The Way of a Peacemaker

The morning light brought little warmth to the cramped rental apartment. Instead, it made the heavy, oppressive dust of history from last night—tinged with blood—stand out even more clearly.

It was as if the air still held Gong Gong's despairing wail and Tong Tian's icy sword intent. The invisible barriers and the weight of history made this tiny space feel like a powder keg, ready to explode at any moment. Almost holding his breath, Lin Fan began a new day amid an atmosphere of extreme caution.

First, he glanced at the gravekeeper in the corner. He was still curled up there, fast asleep, clutching the three broken artifacts to his chest. His brows were tightly furrowed, and his body twitched now and then, as if he were still struggling in his dreams against the fallen Mount Buzhou and the raging flood. Goddess Nüwa sat not far from him, holding a wisp of Creation Qi that radiated gentle vitality. Like a weaver making an invisible veil, she laid it softly over the gravekeeper, soothing his shattered, restless soul. Her face was a little pale; maintaining such delicate comfort for so long was clearly taking a toll on her already weakened state.

On the other side, Master Tongtian sat on the yoga mat like a cold stone statue. His aura was reined in to the utmost, yet his aloofness and the sharp edge he seemed to radiate were more intense than ever. His eyes were closed, but Lin Fan could tell that every nerve in this man was drawn taut like a fully strung bow, ready to unleash world-shattering power at any moment. Yuanshi Tianzun stood by the window with his hands behind his back, gazing at the gradually awakening city beyond. His back was straight and solemn, and no one knew what he was calculating.

No one spoke. The silence weighed a thousand pounds on everyone's hearts, leaving Lin Fan, the only "mortal," in particular agony.

He knew this couldn't go on. The two Saints already had deep-seated grudges, and if he, their "landlord" and "link," didn't find some way to ease the tension, there'd be no searching for a new base or exploring a way home. This makeshift "home" might fall apart from within the very next second.

Lin Fan silently groaned, but faced with the deathly stillness, he had no choice but to steel himself and think of something. He remembered Yuanshi Tianzun mentioning the day before that they needed to find a new base as soon as possible and secure resources by selling Goddess Nüwa's works. Perhaps... he could start with those relatively "practical" matters and shift everyone's attention?

He took a deep breath, trying to make his voice sound natural, and broke the suffocating silence.

"Um... what would you like for breakfast, seniors? I'll prepare something." He chose the most ordinary—and safest—topic: food.

No one responded.

Tong Tian acted as if he hadn't heard. Yuanshi continued gazing out the window. Goddess Nüwa remained wholly focused on soothing the gravekeeper.

Lin Fan awkwardly rubbed his nose, but didn't give up. He went over to the kitchen area—which was really just an induction cooker and a small fridge in the corner—and rummaged through what little food they had left. As he did, he continued talking to himself. "There are still some eggs and noodles in the fridge. How about egg noodles? Or... should I order delivery? The soup dumplings and soy milk from yesterday's place were pretty good..."

He deliberately put a little extra emphasis on the words "order delivery" and stole a glance at Tong Tian. He remembered that this supreme sword cultivator seemed to have a soft spot for modern food that was "so full of worldly impurities," yet had an intense flavor.

Sure enough, at the words "delivery" and "soup dumplings," Tong Tian's stone-still figure moved almost imperceptibly. His eyes remained closed, but Lin Fan keenly sensed that the invisible pressure fixed on him had eased by the tiniest fraction.

That was promising!

Lin Fan was secretly delighted and immediately pressed on. He took out his phone and opened the food delivery app, speaking to himself in a voice that wasn't loud but was sure to carry across the room. "Hmm... we definitely need a few baskets of soup dumplings. Soy milk and fried dough sticks sound good too. Senior Tong Tian seems to like the spicy beef noodle broth, so should I order another bowl? Senior Yuanshi prefers milder flavors, so pumpkin congee and stir-fried vegetables should work... Goddess Nüwa seemed interested in those rabbit-shaped custard buns... Oh, and the gravekeeper... senior," he hesitated, but added the honorific anyway, "he's only just recovered a little, so something mild and easy to digest would be better. Pork and century egg congee?"

This seemingly casual menu planning was actually quite deliberate. Not only did it take everyone's potential preferences into account—things he'd quietly noted by watching them—but it also naturally included the newly arrived, politically sensitive Gong Gong in his everyday concern for the "family." In the most ordinary way possible, he was trying to draw him into this makeshift group and soften the label of "sinner of history."

Goddess Nüwa was the first to respond. She looked up at Lin Fan and gave him a tired but genuine smile. "Sorry for the trouble, Lin Fan. Something simple will do." Her response amounted to accepting Lin Fan's plan and gave the stalemate a way to ease.

Yuanshi Tianzun slowly turned around as well. His gaze passed over the phone in Lin Fan's hand, then over Tong Tian, who still sat with his eyes closed and said nothing, before finally settling on the curled-up Gong Gong. He gave a slight nod. "That will do."

The two Saints' approval put Lin Fan at ease. He quickly placed the order, deliberately adding a few extra dishes, especially the spicy ones Tong Tian might enjoy.

The wait for the delivery was still hard to bear. But with "breakfast" to look forward to together—even if it was only a trivial pleasure of the palate—the atmosphere no longer felt quite so hostile.

Lin Fan decided to try to move things along on the "important matters" as well. He cleared his throat and addressed Yuanshi and Goddess Nüwa. "Senior Yuanshi, Goddess Nüwa, I looked online yesterday afternoon for a new base. There are a few places in the suburbs that seem pretty good. Some are detached villas with yards and a fair amount of privacy; others are near forest parks, with peaceful surroundings and fewer people. I saved all the information on my tablet. After breakfast, could I ask you both to take a look and help me decide?"

He took out his tablet and opened the pictures and information he'd prepared beforehand. It was a concrete task that required cooperation, and one that could effectively shift everyone's attention away from historical grudges and back to their present predicament.

Hearing this, Yuanshi came over and looked at the screen, browsing the property listings. Goddess Nüwa paused her efforts to soothe the gravekeeper and joined him.

"This place is too noisy, and surveillance is tight. We must move as soon as possible," Yuanshi said in a low voice as he browsed. "We need to consider concealment and privacy when choosing a location. Ideally, there should be enough space to set up simple formations and block prying eyes. At the same time, transport must not be too inconvenient, so Lin Fan can go out to buy supplies and... so we can make contact with other forces if the need arises."

He was considering everything carefully: not only their safety and cultivation needs, but also the conveniences of everyday life.

Goddess Nüwa pointed to a picture of a villa with a spacious yard near the foot of a mountain. "This place looks good. We could grow flowers and plants in the yard."

Lin Fan quickly nodded. "You're right, Goddess. I think this one looks pretty good too. It's just that... the price might be a little high." He added the last part sheepishly. That was the most pressing concern of all.

Just then, Tong Tian, who had been silent all along, spoke coldly, his voice tinged with mockery. "It seems Junior Sister Nüwa's 'works of Creation' must be sold soon. Otherwise, we won't even be able to find a decent place to stay."

His words were still barbed, but this was the first time he'd commented on the plan to "sell paintings for money." And it sounded... as if he approved? Or perhaps he was simply acknowledging that it was a necessity for the time being.

Lin Fan's heart stirred, and he immediately picked up the thread. "Senior Tong Tian is right! I was just about to contact Jiade Art Gallery today and ask about the process. Goddess Nüwa, what do you think... should we pick one or two pieces that aren't too conspicuous but still show your Dao rhythm, and see how they do?"

He steered the conversation toward the practical details, turning Tong Tian's barbed remark into momentum for the plan.

Goddess Nüwa pondered for a moment, then nodded. "That will do. If my casual works can truly be exchanged for resources, then that too is a good deed. Lin Fan, you may choose them." She didn't have much idea of what her paintings were worth, so she left the decision entirely to Lin Fan.

"No problem!" Lin Fan agreed, thumping his chest. He felt the weight on his shoulders grow heavier, but at the same time, he was full of energy. Having something to do and a goal to pursue was far better than sitting around recalling blood and tears.

Just then, the delivery arrived.

As if granted a reprieve, Lin Fan hurried to the door to collect it. When he laid out the steaming, fragrant breakfast dishes on the table, that rich, homely aroma finally dispelled some of the history that had settled over the room.

Steam curled up from the soup dumplings. The fried dough sticks were golden and crisp, the red oil on the spicy beef noodles made the mouth water, the pumpkin congee was sweet and smooth, the rabbit-shaped custard buns looked lifelike, and the pork and century egg congee gave off a savory aroma...

Food had a powerful effect, especially on these supreme beings stranded in another world, who couldn't yet live on wind and dew.

Yuanshi and Goddess Nüwa took their seats with graceful composure and began eating. Their movements remained unhurried, but they didn't dawdle.

Only Tong Tian remained seated where he was.

Lin Fan's heart gave a thump. He feared this man was about to get difficult again. He picked up the bowl of spicy beef noodles he'd ordered especially and went over to Tong Tian, pasting on an ingratiating smile. "Senior Tong Tian, why don't you try this? I specifically ordered the spicy kind. The broth really packs a punch."

Tong Tian's eyelid twitched, then slowly opened. He didn't look at Lin Fan. His gaze fell on the enticing bowl of beef noodles, which gave off a fierce aroma. His Adam's apple bobbed almost imperceptibly.

After a few seconds of silence, just when Lin Fan thought he'd refuse, Tong Tian finally reached out and took the bowl. He picked up the disposable chopsticks and stirred the noodles with practiced ease—he'd clearly practiced plenty—then lifted a large clump and slurped it down. His movements still retained a trace of elegance, but he ate noticeably faster than Yuanshi and Goddess Nüwa.

Watching Tong Tian eat with such unreserved enjoyment, Lin Fan finally let the stone hanging over his heart drop. He almost felt like crying with relief. As long as he ate, that meant he probably wouldn't flip the table for now!

The breakfast passed with an awkward atmosphere, but at least it went smoothly and temporarily eased the tension in the room.

After the meal, Lin Fan cleaned up the bowls and chopsticks, then immediately brought out the paintings and small sculptures Goddess Nüwa had made. The works were piled up in another corner of the room. Though they were only casual practice pieces, the Creation Dao rhythm and extraordinary artistic conception they contained still filled the corner with a lively aura.

"Senior Yuanshi, Goddess Nüwa, what do you think? Which pieces should we choose?" Lin Fan asked humbly. He didn't dare choose carelessly himself. It would be a disaster if he picked something that contained the true meaning of the Great Dao and was so astonishing it drew unwanted attention.

Yuanshi and Goddess Nüwa came over and began examining the works. Yuanshi's gaze was keen as it passed over each painting; now and then, he nodded or shook his head.

"This Starry Grass has an ethereal artistic conception and contains the Dao of stars' birth and death. It's too profound and could invite scrutiny. It won't do."

"This Stream Fish teems with vitality, but its Dao rhythm is too obvious. It could attract trouble."

In the end, he picked out an Ink Bamboo Painting and a Mountain Mist Painting. The Ink Bamboo Painting had forceful brushwork and swaying bamboo shadows, with a hint of unyielding strength and tranquil grace. The Mountain Mist Painting blended ink and mist, illusion and reality, conveying a sense of serenity, distance, and otherworldly calm. The Dao rhythm in both paintings was restrained, and their artistic conception was refined. They weren't too ordinary, but neither were they so astonishing as to shock the world. They were the sort of works that connoisseurs would recognize as extraordinary, while ordinary people would simply find beautiful.

"We'll test the waters with these two," Yuanshi decided.

Goddess Nüwa had no objections.

Lin Fan carefully put the two paintings away, then looked at the small clay sculptures. Goddess Nüwa had casually shaped several little animals, such as a lovable Iron-Eating Beast and a lively skylark that seemed ready to take flight. They were all lifelike and carried a faint Dao rhythm of vitality.

"Should we take one or two of these sculptures as well?" Lin Fan asked tentatively. He thought three-dimensional works might be more appealing than paintings.

Yuanshi examined them for a moment, then shook his head. "The Dao rhythm in the sculptures is more directly conveyed, and their shapes are more concrete. They're more likely to attract attention, so we shouldn't use them for now."

Lin Fan understood and carefully put the sculptures back.

Now that they had chosen the works to provide their "startup funds," Lin Fan felt the plan had taken a big step forward. He checked the time and prepared to head to Jiade Art Gallery to make inquiries.

However, just as he had gathered his things and was about to tell the Saints he was leaving, the gravekeeper, who had been curled up quietly in the corner, suddenly stirred again!

He seemed to have jolted awake from his sleep. He raised his head sharply, his eyes no longer vacant but filled with a primal, beastlike wariness and savagery. The half of the Soul-Devouring Axe in his arms began radiating a dangerous aura of blood and malice once more.

"Water... I can sense it... filthy water... coming closer!!!" the gravekeeper rasped, his eyes fixed on a spot outside the window.

Almost at the same time, the three Saints—Tong Tian, Yuanshi, and Goddess Nüwa—changed expressions!

"It's the same kind of aura as that demon from last night!" Yuanshi said, his gaze as sharp as a blade. "And... there's more than one! They're moving through the city's sewer system... Their target... seems to be the city's water supply!"

Tong Tian rose abruptly, sword intent surging in his eyes. "These damned fiends just won't stay dead! They dare to target this world's water supply!"

Goddess Nüwa's expression turned grave. "If the water supply is contaminated, millions of lives in this city will be in danger!"

Lin Fan's scalp went numb. The enemy was truly vile—they were going straight after the city's lifeline!

"Seniors! What do we do?" Lin Fan asked urgently. This was no longer a simple clash. The survival of the entire city was at stake!

Yuanshi and Tong Tian exchanged a glance. For that moment, it seemed they had set aside their grievances, leaving only the cold resolve of two people facing a common threat.

"Tong Tian, your sword intent is sharp, and you excel at breaking through and destroying evil. Stay here and protect this apartment and the gravekeeper, in case they're trying to lure us away!" Yuanshi issued his orders swiftly, his tone leaving no room for argument. This time, Tong Tian didn't object.

"Junior Sister Nüwa, come with me! Your power of Creation and vitality may be able to cleanse the pollution!" Yuanshi turned to Goddess Nüwa.

Goddess Nüwa nodded solemnly. "I'll do whatever is needed."

"Lin Fan!" Yuanshi looked to him last. "Try to contact that woman from this world's government, Chen Jing, immediately! Tell her the water supply may be contaminated by supernatural forces, and have them start emergency measures at once, evacuate the civilians, and... find a way to coordinate with us! We'll need the help of ordinary people."

Lin Fan's heart was pounding, but he knew this wasn't the time to be afraid. He nodded firmly. "Understood! I'll call her now!"

In an instant, the situation, which had just begun to ease, grew tense once more as a new and far greater crisis descended. Lin Fan, the "peacemaker," hadn't even had time to enjoy a moment's peace before being thrust into the heart of an even greater storm!

His "way of a peacemaker" seemed so insignificant in the face of a true disaster. But now, he had to step forward—not only as their "link," but as a member of this city!