Having just fought with Yuanshi Tianzun, Xu Long was seriously injured, but it also showed him what high-level martial arts in this world looked like, making him even more determined about his next plan.
Unlike before, this mission has no time limit. If you complete it, you can choose to return; if you don't, you'll have to stay here indefinitely.
Xu Long planned to stay in seclusion in his cave and not let anyone leave until the main storyline officially began.
The cave of the Taiyi Zhenren was very simple, with only a futon, a stone table, and a lotus pond in front of it.
There was neither Seven-Treasure Exquisite Pagoda nor a whisk.
Taiyi Zhenren's treasures were all given to him by Yuanshi Tianzun. Not long ago, Xu Long fought with Yuanshi Tianzun, so it's perfectly normal that he lost these things.
However, the Precious Lotus Lantern did not belong to Yuanshi Tianzun, and it was not taken away.
"Let me see what this number one treasure of the Three Realms looks like!"
A faint light appeared out of nowhere and then entered Xu Long's eyes.
The next moment, the pond that was once full of lotus flowers became empty, with only one blue lotus blooming.
It has no roots or leaves, only a stem growing from the lotus root, from which a lotus flower blooms.
According to the world's setting, the lotus roots in the pond are transformations of the Precious Lotus Lantern used by Nüwa when she created humans, and only those with great love in their hearts can use them.
Unlike the selfish, narrow-minded, and petty Nüwa of the Demon Race in Investiture of the Investiture of the Gods and many other prehistoric novels, who created the human race only to achieve sainthood through merit, the Nüwa here has the well-being of all living beings in her heart and is a true saint of humanity.
A terrifying suction force emanated from his palm. Although the Precious Lotus Lantern was left behind by the Lady Nüwa, how could a mere unclaimed magic weapon withstand Xu Long's power?
The flowers swayed, the stems wobbled, and even the lotus root showed signs of being pulled out.
It seemed that with just a little more effort, the Precious Lotus Lantern would fall into Xu Long's hands.
However, at that moment, a gentle force appeared out of nowhere and enveloped the lotus.
"Why covet what doesn't belong to you, fellow Daoist? The Precious Lotus Lantern concerns the well-being of all living beings, and besides, you cannot use it yourself. Why not do me a favor and, when the time is right, I can gift you that lotus root."
Her voice was gentle, yet carried an undeniable air of authority.
Without a doubt, this is Nüwa, the Holy Mother of Humanity.
"So it's the Lady Nüwa Nuwa herself! I, Taiyi, greet you."
Xu Long cupped his hands in a gesture of respect towards the front; after all, she was a Holy Mother of the Human Race and deserved respect.
"Fellow Daoist, there's no need for modesty or pretense. I cannot enter this world; I can only speak to you through the Precious Lotus Lantern."
"Unable to enter this realm?"
Upon hearing Nüwa's words, Xu Long's gaze sharpened, and he roughly guessed what was going on.
To enter this realm, one must be at least S-rank; otherwise, the Main God wouldn't prevent her from entering.
It's hard to say just how strong mythical characters of S-rank and above can be.
"Junior Xu Long greets you!"
Xu Long cupped his hands in greeting again, his attitude much more respectful than before.
"Fellow Daoist, there's no need for such formalities. I only hope you will refrain from indiscriminate killing and wanton harm to my human race."
"Having no grudge against you, I naturally wouldn't resort to violence."
Xu Long thought for a moment and continued, "I descended to this world solely for cultivation. But now my cultivation has reached a bottleneck, and I don't know how to break through. Could Your Majesty please give me some guidance?"
"Can!"
Nüwa responded, then asked, "What has been your driving force for continuous improvement?"
"Power?"
Xu Long was stunned upon hearing Nüwa's words.
What has been my purpose in coming here all this time?
Why are you working so hard?
Is it the Main God?
No! Xu Long was only grateful, because it was the Main God who gave him the chance to live a second life.
Is it Haitang? Or Xu Jiao?
No! Although Xu Long loves them, the two of them are not yet at the point where he can urge them to keep moving forward.
Rice Bucket?
Come on, that guy really is just a Rice Bucket!
So, what exactly is the reason?
Xu Long murmured to himself, not even noticing when the Lady Nüwa had left.
The second stage of the soul's transformation is called " Seeking the Heart and Questioning the Intent, Abandoning Falsehood and Returning to Truth," which involves searching for one's own path among countless others.
Find your own heart, understand your own path.
Once Xu Long understands why, he will be able to break through.
But why exactly?
Time flies, and who knows what year it will be?
Xu Long stood by the lotus pond, as still as a stone statue, until a child burst in.
"Master! Master! What's wrong? Are you dead?"
The child was a little over a meter tall, with exquisitely beautiful features, and extremely cute. However, what he did had absolutely nothing to do with cuteness.
This is Nezha, the number one traitor in Heavenly Court; he helps whoever rebels against Heaven.
After shaking Xu Long a few times and finding no reaction, Nezha began to wander around the Golden Light Cave, wanting to see what treasures were inside.
Unfortunately, Xu Long had just arrived when he started fighting with Yuanshi Tianzun, and all he got was the Precious Lotus Lantern.
"Oh dear, that master was so poor. He died without leaving behind any treasure."
Nezha muttered something to himself, then turned his gaze to the lotus flowers in the pond.
"Although my poor master has nothing, this lotus flower looks nice. I'll pick it and make soup for my mother."
Nezha was about to make a move when his ear was grabbed.
"Ouch, ouch, ouch... Master, I was wrong..."
Xu Long woke up, picked up Nezha, and tossed him aside.
Standing in front of the lotus pond for so long, Xu Long seemed to have grasped something, yet at the same time, he seemed to have grasped nothing. It was as if it were right in front of him, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't grasp it.
"Master, you're not dead!"
Nezha squatted on the ground, rubbing his ears as he cautiously asked.
"How could your master, with all his supernatural powers, possibly die?"
Xu Long snorted. This kid has a bad temper and needs to be properly disciplined, otherwise he'll definitely cause a big mess.
Xu Long wasn't afraid of the Heavenly Court or the Jade Emperor, but he wanted to pursue enlightenment and didn't want to fight with anyone.
Once the Rice Bucket was taken out of storage, it started howling as soon as it was released after being held back for so long.
"Wow, what a big dog!"
Upon seeing the Rice Bucket, Nezha immediately forgot what had just happened and climbed onto its Rice Bucket.
"From now on, you must come here to read every day."
Xu Long snorted, his attitude extremely firm.
Reading makes one wise. Nezha is mischievous, so he needs to study hard.
"Ah?"
Upon hearing Xu Long's words, Nezha collapsed to the ground like a limp rag, instantly losing all life.
"Awoo!"
The Rice Bucket was gloating, but Xu Long's next words made it lie down along with Nezha.
You should read along with them!
This guy is lazy and doesn't know anything about farming. All he does all day is sleep and eat, or he's messing around with Little Yellow. He should have been properly disciplined a long time ago.
As the saying goes, sharing happiness is better than enjoying it alone. Xu Long is racking his brains all day long to attain enlightenment, so how can he let that Rice Bucket and Nezha wander around aimlessly?