"I wanted to stay here."
Before Nu Wa could ask, Taishang laid out his thoughts in full.
"I once divined that the opportunity for me to attain the Dao was connected to the Human Race created by the Saint.
If I stayed here, perhaps I could better comprehend this opportunity and thus attain the Great Dao."
As Taishang spoke, he glanced at the Human Race and continued, "At the same time, if I remain, I can look after those members of the Human Race unwilling to leave, so they will not become food for the ferocious beasts of Hong Huang."
The ferocious beasts of Hong Huang were a general term for beasts without intelligence, relying solely on instinct to kill and evolve endlessly. They had no uniform appearance; their only common trait was knowing nothing but slaughter.
To ferocious beasts of Hong Huang, innate beings like the Human Race were especially rare delicacies.
"That could not be better."
Nu Wa had originally been worried about what to do with the portion of the Human Race remaining in their ancestral land.
When she had chosen this place, she had not paid much attention to it. On a whim, she had merely felt it was suitable and descended here.
Only upon taking a closer look did she realize this was Shouyang Mountain. It was not exactly remote, yet strangely, there were no caves or palaces belonging to great cultivators within a radius of ten thousand li.
"It seems everything was fated long ago."
She had previously worried about entrusting the Human Race here to Fu Xi. If the Human Race encountered danger, by the time Fu Xi rushed over from the foot of Buzhou Mountain, even their bones would have been digested.
But Taishang's idea perfectly resolved her concern.
It was like being handed a pillow just when she felt sleepy, like a dung beetle running into a bloated belly.
It had come at exactly the right time.
What delighted Nu Wa even more was learning that Taishang had gained insight into attaining the Dao.
If Taishang could successfully attain the Dao, she would no longer be fighting alone.
The Three Pure Ones, who had always called themselves Orthodox Descendants of Pangu, would surely not allow Hong Jun to bury Hong Huang.
Nu Wa looked at Taishang with a smile. "Then I shall congratulate Eldest Senior Brother in advance on attaining the Dao!"
Taishang shook his head and gave a bitter smile. "I merely sensed a vague hint of guidance. I am still thousands of miles away from attaining the Dao. Whether I can succeed will depend on fate."
Nu Wa nodded after hearing this. Although she had attained the Dao herself, she did not dare guarantee that Taishang would certainly succeed.
Moreover, she had used her Saint-level power to divine the matter, but with the tribulation approaching and heavenly secrets muddled, everything ahead was shrouded in confusion. Even she could not see the outcome clearly.
Besides, even now, she felt that her own attainment of the Dao had come somewhat inexplicably.
In terms of strength, throughout all Hong Huang, she was not only inferior to the Three Pure Ones, but even Eastern Emperor Tai Yi wielding the Chaos Bell was slightly stronger than her.
In terms of seniority, she was even less comparable to people like Hong Yun, who came from the same era as Hong Jun.
Yet before anyone else had even touched the threshold of attaining the Dao, she had inexplicably attained it first.
Nu Wa did not know how to comfort Taishang, so she could only change the subject. "Then I shall leave the Human Race here in Eldest Senior Brother's care from now on."
Then, looking at Xuan Du, who stood obediently beside Taishang like an attendant, she encouraged him, "Although you have taken Eldest Senior Brother as your master, you are ultimately a member of the Human Race. If I discover that you are lax in your cultivation under Eldest Senior Brother or harbor improper intentions, then even if Eldest Senior Brother does not blame you, I, as the Saint Mother of the Human Race, will not spare you."
"Xuan Du obeys. I will certainly not disappoint Master and Saint Mother's goodwill!"
Seeing Xuan Du's solemn expression, Nu Wa nodded in satisfaction. Then she took a spiritual pearl from her robes and said,
"This spiritual pearl is a treasure I obtained shortly after arriving in Hong Huang. Though it cannot compare to an Innate Spiritual Treasure, it accompanied me in attaining the Dao and has thus been touched by a trace of Merit. I now give it to you as a gift for taking a master."
Xuan Du looked up and saw the spiritual pearl pinched between Nu Wa's two fingers. It was only the size of a kumquat, and Seven-Colored Divine Light suffused its surface, seeming to spin without end. As the divine light twisted, it carried a uniquely refreshing radiance.
It would have been a lie to say Xuan Du was not tempted by the spiritual pearl before him, but when he considered that it was a treasure Nu Wa had always kept by her side, he still felt it was inappropriate.
"This... is far too precious. I..."
Xuan Du had wanted to decline, but Nu Wa saw through his thoughts at a glance. Before he could finish speaking, she said,
"There is no need to refuse. Keeping this spiritual pearl by my side is merely sentimental and serves no other purpose. It is better suited to you. In this regard, you ought to learn from Liu Mang!"
"Since the Saint has said so, accept it."
Seeing that Xuan Du was still hesitating, Taishang took the initiative to persuade him.
When Nu Wa called Xuan Du a member of the Human Race, Taishang had wanted to interrupt her.
In truth, he had not intended for Xuan Du to become entangled in too much karma with the Human Race.
That did not accord with the path of "purity and nonaction" cultivated by their lineage.
But when Nu Wa mentioned Liu Mang in the end, Taishang glanced at Liu Mang, who was sprawled across the stone platform with his eyes darting about, and for some reason, swallowed the words that had reached his lips.
Only after hearing Taishang's words did Xuan Du agree to accept the spiritual pearl.
He stepped forward two paces, bowed, and raised both hands. After Nu Wa placed the spiritual pearl into his palm, he respectfully said, "Thank you, Saint Mother." Then, holding up the pearl, he bowed and backed away to his original position before calmly tucking it into his robes.
Seeing Xuan Du's conduct, Nu Wa nodded in satisfaction. "As expected of the disciple Eldest Senior Brother chose. His character is indeed commendable."
After looking at Xuan Du, Nu Wa could not help turning back to look at Liu Mang again.
The moment she did, Nu Wa regretted it!
Liu Mang looked as though his bones had been removed, sprawled in a beijing slouch against the stone, his eyes roaming everywhere.
Nu Wa's expression froze, and anger immediately surged within her at the sight of him.
She looked exactly like a mother who had seen the neighbor's child score full marks while her own child had failed.
Killing intent spread from Nu Wa, making Xuan Du beside her shiver involuntarily.
Following Nu Wa's gaze, Xuan Du noticed Liu Mang sprawled on the ground and could not help mourning for him inwardly. Second Brother, it is not that your senior brother will not save you! The key is that I do not dare move!
Liu Mang, who had been lying there peacefully, suddenly felt a chill rise up his back.
Damn it, killing intent. That bastard Hong Jun is trying to ambush me again!
Liu Mang cursed inwardly, but he did not remain idle. He sprang to his feet, preparing to move closer to Nu Wa.
Before he could rise, he met Nu Wa's cold smile and dangerous gaze.
Though he did not understand why, Liu Mang immediately knew something was wrong when he saw Nu Wa's murderous expression and abandoned the idea of moving closer to her.
His butt, which had already lifted halfway, dropped back onto the stone platform. He even gave Nu Wa two awkward "hehe" laughs, looking exactly like someone caught doing something bad.
I was lying here perfectly well and did nothing! Why is she staring at me?
"Is lying there comfortable?"
"Not bad. If I had a cushion and a bag of sunflower seeds, it would be even better!"
Do you think I am asking because I care about you?
You really are something else!
Whenever Hong Jun comes, you hide beside me and act like an idiot!
The moment Hong Jun leaves, you run off to loaf around!
Why are other people's disciples so sensible, while this bastard only knows how to make me angry?
Nu Wa narrowed her eyes. "You unfilial brat! Give me your life!"
Before you continue