Shi Xuan broke out in a cold sweat at the question. Ever since he had begun studying the Dao, a deep pride had been hidden in the depths of his heart. If he remained in the Land of the Central Plains, he could continue clinging to that pride. But once he reached the Cultivation World, feelings like inferiority, fear, and despair would likely coil around his heart. Could he overcome them? In the Central Plains, he could peacefully enjoy a hundred years; in the Cultivation World, he might very well fall halfway down the road. Did he dare face that possibility?
Thoughts spun through his heart a hundred times and a thousand times. He thought of the unwilling ghosts he had seen, of the future in which, a hundred years hence, he would become dry bones in a grave and finally scatter between heaven and earth. His thoughts gradually calmed, finally becoming a composed voice laced with resolve. "This junior is willing to go to the Cultivation World."
Daoquanzi gave Shi Xuan a long, deep look before finally curling his lip. "How boring. Then wait outside Yanzi Forest west of the city tomorrow morning. Dao Master will take you to the Cultivation World."
Still immersed in his earlier emotions, Shi Xuan answered with gratitude yet calmness, "Thanks, Senior."
Early the next morning, Shi Xuan arrived outside Yanzi Forest to wait. It was not until the beginning of the Hour of the Snake that he saw a black shape approaching from afar. Only when it came closer did he realize it was a Great Black Bear, striding openly along the edge of the woods outside Luojing as though taking a leisurely stroll.
"You bastard, I told you to walk slower!" Daoquanzi's exasperated voice came from behind the Great Black Bear.
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