
Xu Chunniang looked directly at the master of the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, her gaze steady and unwavering.
"What I seek is not merely an increase in cultivation, but breakthroughs and elevation of the heart. If I lose the bottom line and principles of being human, then the achievements and cultivation you speak of are nothing more than castles in the air to me—illusory and unreal.
"I, Xu Chunniang, have devoted myself to the Dao. Since I underwent Qi Introduction at the age of eight, I have never slacked in my cultivation. The Dao I cultivate is the road beneath my own feet. Your so-called arrangements and guidance are merely a few stones I have stepped upon along my path of cultivation."
The master of the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion remained silent for a long while before finally letting out a soft sigh.
"Well said. As expected of the person with the greatest achievements among the sixteen hundred chess pieces I selected. Since that is the case, I will not force you."
She stretched out her hand, and a tiny walnut appeared in her palm.
"This is my sincerity. That little mouse who has followed you for years is inside this Walnut World. I hope our cooperation from here on will proceed smoothly."
Xu Chunniang stared at the walnut in the master of the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion's hand