Family Meeting

The neon lights outside the window still blinked tirelessly, painting the city night in all its clamor and dazzle. Yet inside Lin Fan's rental room, barely ten square meters in size, the atmosphere was as heavy and still as the silence before a storm, an entirely different world from the lively spectacle beyond the window.

It felt as if invisible sparks were crackling in the air. Two utterly different yet equally vast and overwhelming auras of Sages were colliding and pressing against each other in silence. This was no clash of raw energy, but a fierce conflict rooted in the very principles of the Great Dao and how one should conduct oneself in the world—a concentrated manifestation, in this cramped modern room, of two ideas that had stood opposed since time immemorial: "order" and "seizing a chance of survival."

Master Tongtian remained seated cross-legged on the yoga mat, worn smooth and faintly glossy, his posture straight as a pine, his back never bending in the slightest. No radiance shone around him, but in his eyes, deep as a star-filled abyss, countless tiny sword shadows seemed to rise and vanish. They were cold, keen, and proud, carrying the resolve and disdain of "one sword breaking ten thousand arts" and "my Dao is the Heavenly Dao." Sitting there in silence, he seemed to have become a peerless, malevolent sword, drawn three inches from its sheath, its edge poised but not yet unleashed. Its cutting intent sliced through the air, making Lin Fan's skin prickle.

Standing opposite him, having just arrived and not even taken a seat, Yuanshi Tianzun had one hand behind his back. His bearing was entirely different. He, too, wore modern clothes Lin Fan had dug out from the back of his closet—a dark shirt pressed to perfection and a pair of sharply creased trousers—but on him, these ordinary garments somehow carried the majesty and opulence of an imperial dragon robe. His features were ancient and austere, his gaze calm and unruffled, as if a god enthroned above the heavens were looking down on the vicissitudes of the mortal world. A heavy Dao rhythm of "Heavenly Dao has its order" and "moral principles and social norms" enveloped him, like invisible shackles and boundary markers, seeking to draw everything in the room—including the restless sword intent—into a predetermined, unquestionable framework of rules. His very existence was a proclamation of order.

Two Sages of the Primordial Era: one sought freedom and transcendence, seizing a thread of life; the other valued lineage and order, upholding the Heavenly Dao and its principles. Their ideals had diverged since the Primordial Era began, and the old grievances of the Investiture of the Gods had become an unhealing rift between them. Now, reunited in this foreign world, in a humble mortal dwelling, the karma of the past and the sharpness of their struggle over the Dao were rekindled the instant they met. No words were needed; their auras had already clashed.

Lin Fan felt as if he were trapped between two ancient divine mountains slowly drawing together. He could barely breathe, and his blood seemed ready to freeze. He was merely a lucky man who had only just begun to practice the Supreme Clarity Heart-Cleansing Mantra and had once drawn out a trace of Innate Qi. In the face of such an invisible confrontation, he was as tiny as a lone boat amid a raging storm, liable to be torn apart at any moment. His face had gone pale, and cold sweat beaded on his forehead. He could only force himself to circulate the heart-calming technique he had yet to master, barely keeping a shred of clarity in his mind and preventing himself from collapsing.

Goddess Nüwa sighed softly. Her breath was like a spring rain, carrying compassion and the power to reconcile, and it quietly spread through the room. She remained seated by the window, with the unfinished clay sculpture of a lifelike nine-tailed fox on the small table before her. She released no powerful aura, yet her warm, peaceful Dao rhythm of creation, which nurtured all things, was like a net both resilient and gentle. It slipped between the two opposing auras, lightly yet firmly, trying to dilute and temper their suffocating pressure.

"Senior Brother Yuanshi, Senior Brother Tongtian," Nüwa said in a voice as ethereal and gentle as ever, breaking the suffocating silence. "This is not the Primordial Era, and we are no longer as we once were. We have been stranded in a foreign land, lost our powers, and have no idea what lies ahead. This is a time for us to stand together. Why meet with such hostility? Could we set aside our past grievances for now?"

Her gaze was earnest. She looked first at Yuanshi, then at Tongtian. In this unfamiliar world, the Sages who had once stood above all others had become drifting duckweed with no roots. Turning against one another would surely be the most foolish choice.

Yuanshi Tianzun slowly shifted his gaze from Tongtian to Nüwa. A trace of an expression—so faint it could barely be called a response—appeared on his impassive face. He nodded. "Senior Sister Nüwa speaks reasonably. However, rules must not be discarded, and order must not be thrown into disarray." His voice was steady and powerful, carrying his unshakable conviction in his own principles. "Even in this world, we must establish a clear hierarchy and set down regulations if we are to face the unknown and find a thread of survival. Third Brother has acted recklessly, taking up residence in a humble mortal dwelling. That has already besmirched the dignity of us Sages. If he is allowed to do as he pleases, he may bring down an even greater calamity and drag innocent lives in this world into it."

There was no concealing the accusation in his words. He had directly pinned the label of "calamity" on Tongtian. The unfinished-building incident, the online gaming fiasco, and even the possible abnormalities noticed in the financial markets were, in Yuanshi's eyes, all proof of Tongtian's disregard for "order" and reckless behavior.

"Hmph!" Tongtian let out an undisguised scoff. At last, he spoke, his voice cold and dripping with biting mockery. "Yuanshi, spare me your false benevolence! Besmirched your dignity? What a joke! The Primordial Era is gone. You and I are stray dogs, cast into this land devoid of spiritual energy, never knowing if we'll make it through the day. Who are you putting on airs for? Rules? Order? When the Investiture of the Gods was taking place, did your rules and order show any regard for the bonds between fellow disciples? Did they leave a single thread of survival for our Interception Sect disciples?"

The moment he brought up the old grievances of the Investiture of the Gods, killing intent surged in Tongtian's eyes. The countless sword shadows seemed ready to burst from his gaze, and the temperature in the room plunged. Lin Fan couldn't help shivering. This was a hatred carved into his bones: a blood feud born of countless disciples being slaughtered, enslaved, or thrown into the Eye of the Sea. Even the passage of time and the changes between worlds could not erase it.

"The Investiture of the Gods was the will of the Heavenly Dao, and it was necessary to fill the Heavenly Court's divine offices and keep the Primordial Era functioning." Yuanshi Tianzun's brows furrowed slightly. His tone remained even, though a hint of chill crept into it. "Your Interception Sect's disciples were of mixed quality. Those covered in fur and bearing horns, those born of moisture and hatched from eggs—they did not cultivate virtue or understand Heaven's decree. They deserved to be placed on the list. It was fate, not something mortal strength could defy."

"Fate?! What a fine excuse!" Tongtian sprang to his feet. Though he had no magic power to support him, his upright posture and sword intent soaring into the heavens still made the cramped room tremble. "Your Chan Sect's disciples had shallow roots, so you wanted to use the blood and energy of my Interception Sect's ten thousand immortals to see your own calamity through! Those who follow you prosper, and those who oppose you perish. That's your order! Your rules!"

Seeing the two bring up their old grievances again, the atmosphere sliding toward the brink of losing control, Lin Fan was frantic but couldn't get a word in. He could only turn to Nüwa for help.

Nüwa sighed again, her voice rising, now carrying an authority that brooked no argument. "Enough!"

She stood and walked between them, her gaze sweeping over Yuanshi and Tongtian. "Senior Brothers! What meaning is there in arguing over the past now? Do you intend to fight it out again in this tiny space? Never mind how much divine power either of you has left to squander—could this fragile mortal world, these countless human descendants who know nothing of what is happening, withstand the aftershock of a Sage's wrath?"

Her words rang like an alarm bell in Yuanshi and Tongtian's hearts. This was not the Primordial Era. There were no impregnable walls separating heaven and earth, no boundless starry sky to bear the force of their might. If they lost control, the consequences would be unimaginable. Besides, they were both in terrible condition. If they truly fought, no one could say who would win, but the city—and perhaps a far wider region—would likely suffer utter devastation. Even in their fallen state, the Sages still had some regard for living beings—or, perhaps, some fear of the enormous karma they might incur.

The restless sword intent around Tongtian slowly drew back, though his eyes remained as cold as blades. He sat down again and turned his head away, no longer looking at Yuanshi. For the moment, at least, he had suppressed his anger.

Yuanshi Tianzun also drew a quiet breath, and the heavy Dao rhythm of order surrounding him receded somewhat. He glanced at Nüwa, then at the cramped surroundings, his brows knitting more tightly. Still, he did not continue provoking Tongtian. Instead, he turned his gaze to Lin Fan, who had just begun to relax.

"Mortal, Lin Fan." Yuanshi's voice startled him. That gaze seemed to pierce through his body and look directly into the depths of his soul. "Do you know what sort of vortex you have entered by taking in Tongtian and Nüwa? The authorities are watching you, traces of a mysterious sect have appeared, and some unknown force is already spying on Senior Sister Nüwa because of a casual work of hers. How do you intend to manage, with your frail mortal body? How will you keep them safe? Or, for that matter, what do you want?"

His question was extremely direct, almost aggressive. He pointed out the enormous risks Lin Fan was facing, while also hinting that he suspected Lin Fan's motives. In Yuanshi's view, a mortal who took in two mysterious, trouble-plagued figures without regard for the cost—at least as Yuanshi saw it—must have wanted something in return.

Under Yuanshi's all-seeing gaze, Lin Fan felt a little flustered, but he soon steadied himself. After everything he had been through, from his initial terror to his present "awakening," he was no longer the overworked office drone who could only tremble in fear. He took a deep breath and met Yuanshi's gaze without either groveling or defiance. "Senior Yuanshi, I don't know how large a vortex I've been pulled into, but I can see the trouble right in front of me. As for what I want..."

He paused and glanced at Tongtian, who had closed his eyes and said nothing but was clearly listening. Then he looked at Nüwa, whose gentle expression encouraged him. He answered honestly, "At first, I just couldn't bear to turn you away. Then I was scared. But now... I do want something. It isn't gold or silver, and it isn't immortality—those things are too far out of reach. What I want is a chance to change my fate, an opportunity to see a wider world and experience a different kind of life. Senior Tongtian taught me the Supreme Clarity Heart-Cleansing Mantra, and the statue made by Goddess Nüwa helped me cultivate. To me, those are blessings I never would have dreamed of before. I know the risks, but I'm willing to take them. As for keeping you safe... I won't make any promises I can't keep, but I'll do everything I can to handle the mundane chores and deal with ordinary problems. At the very least, I won't let the two of you worry about making a living."

His words were plain and unadorned, with no grand boasts, but they carried a sincerity and resolve born of careful thought.

Yuanshi Tianzun listened in silence, a trace of surprise flashing in his eyes. He had expected this mortal to stammer out excuses or seize the chance to demand further rewards. He hadn't expected such an answer. He was not greedy, knew when to advance and when to retreat, and was willing to take responsibility. His temperament was purer than that of many creatures from the Primordial Era. Yuanshi couldn't help thinking more highly of him.

"Besides," Lin Fan added, his tone laced with helpless self-mockery, "even if I wanted to back out now, it's probably too late, isn't it? Would the people outside believe that I have nothing to do with either of you?"

That was the truth. From the moment Chen Jing set her sights on him, he had already been in the same boat as Tongtian and Nüwa.

"At least you have some self-awareness," Yuanshi Tianzun said flatly, then dropped the subject. He turned to Nüwa. "Junior Sister, you mentioned that this world has a mysterious sect capable of discerning our origins. And what happened to that work of creation that leaked out?" He had evidently sensed that the "breath soil" and the other statues on the windowsill were extraordinary, but the potential threat concerned him more.

Nüwa recounted in detail how she had encountered the mad old Daoist outside the supermarket a few days earlier and how he had astonishingly spoken of "the Heavenly Dao not allowing it" and "the leak from over there." She also mentioned that her Orchid Grass Painting might have gotten out and attracted attention. Though she had not witnessed Zhou Wenyuan's reaction herself, with her mind as a Sage's, she could sense such things in the dark.

"It seems this world is nowhere near as simple as it appears," Yuanshi Tianzun said when she finished, his expression even more grave. "'The Heavenly Dao does not allow it'... Hmph. The Heavenly Dao here is silent and rejects all arts. We are like bright lamps in the dark, drawing attention wherever we go. That old Daoist sensed something, so his tradition must be connected to the Primordial Era—or perhaps... he knows part of the truth behind its destruction and our arrival here. As for the painting getting out, though it was an accident, it is a reminder to be more cautious. Even an ordinary object can bear our Dao rhythm and bring us unnecessary trouble."

After a moment's thought, he looked from Tongtian to Nüwa. "There are several matters we must clarify and prepare for as soon as possible."

"First, restoring our powers. In a world devoid of spiritual energy, conventional meditation and cultivation are virtually impossible. Junior Brother Tongtian is using his sword intent to nourish himself, and Junior Sister Nüwa is using the Dao of creation to invest her feelings in external objects. Both are attempts, but progress is slow, so we need to find another way. Perhaps... we can start by analyzing this world's rules or searching for things like those three broken artifacts?" As he spoke, he glanced at the three "scraps" from the amnesiac old man, which Lin Fan had carefully put away. With his discerning eyes, he could naturally tell that they were extraordinary.

Tongtian still had his head turned away, but at this point his ears twitched slightly. He was clearly listening, too.

"Second, dealing with the forces in this world. We can ignore the authorities' surveillance for now. They are wary of us and won't dare act rashly. However, we must beware of the mysterious old Daoist and the sect that may stand behind him. They know that the 'Heavenly Dao does not allow it,' and may know more. We don't yet know whether they are friend or foe. We need to find a way to make contact or take precautions."

"Third, establishing a place to live. We cannot hide in this humble mortal dwelling forever." He deliberately stressed the words "humble dwelling," making no effort to conceal his distaste. "We need to find a suitable place to live, one that can also serve as a base for investigating this world and trying to recover. Ideally, it should offer some measure of independence and protection."

"Fourth, Lin Fan." Yuanshi looked at him again. "He has already been drawn into this, and his temperament is acceptable. We may be able to cultivate him to some degree so he can handle mundane affairs, gather information, and perhaps... serve as a bridge between us and this world. However, his cultivation is weak, so we must quickly improve his ability to protect himself."

Yuanshi Tianzun laid out their predicament and the problems they needed to solve with impeccable clarity, showing the planning and foresight that had made him the leader of the Chan Sect. Even Tongtian, who was at odds with him, had to admit that his words had hit the heart of the matter.

Nüwa nodded. "Senior Brother has thought this through. We cannot rush our recovery; we must try every possible approach. The amnesiac old man may be a breakthrough. Those broken artifacts he carries may contain fragments of rules that no longer exist in this world. As for a place to live..." She glanced around the tiny room and furrowed her brows slightly. It was indeed far too cramped, and it was under close surveillance by the authorities. It was no place to stay for long.

Tongtian, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke in a chilly voice. "Easy enough to say. A suitable place? Where will the resources come from? Do you, Yuanshi Tianzun, have a great fortune in this world that you can spend freely?"

His words were sarcastic, but they pointed to the most immediate problem: money—or, more accurately, resources.

Whether they wanted to buy a suitable property—especially one that was secluded, spacious, and perhaps in a location with special geographical features—or purchase materials that might be useful for research and restoring their powers, such as rare herbs, minerals, or even high-tech equipment, they would need a great deal of money. Lin Fan's earnings from the stock market might cover their daily expenses, but they would be a drop in the bucket compared to a plan on this scale.

Tongtian's words left Yuanshi Tianzun momentarily at a loss. Having only just arrived in this world, he had gained a basic understanding of its economic rules, but he truly had no idea how to acquire a great deal of money quickly. He couldn't very well try "stock trading" like Tongtian. In his eyes, that would be beneath his dignity, and its risks were uncontrollable.

At this, Lin Fan's thoughts stirred. He cautiously interjected, "Um... I might have an idea about the resources."

The three Sages immediately turned their attention to him. Under the gaze of six eyes filled with supreme will, Lin Fan felt immense pressure, but he steeled himself and continued. "Goddess Nüwa's works seem to be... extremely valuable in this world."

He briefly explained Zhou Wenyuan's praise for the Orchid Grass Painting and the astronomical prices that could be fetched at art auctions. He didn't know much about the subject, but the words "contains Dao rhythm" and "transcends technique," combined with the interest of top collectors, said everything.

"One of the Goddess's casual sketches caused a sensation. If... if she put in a little more effort and created a few works, or made some larger sculptures..." Lin Fan let his words trail off, but his meaning was obvious: sell the artwork!

The suggestion brought a brief silence to the room.

Nüwa was slightly taken aback. It had never occurred to her that her casual works—created as a vessel for her Dao rhythm and a way of understanding creation—might be considered goods that could be exchanged for "resources" by mortals. She felt conflicted, both intrigued by the novelty and faintly uncomfortable, as though the divine status of a creator had been "tainted."

Tongtian's lips curved in an amused smile. He looked at Yuanshi. "Oh? Exchanging a Sage's works of creation for mortal gold and silver? Yuanshi, you value your dignity and proper decorum above all else. What do you think of this? Does it accord with your so-called 'order' and 'hierarchy'?"

His words were full of mockery. He simply wanted to see how Yuanshi would respond to a suggestion so "beneath their station."

Yuanshi Tianzun's expression grew quite interesting. His brows furrowed, clearly caught in an inner struggle. On the one hand, he was strongly opposed to linking a Sage's Dao with mortal money. To him, it was downright blasphemous. On the other hand, he had to admit this might be the quickest, most effective, and relatively "gentle" way to gather resources—especially compared to Tongtian's plundering of the financial markets.

After a long while, Yuanshi finally forced out a sentence through gritted teeth. "In extraordinary times, one must do extraordinary things. However, there must be restraint. We must not produce things indiscriminately, and we must not besmirch the dignity of the Sages! The works we select must contain Dao rhythm and enlighten the mind, not pander to vulgar tastes. The resources we obtain must be put to proper use, to establish a foundation—not squandered on extravagance and pleasure!"

His words amounted to accepting Lin Fan's suggestion, albeit with a string of lofty conditions attached, allowing him to maintain at least some of his pride.

Tongtian scoffed but did not argue further. He might despise Yuanshi's pretensions, but he knew this was the most viable option at present.

Seeing that neither Senior Brother had openly objected, Nüwa nodded gently. "If works that are of no use to us can be exchanged for useful resources to help us establish ourselves, then that would be a good deed. However... I'll have to trouble you to handle it, Lin Fan."

Relieved that his proposal had been tentatively accepted, Lin Fan quickly replied, "Don't worry, Goddess. I'll do my best to find a reliable channel. I won't let your work go unnoticed or... sell it for less than it's worth." He was already planning how to contact auction houses and promote the works. This would be an incredibly profitable "business"!

"The matter of resources can be addressed this way for now," Yuanshi said, bringing the discussion back on track. "However, resources alone will not give us a foundation. This area is under close surveillance, so we cannot stay here long. We must find a new location as soon as possible. The outskirts of a city might have scenic, sparsely populated areas worth considering. Ideally, it should be secluded enough for us to arrange some basic protections."

Though he had lost his magic power, Yuanshi retained a Sage's knowledge and ability to reason things out. Combining those with his understanding of modern society, he proposed a direction for their search.

"This matter can also be entrusted to Lin Fan." Nüwa looked at him. "You know this world well, so ask around and look for places that meet our requirements."

"Yes, Goddess." Lin Fan accepted the task, feeling the weight on his shoulders grow heavier. Buying a house—or land—was no small matter, especially when they did not yet have the funds. Still, he knew it had to be done.

"As for the amnesiac old man and the sect that may stand behind him..." Yuanshi mused. "I will go and make contact myself."

At this, Tongtian and Nüwa both looked at him.

"Senior Brother intends to go in person?" Nüwa asked, concerned. "You've only just arrived in this world, and your condition is still uncertain. Would it be wise...?"

"It's fine." Yuanshi raised a hand to stop her. "That old man's condition is strange, and his memories are sealed. Ordinary methods will not be enough to communicate with him. Though my magic power is gone, I still understand the soul and karma, and may be able to discern something of his nature. Besides, if a sect truly stands behind him, my presence will show due respect and let us test its attitude."

He had considered the matter carefully. Tongtian was too unruly and could easily come to blows at the slightest disagreement; Nüwa was gentle, but at times too compassionate. As the leader of the Chan Sect, who valued etiquette and rules, he was indeed the best person to make contact.

Tongtian snorted and said nothing, tacitly agreeing.

"Then I'll leave it to you, Senior Brother," Nüwa said with a nod.

"Finally, Lin Fan." Yuanshi looked at him again, this time with less scrutiny and more solemnity. "Since you are willing to follow us and accept the risks, we will not treat you unfairly. Tongtian passed you the Heart-Cleansing Mantra and a seed of sword intent. Those are your foundation, but they are not enough for you to protect yourself in this vortex and help us carry out our plans."

He paused, seeming to consider something. After a moment, he said to Lin Fan, "Hold out your hand."

Not knowing what he meant, Lin Fan obediently held out his right hand.

Yuanshi Tianzun shaped his fingers like a brush and traced a pattern in the air without touching Lin Fan's palm. In an instant, Lin Fan felt the air around him seem to solidify. Countless tiny runes, each flickering with a faint, clear radiance, flowed from Yuanshi's fingertips. Like living things, they quickly took shape in Lin Fan's palm, weaving together into an incredibly intricate formation containing the truths of "protection," "fortification," and "warding off danger." The moment the formation was complete, it quietly sank beneath the skin of Lin Fan's palm, leaving only an exceedingly faint mark of a Jade Clarity talisman, so subtle that it was nearly impossible to notice.

"This is the Jade Clarity Body Protection Spirit Seal." Yuanshi withdrew his finger, his tone indifferent. "I formed it from a trace of my fundamental Dao rhythm, combined with the meager energy rules available in this world. It will protect you automatically, warding off three fatal dangers. Once its energy is exhausted, you will need to nourish it with your own spirit for it to recover slowly. In ordinary times, it can also clear your mind and sharpen your sight, helping you understand the Heart-Cleansing Mantra."

Lin Fan felt a faint coolness in his palm, along with the immense protective power it contained, and his heart surged with excitement. This was a spirit seal personally bestowed by Yuanshi Tianzun! Its value was beyond measure!

"Thank you for this treasure, Senior Yuanshi!" Lin Fan hurriedly bowed. This time, his gratitude was entirely sincere. With the seal, he felt far more secure.

Tongtian shot Yuanshi a glance and said coolly, "It's rare to see you be so generous."

Yuanshi's expression did not change. "He is a vital link. He must not be lost."

"A vital link?" Lin Fan seized on the phrase and looked up at Yuanshi in confusion, then glanced at Nüwa and Tongtian.

Nüwa and Yuanshi exchanged a glance, and she gave a slight nod. After a moment's thought, Yuanshi decided to reveal part of the truth. "Your constitution is unusual. In the unseen depths, it can attract and stabilize the coordinates that brought us to this world. In other words, our arrival by your side was not entirely accidental. You can be regarded as a natural 'anchor' connecting the Primordial Era to this world."

The revelation struck Lin Fan like a thunderbolt, leaving his head spinning again!

He hadn't simply been lucky enough to find a Sage. He himself was... a "human coordinate"? Was he the reason the two Sages had ended up here?

The sight of Lin Fan's shock, confusion, and helplessness prompted Nüwa to comfort him gently. "Lin Fan, you don't need to panic or feel burdened. This is an innate trait, not your fault. On the contrary, it is because of you that my Senior Brother and I were able to meet in this world and find a temporary place to stay. You have indeed helped protect us."

Even Tongtian spoke up, which was rare. His tone remained far from warm, but it had lost much of its earlier chill. "This is both karma and opportunity. Just do what you need to do. There's no point overthinking it."

Lin Fan struggled to absorb this startling revelation, his feelings too complicated to put into words. So he wasn't simply "lucky" or "unlucky"—he was one of the central links in this entire affair? The feeling of being chosen by fate weighed heavily on him, but it also awakened a faint, inexplicable sense of responsibility.

He shook his head hard, casting aside his distracting thoughts. Whatever happened, he had already chosen his path, and all he could do was keep going. Knowing he was the "vital link" only made his worth and responsibility clearer to him.

"I... understand." Lin Fan took a deep breath, his eyes firming again. "I'll do my best to improve myself and fulfill my role as this 'anchor.'"

Yuanshi nodded, apparently satisfied with Lin Fan's response.

With that, the main topics of the "family meeting" in the cramped rental room—which involved three Sages of the Primordial Era and one mortal—were finally settled. They had agreed to exchange Nüwa's artworks for resources, have Lin Fan find a new base, send Yuanshi to make contact with the amnesiac old man's sect, and begin a preliminary plan to cultivate Lin Fan as a bridge between worlds and help him protect himself.

Though an unbridgeable divide in their ideals and old grievances still lay between Yuanshi and Tongtian, in this unfamiliar world, devoid of spiritual energy, they had a common predicament and an unknown road ahead. For now, at least, they had formed a fragile alliance based on practical necessity.

However, just as the mood of the meeting began to ease and Lin Fan was preparing to make tea for everyone (though Tongtian might have preferred instant noodles), another sudden change occurred!

The "breath soil" statue, which had been sitting quietly on the windowsill and radiating a gentle Dao rhythm, trembled slightly without warning!

The warm luster on its surface began flowing like rippling water. An aura of life from the Dao of creation, far stronger than usual and rich and pure, suddenly spread outward like a stone dropped into a still lake!

At the same time, Nüwa, Yuanshi, and Tongtian all changed expression and abruptly rose to their feet. Their gazes pierced the walls in an instant and turned toward the same place: the small inn where the amnesiac old man was staying!

There, a vast aura—ancient and desolate, as if it had slumbered through countless ages—was slowly awakening like a sleeping dragon! It faintly resonated with the life force radiating from the "breath soil" statue, stirring the thin energy rules around it and producing a strange harmonic vibration!

"It's those three broken artifacts!" Tongtian's eyes flashed. "Someone's trying to activate them! Is it the old man, or... someone else?!"

Yuanshi Tianzun's expression grew grave. "The aura is ancient and mixed, containing Dao rhythms of space, purification, and slaughter... The amnesiac old man could never have stirred it up by himself! Someone else is interfering!"

Nüwa closed her eyes and sensed it for an instant, then suddenly opened them. Her voice carried a murderous edge she had never shown before. "There's more! Another aura is approaching the inn... cold, filthy, and filled with the will to devour and destroy. Its target is the old man and the three broken artifacts!"

At this, Lin Fan's heart sank, and the nerves that had just relaxed snapped taut again!

Trouble had not gone away. It was coming straight at them, more fiercely than ever!

The family meeting had only just settled on a plan, and already the real test had arrived!

A flash of cold light crossed Yuanshi Tianzun's eyes. He made his decision at once. "Tongtian, stay here and protect Senior Sister Nüwa, Lin Fan, and the 'breath soil.' I'll go investigate!"

Before the words had even faded, he stepped forward. His figure blurred, as if merging into the rules of order around him, and in the next instant, he vanished from the spot! It was not teleportation. Rather, he had somehow borrowed a gap in the "rules" to achieve something akin to shrinking space, in a way Lin Fan could not understand!

The power of a Sage could not be underestimated, even in a world devoid of spiritual energy!

Tongtian watched the place where Yuanshi had vanished and snorted, but did not object. Sword intent rose around him once more. Though it did not leave his body, it already enveloped the tiny rental room, forming an invisible Sword Domain barrier. Any outside force that tried to enter would first have to withstand the slaughter of his peerless sword intent!

Nüwa stood as well and pressed both hands lightly against the "breath soil" statue on the windowsill. Her gentle yet boundless power of creation flowed into it. The statue shone brightly, and the peaceful Dao rhythm it emitted grew even richer, further stabilizing the space around them and counteracting the fluctuations caused by the clash of the two powerful auras in the distance.

Lin Fan stood in the middle of the room, feeling the solemn tension of the two Sages beside him and the faint, heart-pounding pressure from afar. His palm had grown damp with sweat as he clenched his fist, and the "Jade Clarity Body Protection Spirit Seal" he had just received grew slightly warm.

He knew that his peaceful days were over for good.

A conflict over Primordial Era relics, a lost sect, and a mysterious enemy had begun under the cover of night, without a sound.

And he, Lin Fan, an ordinary mortal who had only just learned that he was a "vital link," had already been swept into the very heart of the storm.

His adventure had only just begun.