After he finished speaking, he sighed with regret. "Younger brother, you're absolutely right. What a pity. If we'd been able to bring them back, I guarantee the three of us could have reached the peak of the Quasi-Saint realm within a hundred years!"
Yuanshi sighed admiringly. "The expert's bearing and way of doing things are truly unpredictable. I can't make heads or tails of him. I wonder if we'll have another chance to see him again."
Laozi smiled faintly and said confidently, "You two needn't worry. I already have a plan."
Tongtian and Yuanshi were thrilled. "Eldest brother, hurry up and tell us!"
Laozi said smugly, "I noticed long ago that the expert likes calligraphy and painting. As it happens, those are things I excel at, too."
Tongtian was full of admiration. "Eldest brother really has thought of everything."
"Although you can't compare to the expert in cultivation and realm, eldest brother, when it comes to calligraphy and painting, I'm certain you're just as good as he is. I'm looking forward to seeing you compete with him next time." Yuanshi praised him as well.
Laozi laughed. "You flatter me, younger brother. How could my meager skills compare with the expert's?"
Tongtian said unhappily, "Eldest brother, don't sell yourself short. If you get the chance next time, you can spar with the expert."
Laozi smiled without replying. With a casual wave, he sent out several spells, and the cloud chariot suddenly accelerated, swiftly making its way toward Kunlun Mountain.
Behind them, Hong Yun watched the Three Pure Ones disappear from view and asked hesitantly, "Zhen Yuanzi, I think maybe we should head back, too."
Zhen Yuanzi was furious. "Hong Yun, Hong Yun, how can you be so timid? The Three Pure Ones scared you off with just a few words."
Hong Yun tried to explain in a quiet voice. "It's not that I'm afraid. I just thought that since the Three Pure Ones have already been there, they've probably taken any benefits or opportunities for themselves. If we go now, we'll only have made a wasted trip."
"You're such a fool. If that were true, why would the Three Pure Ones have wasted their breath on us and deliberately tried to mislead us? Clearly, something's fishy. I won't be satisfied until I go and take a look myself." Zhen Yuanzi said bitterly.
"All right. We get along well, so I'll go with you," Hong Yun said.
Zhen Yuanzi waved a hand. "Suit yourself. You can leave on your own if you like. I won't force you."
He thought to himself, You're a burden as it is. Who knows what trouble you'll get me into?
"Come on, let's go," Hong Yun urged.
Zhen Yuanzi said no more, and the two quickly set off.
In the courtyard, Jiang Ping had two bowls of rice porridge, two tea eggs, and a steamed bun for dinner.
After eating, he couldn't be bothered to clean up. Instead, he thought about Miss Feng, whom he'd seen earlier.
He suspected that Miss Feng must have an impressive background.
The Primordial World was so dangerous, yet she was just a young woman who dared to wander around. She was much braver than he was.
Still, he hadn't sensed any of the so-called pressure of a powerful expert from her. Most likely, she was a disciple of some sect or another.
Probably a new initiate, too.
If she came by again, he'd take the opportunity to ask her about the Primordial World. That might help him plan for the future. He couldn't hide in this little courtyard forever.
As he thought it over, Jiang Ping couldn't help but wonder. Recently, visitors had suddenly started showing up.
Could it have something to do with the system being unlinked?
After all, when the system had been around, he hadn't seen a single living person.
Did that mean he'd already been exposed to the senses of the mighty beings in the Primordial World?
Forget it. Who cared? Let them notice him. He was just an ordinary person. Who would pay him any attention?
If some mighty being in the Primordial World happened to notice him, see that he had exceptional potential, and use a Great Divine Ability on him—or give him some Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures—then maybe he'd be able to start cultivating.
As for becoming a Great Unity Golden Immortal or a Great Archmage, he wasn't interested. Being a Heavenly Immortal would be nice enough. At least he'd live for tens of thousands of years.
Besides, there were no video games, good food, or entertainment in the Primordial World. If he kicked the bucket and reincarnated sooner rather than later, maybe he'd end up back on Earth.
Jiang Ping let his mind wander, then said casually, "Da Huang, and you two Heng Ha Generals, don't go wandering around lately. I'm worried it isn't safe outside. Also, we might have more guests, so Da Huang, don't bark at them."
"All right, I'm going to bed again. Find something to eat, but don't make a racket!"
After speaking, Jiang Ping yawned and went inside.
In the courtyard, the Heng Ha Generals and Da Huang quickly gathered together.
"The master's words have a deeper meaning. It sounds as though he's hinting that great changes are coming to the Primordial World."
"No way. The Dragon-Han Tribulation just ended. Is another calamity about to strike the Primordial World?"
"I don't think so. I think it might have something to do with the Dao Ancestor's lectures."
"Gasp! The master's divine abilities are incredible. He can even predict the next lecture at Purple Sky Palace!"
"What does it matter? Either way, we shouldn't concern ourselves with anything else for a while. We should focus on cultivating."
"By the way, Da Huang, no matter who comes by, we should ignore them. The master just specifically mentioned that."
"All right. Then we'll focus on cultivating."
"Okay, let's break up. Stop talking before we wake the master."
At Nuwa's dojo, she, Houtu, and Fuxi had finished discussing the Dao, and each had settled down to cultivate.
Nuwa thought, The expert said last time that the Primordial World is centered on humanity. Could that mean that humans will be its leading race in the future?
That's incredible. Apart from the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin Three Clans, there aren't any races in the Primordial World that can stand against the Wu and Yao Clans.
Where is this Human Race?
I've looked through all the ancient texts in the Primordial World these past few days, but I haven't seen that term anywhere.
Could the expert have meant something else?
Humanity—right, the expert said he was just an ordinary person.
Could humans be beings like the expert?
But their origins are so ordinary. Cultivating successfully would be extremely difficult. They could never stand against the Wu and Yao Clans.
Never mind. I'll make preparations and visit the expert soon to ask his advice. But I must be tactful. I absolutely can't ask him outright, or I'd be revealing his identity.
With that thought, she immediately sent a message to Houtu and Fuxi.
"Elder brother, Houtu, I plan to visit the expert in the next few days. I'll tell him in advance and ask whether I may bring two friends. If he agrees, that would be wonderful."
"If the expert refuses, then it simply means the two of you aren't fated to meet him yet. Please keep his secret for me."
Houtu and Fuxi nodded. "Don't worry. Of course we will."
"Good. Please wait patiently for a few days while I make preparations."
Hong Yun and Zhen Yuanzi each had their own thoughts. Before long, they noticed a small courtyard ahead.
Hong Yun was delighted. It seemed the Three Pure Ones really had been honest with them and hadn't lied.
Zhen Yuanzi, however, was on high alert. The Three Pure Ones had been so straightforward. He wondered what trick they were up to.
They'd said an opportunity was waiting for them. But what if it was a trap?
Let me examine the place carefully first.
"Fellow Daoist Hong Yun, remember to follow my lead. Do exactly as I say, and absolutely do not act rashly!"
Zhen Yuanzi warned him again, solemnly.
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