Chapter 20:The Dao of Miracles

### Chapter 20: The Dao of Miracles

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the Temple of Universal Dao as Li Wei finished his meditation. Since the visit from Chen and his associates, the temple had seen a steady increase in visitors. Some were curious about the teachings, while others sought guidance in their personal lives. Yet, as the congregation grew, so did the complexity of Li Wei's responsibilities.

After his morning ritual, Li Wei checked his Dao System. The interface greeted him with a new notification:

"Dao Points Available: 150. Use Wisely."

Li Wei had been accruing Dao Points through his teachings and acts of kindness, but he knew that using these points came with a price. Miracles could be performed, but each action drained his reserve of Dao Points, which were not easily replenished.

His thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the temple door. Li Wei opened it to find a young woman with tear-streaked cheeks and a distraught expression.

"Please, I need your help," she pleaded. "My brother is very ill, and the doctors don't know what's wrong. They say he doesn't have much time."

Li Wei's heart ached for her. He had encountered such desperation before, and while he had the ability to help, he had to weigh the cost carefully. He ushered her inside and listened to her story. Her brother, a bright student with a promising future, had suddenly fallen ill with a mysterious ailment.

As he considered her request, his Dao System buzzed:

"Miracle Option Available: Heal the Sick. Cost: 100 Dao Points."

Li Wei sighed. Performing the miracle would deplete most of his points, but he couldn't ignore the woman's plight. He nodded to her. "Take me to your brother."

She led him to a modest apartment not far from the temple. Inside, the air was thick with worry. Her brother lay in bed, pale and weak, surrounded by concerned family members. Li Wei approached the bedside and placed his hand on the young man's forehead. Focusing his energy, he chanted a silent prayer, calling upon the Dao.

A warm, golden light enveloped the room as the Dao System activated the miracle. The young man's eyes fluttered open, color returning to his cheeks. His family gasped in astonishment, their faces lighting up with hope and gratitude.

"Thank you, thank you," the woman cried, tears streaming down her face.

Li Wei smiled gently, though he felt the drain on his energy. His Dao Points had dropped significantly, and he knew it would take time to replenish them.

As he left the apartment, his Dao System buzzed with a new notification:

"Dao Points Remaining: 50. Warning: Use Sparingly."

Back at the temple, Li Wei found Madame Liu waiting for him. Her eyes held a mix of admiration and concern. "You performed a great service today, Li Wei. But remember, every action has its cost."

Li Wei nodded, feeling the weight of her words. "I understand, Madame Liu. But I couldn't turn away from someone in need."

"That is the way of the Dao," she said softly. "But be mindful of your own limits. Balance is key."

As the day drew to a close, Li Wei reflected on the miracle he had performed. The ability to heal was a powerful gift, but it came with great responsibility. He had to ensure that he used his powers wisely, balancing the needs of others with the need to maintain his own strength.

That night, as he prepared to rest, his Dao System buzzed once more:

"New Mission: Journey to the Realm of Shadows. Objective: Retrieve the Lost Wisdom Scroll."

Li Wei's eyes widened. This was the first time the Dao System had directed him to another world. The Realm of Shadows was a place shrouded in mystery and danger, but the Lost Wisdom Scroll was said to contain ancient knowledge that could greatly enhance his understanding of the Dao.

He took a deep breath and accepted the mission. In an instant, he felt a shift in the air around him, and the familiar surroundings of the temple faded away. He found himself standing in a dark, eerie landscape, the air thick with the scent of ancient secrets and unseen threats.

Li Wei tightened his resolve. With the guidance of the Dao and his unwavering determination, he was ready to face whatever challenges awaited him in the Realm of Shadows.