The following morning unfolded in a familiar routine as I shared breakfast with my family. After the meal, I accompanied my sisters to the library, where Elder Ji had arranged two additional books, allowing my sisters to delve into their studies independently. Always the supportive brother, I assisted them when needed, ensuring their understanding of the material.
Our study sessions continued until lunch, after which I dedicated my time to martial arts training and cultivation in my room until dinner. This pattern repeated for the next five days, providing a sense of rhythm and purpose to our daily lives.
After this initial period, my mother arranged teachers for my sisters. However, due to the challenge of finding the best instructors, only two teachers were secured for the time being. One focused on Xu Min, offering support not only in her studies but also in cultivating her skills. The second teacher multitasked, aiding Xu Zhi, Xu Ling, and Xu Jing simultaneously in their studies.
With the weight of teaching responsibilities lifted, I gained the liberty to resume my independent journey of learning. Diligently, I navigated through the remaining chapters of the history section over the next three days, my routine unwavering in its commitment.
As the days unfolded, the countdown to the commencement of my studies in alchemy and poisons persisted. My pursuits delved into the intricate details of both subjects, absorbing insights that promised to enhance my understanding of these fascinating realms.
'Seven more days, then I can finally begin practicing martial arts,' echoed my thoughts as I lay on my bed, closing my eyes in anticipation of the next phase in my journey. The embrace of sleep welcomed me, carrying dreams colored with the hues of impending challenges and growth within the walls of the Emperor Castle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Where am I?" I whispered, my words barely audible against the backdrop of the vast, unknown expanse. Emerging from the depths of sleep, I found myself standing in a reality that defied comprehension. Instead of the familiar confines of my room, I stood upon an endless expanse of tranquil blue sea, stretching infinitely into the horizon.
"Is this a dream?" The question lingered, wrapped in the shroud of confusion as I struggled to make sense of my surroundings. The gentle lapping of waves against an unseen shore added to the surrealness of the moment.
"Hello, how are you?" A melodic voice, gentle and soothing, broke through the profound silence, reaching my ears with a comforting resonance.
"Who?" I responded, my voice echoing over the serene waters, searching for the source of the enchanting voice that seemed to emanate from the very essence of this ethereal landscape.
"It's not a dream, and you are in your conscious world," the voice assured me, its origin elusive yet reassuring in its presence.
"Where are you?" I inquired, my gaze scanning the emptiness for any sign of the speaker.
"Do I know you?" A flurry of questions escaped my lips, each one a desperate attempt to grasp the reality of my situation. Yet, the voice remained a disembodied presence, leaving me to navigate the mysteries of my consciousness alone.
"You didn't know me personally, but I'm sure you've read about me somewhere in books," the familiar voice resonated once again, its words invoking a sense of recognition deep within my subconscious.
"Can you introduce or show yourself?" I pressed yearning to put a face to the voice evident in my inquiry.
"Why did you call me here? What's your reason?" I questioned, the seriousness of my tone reflecting the gravity of the situation.
"Don't be scared; I didn't come here with any ill intention," the voice reassured, its soothing cadence imbuing a newfound calmness into the air.
"I'm not afraid of anyone, and if you harbor no ill intentions, why conceal yourself?" I responded, my confidence bolstered by the assurance of the voice.
"As expected, you are the one we are looking for," the voice affirmed, leaving me perplexed yet intrigued by its cryptic words.
"Looking for me? What do you mean by that?" I queried, a tinge of confusion coloring my tone as I struggled to comprehend the mysterious purpose behind this encounter.
"My name is Yuan Shuren, and you already know me as the Goddess of Light and Wisdom," the voice revealed, its words carrying a weight of significance that resonated deep within my being.
As her words reverberated through the ethereal expanse, a radiant presence enveloped my consciousness, prompting my eyes to close involuntarily. After a brief moment, I reopened them to behold a breathtaking sight - Yuan Shuren, the Goddess of Light and Wisdom, standing before me, her luminous presence casting a warm glow over the tranquil sea.
Her skin was as white and smooth as freshly fallen snow. Long, golden hair cascaded down to her waist, shimmering like molten gold. Her emerald green eyes held a wisdom that transcended time, and her face was hidden beneath a delicate veil that seemed to shimmer with the same radiant light as her presence.
Draped in a stunning white and golden gown, the fabric clung gracefully to her form, revealing curves that embodied elegance. She has a slim body with big breasts estimated F cup size, and her height is around 183cm, with enticing legs that seemed to beguile all who gazed upon them.
A captivating aura emanated from her, a blend of ethereal light that danced and shimmered, casting a serene glow over the surroundings. Her gaze, fixed upon me, carried an expression of relief and hope as if she bore the aspirations for the entire world in her gentle eyes.
The sheer beauty and tranquility exuded by the Goddess left me mesmerized, creating an atmosphere of profound peace in her divine presence.
'Wow… Beautiful…' echoed in my mind as I gazed at the divine figure before me. Snapping out of my momentary daze, I mustered the courage to address the Goddess.
"So why is the Goddess of Light and Wisdom looking for me? Have I done something wrong?" I inquired with a respectful expression and an innocent tone, concealing the trepidation that simmered within.
The gravity of the situation sank in; standing before a deity meant I needed to tread carefully to avoid any unintended offense. I'm an ant in her divine presence, I recognized the need for caution.
"You don't need to act like a kid; I already know you are not from this world," she responded, approaching with an ethereal grace. Her voice, now soft and melodic, conveyed a gentleness that alleviated some of my apprehension.
"Since the day you arrived in this world, we have been watching you. I can sense that your soul doesn't belong here. Your soul and body combination surpasses mine and everyone else on this planet or the outer boundless world," she continued, dropping a revelation that left me momentarily stunned.
My brows furrowed in disbelief. The implications of her words suggested a truth that defied my understanding. The veracity of her statement remained uncertain, shrouded in the mysteries of the divine realm.
"What do you mean? You've been watching me from the very beginning?" I queried, a mix of curiosity and disbelief coloring my words. The idea of being observed since my arrival was disconcerting.
"Right from the start when you woke up here and began gathering information about this world, trying to discern the nature of your transmigration," she responded with a serious tone.
"Fine, I admit it. I transmigrated here. So, what do you want from me? I don't think I have any powers or anything else to offer," A realization settled in, and I sighed in acknowledgment, confessing and resigning to the truth of my circumstances.
"Your powers are not what I seek. It's your purpose here that holds significance," Yuan Shuren replied, her gaze unwavering as she spoke with a clarity that resonated with divine certainty.
"Purpose? I'm just an ordinary person trying to survive in this world. What purpose could I possibly serve?" I questioned, my voice tinged with disbelief and uncertainty.
"The purpose is intricately woven with the fate of this boundless world, and you, Xu Fang, are the one who can hold abilities to shape the fate of this boundless world," she explained, her words carrying a weight that transcended the ethereal landscape surrounding us.
"The fate of this boundless world?" I echoed, bewildered by the grandiosity of the statement.
"Yes, and your journey has only just begun. The choices you make will shape not only your destiny but also the destiny of the whole realm," she affirmed, her eyes reflecting a depth of wisdom beyond mortal understanding.
"I don't understand. Why me? What makes me so special?" I asked, grappling with the magnitude of the revelation unfolding before me.
"Transmigration is not a small thing. It's not seen to have happened last millions of years; it is a sign of something bigger coming soon beyond your current comprehension," Yuan Shuren explained, her words resonating with an air of solemnity.
"Millions of years? Beyond my comprehension? What are you talking about?" I questioned, my mind struggling to grasp the vastness of the concept.
"In the realm where I reside now, there exist higher cultivation beings, ancient entities that govern the cosmic balance. They have been waiting for your arrival for thousands of years because you, Xu Fang, are the one who has to shoulder this responsibility in the future when the time comes," she elucidated, her tone carrying a mixture of solemnity and awe.
"I'm just a normal person, or at least I was in my previous world. Why would these things relate to me?" I protested, feeling the weight of destiny pressing down upon my shoulders.
"The purity of your soul, the uniqueness of your essence, the body of the one who was born from a Light Element holder, and then the combination of all these things hold the potential to influence and shape the destiny of multiple realms. You are a beacon of change, a catalyst for events that transcend the boundaries of individual worlds," she continued, her gaze unwavering.
"Destiny? Catalyst? I don't understand. What do they want me to do?" I implored, a sense of unease settling over me as the weight of my newfound purpose bore down.
"Yes, the Catalyst possesses the ability to alter the course of events, to tip the balance between light and darkness, to shape the future. Your journey is a crucial thread in the tapestry of this world," she elucidated, her words weaving a narrative of cosmic significance.
"I didn't ask for this. I just want to live a peaceful life, to learn and grow with my family. Why burden me with such a destiny?" I implored, a sense of helplessness creeping into my words.
"The path chosen for you is not without challenges, but it is also laden with opportunities for growth, understanding, and the forging of bonds that will transcend the ordinary. Embrace your destiny, Xu Fang, for in doing so, you will discover the true extent of your capabilities," she counseled, her eyes reflecting both compassion and unwavering resolve.
As her words resonated in the ethereal space, I grappled with the enormity of the revelation. Destiny, purpose, and the title of Catalyst, the weight of these concepts settled upon my shoulders like an invisible mantle. Yuan Shuren's presence exuded a serene strength, and her guidance carried a certain wisdom that transcended mortal understanding.