I stood there, speechless, staring at the woman who had just moments ago been a tree. The transformation was unbelievable, yet it was happening right before my eyes.
"I… I planted a seed," I stammered, still trying to process the impossible.
Her smile widened slightly. "Indeed. A seed of destiny, perhaps. I am Shenmu," she said, gesturing to the small, glowing tree on her head. "Or rather, I was. Now, I suppose you can call me… Lia."
Lia. The name felt right, carrying a sense of ancient grace. She moved with an effortless elegance, her bare feet barely disturbing the dew-kissed grass of the valley. She approached Ling Hua's cradle, her eyes filled with a gentle curiosity.
"And this little one?" she murmured, reaching out a delicate finger to lightly touch Ling Hua's cheek. Ling Hua giggled, her violet eyes locking onto Lia's.
Baihu, who had been circling Lia warily, finally approached, sniffing at her outstretched hand. Lia smiled and gently stroked his head, her touch seemingly calming his initial apprehension.
Over the next few days, Lia explained her nature and the significance of the Shenmu. She was a spirit of the World Tree, her consciousness intertwined with its existence for millennia. Her awakening was a rare event, triggered by the unique circumstances of the valley and the infusion of my Omniversal Dao into the seed.
She possessed vast knowledge of the world, the cosmos, and the intricate workings of the Dao. She became our mentor, guiding my cultivation, teaching me ancient techniques, and explaining the deeper mysteries of the Omniversal Dao. Her presence amplified the spiritual energy in the valley even further, accelerating the growth of all living things.
Under Lia's guidance, my cultivation progressed at an even more astonishing rate. She helped me refine my understanding of the fundamental Daos and integrate them more effectively with my Omniversal Dao and Physique. I learned to harness the unique properties of the evolved resources in the valley, crafting more potent elixirs, stronger talismans, and even beginning to understand the principles of formations in greater depth.
Ling Hua also thrived under Lia's care. Lia seemed to have a natural connection to the infant, nurturing her spiritual growth and guiding her nascent connection to the energies of the valley. Baihu, too, benefited from Lia's presence, learning to control his wind manipulation abilities with greater precision and power.
The hidden valley, with Lia as its awakened guardian, became an even more potent sanctuary. We focused on our growth, our training, and our understanding of the world, undisturbed by any outside intrusion. Lia explained that the valley possessed a natural cloaking effect, subtly bending the perceptions of those outside, making it difficult to stumble upon accidentally. This, combined with her own innate abilities as a spirit of the World Tree, ensured our continued seclusion.
I spent my days cultivating, learning from Lia, and caring for Ling Hua and Baihu. The thought of venturing into the outside world still lingered, but now, with Lia's guidance and the rapidly increasing power of our little family, I knew we would be ready when the time came. The journey on the path of endless mastery had just become even more extraordinary.