Primordial Era: I am a treasure trove, full of magical treasures.

However, just after those two little snakes had fully formed.

"Crack!"

A thunderclap resounded throughout the primordial world... Endless merit descended, with seventy percent falling on Nuwa, one ten percent entering Xuanbao's body, and the remaining twenty percent entering the bodies of the two snakes. Instantly, the two snakes changed their appearance and transformed into human form. After the two small snakes transformed, they actually became a boy and a girl, two children.

The boy, dressed in white, had bright, intelligent eyes; the girl, in a pale yellow dress, had gentle features and was charming and lovely. As soon as they took human form, they bowed gracefully to Nuwa, saying, "Thank you, Holy Mother, for creating humankind."

Nuwa smiled and nodded, gently stroking their heads, and said, "Now that you have taken human form, you have a special opportunity. From now on, you will be my attendants." Nuwa then pointed to the boy, "You will be called Bai Xi," and pointed to the girl, "and you will be called Teng She."

"Thank you, Mother Goddess, for bestowing this name upon us!" The two little ones nodded hurriedly.

Xuanbao, who was listening from the side, was also greatly impressed. "I never thought that Bai Xi and Tengshe would emerge from this."

At the same time, many powerful beings in the primordial world sensed the unusual movement of this merit energy and turned their attention to it. Several powerful figures even rushed over, after all, this was merit! Who wouldn't want to get some? As the saying goes, those who see it get a share, and naturally some people thought of taking advantage of the situation.

However, Xuanbao had already set up an array here, so other powerful beings could not see the situation here at all, and could only vaguely sense the direction.

However, seeing the scene before him, Xuanbao subconsciously swallowed... He felt like he had gone too far?

The original Nuwa should have gained immense merit by creating the human race, and then used the Primordial Purple Qi to prove her sainthood... But this time, Nuwa only created two small, acquired snakes! Yet she still gained a lot of merit, after all, they were the first acquired beings to be born in the primordial world. However, compared to the difference in creating the human race, the difference is not small at all!

"boom!"

Before Xuanbao could think further, Nuwa's aura, which was enveloped by the power of merit and creation, suddenly erupted. Her body trembled, and she broke through the constraints of the late stage of Quasi-Victory and reached the peak of Quasi-Victory.

"Congratulations, Uncle-Master, on your great progress in cultivation. You are only one step away from becoming a saint."

Nuwa smiled and looked at Xuanbao, saying, "We owe you a great deal for your help this time." Xuanbao quickly replied, "You're too kind, Uncle-Master. It was all just a fortunate coincidence."

At this moment, Nuwa was immersed in her understanding of creating all living beings after birth, her body radiating Daoist energy, subtly harmonizing with the natural world.

Xuanbao dared not relax for a moment. He knew that if he did not remind Nuwa now, she might soon be able to become a saint with the help of the Primordial Purple Qi, but this was not what Xuanbao wanted to see.

Finally, Xuanbao took a deep breath, stepped forward, and solemnly said to Nuwa, "Uncle-Master, there is something I am unsure whether I should say."

Nuwa snapped out of her reverie and saw that Xuanbao's expression was serious, not like he was joking. So she also stopped smiling and nodded, saying, "Nephew, please speak freely."

Xuanbao didn't speak directly. Instead, he raised his hand, and a small, exquisite pagoda, entirely dark yellow and nine stories high, flew out from his primordial spirit, spinning rapidly as it rose above their heads. The pagoda emitted thick, solid, dark yellow energy, like dripping water from the eaves, silently enveloping the area within a ten-zhang radius where they stood. In an instant, the sounds of the wind, the flow of spiritual energy, and even the senses of heavenly secrets seemed to be isolated by an invisible barrier, creating a tranquil world of its own.

It was none other than the first treasure of merit for those born after the day after tomorrow—the Heaven and Earth Profound Yellow Exquisite Pagoda. At this moment, it was being fully activated by the Xuanbao. Now that the Xuanbao's cultivation had reached the Hunyuan Golden Immortal level, although its power was not as great as that of a sage, it was more than enough to temporarily isolate a small world from prying eyes.

A hint of surprise flashed in Nuwa's eyes. She naturally recognized the tower and knew it was the most precious protective treasure of her eldest brother, the Sage Taiqing, which he rarely showed to others. Now it was in Xuanbao's hands and being used to set up an isolation array. A sense of vigilance arose in her heart, realizing that what Xuanbao was about to say probably involved major heavenly secrets, and might even... point directly to some unspeakable existence.

Xuanbao looked directly into Nuwa's clear eyes and said, word by word, "A sage is one whose primordial spirit resides in the Heavenly Dao, living as long as Heaven, wielding the laws, and remaining indestructible through countless eons. They attain the supreme position. However, fortune and misfortune are intertwined! If you, my aunt, were to become a sage today using the primordial purple energy that the Heavenly Dao grants at will, you would certainly ascend to heaven in one step. But from then on, your sagehood would be bound to the Heavenly Dao, sharing both glory and ruin. The Heavenly Dao may be far-reaching, but it is also cold and ruthless. If in the future there is a calamity involving the Heavenly Dao itself, or if the Heavenly Dao itself were to change, would the sagehood entrusted within it be a guarantee of transcendence, or... an inescapable shackle?"

"Uncle-Master, you created beings born after birth, endowing them with intelligence and potential, hoping they would have their own future, not become appendages of any other being. And what about yourself? You, the Creator, are you willing to firmly lock your supreme path to this predetermined 'shortcut,' forever preventing you from glimpsing the true, primordial Dao that belongs to you?"

Xuanbao's voice carried a stirring power: "Merit is acceptable; it is Heaven's recognition and gift of your creation. It can be used to enhance your cultivation and comprehend the Great Dao. But that Primordial Purple Qi, that 'Saintly Position' ordained by Heaven... Uncle-Master, please reconsider! The Way of Creation values ​​autonomy and infinity."

Why not rely on your own understanding of the Great Dao and practice of the true meaning of creation to forge your own path step by step? Even if this path is longer and more difficult than achieving sainthood through the help of the Primordial Purple Qi, it belongs entirely to you, free and unhindered, allowing you to truly transcend in the future, rather than forever remaining under the rule of Heaven!

As Xuanbao spoke, the Xuanhuang merit gathered above the nine heavens grew increasingly heavy, and the trembling of that wisp of primordial purple energy became more and more obvious. The pulling force from the Heavenly Dao had already descended, surrounding Nuwa with an irresistible meaning, urging her to hurry up, create life, complete the final step of accepting the purple energy, and achieve sainthood.

In fact, Xuanbao's words were a bit excessive, but there was no other way at the moment. Time was too short, and Xuanbao did not want to watch Nuwa become a puppet of the Heavenly Dao, both for public and private reasons.

Nuwa listened quietly, her initial surprise gradually turning into deep thought.

On one side is the Heavenly Dao Saintly Position, which is within reach, supreme, and coveted by all living beings in the primordial world.

On one side is an unknown, arduous path that requires relinquishing immense temptations.

Nuwa's gaze shifted slowly, from initial shock to deep contemplation, and finally to a clear understanding and decisiveness. The gentle light of creation surrounding her did not intensify due to the pull of the Heavenly Dao; instead, it became more restrained and serene.

Finally, she let out a soft breath, and a relieved and carefree smile bloomed on her beautiful face.

She looked up again at the merit and purple aura waiting to descend, her voice clear and resonant, echoing throughout the heavens and earth, as if responding to the unseen Dao of Heaven:

"I am worthy of the merits and blessings bestowed upon me by Heaven; this is a gift from Creation."

"However—"

Her tone shifted abruptly, her gaze suddenly becoming incredibly sharp and resolute. Her aura was no longer gentle, but instead surged with a powerful Daoist intent that defied fate and was unrestrained by external things:

"The primordial purple aura, the divinely ordained sainthood... are not the path I seek!"

"My Way is creation, birth, and the bestowal of possibilities, not being bound by predetermined positions! Today, I, Nuwa, will take the merit of creating all living beings as my foundation and my own understanding of the Great Way as my guide to walk a path that belongs to me!"

"This holy position... I'd rather not have it!"

Bai Xi and Teng She, the two little children, blinked their big eyes. Although they didn't quite understand what the Holy Mother and this senior were talking about, such as "holy position" and "purple aura," they still understood the words "it's fine if we don't want it." They just felt that the Mother Goddess was so domineering! Their eyes looked at Nuwa with increasing admiration, and their little bodies stood up straight.

Xuanbao let out a long sigh of relief, his back slightly damp with sweat. His words just now were tantamount to undermining the Heavenly Dao, a truly risky move. Fortunately, his martial uncle had taken his advice and made his choice.

"Nephew Xuanbao," Nuwa spoke, her voice still gentle, yet tinged with amusement.

"What are your orders, Martial Aunt?" Xuanbao quickly replied, his heart pounding. Could it be that Martial Aunt thinks he's ruined her important matter of becoming a saint and is going to settle scores later? Although it doesn't seem like it…

"This time, you not only helped me create and comprehend the workings of creation, but also enlightened me with a single word," Nuwa said slowly, taking light steps to circle the Xuanbao, her gaze sweeping over it as if it were some rare treasure. "This insight, this courage, this consideration for me... tsk tsk, I'm afraid even my three senior brothers couldn't have taught a disciple like you."

Xuanbao felt a little uncomfortable under the gaze, and chuckled dryly, "Uncle-Master, you flatter me. This disciple is just..."

"Just what?" Nuwa suddenly leaned closer, her exquisite face magnified before Xuanbao's eyes, her smile deepening. "Just that you're afraid I'll become a 'puppet' of the Heavenly Dao, losing my freedom, or that you feel I deserve a wider world, and shouldn't be bound by a shortcut?"

"Uh... I have a little bit of both." Xuanbao honestly admitted.

"Very good." Nuwa straightened up, clapped her hands, and looked very satisfied. "Such thoughtfulness towards me, such a considerate junior, is truly rare. The more I look at you, the more I feel that we are quite destined for each other."

A familiar feeling rose in Xuanbao's heart... the feeling of being a kept man! "What does Martial Uncle mean?"

Nuwa smiled and patted Xuanbao's shoulder—quite forcefully, making Xuanbao stumble.

"You see, you call me 'Uncle-Master' because of our seniority with the Three Pure Ones. But today's events are a matter of fate between us, and have little to do with the Three Pure Ones," Nuwa gently persuaded. "You helped me create, and I gained great merit and clarity of mind; you enlightened me, freeing me from my shackles and bringing me peace of mind. This kindness and affection cannot be encompassed by ordinary uncle-niece relationships."

Xuanbao's forehead began to sweat: "Then, Uncle-Master, how do you think it should be covered?"

Nuwa's eyes lit up, as if she had been waiting for him to say those words. With a wave of her jade hand, she said with great confidence, "Simple! From today onwards, you no longer need to call me 'Master Aunt'!"

"Huh? What's it called?" Xuanbao was taken aback.

"Let us become sworn siblings!" Nuwa declared resolutely, her smile radiant. "I, Nuwa, hereby acknowledge you as my younger brother! From now on, you will be my younger brother."

The two children were quick-witted. Although they didn't quite understand why their mother goddess suddenly wanted to become siblings with this senior, their mother goddess's words were the highest command! They immediately stepped forward, bowed to Xuanbao, and called out in their clear voices:

"Bai Xi (Tengshe) pays respects to Lord Xuanbao!"

Xuanbao: ...

Upon hearing this, Nuwa clapped her hands and laughed, "Lord Xuanbao? Hmm, not bad! It shows kindness and respect! It's settled then!"

Xuanbao: "..." Master? How old am I? Although I'm already a Hunyuan Golden Immortal, I'm not exactly an old relic in the prehistoric world, am I? Why am I being put in the position of "Master"? Wouldn't it be better to just call me brother?

"Master Aunt... no, Sister!" Xuanbao tried to struggle, "This... this is against etiquette, isn't it? What about Master Sanqing..."

"I'll handle things with them myself!" Nuwa waved her hand, exuding domineering confidence. "Does Nuwa need to worry about their opinions when she adopts a younger brother? Don't worry, they'll have nothing to say, and might even praise my good judgment in choosing such a wonderful brother!"

"But..." Xuanbao still felt uneasy. After all, Nuwa held a special place in his heart, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call her "Mom." Now that she had become his older sister...

"Alright, it's settled then!" Nuwa declared decisively, leaving no room for argument. "From now on, you are my younger brother. In the primordial world, if you encounter any trouble, just mention your older sister's name! If you have anything good... well, remember to share some with your older sister. Of course, if your older sister has anything good, you'll definitely get your share too!"

Xuanbao: ...

Xuanbao was still a little dazed at this moment. This feeling of being forced to cling to someone's coattails was quite strange, to be honest.