Chapter 1105: The Inheritance of Humanity Begins |
"Wisdom… This is human wisdom!" Xiao He exclaimed in admiration. "I can't believe a human ever became an Emperor, let alone one of such caliber. What a pity…."
Tang San gently shook his head. "There's nothing to regret. That senior willingly risked being discovered by the other Emperors just to transcend and leave behind a legacy for us humans. As it turns out, a Celestial Pillar is something not even Emperors can destroy. He preserved his inheritance so that one day, someone from among our people could receive it and pass it on. Now, it's up to us to carry his will forward.
"Next, I'll begin recreating those special alloy pages according to his legacy. At the same time, I'll refine and adapt his inheritance into a cultivation method suitable for ordinary humans, one that can allow them to progress gradually. From now on, our people will have three paths: the inherited bloodlines of demons and nymphs, awakening an elemental affinity, and this new method that involves the Book of All Laws and the heritage of that human senior. If someone still can't cultivate after all that, then… Well, that's too bad. It means they truly have no talent. But this is inevitable; every race has its ordinary folk, and they too can contribute with their creativity and effort."
"That's more than enough." Xiao He's voice carried a rare excitement. "Our human population is vast. We possess a kind of wisdom that neither the demon nor the nymph races can match. With these three cultivation systems, we'll have all the tools we need to uncover the hidden potential within our people. So what about this third method of yours?"
Tang San nodded with a smile. "The Book of All Laws is something I created using your clan's Celestial Plume, and it can be imbued with different abilities. I'll use it along with the secrets of the Human Emperor to create a new cultivation method, one that as many people as possible can use to grow stronger. While elemental cultivation emphasizes freedom and creativity, this Book of All Laws will be the path of order; the cultivators that walk this path will be a disciplined force that I hope will become the backbone that safeguards humanity."
"Good!" Xiao He's eyes gleamed. He was about to play a critical role in the greatest breakthrough a race had ever had on the Daemon Continent. What could be more joyful?
Mei Gongzi exchanged a knowing smile with Tang San. Her understanding of the moment ran even deeper than Xiao He's. She sensed that Tang San was rushing to build a future for humanity because their time in this world was growing short. He wanted to complete everything before leaving the plane, so that he could depart without regrets and leave behind a solid foundation for humanity's survival.
She had once asked Tang San if, upon regaining his status as a God King, he could wipe out the demon and nymph races of the Daemon Continent, or at least all of their powerhouses.
Tang San had told her he could not—and more importantly, he would not.
But more critically, Tang San believed that humanity's suffering under demons and nymphs was also the very crucible that would fuel their growth. Without that pressure, the drive to evolve and overcome would fade. If he removed all the hardship, humanity's innate laziness would rear its ugly head. Without struggle, how could they grow strong enough to build a divine realm of their own?
Thus, his goal had never been to eliminate all threats for humanity, but rather to turn the overwhelming disadvantage into somewhat bearable pressure. He simply wished to carve out breathing room so they could develop, not to carry them on his back. The future of humanity on Planet Falan would be up to Planet Falan's humanity. All he could do was give them a chance.
***
Somewhere on Pearl Island.
A young boy who looked to be around eleven or twelve and a girl that seemed a bit younger played at the edge of the sea. Their faces were streaked with seawater and sand, but their smiles radiated joy.
"Big Brother Ling Mian, why is the seawater here pink? It wasn't like this before," the girl said.
The boy grinned. "My dad said it's called an Elemental Sea. Around Pearl Island, there are four of them. If you're recognized by the elements, you can become an Elemental Warrior."
The girl tilted her head. "Do you want to be an elemental warrior?"
Ling Mian's smile faded. He looked down, a little glum. "Of course I do. But I already tried a while back, at the Elemental Pools, and I didn't get anything. I can't be an Elemental Warrior… But you haven't tried yet, Little Yi. You should hurry up and do it. The adults say the earlier you're recognized, the earlier you can start cultivating."
Yan Yi blinked. "Okay! I'll ask my mom later how to do that."
Ling Mian replied, "It's easy. Just go ask the village chief and he'll take you there. I think you're old enough now."
Yan Yi giggled. "Then I'll give it a shot! But what about you? Is there anything else you can do?"
A flicker of light passed through Ling Mian's eyes. "I heard there's a new option now. I don't know what it is yet, but I signed up right away. The village chief said I can go tomorrow. I really hope it works… I have to become strong. I want to protect myself and my parents. I remember what it was like when we lived in that demon town. I don't want that to happen ever again."
"Yeah! Let's do it together!"
***
The line stretched forward like a long, winding snake, heading into the dense vegetation of a nearby valley. Pearl Island had many such lush green valleys, nurtured by the humid climate.
Ling Mian stood in line, his young face tense. Nervousness warred with determination in his heart.
He knew that this was his last chance.
No one knew what this new power really was. But they said it was like elemental awakening: a path created specifically for humans to cultivate. And most in line were just like him, people who had failed to trigger a reaction from the Elemental Pools or Elemental Seas and were trying their luck again.
The opportunity awaited in the valley ahead, but no one knew whether those who had entered had succeeded, or what success even looked like.
There were many like Ling Mian who lacked both demon or nymph bloodlines and elemental affinity. Yet all of them longed for strength. Since humanity had migrated overseas, everyone had worked together to build their new home, and it was obvious how much those with abilities had contributed. Those without had done their best and played their own roles, but the disparity was plain for everyone to see.
For the first time, they had a true home. They were no longer enslaved; they belonged only to themselves, and they had things that belonged to them. They had enough to eat, warm clothes to wear, and even an education. It was paradise.
But the village chief always said the same thing: The only way to make sure this happiness continued was to get strong. If humanity wanted its own future, they needed power.
The line slowly advanced. Ling Mian clenched his fists again and again. The more he hoped, the more anxious he felt.
Finally, he reached the entrance to the valley.
Ling Mian was about to step into the unknown.