Deep within Myriad Woods Valley, spiritual energy surged like waves, while the vegetation flourished in lush abundance.
Xuan Chen and Nüwa stood side by side before a spiritual tree wreathed in seven-colored radiance. This tree was none other than the mid-grade Innate Spiritual Root—the Seven-Colored Wood Spirit. It stood over ten feet tall, its branches and leaves flowing with pure wood-element origin power. It faintly resonated with the Creation Power within Nüwa, emanating a vibrant aura that refreshed the heart and delighted the spirit.
Nüwa extended her hand, and a thread of glistening white Creation Power slowly flowed forth, gently enveloping the Seven-Colored Wood Spirit. After the earlier spiritual root fusion and cultivation stabilization, her control over Creation Power had become increasingly adept. Drawn by that power, the spiritual tree slowly rose from the soil, transforming into a streak of seven-colored light that merged into her brow.
The instant the spiritual tree completely fused with her, brilliant rays of light erupted around Nüwa, and the aura within her rose once more. Though she had not broken through in cultivation, her foundation became even more solid, and her affinity with the Creation Dao increased accordingly.
[System Notification: Detected that disciple successfully acquired the mid-grade Innate Spiritual Root "Seven-Colored Wood Spirit." Side quest "Seek Innate Spiritual Roots, Raise the Upper Limit of Innate Potential" has been successfully completed!] [Calculating quest rewards...] [Reward 1: Spiritual Vein Fortification Fluid ×1 (issued to Primal Chaos Pearl storage space)] [Reward 2: Heaven-Mending Genesis Scripture completion authority unlocked; "Creation Derivation" chapter activated] [Reward 3: Secret realm coordinates ×1 (Tide Eye of the Eastern Sea), suitable for disciple to comprehend the Water Dao; coordinates entered into the system map] [Reward 4: Origin Blessing ×1 (may designate one foundational Dao principle for deep comprehension, greatly increasing affinity with that Dao principle)] [Additional Notice: The Tide Eye of the Eastern Sea contains incomparably pure water origin. It complements the disciple's Creation Dao; after comprehending the Water Dao, the Dao rhythm system of "Endless Vitality" may be perfected. It is recommended that you depart as soon as possible.]
A string of system notifications rang out in Xuan Chen's mind, and a flash of delight crossed his eyes. The rewards for this mission far exceeded expectations. Not only had a new chapter of the cultivation art been unlocked, but they had also obtained the secret realm coordinates of the Tide Eye of the Eastern Sea and the precious Origin Blessing. These would bring immeasurable benefits to Nüwa's growth.
"Master, the system says the mission is complete!" Nüwa had also received the system feedback, and her face bloomed with joy. "It even unlocked the 'Creation Derivation' chapter of the Heaven-Mending Genesis Scripture. This disciple feels that she has gained new insights into the use of Creation Power."
Xuan Chen nodded, a gratified smile appearing on his face. "Very good. The 'Creation Derivation' chapter is a core chapter of the Heaven-Mending Genesis Scripture, containing the evolving transformations of the Creation Dao. It can transform the power of vitality into offensive and defensive methods, and it can also draw upon other Dao principles to strengthen oneself. It will be crucial to your future cultivation."
He paused briefly before continuing, "The system has also rewarded us with a new secret realm coordinate—the Tide Eye of the Eastern Sea. It indicated that the place is suitable for your comprehension of the Water Dao. Water is the source of life and complements your Creation Dao. Once you comprehend the Water Dao, your Creation Power will become more complete and harmonious. You may even derive the divine ability of 'Silent Nourishment,' which will be of great help in practicing the Great Dao of aiding the world and saving its people."
Anticipation flashed through Nüwa's eyes. "Then shall we go to the Tide Eye of the Eastern Sea now?"
Xuan Chen shook his head. "There is no need to rush. You have just fused with the Seven-Colored Wood Spirit. Although the mission has been completed, you have not yet fully digested the spiritual root's power. Moreover, the 'Creation Derivation' chapter will also require time to comprehend. We will first return to Zichen Cave Abode. You will stabilize your cultivation and thoroughly grasp the new chapter of the cultivation art. Meanwhile, I will use this time to prepare several items that will aid your comprehension of the Water Dao. Once everything is ready, we will set out for the Eastern Sea."
He looked at Nüwa and added, "In addition, the system has rewarded us with an Origin Blessing. It can designate one foundational Dao principle for deep comprehension. When you are ready to head to the Eastern Sea, we will use this blessing directly on the Water Dao. It will let you achieve twice the result with half the effort and greatly increase the efficiency of your Dao comprehension."
Nüwa nodded heavily, determination shining in her eyes. "This disciple will follow all of Master's arrangements! After we return, this disciple will certainly digest the spiritual root's power as quickly as possible and comprehend the 'Creation Derivation' chapter. This disciple will never disappoint Master's expectations."
Xuan Chen nodded in satisfaction. With a wave of his hand, he stored the scattered spiritual herbs and ores around them into the Primal Chaos Pearl. "Let us go. We will return to Zichen Cave Abode. We have already obtained Myriad Woods Valley's opportunity; it is not suitable to linger here."
Master and disciple transformed into a streak of golden light and sped toward Mount Buzhou. Along the way, Nüwa began attempting to comprehend the "Creation Derivation" chapter of the Heaven-Mending Genesis Scripture. The Creation Power around her sometimes condensed into a shield, sometimes transformed into vines, and sometimes gave birth to spiritual buds. Though she was still somewhat unpracticed, she had already displayed tremendous potential.
Xuan Chen guided her from the side, occasionally offering pointers to help Nüwa avoid misunderstandings in her comprehension. He could feel that Nüwa's insight was becoming ever more exceptional, and her perception of the Great Dao ever more acute. Given time, she would surely become a mighty figure of her generation.
Several days later, the two returned safely to Zichen Cave Abode. Xuan Chen once again activated the cave abode's defensive restrictions to their maximum before bringing Nüwa to the cultivation chamber. He instructed her, "For the next ten days, you will cultivate in seclusion here. First, digest the origin power of the Seven-Colored Wood Spirit. Second, comprehend the core mysteries of the 'Creation Derivation' chapter. If you have any questions, summon me at any time."
"Thank you, Master!" Nüwa bowed, then sat cross-legged upon a meditation cushion, closed her eyes, and began a new round of secluded cultivation.
As Xuan Chen watched Nüwa's focused figure, a gratified smile appeared on his face. He turned and left the cultivation chamber, beginning to ponder inwardly. The Water Dao within the Tide Eye of the Eastern Sea is extraordinarily pure, but it also contains violent tidal power. Since this will be Nüwa's first contact with the Water Dao, she may find it difficult to adapt. I need to refine a Dharma artifact to assist her comprehension, then teach her a basic water-element cultivation art to help her lay a solid foundation.
With that thought, Xuan Chen took out the Primal Chaos Pearl and retrieved the materials he had obtained from slaying Taotie—a beast bone containing water patterns, several scales carrying a moist tidal aura, and some water-element ores gathered from the Kunlun Ruins. Though these materials had not reached the level of innate spirit treasures, they still contained considerable water aura, more than enough to refine a Dharma artifact that could aid comprehension.
Xuan Chen entered the cave abode's artifact-refining chamber, ignited the spiritual fire, and began devising the artifact's initial form. He intended to refine a jade pendant, using Taotie's beast bone as its foundation, integrating the origin of the water-element ores, then using the patterns on Taotie's scales to inscribe runes for gathering water and absorbing essence. It would not only aid comprehension of the Water Dao but also release a water curtain for defense at critical moments—killing two birds with one stone.
The spiritual fire blazed fiercely, and the temperature within the artifact-refining chamber abruptly soared. Xuan Chen focused completely, his hands rapidly forming seals as he cast the various materials into the furnace one by one. His movements were fluid and natural, every hand seal precise and perfectly timed, displaying exquisite artifact-refining skill—this was his natural comprehension of the Artifact Dao after fusing with the Primordial Origin Essence.
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