Tai Shang looked at the three humans before him and the countless others standing behind them, their realms and cultivation levels perplexing him further.
According to his understanding of cultivation, it was already a stroke of immense fortune for a being to achieve immortality by absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Without cultivation methods, no matter how exceptional a being's innate talent, they could not reach greater heights. Take his good Daoist friend Xu Fang, for example, who merely gained immense fortune by eating a Yellow Middle Plum and bypassed the entire cultivation process. It was only through subsequent continuous encounters that he forged a formidable reputation in the Primordial Era. Otherwise, this Daoist friend would likely still be on Penglai Immortal Island, painstakingly absorbing spiritual energy! Such instances were, to say the least, one in a million, a confluence of chance and luck.
Now, with so many immortal experts emerging from humanity, Tai Shang was naturally filled with doubt and astonishment.
"Perhaps it is because humanity is formed from the innate Daoist body, granting them unparalleled advantages?"
Tai Shang quickly found a plausible explanation that satisfied him. Seeing the human experts, led by the three Human Ancestors, gaze at him with vigilance, Tai Shang couldn't afford to ponder further. He had come to impart cultivation methods and bring enlightenment to humanity; any misunderstanding would only delay his purpose.
Therefore, Tai Shang spoke swiftly.
"Greetings, three Human Ancestors and all members of humanity."
"I am Tai Shang, the eldest disciple of Dao Ancestor Hongjun, the foremost of the Xuanmen, and the chief among the Three Pure Ones, Tai Qing Tai Shang."
Tai Shang introduced himself, flicking his horsetail whisk with a smile as he looked at humanity. He was confident in his titles and believed humanity must have heard of them.
Indeed, as Tai Shang's words fell, humanity suddenly understood, exclaiming in awe.
"So it is Tai Shang of Tai Qing, who was transformed from Pangu's primordial spirit!"
"This esteemed figure is a disciple of Dao Ancestor Hongjun, just like our Human Mother, Empress Nuwa!"
"This is the orthodox lineage of Pangu? Truly extraordinary bearing!"
Thanks to Empress Nuwa, humanity was indeed aware of the Three Pure Ones on Kunlun Mountain. This individual had obtained the Primordial Violet Qi in Zixiao Palace and, like their Human Mother Empress Nuwa, was destined to become a Saint.
"So it is Tai Shang of Tai Qing. We were too disrespectful just now; we beg for your forgiveness, senior!"
Suiren Shi reacted promptly, bowing respectfully. Youchao Shi and Ziyi Shi also bowed in unison. The human tribesmen followed suit. Regardless of whether he was a future Saint, this person had a good relationship with Empress Nuwa and True Person Xu Fang, both of whom were deeply revered by humanity. Out of respect for them, how could they neglect Tai Shang?
Tai Shang nodded repeatedly at humanity's respectful demeanor. This humanity, being knowledgeable and courteous, was worthy of the great opportunity he was about to bestow upon them!
After leading the humans in worship, Suiren Shi inquired, "May we know the purpose of your visit today, Senior Tai Shang?" While they held Tai Shang in respect due to his connection with Nuwa and Xu Fang, his sudden appearance among humanity warranted an explanation to put their minds at ease.
Tai Shang felt a pang of frustration upon hearing Suiren Shi's question. Here he was, a great senior, descending upon humanity, and they weren't eagerly seizing the opportunity, begging him to impart cultivation methods to make them stronger? Instead, he sensed a certain distant politeness, as if they were eager to see him depart.
Though slightly displeased, Tai Shang did not dwell on it and responded.
"I have been in seclusion for a long time and have come out to roam the Primordial Era. I happened to arrive at the East Sea shore and learned that this was the land created by my junior sister Nuwa. Thus, I decided to pay a visit."
Tai Shang certainly wouldn't admit that he had traveled vast distances specifically for humanity. He intentionally downplayed his journey and then smoothly transitioned.
"Upon arriving, I was shocked to discover a significant problem within humanity!"
Tai Shang's expression became grave, astonishing the human tribesmen. Suiren Shi and the other two Human Ancestors also looked startled.
"What problem? Please elaborate, Senior Tai Shang. We would be eternally grateful!"
Suiren Shi asked urgently. The assembled human tribesmen also looked solemn and anxious, gazing at Tai Shang. Tai Shang was a future Saint personally designated by Dao Ancestor Hongjun; if he declared it a major problem, it would likely be a catastrophic one for humanity! This was a matter concerning their entire race; how could anyone present afford to be negligent?
Seeing humanity's grave expressions, Tai Shang's joy grew. This was excellent; when he proposed imparting cultivation methods, humanity would readily accept. However, Tai Shang maintained a composed expression and continued.
"Humanity was created by my junior sister Nuwa, and she has bestowed immeasurable merit upon them. However, as Empress Nuwa originated from the Demon Race, their cultivation methods are unsuitable for you. Therefore, she has not passed down any cultivation techniques."
"The Primordial Era is fraught with peril. Setting aside the conflicts between the three ancient races, consider the current fierce struggle between the Wu and Yao. Without cultivation methods, how can humanity grow stronger and preserve their race?"
At this point, Tai Shang chuckled and continued, "However, this is not a major issue. Having the serendipitous opportunity to descend upon humanity today, I have reflected on this and intend to impart cultivation methods to humanity, bringing enlightenment and aiding your race!"
"There is no need to be polite. This is what I should do!"
After his speech, Tai Shang felt pleased with his eloquence. While he intended to achieve sainthood by bringing merit through educating humanity, his words framed it as a magnanimous gift from him. However, all of this was secondary; it was a mutually beneficial outcome!
Yet, as Tai Shang pondered this, he noticed that the human tribesmen had collectively let out a sigh of relief.
"Hmm?"
Tai Shang was puzzled. What was going on? After hearing his words, shouldn't humanity have realized the gravity of the situation and begged him for help? Why did they seem so relieved after his pronouncement?
Seeing Tai Shang's confusion, the three Human Ancestors quickly explained.
"To be truthful, Senior Tai Shang, we humans already possess cultivation methods. You need not trouble yourself with this matter."
"Indeed. The methods were only recently imparted and have not yet shown significant results, which led to your misunderstanding, Senior Tai Shang."
"However, we are still grateful for your kind intentions, Senior Tai Shang. Humanity accepts your goodwill!"
Although the three Human Ancestors spoke courteously, their words were a polite refusal of Tai Shang's offer.
"You have cultivation methods?"
Tai Shang was utterly shocked. What was happening? His response came not from the three ancestors, but from the human tribesmen.
"What else do you think? Senior Tai Shang, did you imagine we could reach Taiyi Golden Immortal just by absorbing spiritual energy?"
"That's impossible. I doubt you genuinely thought that either. This is common knowledge in cultivation; how could Senior Tai Shang not know?"
"We suspect Senior Tai Shang intended to add icing to the cake, but it seems we no longer need it."
The human tribesmen chattered amongst themselves, their words overlapping, but their meaning was clear. *Senior Tai Shang, your words are well-intentioned, but we decline! We simply do not need your cultivation methods, as we already possess our own!*
As Tai Shang listened to their explanations, his face flushed. He had indeed assumed humanity cultivated solely by absorbing spiritual energy! It turned out they had long ago moved beyond basic cultivation methods reliant on absorbing spiritual energy, and he had naively believed their prowess was due to innate advantages! This was immensely embarrassing; as a senior figure, he was being taught fundamental cultivation knowledge by others!