The time scale brought by immense combat power is extremely vast. Cultivators are not like blocks of wood or stone; a single period of seclusion does not simply last for hundreds or thousands of years, let alone hundreds of thousands of years in some cases. At least, Shi Heng was not like that, nor was the Willow Deity. Everything followed a rhythm.
For instance, out of a thousand years, six or seven hundred years might be spent in secluded meditation, a few decades in leisurely rest, a few decades summarizing and reflecting, a few decades searching for inspiration, and another century or so crafting various items. These activities were interspersed in an orderly fashion. Especially after he and the Willow Deity came together, they would regularly inform each other of their schedules during seclusion. By mastering this rhythm, it became easy for them to draw close to one another and cultivate a deep, enduring bond.
True to expectation, Liu Zhi was indeed in secluded cultivation. Shi Heng pushed the art of "emptiness" to its absolute limit, blending into the surrounding flora like light and dust. Relying on his profound understanding of the Willow Deity's teachings, he seamlessly integrated his presence into the Dao field. After taking a thoroughly satisfied stroll around, he departed from it.
Chapter 474