"Do you know the difference between cultivating the dao and practicing the heart?" Long Ao said.
"No, is it important to know?"
"Yes, it's important. The dao is the heavens' system of laws. It governs the fabric of what we know as natural laws. Think of the dao as branches from a tree. They come from the origin source, then spread out into different branches, creating more branches, expanding endlessly."
"What does the heart have to do with this?"
"The heart is like rain or water that helps the tree grow further. It acts like fertilizer. For example, let's say somebody practices the dao of flame, and there's somebody else who has put their soul and heart into understanding the dao of flame. Naturally, the latter will win the fight. That's because it's a simple law of nature. Hearts can give birth to emotions, emotions can give birth to willpower, and willpower can give birth to miracles. No matter the path you walk - martial arts or cultivating the dao - the heart is the center, the core. The heavens are an external factor, while the heart is an internal factor."
"Why do you think I know the mysteries of the grand dao? I don't even cultivate, well, not for now."
Long Ao looked at Wang Hao, smiling.
"I like the confidence. I only came here to remind you that obsession and madness are two different things."
"I don't get your meaning."
Long Ao remained silent. Then he touched the tree Wang Hao was leaning on. With the touch came a green essence, giving the tree a surge of true essence. The leaves became greener and more lush, and it finally bore fruit.
Wang Hao was confused. 'Did he inject the tree with essence?'
Then with a slap on his hand, the peach fell from its branch.
"If heaven and the heart of man become one, then that branch will slowly give birth to a dao fruit, known as heaven and man unity fruit."
Long Ao gifted the peach to Wang Hao.
"Of course, this isn't the real deal, just a demonstration."
Then with a flash, Long Ao disappeared to some unknown location.
Wang Hao only stared at the fruit for a while. Then, after some time, he bit into it.
Meanwhile, the Four Mountain Temple was in an uproar. The members of each faction were confused. It was dawn, then it became night in a flash. They didn't know if the realm was collapsing on them.
Over at the central temple, the overseer looked above. Her chubby face showed annoyance
"Damn that man, Long Ao. No wonder I don't get any sleep. You keep messing with the time flow of my realm."
"Why, isn't it the so-called number one beauty under the heavens? Oh, it's such an honor to meet the esteemed, most beautiful woman in the world." A sarcastic tone was spoken behind her. It was clear from the moment Wang Hao entered the secret realm that Long Ao was listening to their conversation.
"Long Ao, what is the meaning of this? You stated that this secret realm would be under my jurisdiction at all times, that I was in charge and I could test these people how I like. Are you going back on your word?"
"No, I just don't like the scenery, Madam Choi," Long Ao revealed the overseer's true name.
"I want you gone. You already messed up my schedules. Now I have to fix it due to your flamboyant nature."
"Me, flamboyant? You make it sound like I'm young. Oh, I truly miss those days," Long Ao spoke, truly trying to rile up Madma Choi.
But she did not take the bait. Instead, she breathed, controlling her nature.
If Wang Hao were to see Long Ao, who he held in high regard, act so annoyingly to someone, he might have to reevaluate his opinion of the old man.
"I'm here to meet my chosen champions. Is it too much to ask for?"
"Do what you will, but you've got an hour before I kick you out," Madma Choi said, no longer giving Long Ao her time as she walked back to her temple room.
Long Ao looked at the stars above. All this wasn't even real, from the trees to the water to the night sky. This was only a fake grotto, replicating heaven's creations - a perfect testing ground.
Long Ao looked in another direction, towards the White Tiger Temple location. With this, he vanished in a flash, heading to the second champion who he held in high regard.
Within the White Tiger Temple leader's private training grounds, where only the leaders of each faction are allowed in their own temple, there was a white-haired girl training.
Crouching Tiger stance, Twin Fang stance, and the White Winds stance.
As she practiced all three stances, energy emitted from her body. As she breathed, white vapor emptied from her nostrils and mouth. Her concentration was top-notch, even compared to the true talents of the super factions in the real world.
For others, they would say it's a shame that this young woman cannot cultivate. But as Long Ao watched from afar, he saw it as a blessing she couldn't cultivate. She had a demon heart naturally; she did not care about the rules and systems these super factions made. She naturally rejected these norms from the moment she was born.
Long Ao looked back at the information he got not too long ago. Long Ao had chosen two champions before the trials. Not only did they have willpower and resolve like no other, but both were ruthless. Yet they differed from each other. Wang Hao had the heart to know all and experience all, while this Mu Mein had her heart focused on one ambition, one goal, and one dream.
This girl was born as the daughter of the head of the White Lotus Sect. Many believed her to be a genius, from the saintess of the Thousand Feather Clan and her father as the head of the White Lotus Sect. Her bloodline and attitude would be top-notch, but it seemed the heavens did not acknowledge her.
Long Ao smiled as he looked afar. "This girl works hard. Her dream, of course, was to go back home, but that was almost impossible. Going back to France was impossible."