The Ledal Empire, within the confines of my room, I lay on my bed, seemingly in slumber. Yet, in reality, I was far from asleep. My consciousness traversed realms, summoned by the Goddess of Light and Wisdom, who was aware of my transmigration to this world. Here, in this ethereal space, she sought to engage in a conversation that transcended the boundaries of the mortal realm.
"But how am I supposed to navigate this destiny? What am I meant to do?" I questioned, seeking clarity amid the nebulous intricacies of fate.
"You hold within you the potential for both creation and transformation. Your journey will unfold through the choices you make, the connections you forge, and the challenges you overcome," she explained, her gaze imparting a sense of confidence in my abilities.
"Remember, Xu Fang, the threads of destiny are woven with free will. While certain events are destined, the choices you make within those parameters are yours to determine. The future is not set in stone; it is a canvas waiting for your brushstroke," Yuan Shuren continued, her words resonating with a sense of empowerment.
As her divine presence lingered in my consciousness, I felt a surge of determination. If destiny had chosen me as the catalyst, then I would embrace the journey that lay ahead, armed with the lessons learned and the bonds forged in this extraordinary world.
"But what about the challenges I'll face? Will I be alone in this journey?" I inquired, acknowledging the inevitability of trials on the path ahead.
"You are not alone. As I already told you, you can change your fate with your every decision, and the threads of fate weave connections with others, intertwining your journey with those whose destinies align with yours. Bonds will be forged, alliances formed, and the strength of unity will illuminate the darkest paths," she assured, her words resonating with a sense of camaraderie.
"Allow me to elucidate. In this realm, most folks can usually manipulate one or perhaps two elements, and only a handful of prodigies can master three, especially among those dwelling in the divine expanse. However, in your peculiar case, we're certain that these norms do not bind you. Your potential extends to commanding all sorts of elements, and not only that, your meridians have undergone a notable expansion. The sole condition is gaining approval from each element," she explained, unveiling the extraordinary essence of my existence in this unfamiliar world.
"Really, are you being truthful with me?" I queried, a tangible hint of skepticism lingering in my voice.
"Absolutely. Why would I fabricate such a tale?" she replied with steadfast assurance, reinforcing the authenticity of her words.
"So, why the desire to assist me? Is there a favor you seek in return? Or were you sent by higher beings to tell this all to me?" I questioned, a genuine curiosity pushing me to uncover the motives propelling the Goddess of Light and Wisdom to extend her help to me.
"I won't be sent by any higher beings, and you didn't have to think about higher beings; they didn't have any information about your transmigration if they knew they already arrived here earlier than me. I know you are thinking that if they didn't know your transmigration, then how would I know? Let me tell you one thing: basically, I was born on this planet; even though I'm at a higher level, it's still my home, and that's the reason I sense your transmigration here on this planet. I and others who know about it keep it secret till you are ready to show yourself.
I won't conceal the reason for my meeting with you. We vigilantly observe this planet, witnessing numerous malevolent cultivators committing atrocious acts. If left unchecked, this realm teeters on the brink of destruction, and we are resolute in averting such a calamity. We seek your aid in saving our world. Standing by your side and providing support from the shadows will also help you hone your combat skills." She explained with candor.
As her words hung in the air, I grappled with the weight of the situation. The notion of a deity relying on my assistance to thwart the menace posed by evil cultivators felt both surreal and daunting.
Unresolved questions pirouetted in my mind, especially concerning why a Goddess, residing in the higher Realms, would necessitate my intervention. The use of 'we' instead of 'I' further kindled a curiosity that I pledged to explore in due time.
"Why can't you save your planet on your own? You're at the Godly Realms cultivation, so it should be a breeze for you," I questioned, my tone betraying a blend of confusion and curiosity.
"It's not as simple as it may seem. We originally hail from this planet, and when one ascends to the Godly Realms, they relinquish the right to directly interfere in mortal affairs. Violating this rule triggers the consequence of law formation, a cosmic defense that shields those living under established laws. If a being from the Godly Realms meddles, their soul faces annihilation," she explained, the weight of limitation palpable in her words.
"As for you, even if you grow more powerful and ascend to the Godly Realms in the future, you retain the freedom to act as you please because your soul doesn't belong to this planet. Hence, we lack the means to address this issue independently. We seek your assistance while providing support from the shadows," she concluded, delineating the predicament constraining her and emphasizing the pivotal role my involvement played in mitigating the imminent threat to their world.
"One more thing: why do you use the word 'We' instead of 'I'? Is there someone else with you?" I inquired, curiosity infusing my tone.
"You're correct; there are some other friends with me," she truthfully responded, a subtle smile gracing her lips, though cloaked in mystery.
"Tell me how I can assist all of you. Guide me in the right direction, and I'll give my utmost effort till I'm on this planet." I asserted confidently, eager to contribute to the cause.
"Thank you for the trust you've placed in us. We will offer unwavering support from the shadows," she expressed, happiness and excitement resonating in her tone.
With a graceful movement, she extended her hand towards a magnificent storage ring adorning her finger. Delicately, she withdrew a radiant, iridescent stone, pulsating with the essence of various elements.
"This is the oldest ancient Elements Stone, in my possession for a considerable time. It holds the pure essence of all elements in this world," she revealed with a soft, melodic cadence.
With a wave of her hand, the elemental stone ascended into the air, gliding gently towards me. Placing my hands on the stone, a surge of energy coursed through my body, the stone harmonizing with the latent Qi power within me. It was an intricate dance, a convergence of energies resonating on a cosmic level.
The Goddess, her voice embodying the essence of the elements, guided me through the awakening process. Closing my eyes, I focused on the transformative experience, feeling the elemental energies within me stir to life.
The elemental stone worked its magic, and I became acutely aware of the Qi energy swirling within and around me. It was a profound connection to the elemental forces intricately weaving the fabric of the universe.
Armed with newfound power and understanding, I felt poised on the cusp of an extraordinary journey, guided by the mystic energy imbued in the elemental stone.
After a few moments of profound connection, I opened my eyes, withdrawing my hands as the elemental stone gracefully returned to the Goddess's grasp. She effortlessly stowed it back into her storage ring, and as I gazed upon her with gratitude, I recognized that this encounter heralded the commencement of a remarkable chapter in my existence.
"Great, now your soul bears imprints of all elements. Your task is to awaken them and gain control over them once your meridians open completely. With the aid of this Elemental Stone's imprints, mastering control over the elements will become an achievable feat.
However, concealing this newfound ability from others engrossed in their training and cultivation is crucial. To guide it toward a brighter tomorrow, you must grow stronger," she congratulated me on my initiation into cultivation, her words laden with a sense of purpose. Despite her veiled countenance, I sensed the profound journey that awaited me.
"Thank you for your guidance. I am determined to become stronger." I expressed my gratitude and resolved to heed her advice.
As I contemplated her words, a pressing question surfaced in my mind. Seeking her counsel, I inquired about concealing my strength, aware that higher realms or stages often exposed one's cultivation level at a glance.
"An excellent question, and a sharp mind to grasp it so swiftly. Many wouldn't understand this concept as quickly as you did. However, you need not worry. I have a gift for you that will address this concern," she assured me, alluding to a solution for the challenge of concealing my burgeoning strength.
"A gift? For me?" I questioned her with a perplexed tone, pointing at myself with a raised finger.
"Of course, you are the only hope for this world, so addressing your small problems is imperative. Take this," she responded with a melodious tone, and once again, something materialized from her storage ring.
In an instant, a spherical object appeared before me, roughly the size of a baseball. The golden surface was adorned with intricate engravings, exuding an otherworldly aura. As I held it, I couldn't help but hope it was a higher-grade treasure destined to aid me on my journey.
She guided the artifact towards me with a gentle breeze, placing it in my hands.
"Thanks, but what is this thing?" I expressed my gratitude and curiosity, seeking clarification about the mysterious gift.
"You don't need to thank me, as I am not the owner of this artifact. It's a Godly Treasure, specially crafted for you, a resident out there in the Godly Realms. Upon learning of your transmigration, we gathered high-grade resources, knowledge, treasures, and more to create this artifact, completing it just for you.
We haven't assigned a name to it, nor do we know its grade level. Even among those who crafted it, none have used or seen an artifact of this caliber in their entire existence," she elaborated, providing detailed insights into the origin and significance of the treasure she had bestowed upon me.
"Wow… Can you tell me how many Gods and Goddesses helped and participated in manufacturing this artifact?" I inquired, my expression filled with awe and amazement.
"There are no Gods; only Goddesses assisted in the creation of this artifact. Due to certain conflicts, we chose not to involve God in the process. However, a total of thirty-seven Goddesses, including myself, contributed to crafting this artifact," she clarified, shedding light on the divine collaboration that birthed the treasure.
"Thirty-seven? Wow, then can you thank them for this treasure for me?" I nearly exclaimed in delight, my gratitude overflowing upon learning of the considerable support from the Goddesses. Containing my excitement, I respectfully asked her to convey my thanks.
"Hahaha, don't worry. I'll express gratitude on your behalf. Moreover, if you continue to help us until you are under Godly Realms, you may have the opportunity to meet each of them. They would be delighted to become your comrades in the future when you have grown stronger and have to face any problem," she assured me with a joyful tone.