With Fuxi and Nuwa joining the Demon Clan and temporarily occupying high positions, they could cultivate using the Heavenly Court's fortune while also, to some extent, delaying the immediate outbreak of an all-out war between the Witch and Demon Clans. This bought Li Cha precious breathing room. The Tribulation of Calamity had begun, heavenly secrets were shrouded in Chaos, and he did not have much time left.
At Yun Hua Grotto-Heaven, after receiving Fuxi's voice transmission, Li Cha prepared to depart. This time, spreading the Dao differed from before. The Southern Realm was remote and desolate, its environment complicated, and with the Tribulation of Calamity's influence, it was unsuitable to travel with great fanfare. He brought only Mo Ran, the most steady among his disciples and protected by auspicious radiance. All the other disciples, including the enlightened living beings, were strictly ordered to remain in the grotto-heaven, cultivate diligently, guard their Dao Hearts, and not leave, lest they be tainted by tribulation qi.
Only Wu Zhiqi, restless and unruly by nature, became frantic when he heard his master was traveling far away without taking him. He leaped about in agitation, clutching Li Cha's sleeve and refusing to let go.
"Master! Take me with you! I promise I'll behave! The southern wilderness is full of strange beasts. My iron rod can clear the way for you!"
Li Cha looked at this troublesome disciple and felt both annoyed and amused. He knew Wu Zhiqi possessed excellent potential, but his temperament still needed tempering. This journey south held too many uncertainties; bringing him along would only cause trouble.
"Your temperament is impetuous, and with tribulation qi before us, trouble can easily arise. Stay in the grotto-heaven and cultivate in seclusion. Only when the lake of your heart is clear as a mirror may