Nüwa Seeks the Dao, Realizing the True Meaning of Cultivation

Within the main hall of Zichen Cave Abode, spiritual energy permeated the air, while Dao resonance flowed without end.

Nüwa stood before Xuan Chen, a trace of confusion and anticipation in her eyes. This question had lingered in her heart for a long time. From taking form and entering the world, through countless dangers, to entering seclusion and cultivating with single-minded focus, she had always pondered what the meaning of cultivation truly was, and how one should pursue the so-called Great Dao.

Xuan Chen noticed the confusion in Nüwa's eyes, and his heart stirred slightly. He understood that this was a perplexity every cultivator would encounter upon the path of cultivation. In the Primordial World, some cultivated to obtain power, some to seek immortality, some to dominate a region, and some to protect others. Different choices forged different Daos and determined different final outcomes.

After pondering for a moment, Xuan Chen did not answer directly. Instead, he asked, "Disciple, why do you think we cultivate?"

After giving it some thought, Nüwa replied, "To increase our strength, to gain a foothold in the Primordial World, and to protect the things we wish to protect."

"Correct, but that is merely the outward manifestation of cultivation." Xuan Chen gently shook his head. "Strength, a foothold, protection—these are all results brought about by cultivation, not its essence. True cultivation is a profound understanding of oneself, a keen perception of the world, and an unwavering adherence to one's original heart."

He paused briefly before continuing, "The so-called Great Dao is not an unchanging doctrine, nor is it some illusory thing beyond reach. The Great Dao is everywhere. It exists among mountains and rivers, among vegetation and living beings, within the sun, moon, and stars, and even deeper within every person's heart. For you, your Great Dao is the Creation Dao. For Luo Hou, his Great Dao is the Dao of Destruction. For Hongjun, his Great Dao is the Dao of Order."

"The Great Dao has no distinction of high or low, noble or base, nor does it distinguish between good and evil. There is only whether it suits you, and whether you persist in it." Xuan Chen's voice rose slowly, melodious as the heavenly music of the Great Dao. "Some pursue power and seek to prove the Dao through strength, only to be devoured by that strength in the end. Some seek immortality and defy heaven to alter their fate, only to find themselves unable to escape the cycle of the Heavenly Dao. Some seek dominance and slaughter in every direction, only to end up abandoned by all. These people did not lack a Great Dao. Rather, they lost their original hearts during cultivation and strayed from the track of their Dao."

A flash of understanding passed through Nüwa's eyes as she softly asked, "Master, then what is this disciple's original heart? And how should this disciple uphold her Great Dao?"

"Your original heart is contained within your Dao body and divine abilities." Xuan Chen pointed at the Flat Peach Tree mark between Nüwa's brows. "You possess the Primal Creation Body and are innately compatible with the Creation Dao. Your spiritual-root divine ability, 'Flat Peach Life Nurture,' can foster spiritual herbs, restore Dao bodies, and nourish one's origin. All of this foretells that your Dao is the Life Dao, the Dao of Protection, and the Dao of aiding the world."

Looking at Nüwa, he said earnestly, "Your original heart is not slaughter, plunder, or domination, but creation, protection, and nourishment. The meaning of your cultivation is not merely to increase your strength and protect yourself. It is also to protect the living beings of this world, nourish the vitality of the Primordial World, and allow more lives to endure and flourish beneath your Creation Power."

"Saving the world and rescuing others?" A trace of confusion flashed through Nüwa's eyes. "But the Primordial World follows the law of the strong devouring the weak, where only the fit survive. The life and death of many beings are decreed by the Heavenly Dao. Even if this disciple wishes to save the world and help others, what can she do?"

"Though the Heavenly Dao has its destined course, human resolve can still triumph over heaven," Xuan Chen said. "The Primordial World is vast and boundless, filled with countless dangers, but it is not devoid of warmth. Look at the mountains, rivers, and plants—though battered by violent wind and torrential rain, they can still grow tenaciously. Look at those weak living beings—even when pursued by natural predators, they still struggle with all their might to survive. These are the power of life, and they are beauties worth protecting."

He paused, then continued, "Your strength is still somewhat lacking. Perhaps you cannot save every living being or change the entire landscape of the Primordial World, but you can begin with the small matters around you. When you encounter beings in need of help, extend a hand. When you see acts that destroy vitality, do your utmost to stop them. When drops gather, they become a river; when grains of sand pile up, they become a tower. Your good deeds will eventually converge into a vast and surging force, influencing more people and changing more things."

Xuan Chen extended his hand, and a wisp of the embryonic Life Dao Principle overflowed from his fingertips, slowly merging into Nüwa's body. This was his insight into the Life Dao. Though it was only an embryonic form, it contained boundless wisdom and power.

"This is the embryonic form of the Life Dao Principle. You must contemplate it well," Xuan Chen said. "Your Creation Dao and the Life Dao Principle stem from the same lineage. Comprehending the Life Dao Principle will greatly benefit your future cultivation. Remember: only by never forgetting your original heart can you remain true to the end upon the path of cultivation. Your Dao is to save the world and rescue others, to protect vitality. As long as you uphold this original heart, your Dao will not lose its way, and your cultivation will advance by leaps and bounds."

Nüwa closed her eyes and immersed herself in comprehending the Life Dao Principle. She could feel a warm yet vast power merging into her body and echoing with her Creation Power. This insight deepened her understanding of the Creation Dao. It was as though she personally witnessed mountains, rivers, vegetation, and trees flourishing in vigorous growth; saw weak living beings fighting desperately to survive; and felt the exuberant power of all things in the world thriving in Endless Vitality.

She suddenly came to understand that the meaning of her cultivation was by no means simply to make herself stronger. It was to protect this endlessly flourishing beauty. The Primal Creation Body she possessed was not merely something to rely on for self-preservation—it was the source of creating and nourishing all things. Her spiritual-root divine ability was likewise not merely a means of battle, but a divine treasure for saving the world and rescuing others.

After a long while, Nüwa slowly opened her eyes. The confusion in them had completely vanished, replaced by determination and clarity. She respectfully bowed to Xuan Chen, her voice incomparably solemn. "Thank you for your guidance, Master. This disciple now understands. The Great Dao this disciple pursues is the Creation Dao, the Life Dao, and also the Dao of saving the world and rescuing others. From this day onward, this disciple will surely uphold her original heart, nourish living beings with Creation Power, and protect the Primordial World with the Life Dao. She will never disappoint Master's teachings and expectations!"

Seeing the determination in Nüwa's eyes, Xuan Chen revealed a gratified smile. He knew well that Nüwa had found the direction of her own cultivation and comprehended the true meaning of cultivation. This was far more important than raising any realm or mastering any divine ability.

"Good! Good! Good!" Xuan Chen spoke the word three times in succession, excitement gleaming in his eyes. "With these words from you, Master can rest easy. Remember the vow you made today. Uphold your original heart and forge ahead through hardship. No matter how great the obstacles you encounter in the future or how great the temptations before you, you must never forget why you cultivate, nor forget what Great Dao you truly seek."

After pausing for a moment, he continued, "Now that you have comprehended the true meaning of cultivation, stabilized your realm, and perfectly fused your spiritual root, it is time to complete the system mission. The Seven-Colored Wood Spirit of Myriad Woods Valley is waiting for you, and the 'Creation Derivation' section of the Heaven-Mending Genesis Scripture is also awaiting your unlock. Once we complete the mission, your strength will surely rise to another level. Then, you will be able to better practice your Dao and protect even more living beings."

Nüwa nodded heavily, anticipation shining in her eyes. "This disciple is ready! Master, let us depart at once!"

Xuan Chen nodded. Taking Nüwa with him, he flashed and transformed into a streak of golden light, speeding toward Myriad Woods Valley. This time, there was no longer the slightest confusion in Nüwa's eyes. Her heart was filled with determination and faith. She understood that her path of cultivation had only just begun. In the future, the lands of the Primordial World would surely bear the traces of her efforts to save the world and rescue others, while the Creation Dao she pursued would bloom with dazzling brilliance throughout the Primordial World.

The master and disciple's escaping light tore across the heavens, racing toward a new secret realm, new opportunities, and a new future. A brand-new adventure was about to begin, and a legend of saving the world and rescuing others was about to write its opening chapter.