The morning mist outside the Zichen Cave Abode had yet to fully disperse when two streaks of golden light pierced through the thin fog and sped eastward. Xuan Chen and Nüwa traveled side by side, their flight steady and swift as the mountains, rivers, grass, and trees below flashed past like scenes on a revolving lantern.
"Disciple, the core of the Water Dao at the Tide Eye of the Eastern Sea lies in 'flow' and 'embrace.'" As Xuan Chen guided their flight, he explained the profound mysteries of the Water Dao to Nüwa. "Water has no fixed form. When it encounters a square vessel, it becomes square; when it encounters a round vessel, it becomes round. This is its nature of 'flow.' The sea accepts a hundred rivers without disdaining even the smallest stream. This is its nature of 'embrace.' Your Creation Dao centers on 'life.' If you can incorporate the Water Dao's 'nourishment' and 'embrace' into it, the power of life will break free from the limits of land and reach the realm of Silent Nourishment, present everywhere."
Nüwa listened intently. The Water-Rhyme Jade Pendant in her hand grew faintly warm, releasing a light watery aura that echoed Xuan Chen's explanation. She closed her eyes and immersed her mind in comprehending the Water Dao. Streams, rivers, and vast seas surfaced in her thoughts, and she seemed able to feel the rushing currents and the rising and falling tides.
"Master, then how should one understand the Water Dao's trait of 'utmost hardness'?" Nüwa opened her eyes, a trace of confusion in them. "Water appears weak, yet it can wear through stone and burst riverbanks. This disciple does not quite understand the mystery within."
Xuan Chen smiled faintly. "Water's 'utmost hardness' arises from 'persistence' and 'following the current of circumstances.' Dripping water pierces stone not in a single day, but through its feeble force striking rock day after day until it finally bores through it. When rivers burst their banks, water borrows the advantage of the terrain and gathers the strength of countless currents, forming a force that nothing can withstand. Of these two kinds of 'utmost hardness,' the first is using softness to overcome hardness, while the second is borrowing momentum to reveal hardness. Both suit your fighting style exceedingly well."
He paused before continuing, "Your Creation Fist uses softness to overcome hardness, while your Chaos Step is unpredictable and ever-changing. You can draw upon these two traits of the Water Dao. In future battles, you may use an enemy's offensive momentum to counterattack, just as water detours around obstacles and gathers when it meets great force. This will conserve your own strength while unleashing the greatest possible power."
A flash of realization crossed Nüwa's eyes. "This disciple understands. The Water Dao's 'hardness' and 'softness' are not opposed to one another. They can transform into each other and complement each other."
"Precisely." Xuan Chen nodded approvingly. "The mysteries of the Water Dao extend far beyond this. Within the Primordial World, water-element Spirit Veins crisscross one another, and the water essence of different regions possesses different traits as well."
He raised a hand and pointed at a rushing river below. "Look at this river. Its current is swift, and its water essence contains the intent of 'surging onward,' making it suitable for tempering offensive divine abilities. Then look at the lake over there. Its waters are tranquil, and its water essence contains the intent of 'serenity,' making it suitable for assisting enlightenment and cultivation. The water essence of the Tide Eye of the Eastern Sea gathers the strength of the tides of the Four Seas. It possesses both the power of 'surging onward' and the charm of 'serenity,' making it an exceptional place to comprehend the Water Dao."
As they flew, Xuan Chen explained the distribution of water-element Spirit Veins throughout the Primordial World. "The water-element Spirit Veins of the Primordial World are primarily divided into four great branches, each corresponding to one of the Four Seas. The Eastern Sea Spiritual Vein centers on 'tides,' and its water essence is the most active. The Southern Sea Spiritual Vein centers on 'warmth,' and its water essence contains the power of flames. The Western Sea Spiritual Vein centers on 'chill,' and its water essence contains the power of frost. The Northern Sea Spiritual Vein centers on 'heaviness,' and its water essence is the purest and most steady."
He added, "Beyond the Four Seas Spirit Veins, the inland regions of the Primordial World also contain many important water-element Spirit Veins, such as the spirit springs of the Kunlun Ruins, the Netherworld River of the Netherworld Blood Sea, and the demon lake of the Valley of Ten Thousand Monsters. The water essence of these Spirit Veins each has its own traits. If you have the opportunity in the future, you may go and comprehend them to perfect your own Water Dao."
Nüwa listened earnestly, committing every word Xuan Chen spoke to heart. She could feel that, with his explanations, her understanding of the Water Dao was growing ever deeper. The Water-Rhyme Jade Pendant in her hand also became increasingly lively, and she could even vaguely sense the call of distant water-element Spirit Veins.
Their flight was incredibly fast. They crossed several mountain ranges and several plains, drawing ever closer to the Eastern Sea. The moisture in the air grew denser, carrying a faint salty scent. The distant horizon also became increasingly blurred, merging into the ocean.
"Master, is that the Eastern Sea ahead?" Nüwa pointed toward the distant ocean, her eyes filled with novelty and anticipation.
Xuan Chen nodded. "That is correct. Ahead lies the shore of the Eastern Sea. We will rest briefly by the sea, familiarize ourselves with the Eastern Sea's water essence, then dive beneath the waves and head for the Tide Eye."
They slowed their flight and gradually descended onto a beach along the Eastern Sea. The sand was strewn with shells of every color. Seawater crashed against the shore with a rushing roar, rolling up layer upon layer of waves. The air was saturated with dense water essence, completely unlike the spiritual energy inland—far purer and far more lively.
Nüwa drew a deep breath, feeling the rich water essence in the air. A comfortable smile appeared on her face. "The water essence of the Eastern Sea is truly abundant! This disciple feels that the Water Origin Art within her body is circulating on its own."
Xuan Chen smiled faintly. "Naturally. The Eastern Sea is the largest sea in the Primordial World, and its water essence is exceptionally abundant. You may now try circulating the Water Origin Art and absorb the water essence in the air. Adapt to the Eastern Sea's environment in advance, so that you may prepare for comprehending the Dao within the Tide Eye later."
Nüwa obeyed and sat cross-legged, clutching the Water-Rhyme Jade Pendant tightly as she circulated the Water Origin Art. As the technique began to operate, the surrounding water essence surged toward her wildly as if drawn by a magnet, forming a faint curtain of water around her. The water curtain flowed with lively grace, continuously sending water essence into her body, where it blended with her Creation Power.
Xuan Chen stood guard quietly beside her while extending his divine sense to inspect the surroundings. He could sense that although the water essence along the Eastern Sea shore was dense, it concealed several faint auras of living creatures. They were clearly some early water-dwelling beings. These creatures were not strong; most were only at the Qi Refining or Foundation Establishment realms, posing no threat to them.
Half an hour later, Nüwa slowly concluded her cultivation and opened her eyes, a gleam of excitement flashing through them. "Master, this disciple feels that the water essence within her body has become purer, and her control over the Water Origin Art has also grown more proficient!"
Xuan Chen nodded. "Very good. Now, after a brief rest, we shall dive beneath the sea and proceed to the Tide Eye of the Eastern Sea. Remember, the undersea world is perilous and unpredictable. Not only are there powerful aquatic ferocious beasts, but there are also Dragon Clan patrols. We must conceal our auras well and keep a low profile."
"This disciple understands!" Nüwa nodded heavily, tightening her grip on the Water-Rhyme Jade Pendant as a determined light shone in her eyes.
The two rested briefly on the beach. Then Xuan Chen cast a divine ability, shrouding them in a faint halo of chaos that completely concealed their auras. Afterward, they leaped into the sea together, like two swimming fish diving toward the depths of the Eastern Sea.
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