Dao Equaling the Heavens

Void.

Amidst the pitch-black and silent void, the Little Heaven and Earth beyond the celestial skies shone brightly like a luminous pearl.

Through the radiance, across the boundary wall, in the very center of the Little Heaven and Earth, stood the thirty-three Spiritual Peaks.

The Spiritual Peaks towered through the clouds, while the Curved Spring connected to the Immortal Mansion.

A Daoist in a green robe with one arm lifted a pot of Spiritual Spring Water onto the fire, brewing tea, allowing the fragrance to fill the Immortal Mansion.

Beside him, a 'female teacher' with a delicate appearance and clad in a jacket and robe, was speaking spiritedly about her recent experiences of descending the mountain to teach.

Though her current role seemed trivial compared to her past status at the Jade Palace, which commanded awe across the heavens and the earth with the Grand Unity of the six worlds, she found herself happier and freer than ever.

"Are you listening at all?"

Li Yunshang frowned slightly, showing a hint of dissatisfaction.

Gu Wen nodded somewhat indifferently, "It's just teaching and educating the people, what more do you want me to hear?"

"Education is of utmost importance. Without proper upbringing, one cannot become truly human, and therein lies the path to Grand Unity."

As she spoke, Li Yunshang held herself with an air of authority, like a rigid old scholar.

Gu Wen had met many people like this over the decades.

The Little Heaven and Earth's resources were abundant, enough to enrich millions or even tens of millions.

Now, with a population of only half a million, everyone lives in leisure. But Gu Wen wasn't here to raise pigs; he needed more capable individuals to fill the small world's gaps.

Emulating the heavens, the more strong individuals emerge, the deeper the world's foundation becomes.

Thus, in the Little Heaven and Earth, everyone gains enlightenment.

Yet not everyone can pursue cultivation, so some channel their energy into other areas.

These people, after gaining profound knowledge, exhibit peculiar behaviors, often trying to prove themselves. They might widely disseminate philosophical texts, kneel long outside the Spiritual Mountain, or find various ways to place these books before Gu Wen.

Gu Wen was rather lazy and generally paid them no mind.

After all, he was merely a small Master of Heaven and Earth, not an all-knowing God; proving something to him was of little use.

The only one capable of annoying him was probably the female teacher here.

Every now and then, she'd bring something new and interesting from outside.

This thousands-year-old granny had a younger mindset than Gu Wen, who was over a thousand years old.

Gu Wen poured tea with one hand and brewed it, leisurely saying, "Though you say that, each craft has its specialization. Master, you can't force me to be a jack of all trades, can you?"

"You're just lazy."

"Doesn't that just make you seem more capable?"

Li Yunshang rolled her eyes; she had long grown accustomed to this rebellious disciple's laziness.

Apart from the initial years of actively building the world, he later became a hands-off manager, letting others do what he could avoid doing himself.

"Since you don't want to discuss worldly affairs, let's talk about personal matters. Yu Hua is likely to wake soon; have you figured out how to explain things to her?"

Gu Wen's expression froze, "Naturally, with honesty."

For decades, Yu Hua remained in slumber, while gradually ascending to immortality aided by the Dao Fruit.

During this time, Gu Wen did contemplate explanations, ultimately concluding honesty was the best policy, and everything should go with the flow. These matters were unclear with reasoning alone; subterfuge or scheming would only belittle the situation.

It's best to clarify everything.

Nonetheless, saying that didn't eliminate nervousness.

Gu Wen could remain calm before the Two Saints, but couldn't maintain nonchalance with Yu Hua.

Li Yunshang chuckled, "What if Yu Hua doesn't fulfill your aspiration for multiple companionships? Are you planning to let Yun Li become a widow?"

Gu Wen felt overwhelmed, "If it comes to that, I'll choose none of them, alright? We're not mortals, we don't need to settle down, everyone can live independently."

Cultivators are often much more carefree than mortals, primarily due to the different material bases. Mortals inevitably face aging, whereas cultivators retain self-care abilities until death.

One's mindset is fundamentally shaped by material circumstances.

"But if Yu Hua truly makes you choose, who would you pick between the two?"

Li Yunshang's face was brimming with gossip.

Gu Wen smiled wryly, "Stop teasing me; in any case, if it comes to that, I choose none."

"Ah! Employing retreat as an advance, you truly are my disciple."

"..."

Gu Wen shifted the topic, "It's been thirty years since the heavens and earth opened, with the new generation now reaching adulthood, transitions between generations inevitably lead to conflict. I've heard dissatisfaction about current life in society."

Whenever it concerned the people, Li Yunshang perked up immediately, launching into a discussion of society's current state.

Little Heaven and Earth's populace lead affluent lives; every household can afford meat and each person has two sets of seasonal clothing.

The first generation was extremely satisfied, as this was unaffordable even for small landowners in the past. Only large landlords were able to eat meat regularly.

Yet the second generation was born into this comfort and thus sought new ambitions.

"...Raised in prosperity, the new generation has many ideas; they desire music, chess, calligraphy and painting, they seek personal freedom, even cultivation. After all, as you said, the people's aspirations for a better life are endless."

Li Yunshang could now comprehend why Gu Wen was certain Grand Unity would encounter problems.

She believed cultivators could easily provide the people with food and drink, yet once satisfied, more desires would arise.

Gu Wen, unsurprisingly, asked, "Master, do you think this is correct?"

Li Yunshang parted her thin lips, her smile radiant, "I believe people should be insatiable; stepping back only permits villains to encroach further."

"That sounds very good."

Gu Wen beckoned with one arm, causing a pen to form in the void, and a scroll of jade fabric to appear on the table.

"Starting next year, more grain will grow in the fields. However, the populace needs to cooperate in fertilizing and nurturing the lands; Spiritual Energy alone cannot do it all. Conveniently, there are many meteorite irons outside, and some small Star Constellations have special soil, which can suitably replenish the depletion."