Lin Fan's Awakening

The encrypted communicator fell into a brief silence, only the faint crackling of static filling the air, as if processing the astonishing information Chen Jing had reported. After a moment, the steady, middle-aged male voice spoke again, his tone more solemn than before:

"Information received. The risk level for the 'Shelter' project has been synchronously elevated to 'Level B+'. The Economic Security Analysis team will intervene immediately to conduct in-depth monitoring and tracing analysis of target Lin Fan and his associated accounts. Observe and wait, avoid direct conflict. The primary task is to assess his capability boundaries and potential threat level. Report any new findings immediately."

"Understood," Chen Jing replied crisply, ending the call. She put down the communicator, rubbing her slightly aching temples, her gaze returning to the blurry profile of Tong Tian frozen on the screen. Level B+ risk... this was a level that could alarm the highest authorities, requiring joint assessment and response from multiple departments. A seemingly ordinary programmer, two "roommates" with mysterious identities and bizarre abilities; things were rapidly heading in the direction she least wanted.

"Team Leader, should we continue with routine monitoring?" a subordinate asked.

"Continue, but maintain maximum alert distance. Do not engage in any probing contact that might provoke a reaction unless absolutely necessary," Chen Jing ordered. "Focus on analyzing the behavior patterns and ability trigger mechanisms of Target Two (Tong Tian). Also, record and analyze all details of Target Three's (Nüwa) words and actions, including micro-expressions."

"Yes!"

The orders were quickly carried out. Inside the surveillance van, the atmosphere grew more tense and oppressive.

In the rented apartment, Lin Fan was still immersed in a state of extreme excitement and daze. He repeatedly refreshed his securities account page, staring at the profit figures that represented a year's worth of savings, feeling it was utterly unreal. A few minutes, just a few minutes! Tong Tian hadn't even moved from his yoga mat, merely browsed some information on a computer screen, and with a casual sentence, had changed his predicament from near bankruptcy.

This power completely surpassed his understanding of the word "ability." This wasn't effort, not skill, not even luck; it was a kind of... control at an almost foundational level?

He turned his head, looking at Tong Tian, who had resumed his meditative state, with complex emotions. At this moment, the Sage's aura was contained, his face serene, as if the earth-shattering "sword strike" just moments ago was merely him casually brushing dust off his clothes. But Lin Fan knew what terrifying energy lay beneath that calm exterior.

He then looked at Nüwa. Nüwa was gazing at him gently, a hint of understanding and reassurance in her eyes, as if saying, "See, there's no need to worry too much."

Lin Fan took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. After the initial elation came deeper reflection. Tong Tian's words echoed in his ears—"This kind of wealth-gathering technique is ultimately a minor art, disturbing the order of this realm's operation, and cannot be used frequently." This time, his intervention was to repay "karma," to resolve the "urgent crisis" that had arisen because of them.

What did this mean? It meant Tong Tian was not someone who acted recklessly. He had his own principles and bottom line, and he was aware that their presence could bring trouble to him, a "mortal." He was trying to maintain a balance in his own way, or perhaps, to resolve this "karma" that originated from him.

And Nüwa, from beginning to end, had shown compassion and gentleness. She was trying to adapt to this strange world and was doing her best to ease the conflict between Tong Tian and this world.

These two Sages from the Primordial Era didn't seem as completely detached from worldly affairs or as indifferent to mortals as he had initially imagined. They had their own pride, their own rules, but... they were reasonable? At least, they acknowledged the insignificant "shelter" he provided and were willing to bear responsibility for it.

This realization lessened some of Lin Fan's fear, replacing it with an ineffable sense of... being touched.

He was just an ordinary wage slave struggling at the bottom of society, toiling daily for a living, enduring his boss's difficulties and life's pressures, like countless ordinary people, tossed about in the torrent of the times, with little hope in sight. He had once thought his life's trajectory would be like this: save money, buy a house (perhaps never afford it), get married (if possible), and then continue to struggle for the next generation until the end of his life.

But the appearance of Tong Tian and Nüwa was like a light tearing through the dark reality, forcefully shoving a world beyond his wildest imagination, magnificent and dangerous, before him.

Dangerous? Undoubtedly. Being targeted by the authorities, harassed by thugs, possibly even attracting more unknown troubles.

But... besides danger and trouble?

He had witnessed the supreme sword intent contained within their eyes, experienced the Sage's method of "determining profit and loss with a single word," and felt the warmth and inclusiveness of Goddess Nüwa, like that of Mother Earth. These were all real, undeniable powers, miracles that surpassed mortal understanding.

What if... what if he could grasp this "opportunity"?

No longer just passively "sheltering" them, providing food and lodging, and handling troubles, but... could he gain something from them? Something that could change his own humble destiny?

This thought ignited like a wildfire, impossible to extinguish once it had started.

He remembered the Xianxia novels he read as a child, where protagonists often stumbled upon opportunities, received guidance from a master, embarked on the path of cultivation, and thus transformed themselves, living lives of righteous vengeance. He had dismissed them as mere fantasies before, but now, two living, legendary Sages were right beside him!

Master Tongtian, Lord of the Intercepting Sect, Supreme of the Sword Dao! Even if he had lost all his magical power now, his understanding of the "Dao," his comprehension of the "sword"—how precious was that wealth? Even a sliver of it leaking from his fingers would likely be enough for a lifetime!

Goddess Nüwa, Mother of the Human Race, controller of creation! Even if her divine powers were not apparent now, could her understanding of life and creation bring him some enlightenment?

Even setting aside those profound cultivation matters, just the information processing and analysis capabilities Tong Tian had displayed earlier—if he could learn even a fraction of it, in his career... no, even in any field requiring wisdom and insight, he would likely stand out.

Lin Fan's heart began to pound violently again, but this time, not from fear, but from the growth of an emotion called "ambition."

He no longer wanted to return to his past life of being at the mercy of others, with no hope. He didn't want to tremble at his manager's reprimand anymore, nor lose sleep worrying about gains or losses of a few thousand yuan.

These two before him were the biggest, and possibly the only, chance he had to change his destiny!

Risk and opportunity coexist. He understood this principle. To gain something, one must bear the corresponding risks. Being monitored, investigated, possibly facing even more unknown dangers... but compared to what he might gain, these risks seemed... worth taking?

Lin Fan's gaze gradually shifted from confusion and fear to determination.

He stood up, not bothering to tidy the mess of takeout containers on the table. Instead, he walked to the center of the room and bowed deeply to Tong Tian and Nüwa.

This action made Nüwa slightly surprised, and even Tong Tian, who had his eyes closed in meditation, twitched his brow almost imperceptibly.

"Senior Tong Tian, Goddess Nüwa," Lin Fan said, looking up, his tone sincere and carrying an unprecedented solemnity, "Thank you both for your... timely assistance. Lin Fan is deeply grateful."

Nüwa said softly, "Little friend Lin Fan, there's no need for such formality. This is what my senior brother should do to resolve your predicament."

Tong Tian did not open his eyes, merely stating indifferently, "The karma has been settled."

"No, Senior," Lin Fan shook his head, his tone firm, "The karma is not settled."

Tong Tian finally opened his eyes, his deep gaze falling on Lin Fan, with a hint of inquiry. Nüwa also showed a look of interest.

Lin Fan took a deep breath and honestly explained the thoughts he had just organized: "Senior said this intervention was to repay the karma of sheltering you. But Senior and Goddess residing here is itself a tremendous karma. The meager help I provided is nothing compared to the 'opportunity' that Senior and Goddess have brought..."

He paused, then continued, "Before, I was merely accepting passively, filled with unease, unsure if it was a blessing or a curse. But now, I understand. Meeting Senior and Goddess is a fortune Lin Fan has cultivated over several lifetimes. I do not want to, nor am I willing to, miss this chance."

"Therefore," Lin Fan bowed again, this time deeper, "Lin Fan presumes to implore Senior and Goddess to allow me to continue to follow your side! Not just to provide this humble dwelling as a place of refuge, but I truly hope to have the opportunity to... serve you, and listen to your teachings! Whatever risks or difficulties lie ahead, Lin Fan is willing to bear them all, and will never regret it!"

His voice was not loud, but every word was clear, carrying a resolve of burning bridges.

A brief silence fell upon the room.

Nüwa looked at Lin Fan, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes. This young junior, after experiencing initial panic and the blow of reality, had not been crushed. Instead, in a very short time, he had seen through the situation and made an extremely bold yet wise choice. His disposition and decisiveness were indeed extraordinary.

Tong Tian quietly observed Lin Fan, his eyes, capable of piercing the void, seeming to see through him from the inside out. He did not answer immediately, as if weighing the true significance of Lin Fan's words and contemplating the deeper karmic entanglement that would follow.

Lin Fan maintained his bowed posture, his heart pounding in his chest, awaiting the verdict of fate.

After a long while, Tong Tian finally spoke slowly, his voice revealing no hint of emotion: "Do you know what it means to follow us? The authorities of this realm are already suspicious and are secretly watching. Our origins are extraordinary, and future troubles will surely not be few. Perhaps powerful enemies will track us here, and this realm is not absolutely safe. You, a mere mortal, with the slightest carelessness, could face utter annihilation."

His words were cold and direct, making no attempt to hide the dangers ahead.

Lin Fan looked up, his eyes showing no sign of retreat. "I know the road ahead is dangerous. But I don't want to be an ordinary person like before, mediocre and without hope. Even if there's just a sliver of a chance to glimpse the world the seniors inhabit, to experience a different kind of scenery, I'll accept it even if the path is perilous! I beg seniors to grant my wish!"

His gaze was fervent, filled with a yearning to change his destiny.

Tong Tian and Nüwa exchanged a glance. Nüwa nodded slightly.

Tong Tian looked back at Lin Fan, his tone still calm, but with a hint less of his previous aloofness. "Since you have this resolve, so be it. However, do not expect me to teach you like a typical master, spoon-feeding you. Whether you gain anything depends on your own fortune."

This was... an acceptance!

Lin Fan was ecstatic, almost wanting to jump for joy, but he forced himself to suppress it and bowed deeply again. "Thank you, seniors! Lin Fan understands! I will not disappoint you!"

He knew that Tong Tian had made it clear he wouldn't teach him hand-in-hand like a traditional master. But just being able to stay by their side, to observe and feel from up close, was an immeasurable opportunity in itself! Moreover, since Tong Tian had tacitly agreed to him "following" them, would he really stand by and watch his "own person" get into trouble at a critical moment?

"Get up," Nüwa said gently, a soft smile on her face. "It is good that you have this heart. From now on, we are family, no need for such formality."

Family... Lin Fan's heart warmed. This feeling of being recognized made his nose sting. In this cold city, he hadn't felt the warmth of "home" for a long time.

"Yes, Goddess Nüwa," Lin Fan stood up, feeling energized. He looked at the small rented room, his mindset completely changed. This was no longer just a temporary, cramped dwelling, but a starting point, a starting point towards infinite possibilities!

He immediately got to work, efficiently clearing the takeout trash from the table and tidying up the room. Since he had decided to "follow," he had to show his value. Taking care of the two Sages' daily needs and handling trivial matters was what he could do for now.

Watching Lin Fan's busy and energetic figure, Nüwa transmitted her thoughts to Tong Tian (a direct mental exchange that Lin Fan could not perceive). "Senior Brother, this child's disposition is acceptable. He is not an unreliable 'anchor'."

Tong Tian responded indifferently, "Let's see how he fares. The laws of this realm suppress us too much. Our recovery is nowhere in sight. Having a mortal who knows the ropes and is willing to serve to handle chores will indeed save a lot of trouble. As for how far he can go, it depends on his opportunities and comprehension."

Nüwa nodded and said no more.

After tidying the room, Lin Fan looked at the empty refrigerator and the dwindling instant noodles. He touched the bank card in his pocket, its balance significantly "better" thanks to stock market profits, and he had a plan.

"Master Tongtian, Goddess Nüwa," he said respectfully, "there isn't much food left at home. I plan to go to the supermarket to buy some groceries and daily necessities. Do you two... have any special requests? Or, is there anything you'd like to try?"

Since the financial crisis was temporarily resolved, he couldn't let the two Sages eat instant noodles and takeout every day. Especially Goddess Nüwa, Lin Fan felt it was sacrilegious to treat her with those "heavily tainted" foods.

Nüwa's eyes showed interest at his words. "Supermarket? Is that where this realm's beings gather to trade all sorts of creations? May I accompany you? I have long wished to observe the daily lives of this realm's beings."

She wanted to see for herself how the humans of this era lived and traded.

Lin Fan hesitated, looking at Tong Tian. Were there officials watching outside? Would it be... if Goddess Nüwa went out like this?

Tong Tian didn't even lift his eyelids. "If Sister wants to go, then go. Ignore any minor surveillance."

His tone was filled with an arrogant confidence.

Nüwa also smiled. "It's fine, I have my own discretion."

Seeing that both Sages agreed, Lin Fan stopped worrying. That's right, with these two here, as long as it wasn't an army with tanks, it would probably be fine. Besides, letting Goddess Nüwa experience modern society might be a good thing.

"Alright, we'll leave shortly," Lin Fan agreed.

Just then, Tong Tian spoke again, addressing Lin Fan. "Come here."

Lin Fan was startled and walked to Tong Tian as instructed.

Tong Tian raised his hand, and at the tip of his index finger, a faint, almost invisible sharpness that made Lin Fan's soul tremble quietly condensed. It wasn't tangible sword energy, but a trace of extremely pure, extremely condensed sword intent essence!

Before Lin Fan could react, Tong Tian's finger struck his forehead like lightning!

"Buzz--!"

Lin Fan felt a roar in his mind, as if something had been forcibly opened! Countless fragmented, chaotic, yet containing some supreme profundity "images" and "understandings" poured into his consciousness like a bursting dam! Those fragments were too advanced; he couldn't comprehend even a fraction of them, but they were truly imprinted in the depths of his memory, mainly concerning the most basic yet fundamental methods of "calming the mind," "observing oneself," and "sensing energy" (even though there was almost no energy to sense here)! There were even some about the most rudimentary "straight," "fast," and "sharp" intentions of "sword"!

The process was extremely brief, lasting only an instant. Tong Tian's finger retracted.

Lin Fan staggered back two steps, leaning on the table to steady himself. His head throbbed, but his spirit felt a strange sense of "clarity," as if a dusty mirror had been wiped clean at a corner.

"This is the basic chapter of the Supreme Clarity Heart-Cleansing Mantra and a sliver of sword dao true intent seed," Tong Tian said calmly. "Meditate daily according to this to strengthen your soul and awaken your nature. Whether you can enter the threshold and grasp a trace of true meaning depends on your aptitude. This is not accepting you as a disciple, but payment for your future errands."

Lin Fan clutched his still slightly throbbing forehead, but immense joy surged within him! It was here! It had finally come!

Although Tong Tian said this wasn't accepting him as a disciple but merely payment, for Lin Fan, it was the dream-like beginning he had longed for! The Supreme Clarity Heart-Cleansing Mantra! A sword dao true intent seed! These were methods personally passed down by a Sage! Even if it was just the most basic things, their value was immeasurable!

"Thank you for the grace of your teaching, senior!" Lin Fan's voice trembled with excitement as he bowed again. This time, it was a genuine respect from the heart, like that of a disciple to a master.

Tong Tian waved his hand, closed his eyes again, and paid him no further attention.

Nüwa watched from the side, her smile deepening. Senior Brother said he wouldn't spoon-feed him, but his actions were by no means hesitant. Directly imparting basic methods and sword intent seeds through divine sense, this starting point was higher than most beings with profound origins in the Primordial Era. It seemed Senior Brother was not entirely indifferent to this child.

Lin Fan suppressed the urge to try cultivating immediately, knowing he had important matters to attend to. He firmly memorized the profound incantations and the sword intent seed, feeling his entire life filled with light.

He first went to the bathroom and washed his face with cold water to calm himself completely. Looking at his eyes in the mirror, which seemed a little brighter than before, he clenched his fist.

Resolve... This was his resolve. From today onwards, he, Lin Fan, was no longer an ordinary salaryman. He had embarked on another path, a path full of unknowns and dangers, but also full of infinite possibilities.

After composing himself, Lin Fan walked out of the bathroom and said to Nüwa, "Goddess Nüwa, shall we go?"

"Okay," Nüwa rose gracefully, still in her elegant plain dress, which did not seem out of place at all.

Lin Fan thought for a moment, then found a baseball cap he had bought before to look cool but rarely wore, and a pair of non-prescription glasses. He handed them to Nüwa. "Goddess, it might be a bit sunny outside, and there are many eyes around. Could you please cover yourself a bit?"

Nüwa's beauty and aura were too outstanding. If she walked out like this, the rate of people turning to look would be one hundred percent. He didn't want any more unexpected trouble.

Nüwa looked at the hat and glasses, seeming to find them amusing. She accepted them readily, imitating Lin Fan's actions, putting on the hat and placing the glasses on her nose. Although it still couldn't completely conceal her peerless grace, it was at least less shocking.

Lin Fan glanced at Tong Tian, who was still in meditation. "Master Tongtian, you..."

"I will remain here," Tong Tian said indifferently.

Lin Fan no longer insisted, and left with Nüwa.

As expected, when they walked out of the apartment building, Lin Fan could clearly feel at least three gazes, subtly fixed on them from different directions. But his mindset had changed; he pretended to be oblivious and led Nüwa towards the large supermarket near their residential area.

Nüwa was filled with curiosity about everything around her. She looked at the endless stream of cars, the towering buildings that reached the clouds, the hurried pedestrians, and the dazzling array of goods in shop windows... Her eyes held amazement, inquiry, and a faint, indescribable sadness.

"The Human Race of this realm has multiplied and prospered to such an extent..." she murmured, "The buildings are so high they could touch the clouds; the speed of iron chariots far surpasses swift horses; the craftsmanship of their tools is endless. Yet, the beings here rush about, their faces often weary, and their eyes... lack a certain peace."

She could see that the Human Race of this era had achieved unimaginable accomplishments in material terms compared to the Primordial Era, but on a spiritual level, they seemed to bear immense pressure, lacking the ancient people's resonance with nature and their contented tranquility.

Lin Fan nodded in agreement, "Indeed, the pace of life is too fast, and the pressure is too great. Many people are just struggling to survive and forget to stop and appreciate the scenery."

Nüwa nodded slightly, saying no more, and instead observed the descendants of the race she had personally created, now so utterly unfamiliar, with even greater scrutiny.

Upon entering the supermarket, Nüwa was further astounded by its immense scale, the abundance of goods, and the throng of people. She looked at the mountains of food and daily necessities piled high on the shelves, at people freely selecting items with their shopping carts, and at the orderly queues at the checkout counters...

"So abundant... yet so..." She seemed to be searching for the right words, "...ordered. Everything has a price, everything follows a procedure."

This was a world apart from her memory of the early Human Race bartering, living in tribes, and sharing their prey.

Lin Fan pushed the shopping cart, acting as a guide and explainer, introducing Nüwa to the uses of various products. Nüwa listened intently, showing particular interest in the fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, and cereals. She would pick up an item now and then, carefully sensing its faint vital energy.

"Although the spiritual energy in this realm is scarce, all things still grow according to the principles of creation," she said softly, picking up a bright red apple. "It's just... missing a bit of the original spiritual essence."

She even developed a great interest in the fresh food section of the supermarket. Looking at the fish and shrimp swimming in the tanks, and the chickens and ducks in cages awaiting slaughter, her eyes showed compassion.

"To take their life force to sustain oneself... this is the way of the world's cycle. However, if one holds reverence and takes only what is needed, it is acceptable," she sighed softly. "I only fear... excessive greed and boundless taking."

Lin Fan listened from the side, nodding to himself. Goddess Nüwa was truly the Mother of Earth; her understanding of life and nature was far beyond that of ordinary people.

The shopping trip went smoothly. Lin Fan bought plenty of high-quality rice, flour, vegetables, meat, and fruit, deciding to cook for themselves more often to ensure the two Sages ate healthily. He also specifically bought some nice-looking tea for Tong Tian and... a few packs of instant noodles in different flavors (after all, that ancestor seemed to have a fondness for them).

At checkout, seeing the not-insignificant total, Lin Fan felt no heartache, but rather a sense of fulfillment. Being able to use the money he earned (with Tong Tian's help) to improve the lives of his "family" felt good.

However, just as they were leaving the supermarket with their bags full, disaster struck!

A disheveled old Daoist priest, wearing a dirty robe, with hair like a bird's nest and reeking of stale sweat, suddenly appeared from nowhere and blocked their path directly in front of Nüwa and Lin Fan!

The old Daoist looked deranged, holding a tattered banner with the crooked characters "Iron-Mouthed Predictions" written on it. He glared with cloudy eyes, which occasionally flashed with a sharp glint, staring intently at Nüwa and muttering to himself:

"Eh? Strange! Strange! This female benefactor... you, this aura on you... it's wrong! It's wrong! Not human, not ghost, not immortal, not god, compassionate salvation, containing creation... How is this possible?! Who are you?! No! You're not even..."

His words were disjointed, but they struck Lin Fan like thunder!

This old Daoist, who looked like a con artist... he could actually see Nüwa's extraordinary nature?!

Lin Fan's alarm bells went off, and he instinctively wanted to pull Nüwa away quickly.

And Nüwa, the moment she was stopped by the old Daoist, her usually gentle and serene eyes showed an extremely grave expression for the first time! She could sense that beneath the frail body of this seemingly mad old Daoist, there seemed to be a trace of an extremely faint, yet incredibly pure and ancient... Dao rhythm? Moreover, there was a hint of a familiar aura from the Primordial Era on him, one that even made her feel a sense of recognition!

Seeing that Nüwa didn't answer, the old Daoist became even more agitated. He reached out as if to grab Nüwa's wrist, wanting to get a clearer look: "Let this humble Daoist have a closer look! Who exactly are you..."

Just as his dirty hand was about to touch Nüwa--

Nüwa, who had been quietly by Lin Fan's side, suddenly had an indescribable majesty flash in her eyes!

There was no light, no burst of aura.

But the old Daoist's hand stopped an inch from Nüwa's sleeve, as if it had hit an invisible, soft yet indestructible wall, unable to advance any further!

The mad expression on the old Daoist's face instantly froze, replaced by extreme shock and horror! He stumbled back three steps, pointing at Nüwa, his lips trembling. As if he had seen something unbelievable, after a long pause, he finally squeezed out a trembling sentence from his throat:

"Heavenly Dao... does not permit?! You... you guys... are you leaking over from 'over there'?!!"

At these words, Nüwa's expression completely changed!

And Lin Fan, though he didn't understand what "over there" specifically referred to, the words "Heavenly Dao does not permit" instantly chilled him to the bone. A sense of immense crisis washed over him like ice water!

This mad old Daoist... he knew?! He knew Nüwa and Tong Tian's origins?!

Trouble, bigger trouble, had arrived!