Lin Fan's Awakening

There was a brief silence on the other end of the encrypted communicator. Only the faint crackle of static could be heard, as though the person there was digesting the astonishing information in Chen Jing's report. A moment later, the steady voice of the middle-aged man spoke again, more grave than before:

"Information received. We've raised the risk level of the 'Shelter' project to Level B+. The Economic Security Analysis Team will get involved immediately and conduct in-depth monitoring and trace analysis of Lin Fan and his associated accounts. Observe the situation and avoid direct confrontation. The top priority is to assess the limits of his abilities and the level of threat he poses. Report any new findings immediately."

"Understood." Chen Jing replied crisply and ended the call. She set down the communicator and rubbed her aching temples, then looked again at the frozen image on the screen: the blurred profile of Tong Tian. A Level B+ risk... This was already serious enough to alarm the highest levels and require a joint assessment by multiple departments. A seemingly ordinary programmer, two "roommates" with mysterious identities and bizarre abilities—the situation was rapidly sliding in the direction she least wanted to see.

"Chief, should we continue routine surveillance?" one of her subordinates asked.

"Continue, but maintain the greatest possible distance and avoid any probing contact that might provoke them unless absolutely necessary," Chen Jing ordered. "Focus on analyzing Target Two's (Tong Tian's) behavior patterns and the triggers for his abilities. Also, record and analyze every detail of Target Three's (Goddess Nüwa's) words and actions, including her microexpressions."

"Yes!"

The orders were carried out immediately. The atmosphere inside the surveillance van grew even tenser and more oppressive.

Back in the rented apartment, Lin Fan remained immersed in a state of mingled exhilaration and daze. He refreshed his securities account over and over, staring at the profit figure—the kind of money it would have taken him a whole year to save—and found it almost impossible to believe. A few minutes. Just a few minutes! Tong Tian hadn't even left the yoga mat. He had merely browsed some information on a computer, then casually said a few words—and Lin Fan's desperate financial predicament had been turned around.

This kind of power was entirely beyond his understanding of the word "ability." It wasn't hard work, skill, or even luck. It was... a kind of control that reached almost to the level of the rules themselves?

He turned and looked at Tong Tian, who had resumed meditating, his expression complicated. The aura around this Saint was now completely withdrawn, and his face was calm, as though the earth-shattering "sword strike" from moments ago had been nothing more than brushing some dust off his sleeve. But Lin Fan knew what terrifying power lay beneath that tranquil exterior.

Then he looked at Nüwa. She was watching him gently, with a knowing, reassuring look in her eyes, as if to say, "See? There's no need to worry too much."

Lin Fan took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. After the elation came more profound reflection. Tong Tian's words still rang in his ears: "Such methods of amassing wealth are ultimately minor tricks. They disrupt the order of this world and must not be used too often." He had acted this time to repay a "debt of karma" and resolve the "urgent crisis" they had caused.

What did that mean? It meant Tong Tian wasn't someone who acted recklessly. He had his own principles and bottom lines, and understood clearly that their presence might bring trouble to this "mortal." He was trying, in his own way, to maintain a balance—or, perhaps, to settle the "connection" that had arisen because of him.

And Nüwa had shown nothing but compassion and gentleness from beginning to end. She was doing her best to adapt to this unfamiliar world and to ease the conflict between Tong Tian and the world around them.

These two Saints from the Primordial Era didn't seem to be as completely detached from the mortal world, or as dismissive of mortals, as he'd first imagined. They had their pride and their own rules, but they also... reasoned with people? At the very least, they had accepted the paltry "shelter" he offered and were willing to take responsibility for it.

This realization eased much of the fear in Lin Fan's heart, replacing it with a hard-to-describe feeling of... being moved.

He was just an ordinary office drone struggling at the bottom of society. Every day, he scrambled to make a living, endured the unreasonable demands of his superiors and the pressure of life, and drifted along in the torrent of the times like countless other ordinary people, unable to see much hope. He had once thought his life would probably follow the same path: save money, buy a home (if he could ever afford one), get married (if that was even possible), then keep working for the next generation until the end of his life.

But Tong Tian and Nüwa's arrival was like a ray of light ripping through his bleak reality, forcing a world of breathtaking wonder and danger—one far beyond his imagination—right in front of him.

Was it dangerous? Without a doubt. The authorities were watching him, thugs were harassing him, and even more unknown trouble might come their way.

But... what was there besides danger and trouble?

He had seen the supreme sword intent hidden in Tong Tian's eyes with his own eyes. He had witnessed the Saint's power to "determine profit and loss with a single word." He had felt the warmth and acceptance of Goddess Nüwa, like that of Mother Earth. These were real, undeniable powers—miracles that transcended mortal understanding.

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

Instead of merely "sheltering" them, providing food and lodging and dealing with their troubles, could he... gain something from them? Something that could change his lowly fate?

The thought caught fire like a wildfire, and once it had started, it could never be extinguished.

He remembered the xianxia novels he'd read as a child. The protagonist would often receive a fortuitous opportunity, be instructed by an expert, and embark on the path of cultivation, transforming himself and living freely, settling scores as he pleased. He had once considered it nothing more than a fanciful dream. But now, two living Saints from legend were right beside him!

Master Tongtian, leader of the Interception Sect, supreme master of the sword! Even if he had lost all his magic power, how precious was his understanding of the Dao and his insight into the sword? Even a tiny fragment slipping through the gaps between his fingers would probably benefit Lin Fan for the rest of his life!

Goddess Nüwa, mother of the Human Race, wielder of the power of creation! Even if her divine abilities were not apparent now, could her understanding of life and creation bring Lin Fan some kind of enlightenment?

Even setting aside those abstruse matters of cultivation, just the way Tong Tian had processed and analyzed information moments ago—if Lin Fan could learn even a little of that, he could stand out in his career... no, in any field requiring intelligence and insight.

Lin Fan's heart began pounding violently again, but this time it wasn't fear. It was an emotion called "ambition" taking root.

He didn't want to return to his old life, where he was at everyone's mercy and could see no hope. He didn't want to tremble whenever his manager scolded him or lie awake with anxiety over a few thousand yuan.

These two were the greatest opportunity he could seize—perhaps the only one he would ever get—to change his fate!

Risk and opportunity went hand in hand. He understood that. To gain something, he had to bear the risks that came with it. Being watched and investigated, perhaps even facing dangers he couldn't predict... but compared with what he might gain, those risks seemed... worth taking.

The confusion and fear in Lin Fan's eyes gradually gave way to resolve.

He stood up. Rather than clean the mess of takeout containers from the table, he went to the center of the room and bowed deeply to Tong Tian and Nüwa.

Nüwa looked slightly surprised by the gesture. Even Tong Tian, whose eyes were closed as he regulated his breathing, moved his brow almost imperceptibly.

"Senior Tong Tian, Goddess Nüwa," Lin Fan said as he raised his head. His voice was sincere, and he spoke with a gravity he had never shown before. "Thank you both for... helping me just now. I'm deeply grateful."

Nüwa said gently, "There's no need for such formalities, young friend Lin Fan. My senior brother did what he ought to do to help you out of your predicament."

Tong Tian didn't open his eyes. He merely said, "The karma has been settled."

"No, Senior," Lin Fan replied, shaking his head firmly. "It hasn't."

Tong Tian finally opened his eyes. His deep gaze settled on Lin Fan, carrying a hint of curiosity. Nüwa also looked intrigued.

Lin Fan took a deep breath and honestly shared the thoughts he had just sorted out. "Senior, you said you acted this time to repay the karma of being taken in. But your and the Goddess's presence here is itself a tremendous karmic connection. The meager help I've offered is nothing compared to the... 'opportunity' you two have brought me."

He paused, then continued, "Before, I was just passively accepting it, anxious and unsure whether it was a blessing or a curse. But now I've made up my mind. Meeting you both is a blessing Lin Fan could only have earned over several lifetimes. I don't want to—and can't—let this chance pass me by."

"So," Lin Fan bowed again, even lower this time. "I'm bold enough to ask you both to let me continue following you! I don't only want to offer this humble room as a place to stay. I hope to have the chance to... serve you and learn from you! Whatever dangers or hardships lie ahead, I'm willing to shoulder them all. I won't regret it!"

His voice wasn't loud, but every word was clear, filled with the resolve of someone burning his bridges.

The room fell silent for a moment.

Nüwa looked at Lin Fan, and a hint of approval flickered in her eyes. After experiencing his initial panic and the blows of reality, this young man hadn't been crushed. Instead, in a remarkably short time, he had assessed the situation and made a bold yet shrewd choice. His temperament and decisiveness were indeed unusual.

Tong Tian simply looked at Lin Fan. His eyes, capable of seeing through the void, seemed to examine him from head to toe. He didn't answer immediately, as though weighing the sincerity of Lin Fan's words and considering the deeper karmic entanglements they would bring.

Lin Fan remained bowed, his heart thudding in his chest as he waited for fate to pass judgment.

After a long while, Tong Tian finally spoke. His voice revealed no emotion. "Do you know what following us entails? The authorities of this world have grown suspicious and are watching us in secret. Our origins are extraordinary, so there will surely be no shortage of trouble in the future. Perhaps powerful enemies will track us down, and this world may not be entirely safe either. You are a mere mortal. One careless step, and your body and soul may be destroyed."

His words were cold and direct. He made no attempt to conceal how treacherous the road ahead might be.

Lin Fan raised his head, showing no hesitation. "I know the road ahead is dangerous. But I don't want to go on living as an ordinary nobody with no hope, the way I did before. Even if there's only the slightest chance of coming into contact with the world you belong to, of experiencing something beyond the ordinary, then no matter how dangerous the road is, I accept it! Please grant my request, Senior!"

His gaze burned with a longing to change his fate.

Tong Tian and Nüwa exchanged a glance. Nüwa gave a slight nod.

Tong Tian looked at Lin Fan again. His tone remained calm, but some of the distance in his earlier manner had faded. "Since you have come to this realization, then you may follow us. However, do not expect me to guide you personally, as ordinary teachers do. Whether you gain anything will depend on your own fortune."

He had... agreed!

Joy surged in Lin Fan's heart, and he almost jumped for delight, but he forced himself to contain it and bowed deeply once more. "Thank you, Senior! I understand. I won't disappoint you!"

He knew Tong Tian had made himself clear: he wouldn't teach him hand in hand like a traditional master. But just staying by their side, watching them and sensing their presence up close, was already an invaluable opportunity! Besides, since Tong Tian had tacitly agreed to let him "follow," surely he wouldn't stand by and watch Lin Fan, one of his own, suffer when it mattered?

"Rise," Nüwa said warmly, a gentle smile on her face. "It's good that you feel this way. From now on, we're family. There's no need for such formalities."

Family... Warmth spread through Lin Fan's heart. He felt a sting in his nose. He hadn't felt the warmth of a "home" in a long time, not in this cold city.

"Yes, Goddess Nüwa." Lin Fan stood up, feeling full of energy. He looked around the cramped rented apartment, but his state of mind had completely changed. It was no longer merely a temporary, cramped place to stay. It was a starting point—a starting point that led to infinite possibilities!

He immediately got to work, briskly clearing the takeout trash from the table and tidying the room until everything was in order. Now that he had decided to "follow" them, he had to prove his worth. Looking after the two Saints and taking care of everyday chores were things he could manage for now.

Watching Lin Fan bustle about with such energy, Nüwa sent a telepathic message to Tong Tian (a direct mental exchange that Lin Fan couldn't perceive): "Senior Brother, this young man has a decent temperament. He could be a reliable 'anchor.'"

Tong Tian replied blandly, "We'll see how things go. The laws of this world suppress us too severely; it will be a long time before we recover. Having a mortal who knows the situation and is willing to help take care of everyday matters will indeed spare us a great deal of trouble. As for how far he can go, that will depend on his opportunities and comprehension."

Nüwa nodded and said no more.

Once he had finished tidying the room, Lin Fan looked at the empty refrigerator and the few instant noodle packs that remained. He touched the bank card in his pocket, its balance now looking much better thanks to his stock market gains, and made up his mind.

"Senior Tong Tian, Goddess Nüwa," he said respectfully, "we're running low on food at home, so I'm planning to go to the supermarket and buy some groceries and daily necessities. Do you two need anything in particular? Or is there anything you'd like to try?"

Now that their financial crisis had temporarily been resolved, he couldn't keep letting the two Saints eat instant noodles and takeout every day. Especially Goddess Nüwa—Lin Fan couldn't help feeling that serving her food so "heavy with turbid energy" would be sacrilegious.

At the mention of it, interest appeared in Nüwa's eyes. "A supermarket? Is it a place where all kinds of goods are traded in this world? May I go with you? I've long wished to observe the daily lives of its people."

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

Lin Fan hesitated and looked at Tong Tian. The authorities had people watching outside. Would it be all right for Goddess Nüwa to go out like this?

Tong Tian didn't even lift his eyelids. "If Junior Sister wants to go, then go. There's no need to care about a little surveillance."

His tone brimmed with confidence, as though nothing in the world mattered.

Nüwa smiled as well. "It's all right. I know what I'm doing."

Since the two Saints had said so, Lin Fan stopped worrying. That was right— with these two here, unless the military showed up in tanks, there probably wouldn't be a problem. Besides, it might be good for Goddess Nüwa to experience modern society.

"Then let's head out in a little while," Lin Fan said with a nod.

Just then, Tong Tian spoke again. "Come here."

Lin Fan was startled but walked over to him as instructed.

Tong Tian raised his hand. At the tip of his index finger, a strand of sharpness so faint it was almost invisible quietly coalesced. Yet Lin Fan's soul trembled at its presence. It wasn't tangible sword energy, but a wisp of pure, condensed sword intent in its most essential form!

Before Lin Fan could react, Tong Tian's finger darted forward like lightning and touched the space between his brows!

"Vmmm—!"

Lin Fan felt a roar in his mind, as if something had been forcibly opened! Countless fragmented, chaotic images and insights, each concealing some supreme mystery, flooded into his consciousness like a bursting dam! They were far too profound for him to understand even one ten-thousandth of them, but they were truly imprinted deep in his memory. Most of them concerned the most basic, yet most fundamental, methods of "calming the mind," "looking inward," and "sensing energy" (though there was almost no energy to sense here). There were even a few simple ideas about the sword: "straight," "fast," and "sharp"!

The process was extremely brief, lasting no more than an instant. Tong Tian withdrew his finger.

Lin Fan staggered back two steps and caught himself on the table. His head throbbed, but his mind felt strangely clear, as if a corner of a dusty mirror had been wiped clean.

"This is the basic chapter of the Supreme Clarity Heart-Cleansing Mantra, along with a seed of true sword intent," Tong Tian said calmly. "Meditate each day according to these instructions. It can strengthen your spirit and clarify your mind. Whether you can master it and comprehend even a hint of its truth depends on your aptitude. This is not a lesson. It is compensation for the work you will do for us."

Lin Fan held his still-aching forehead, but immense joy welled up inside him! It was here! It had really happened!

Although Tong Tian said this wasn't the beginning of a master-disciple relationship and was merely payment for his help, to Lin Fan it was already the first step he had dreamed of taking! The Supreme Clarity Heart-Cleansing Mantra! A seed of sword intent! These were methods personally imparted by a Saint! Even the most basic techniques were beyond measure in value!

"Thank you, Senior, for imparting your teachings!" Lin Fan was so excited that his voice trembled. He bowed again. This time, the reverence was heartfelt, like that of a disciple toward his master.

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

Nüwa watched from the side, her smile growing deeper. Her senior brother said he wouldn't personally instruct Lin Fan, but he certainly hadn't held back. Directly pouring foundational techniques and a seed of sword intent into his mind—this was a far higher starting point than most beings with impressive origins in the Primordial Era had received. It seemed her senior brother wasn't entirely indifferent to the young man after all.

Lin Fan suppressed the urge to try cultivating immediately. He knew there were still important things to do. He committed the abstruse techniques and seed of sword intent firmly to memory, feeling as though his whole life had filled with light.

He went to the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face, bringing himself fully back to his senses. Looking at his reflection, at eyes that seemed a little brighter than before, he clenched his fists.

Awakening... this was his awakening. From today on, he, Lin Fan, was no longer an ordinary office drone. He had set out on another path—a path filled with the unknown and danger, but also with infinite possibilities.

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

"Very well." Nüwa stood gracefully. She was still wearing the same simple, elegant long dress, but it didn't look out of place at all.

Lin Fan thought about it, then found a baseball cap he had bought to look cool but rarely wore, along with a pair of plain, nonprescription glasses. He handed them to Nüwa. "My lady, it may be sunny outside, and there are a lot of people around. Perhaps you could cover up a little?"

Nüwa's appearance and bearing were far too striking. If she went out like that, everyone would turn to stare. Lin Fan didn't want to invite any more trouble.

Nüwa looked at the cap and glasses, seeming to find them amusing. She accepted them happily, put on the cap the way Lin Fan had, then perched the glasses on her nose. Her peerless beauty was still hard to hide, but at least she no longer looked so startling.

Lin Fan glanced at Tong Tian, who was still meditating. "Senior Tong Tian, you..."

"I'll stay here," Tong Tian said blandly.

Lin Fan didn't try to persuade him. He went out with Nüwa.

Sure enough, as soon as they left the building, Lin Fan could clearly feel at least three gazes discreetly watching from different directions. But his frame of mind had changed. He simply pretended not to notice and led Nüwa toward the large supermarket near the Residential Complex.

Nüwa was curious about everything around her. She watched the endless stream of cars, the buildings that towered into the clouds, the hurried pedestrians, and the dazzling array of goods in shop windows... Her eyes held wonder and curiosity, along with a faint, indescribable sadness.

"The Human Race of this world has multiplied and flourished to such an extent..." she murmured. "The buildings are so tall they nearly touch the clouds; the iron vehicles travel far faster than steeds; ingenious devices appear in endless variety. And yet, everyone hurries along, weariness etched on their faces, with... less peace in their eyes."

She could see that the Human Race of this age had achieved material prosperity beyond anything the Primordial Era could have imagined. But on a spiritual level, they seemed to bear enormous pressure, having lost something of the ancient people's harmony with nature and simple contentment.

Lin Fan felt much the same. "That's right. Life moves too fast, and the pressure is too great. Most people are scrambling just to survive and have forgotten to stop and take in the scenery."

Nüwa nodded slightly and said no more. She simply observed these descendants of the people she had once created, a people who had now become so utterly unfamiliar to her.

Inside the supermarket, Nüwa was even more astounded by its sheer size, its abundance of goods, and the crowds jostling shoulder to shoulder. She looked at the mountains of food and household goods stacked on the shelves, the shoppers freely choosing items as they pushed their carts, and the orderly lines at the registers...

"So abundant... and yet so..." She seemed to search for the right word. "...orderly. Everything has a price, and everything follows a process."

It was worlds apart from the scenes she remembered: the Human Race's earliest days, when people bartered, lived together in clans, and shared their prey.

Lin Fan pushed the shopping cart and acted as her guide, explaining the uses of the various products. Nüwa listened intently. She was particularly interested in the fresh vegetables and fruit, grains, and other staple foods. Every so often, she picked something up and carefully sensed the faint vitality within it.

"Though the spiritual energy in this world is scarce, all things still grow in accordance with the principles of creation," she said softly, picking up a bright red apple. "It simply lacks some of its original spiritual essence."

She was especially interested in the fresh food section. As she watched the fish and shrimp swimming in tanks and the chickens and ducks waiting to be slaughtered in cages, compassion shone in her eyes.

"To take their life to nourish our own is part of the cycle of heaven and earth. But if one can remain reverent and take only what is needed, there is no harm in it." She sighed softly. "I only fear that greed will grow too strong, and that people will take without restraint."

Lin Fan nodded quietly beside her. No wonder Goddess Nüwa was the Mother of Earth. Her understanding of life and nature far surpassed that of ordinary people.

The shopping went smoothly. Lin Fan bought plenty of good-quality rice, flour, vegetables, meat, and fruit, deciding that from now on he would cook for himself whenever possible and make sure the two Saints ate more healthily. He also specially bought some nice-looking tea for Tong Tian and... a few packs of instant noodles in different flavors (after all, this old master seemed to have developed a taste for them).

When it was time to pay, Lin Fan didn't feel the slightest pinch at seeing the sizable total. Instead, he felt satisfied. It felt good to use money he had earned himself (with Tong Tian's help) to improve the life of his "family."

But just as they walked out of the supermarket carrying their bags, something unexpected happened!

An old Daoist in a filthy robe, with hair like a bird's nest and a sour stench clinging to him, darted out of nowhere and stepped directly in front of Nüwa and Lin Fan!

He looked deranged and held a tattered banner in his hand, with four crooked characters written on it: "Iron-Mouthed Predictions." His cloudy eyes occasionally flashed with a gleam of sharpness as he stared straight at Nüwa, muttering to himself:

"Eh? Strange! How strange! This lady... You, this aura of yours... something's wrong! Something's very wrong! Neither human nor ghost, neither immortal nor deity, a compassionate savior, creation hidden within... How is this possible?! What divine being are you?! No, you're not..."

His words were incoherent, yet they exploded in Lin Fan's ears like a thunderclap!

This old Daoist, who looked like a con man... could actually see that Goddess Nüwa was extraordinary?!

Alarm bells rang in Lin Fan's mind. Instinctively, he wanted to pull Nüwa away and leave at once.

The instant the old Daoist blocked her path, the gentle, tranquil look in Nüwa's eyes turned grave for the first time! She could sense that beneath the old Daoist's frail exterior lay a thread of Dao rhythm that was incredibly faint yet incomparably pure and ancient. What was more, his presence carried a hint of something familiar even to her—the aura of the Primordial Era!

When the old Daoist saw that Nüwa wasn't answering, he grew even more agitated. He reached for her wrist, as if trying to get a closer look. "Let this poor Daoist take a good look! What exactly are you..."

Just as his filthy hand was about to touch Nüwa—

Nüwa, who had been standing quietly beside Lin Fan, suddenly revealed an indescribable majesty in her eyes!

There was no light, and no burst of imposing aura.

Yet the old Daoist's hand stopped an inch from Nüwa's sleeve, as though it had struck an invisible wall, soft yet indestructible. He couldn't move it forward another fraction.

The crazed look on the old Daoist's face froze. In its place came utter shock and terror! He stumbled back three steps and pointed at Nüwa. His lips quivered, as though he had seen something impossible. After a long moment, he finally forced a trembling sentence from his throat:

"Heaven's will... rejects you?! You... you people... slipped through from 'the other side'?!"

At those words, Nüwa's expression changed completely!

Lin Fan didn't understand exactly what "the other side" meant, but the words "Heaven's will rejects you" made his whole body turn cold. A tremendous sense of danger poured over him like icy water!

This crazy old Daoist... he knew?! He knew where Nüwa and Tong Tian had come from?!

More trouble—far greater trouble—had arrived!