"—Calling it acting as the 'Heavenly Dao' of a world is a slight exaggeration. More accurately, it is 'aligning one's higher self with the heart of Heaven,' imprinting a world's Heavenly Dao."
The Rat Immortal stroked the short whiskers around its mouth, correcting the Young Legendary's guess. It pointed at the black gem in his hand. "And whoever holds this 'Dao Seed,' or 'divine spark,' or whatever other name you find more fitting... with this thing, one can imprint the principles and laws of a Great Thousand Worlds, then 'act in place of the Heavenly Dao' and become the master of that world... In a sense, it is equivalent to having created that world."
"Isn't that a Legend?" Hermione could not help exclaiming softly.
"—No, no, this is very different!"
The white mouse waved its tiny paws repeatedly. It glanced at Hermione, as though seeing Zhu Si through her, and its gaze immediately grew more affectionate. Patiently, it explained, "There are many distinctions even among Legends. True Legends, such as the Cat Immortal..."
It pointed at the Yellow Calico Cat beside it.
The Flower Cat lifted its chin with restrained pride.
"—Legends like the Cat Immortal transcend the Three Realms and stand beyond the Five Elements, untouched by mortal dust and free as they please. Upward, they can travel against the River of Time and Fate toward antiquity, continuously unifying their own imprints and tracing the river back to its source. Downward, they can explore the endless possibilities of the future. And if they cannot be bothered with all that, they can find a reef by the River of Time and Fate, sit down to fish, and enjoy themselves at leisure. That is true great power, great freedom, and great ease."
At this point, it seemed to recall something. It