Inside the "King of Strength" club, news that Gong Gong had punched the strength tester and soundly defeated the foreign strongman "Bear" Carl spread across the internet like a virus, sparking even wider discussion and attention. Although the authorities and platforms had tried to rein in the buzz, deleting some of the more outrageous videos and posts, the reputation of the "mysterious giant Gong Gong" had already taken off. He had even sparked a trend of pursuing extreme strength.
But inside the rented apartment, it was as if they lived in another world.
After several days of deep recovery, Goddess Nüwa had not only fully restored her depleted mind and Dao rhythm, but seemed to have gained a deeper understanding of how her own power could merge with the laws of this world. The aura around her had grown more rounded and natural. The vitality of creation that sprang from her source no longer occasionally spilled out of her control as it had at first; instead, it was restrained and steady, like breathing. She still immersed herself in "creation" every day. The paintings in her sketchbook grew ever more vivid and lifelike, while her clay sculptures became increasingly realistic and brimming with spirit.
Tong Tian kept to his usual routine, spending most of his time at the computer "studying" this world's knowledge, while his divine sense enveloped the area, alert for any potential threats. In his eyes, the commotion Gong Gong had caused was no more than ants at play. As long as it did not spill over to this place, he could not be bothered to interfere. His attention was focused instead on analyzing the subtler auras that were trying to spy on them—especially "Dark Shadow," who had recorded Gong Gong's fight earlier and later appeared in the building across the street.
Lin Fan kept swinging between excitement and anxiety. He was excited because Gong Gong's high salary had eased their financial strain considerably; he no longer had to worry about rent and food for all four of them, himself included. But he was anxious because the more conspicuous Gong Gong became, the more attention he attracted. The threatening text and the "Dark Shadow" watching them from the shadows had lodged in his mind like a thorn.
He brought his concerns up with Tong Tian and Nüwa again.
Tong Tian merely replied coldly, "We'll deal with soldiers when they come and block water when it arrives." His words brimmed with absolute confidence in his own strength.
As she gently shaped a charming little clay qilin with her fingers, Nüwa said warmly, "Fortune conceals misfortune, and misfortune leans on fortune. Lin Fan, since you have embarked on this path, you must face it with a calm heart. Improving yourself is the only way to handle change."
Her voice had a strange soothing power, and Lin Fan's restless heart gradually settled. That was right. Worrying was useless; he could only grow stronger.
He trained even harder in the Supreme Clarity Heart-Cleansing Mantra, and his sense of that sliver of sword intent grew ever clearer. Although he still could not control it, his spiritual power was undeniably growing and becoming more refined.
However, the tree might wish for stillness, but the wind would not cease. The peace at their "shelter" was bound to be short-lived.
One day, Zhou Wenyuan came to visit again. Unlike last time, when he had been full of fervor and possessiveness, this time his face bore a mixture of excitement, astonishment, and deep reverence.
"Master Nüwa! Mr. Lin!" As soon as Zhou Wenyuan entered, he bowed deeply to Nüwa and Lin Fan, his manner even more humble than before.
"Mr. Zhou, what's the matter?" Lin Fan asked, puzzled.
Zhou Wenyuan straightened up, his face flushed with excitement. "Master! It's miraculous! Truly miraculous!" he said incoherently. "I... after I brought home your Orchid Grass Painting, I didn't put it away in storage. I hung it in a quiet spot in my study. I'm ashamed to admit that in recent years, I've been so busy with worldly affairs that my mind is constantly agitated. I've suffered from insomnia and vivid dreams for a long time, and the treatments I've tried have barely helped. But ever since I hung your painting, whenever I feel restless, I only need to sit quietly and look at it for a while before I feel a cool, calming energy flowing through me, soothing my mind. These past few days, I've slept wonderfully well and felt full of vigor, as if I were ten years younger!"
The more he spoke, the more excited he became. "This is absolutely not a placebo! My wife suffers from migraines. Sometimes, when she sits in the study for a while, her headaches ease considerably! Your work can no longer be described as 'art.' It's... it's a 'sacred object' imbued with the energy of life!"
Lin Fan understood. Goddess Nüwa's paintings contained the Dao rhythm of creation, with the power to calm the mind and nourish vitality. Naturally, they had a remarkable effect on ordinary people worn down in body and mind. Zhou Wenyuan had been fortunate enough to experience their wonders.
Nüwa was not surprised. She only smiled faintly. "Plants and trees have spirits; a tranquil heart can perceive them. It is only because your heart was sincere that you drew out a trace of calm from the painting."
"Master, you're too modest!" Zhou Wenyuan waved his hands repeatedly. Then his expression grew even more solemn. "Master, besides coming to thank you, I also have a request. It is an impertinent one, so I hope you will consider it."
"Speak freely."
Zhou Wenyuan took a deep breath and looked eagerly at the "breath soil" sculpture on the windowsill, which radiated a gentle Dao rhythm, as well as several of Nüwa's recently completed clay sculptures, all brimming with spirit—a crane and a qilin among them. He spoke carefully. "I know full well that these 'sacred objects' imbued with your supreme Dao rhythm cannot be measured by worldly money. I would never presume to claim ownership of them again. But... would you allow me to find people who truly appreciate and will properly cherish one or two of your less 'essential' works?"
Seeing that Nüwa remained calm and did not immediately refuse, he hurriedly added, "I absolutely have no intention of profiting from this! I only want to share your 'grace of creation' with more people in need. Just as the Orchid Grass Painting benefited me, if your work could help others burdened by worldly affairs or illness, wouldn't that be a boundless merit? As for the proceeds... I won't keep a single cent. I'll give it all to you, as my way of helping spread your 'Dao rhythm'!"
He put it beautifully, both elevating Nüwa and making clear that he was not acting for personal gain, but to "spread merit."
Lin Fan's heart stirred as he listened. He would give her all the proceeds? Zhou Wenyuan was really willing to pay a steep price—or perhaps he had truly been won over by Nüwa's "miracles" and wanted to cling tightly to her.
Nüwa fell silent for a moment. Money meant nothing to her, but Zhou Wenyuan's words about "helping people in need" and "merit" struck a chord. She was the mother of the Human Race and felt compassion for all living beings. If her casual creations could truly ease others' pain and bring them peace, that would not go against her principles.
"I understand your intention," Nüwa said slowly. "'Breath soil' bears my Dao rhythm and must not be disturbed. As for a few other playthings..."
Her gaze swept over the lively clay qilin she had just finished on the table, as well as the little animals she had sculpted earlier. "If you find someone truly sincere who needs one to cultivate a calm heart, you may help bring them together. But remember: do not let a pearl fall into the wrong hands, and never use this to do evil."
She had agreed, but also set limits and issued a warning.
Zhou Wenyuan was overjoyed, as if he had received an imperial decree. He bowed and replied, "Rest assured, Master! I will follow your instructions to the letter! I will carefully choose people who are truly worthy and virtuous. I would never dare sully your sacred works!"
He was so excited he nearly danced for joy. With Nüwa's approval, he had effectively secured the exclusive right to represent these "masterpieces"! Their significance went far beyond money. They offered a shortcut into a higher circle, along with connections and resources beyond measure!
What happened next proceeded with unexpected ease—and unexpected... commotion.
Zhou Wenyuan's influence was indeed considerable. He did not publicize it widely. Instead, he quietly let word slip in the most exclusive and private of circles that he had "sacred works of creation" made by the mysterious "Master Nüwa," imbued with the power to calm the mind and nourish vitality, available to those who might form a connection with them.
At first, some people were skeptical. But then a top tycoon who had suffered from severe anxiety for years paid a fortune for a clay sculpture of a "Spirit Turtle Carrying a Chart" made by Nüwa, radiating a peaceful Dao rhythm. After placing it in the bedroom, his long-standing insomnia and heart palpitations eased dramatically within days. The news then spread through that exclusive circle like wildfire!
At their level, money was practically just a number. Health, longevity, and peace of mind were what they craved most—and what remained hardest to attain. Nüwa's works spoke directly to their most pressing needs!
For a while, Zhou Wenyuan's phone wouldn't stop ringing. People wanted to buy the works, begged for a chance to meet the master, or were willing to pay any price...
Remembering Nüwa's warning, Zhou Wenyuan chose carefully and ultimately made only three works available: the "Spirit Turtle Carrying a Chart," an "Azure Phoenix Holding Ganoderma," and a Secluded Valley Clear Spring Painting Nüwa had painted in her spare time.
They were not offered at a public auction, but at a private, small-scale viewing. Everyone invited was a top figure with a fortune worth billions and enormous influence in their field.
The details of the viewing were kept secret, but the results shook the entire upper-class art and collector circles.
A tech mogul had the "Spirit Turtle Carrying a Chart" for the staggering price of ninety-eight million yuan!
An overseas Chinese tycoon acquired the "Azure Phoenix Holding Ganoderma" for 120 million yuan!
As for the Secluded Valley Clear Spring Painting, a discreet big shot with powerful connections traded part ownership of a courtyard house in the heart of the capital, valued beyond measure, along with an astonishing sum of cash, to acquire it!
The three works were worth more than 300 million yuan in total! And they were all but impossible to buy; no matter how much money people offered, they couldn't get their hands on one!
Though the news was tightly sealed, in that topmost circle, the name "Master Nüwa" had already become a legend—a symbol of mystery, health, and unparalleled fortune! Zhou Wenyuan's status had risen along with hers, and he had become a figure of exceptional standing.
When Zhou Wenyuan, filled with reverence and excitement, placed several thin bank cards and property documents—representing enormous wealth—into Lin Fan's hands, Lin Fan was completely stunned.
More than... 300 million?! And part ownership of a courtyard house in the capital?!
This... was even faster and more lucrative than Gong Gong's boxing!
Looking at the light cards and papers in his hands, Lin Fan felt as if they weighed a thousand pounds. His hands trembled. He knew Nüwa's works were extraordinary, but the speed and sum they had brought in far exceeded his imagination!
"Nüwa created humanity, and I... I created a rich lady..." Lin Fan looked at Goddess Nüwa, who was still quietly sculpting clay and paying no attention to the enormous fortune outside the window, and felt a profound sense of absurdity.
Tong Tian did not react much. He only glanced at the bank cards and said blandly, "Gold and silver are nothing but burdens from outside the self."
Nüwa did not even lift her eyelids. To her, those 300 million yuan might as well have been three lumps of clay. She gently placed the completed clay sculpture of a nine-tailed fox, its eyes bright and sly, on the windowsill beside the "breath soil." Then she said softly, "Money is of no use to me, Lin Fan. You may do with it as you see fit. If you use it to help the world and aid others, that would be a good deed."
Lin Fan took a deep breath, forcing down the storm raging inside him. He understood that this enormous fortune was both an opportunity and an even greater test—and source of trouble. He had no idea how many eyes would turn their way because of this astonishing deal.
He carefully put away the bank cards and documents, already thinking about how to use the money. Improving their living conditions was a must. Perhaps they could move to a larger, more secluded place? As for the rest, maybe he could do something meaningful, as Goddess Nüwa had suggested...
But great wealth often brought great risks.
Not long after Zhou Wenyuan left, Lin Fan's phone rang again. It was another unfamiliar number. This time, the caller's voice was not the cold electronic voice of a machine, but a man's, with a hint of a sly smile.
"Mr. Lin Fan, is that you? Congratulations. You've become a billionaire in the blink of an eye. Master Nüwa's 'touch turns stone to gold' art is truly astonishing."
Lin Fan's heart tightened. He asked in a low voice, "Who are you?"
"Who I am doesn't matter." The other man chuckled. "What matters is that we're very interested in Master Nüwa and her power of creation, which can turn the mundane into something miraculous. Would Mr. Lin Fan be willing to introduce us? Of course, the reward... will be to your satisfaction, far greater than what Zhou Wenyuan offered."
His tone carried an air of condescending temptation—and of a refusal to take no for an answer.
Lin Fan's heart sank. They had come! Because of this immense fortune and the miracles Goddess Nüwa had revealed, an even more dangerous force had finally stepped out into the open!
He hung up and looked gravely at Tong Tian and Nüwa.
"They're back?" Tong Tian raised an eyebrow, a flicker of irritation in his eyes.
Nüwa stopped what she was doing as well. She furrowed her brow slightly, sensed the situation for a moment, then said softly, "This time... they come with ill intent. Their hearts conceal greed and corruption. They are not people seeking the Dao."
Lin Fan clenched his fists, feeling immense pressure bearing down on him.
The glow of their wealth had yet to fade, and the shadow of danger had already fallen over them. As the "rich lady's" protector, he seemed to be facing an even harsher challenge.
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