The Birth of a New Dao

A long, heavy breath, seemingly exhaled with the last vestiges of strength, echoed from the depths of the Xuan Nv Sect’s platform.

All eyes, as if drawn by invisible threads, snapped in unison toward the source of the sound – Pavilion Master Xian Chengyue, the head of the Scripture Pavilion.

Her normally placid face was now etched with an unprecedented, profound shock, and a hint of… awe?

Her gaze, usually sharp enough to pierce all illusions, was now as deep as an abyss, lingering on Lin Mo’s still somewhat bewildered, white-haired figure in the projection.

“Pavilion Master…” Mu Qingli’s voice trembled with disbelief, breaking the silence. “That… that pillar of light… what was it? Wan’er, he…”

Xian Chengyue raised a hand, cutting off her words. Her movement was slow yet forceful, imbued with an undeniable authority.

Her gaze swept slowly across the Empress on the high platform, then over the scattered mortals, especially Qiu Ku, who sat as still as a withered tree, before finally settling on the faces of every disciple and elder of the Xuan Nv Sect.

Her voice, though not loud, resonated with such power and solemnity that it pierced every corner of the plaza, like the tolling of a great bell echoing deep within everyone’s souls.

‘As long as Lin Wan’er was protected, the Xuan Nv Sect was destined to rise.’

“The Will of the Heavenly Dao… a projection!”

These five words, as if imbued with magic, instantly drained the ability to think from most of those present.

‘What is a projection of the Heavenly Dao’s Will?’ Xian Chengyue’s voice was low and grave, as if unveiling a mysterious veil shrouding the laws of heaven and earth. ‘We cultivators absorb spiritual energy and comprehend the laws of the world, all in pursuit of understanding the ‘Dao,’ mastering the ‘Dao,’ and ultimately transcending its constraints. Yet, the ‘Dao’ is ethereal and ineffable, the most fundamental and supreme rule governing the operation of this universe. Its will is neither immortal nor divine; it is the manifestation of the very sentience of heaven and earth, ruthless yet utterly just, formless yet substantial, containing the profound mysteries of creation and destruction, the flow of time and space, and the cycles of yin and yang.’

She paused, her gaze, sharp as a sword, once again fixed on the projection. ‘A Heavenly Dao Projection is proof of the Heavenly Dao’s extreme attention to, profound recognition of, and even its consideration of something – a matter, an existence, or a concept – as an integral part of its order! It is one of the ultimate phenomena where the world’s primordial rules actively manifest, bestowing grace or issuing a trial! Its essence is the ‘Dao’ responding to the birth of a new ‘Dao’!’

‘Birth?’ an elder from the Qiu family blurted out, her voice laced with incredulity. Yet, with reality laid bare before them, they had no choice but to believe.

‘Precisely! A birth!’ Xian Chengyue’s voice suddenly rose, imbued with unshakeable conviction. ‘The ‘Martial Dao’ that Lin Wan’er just expounded—these concepts, these understandings and applications of the rules governing power—though born from what he called ‘mortal techniques,’ have already been sublimated!’

‘It is absolutely not a branch or variation of any existing Great Dao in this world! It is a brand new, complete, and profoundly deep embryonic form of a ‘Dao’!’

‘A brand new… Dao?!’ Empress Ji Fengyi was finally moved. Her twelve-stringed imperial headdress rattled violently as she abruptly rose, a brilliant light exploding within her phoenix eyes.

As the supreme sovereign of the realm, wielding the dragon qi of its mountains and rivers, she understood the meaning of the ‘Dao’ more profoundly than anyone! ‘What could the birth of an entirely new Great Dao possibly signify?!’

‘Absolutely true!’ Xian Chengyue’s voice was filled with undeniable certainty. ‘He is expounding, he is demonstrating, he is comprehending!’

‘As he immersed himself completely, articulating his understanding of the essence of this Martial Dao without reservation, the principles he conveyed, coupled with the ‘true intent’ regarding the rules of power coalesced deep within his soul, triggered the deepest resonance from this world’s Heavenly Dao! It was the Heavenly Dao acknowledging his ‘Dao’. It was the Heavenly Dao, standing in support of this Dao Seed, declaring to all realms and myriad worlds—’This Dao shall be established! This person already possesses a ‘Dao Foundation’!’

The entire assembly erupted in an uproar!

Xian Chengyue’s gaze was like a torch, and her voice grew even more majestic. ‘What does this mean? It means Lin Wan’er, barely twenty-six years old and only at the Foundation Establishment stage, has already ‘forged his own Dao’!’

‘He is no longer merely comprehending the paths trodden by his predecessors, no longer climbing along the predetermined trajectories outlined in cultivation manuals! Using his body as a source and his soul as a root, he has forged from nothingness the core of a ‘Dao’ that is uniquely his own, brimming with infinite possibilities! This ‘Dao Seed’ is his pass to ascend to the pinnacle of the Supreme Great Dao! It is the crown personally bestowed upon him by the Heavenly Dao!’

Her words struck like thunder, exploding repeatedly in everyone’s minds.

“This Dao Seed is the foundation for becoming an Emperor!” Xian Chengyue enunciated each word, every one heavy as a thousand jun, clearly imprinting them upon everyone’s hearts. ‘What is an Emperor? It is the ultimate realm of cultivation in this world! It refers not merely to the position of a mortal monarch, but to a majestic existence who has perfected their own Dao, transforming it into a grand path that spans the cosmos, capable of sustaining the cultivation of myriad beings, and has walked this path to its absolute extreme! Her Majesty the Empress’s ‘Imperial Dragon Dao’ is one such grand path!’

‘An Emperor no longer merely borrows the laws of heaven and earth; they control, establish, and even… embody the rules themselves! Their word becomes law, their Dao shapes the cosmos! An Emperor’s thought can determine the rise and fall of a domain; an Emperor’s wrath can cause billions of stars to plummet!’

On the high platform, Empress Ji Fengyi’s imperial dragon qi subtly flickered around her. She gave a slight nod, her gaze profound as she looked at the secret realm’s projection. Xian Chengyue’s words were undeniably true!

This was also why she had felt an instinctive jolt of alarm when sensing the projection—it was the shock of encountering an existence of the same caliber!

‘An Emperor-level expert is an ultimate existence who has transcended the constraints of mortal rules and truly touched the origin of the Great Dao! Their nobility and might far exceed the limits of ordinary cultivators’ imaginations! The birth of every Emperor-level expert endures a myriad of trials and tribulations, comprehends a profoundly deep ‘Dao,’ and finally perfects their own Dao before they can ascend to the Imperial Throne! This path is long and arduous; throughout history, among billions of cultivators, those who have achieved emperorship number no more than a handful!’

Xian Chengyue’s voice was filled with a distant yet profound reverence for the Imperial Realm. But then, her gaze burned with renewed intensity as it fell upon Lin Mo. ‘And Wan’er, today! At the late Foundation Establishment stage! He has, under the witness of the Heavenly Dao, personally planted the seed of his own emperorship! He has completed the most arduous, crucial, and irreplicable step on the path to becoming an Emperor—’Pioneering his Dao’!’

‘He has gained the ultimate qualification to directly reach the Imperial Realm!’

Boom!

If the preceding information had been a raging tempest assaulting people’s minds, then these final words, ‘the qualification to become an Emperor,’ were a world-ending tsunami that utterly breached the dam!

Late Foundation Establishment… already qualified for emperorship?

Absurd! Absolutely impossible! This shattered everyone’s understanding!

How arduous was the path of cultivation? Starting with Qi Condensation, solidifying the foundation with Foundation Establishment, seeking spirits with Golden Core, becoming a deity with Nascent Soul, controlling domains with Spirit Transformation… and beyond these, there were still more profound realms before one could even touch the threshold of the Emperor level. Each step required countless years of refinement, an accumulation of boundless resources, and the baptism of endless tribulations!

Foundation Establishment was merely stepping through the threshold of cultivation, the very beginning of the beginning!

Yet now, Xian Chengyue was telling them that Lin Mo, who stood on the black earth of the secret realm, having just concluded a great battle, already possessed the qualification to become an Emperor?!

Within the Qiu family’s contingent, several aged elders directly spat out blood, their faces ashen as gold leaf, their bodies swaying precariously, their Dao hearts nearly shattering in that moment!

They had perhaps only just managed to touch the threshold of higher realms, yet now, a mere Foundation Establishment junior was decreed by the Heavenly Dao to be a future Emperor?

How could their lifelong arduous cultivation, their belief in the path where the strong preyed on the weak, ever compare?!

In the depths of Qiu Ku’s eyes, murky as stagnant water, unprecedented turbulent waves churned!

Her withered fingers trembled slightly. In her long life, spanning tens of thousands of years, she had seen countless prodigies pass like carp crossing a river, witnessing innumerable glories and falls.

But… she had never heard, never imagined, and certainly never seen anyone capable of drawing forth a Heavenly Dao Projection to ‘pioneer their Dao’ and bestow a crown, all while merely at the Foundation Establishment stage!

‘Is this Lin Wan’er… even human?!’

This, this was beyond what could be described as a genius or a monstrous talent!

Xian Chengyue observed the faces around her, some shocked, some blank, some jealous, some twisted with fear. Her voice carried a profound, ancient sense, as if it had pierced through countless ages. ‘This child, Lin Wan’er, cannot be simply encompassed by the term ‘talent.’ His very existence is a ‘variable’! An anomaly of the ‘Dao’ that shatters perception and overturns common sense; this person is a trace of the Dao walking among mortals.’

Xian Chengyue’s words fell.

Deathly silence descended once more. It was heavier, more oppressive than the silence that followed the dissipation of the pillar of light.

The entire training ground felt as if it had been plunged into absolute zero.

The air solidified, time stood still. All sounds were utterly swallowed by that earth-shattering declaration, which overturned all conventional understanding.

The cultivation path of ten thousand years was rigidly hierarchical, its iron laws like shackles!

It was the ultimate fantasy, forever out of reach for countless brilliant talents who spent their entire lives and trod over myriad bones!

Yet now, Xian Chengyue was telling them that Lin Wan’er, astonishingly… astonishingly, at the Foundation Establishment stage, had already been definitively decreed by the Heavenly Dao—he possessed the qualification to become an Emperor!

How absurd was this? How unjust? How utterly… despair-inducing?!

Many people’s eyes were frantic, their lips trembling as they tried to find a flaw in this world-shattering declaration. Yet, all thoughts of doubt proved as fragile as thin ice in early winter before the irrefutable evidence of the ‘Heavenly Dao Projection.’

‘Calm yourselves!’

Xian Chengyue’s voice echoed through the entire venue like a bell. ‘Do not harbor covetous thoughts! The ‘Dao Trace’ etched by the descent of the Heavenly Dao is a primordial imprint bestowed by heaven and earth upon a person’s soul; it cannot be seized through cunning or force. This trace is bound to one’s destiny: it thrives when they thrive, perishes when they are harmed, and vanishes completely if they die, leaving no trace in the world!’

‘Moreover,’ she continued, her tone shifting, her gaze sweeping over the faces where fires of greed or ruthlessness had ignited, her voice carrying a warning, ‘to have established one’s own Dao is merely to hold the stepping stone to the Imperial Path, the very beginning of the journey. Throughout history, how many formidable figures, revered as Great Emperors, had their ‘Dao’ inherited from predecessors and comprehended from heaven and earth, rather than being an ‘original creation’ that pioneered a new era! Whether one achieves emperorship or not, there are infinite variables; it is not guaranteed by merely establishing a Dao!’

Xian Chengyue’s words, like cool, clear spring water splashed onto a scorching iron plate, immediately extinguished the nascent evil flames and greed with a hiss.

Innumerable restless, covetous gazes instantly froze, flickered, and finally dissolved into a state of uncertain silence.

Indeed, the ‘Dao Trace’ could not be stolen, and even if it could, it would be useless; while ‘establishing a Dao’ was extraordinary, it did not equate to the Imperial Throne.

Lin Mo’s brilliance at this moment represented future possibilities more than a certainty.

The sudden surge of malevolent intent, aiming to plunder this worldly fortune, silently dissipated by more than half under this insightful analysis and solemn admonition.

This also helped many to steady their minds.

‘The path of cultivation varies with each individual’s fortune, and opportunities naturally follow suit. However, the strength of opportunities or the quality of one’s fortune does not negate your persistent cultivation up until now. In ancient times, there was the ‘Empty Emperor,’ who faced continuous misfortune throughout their life, lacked any opportunities, lost beloved kin, and even suffered root damage, making further cultivation seem impossible. Yet, relying on their own perseverance and unwavering Dao heart, they stepped over countless heavenly prodigies and various monstrous talents, ascending all the way to the Imperial Throne, dominating the world. Cultivation, by nature, is defying the heavens. Whether one follows nature or defies it, both are valid paths! There is no need to envy others; simply focus on the present! Everyone, calm your hearts.’

In the current cultivation world, if there was one person who could command a modicum of respect from all factions, it was Xian Chengyue.

Not only did she cultivate many techniques herself, but she also laid a solid foundation for the disciples of the Xuan Nv Sect. Her ‘Qi Refinement Art’ had helped a vast number of cultivators avoid common pitfalls and reduce the probability of errors and risks during initial cultivation, making the beginning of the cultivation path safer and more reliable.

Strictly speaking, it was impeccable to call Xian Chengyue the ‘teacher’ of the vast majority of people in the entire cultivation world.

Everyone used Xian Chengyue’s words to calm their minds and stabilize their Dao hearts.

Innumerable people cast grateful glances and salutes towards Xian Chengyue.

Even many from the Qiu family did the same.

This ‘doyen’ of the cultivation world was truly worthy of such respect.

With their Dao hearts now stable, their thoughts also began to stir.

Xian Chengyue knew this, and she didn’t even need to deliberately observe the expressions of the other two factions.

Lin Mo’s boundless future would undoubtedly invite jealousy from various forces, and even potential assassination.

She quietly cast her gaze towards the Empress.

Lin Mo was currently in close contact with Ji Xue. If the Xan Nv Sect could gain the backing of the imperial family, then those who dared to harm Lin Mo would naturally decrease.

And she and the Empress, as if sharing a telepathic connection, met each other’s eyes at that moment.

Xian Chengyue thought this, and the Empress thought no less.

Her Imperial Dao did not need to covet Lin Mo’s Dao. Now, as long as the Xuan Nv Sect could protect Lin Mo, it would surely rise.

If the Xuan Nv Sect rose, the personal vendetta it had formed with the Qiu family would inevitably escalate into conflict. In essence, the Xuan Nv Sect would be her best aid in restraining the Qiu family.

Furthermore, Ji Xue and Lin Mo had an excellent relationship, even to the extent of using the life-saving talisman she had given her to urge the Empress to come and protect Lin Mo.

Though she didn’t voice it, how could it escape the Empress’s keen eyes?

Thus, cooperation was practically set in stone, a mutually beneficial arrangement.

‘It was just a pity that Lin Wan’er was not a male; otherwise, choosing him as a consort would further solidify the relationship between the two families.’

‘Alas…’

‘She, too, was vexed by state affairs, to even entertain such a delusion.’

Nevertheless, seeing Xian Chengyue’s gaze, the far-sighted Empress understood the underlying meaning.

Qiu Ku, however, could only watch the two exchanging knowing glances.

The displeasure on her face had long since surfaced.

But what could be done? Her family had already irrevocably offended Lin Mo!

There was no possibility of reconciliation, and they had even created a potential future enemy for the Qiu family.

‘Assassinate him in secret?’

That would be playing right into the Empress’s hands! At that point, evidence wouldn’t matter; they could simply find someone to frame, pin the blame, and march a combined Xuan Nv Sect and imperial army to their gates.

Even with its deep roots, the Qiu family would struggle to withstand such a united assault.

At present, aside from cutting their losses, offering compensation, and making peace to await a future decisive battle, was there any room for maneuver?

Now, besides compensation and making peace, was there any room for maneuver, apart from a death match later?

Useless.

A bunch of useless fools!

Qiu Ku was filled with deep regret, wishing she had struck Lin Wan’er dead with a single palm earlier! If not for that moment of hesitation and contempt, how could the situation have devolved to such an unbearable state?

However… this self-reproach was futile.

Who could have foreseen that a mere Foundation Establishment junior could attract the favor of the Heavenly Dao and be ‘crowned’ with a Dao?

But… she couldn’t blame herself too much.

After all, who could have predicted that a ‘Foundation Establishment’ junior would ‘establish their Dao’?

Only regret remained now.

She only regretted why she had cared about such superficial notions then, why she had bothered with idle gossip about ‘bullying the small with the great,’ when a swift kill would have been the correct path!

Qiu Ku’s face was clouded with gloom, her thoughts racing. Yet, when she spoke, she could only suppress her myriad unwilling emotions and force out a few conciliatory words:

‘Congratulations to your esteemed sect for gaining such a world-shaking prodigy; this is truly a great fortune for your sect! The Xuan Nv Sect’s return to the top position is imminent!’

‘Perhaps… we could host a celebratory banquet? Naturally, all expenses for the banquet will be borne by my Qiu family, as a slight apology for our ignorant juniors disturbing your esteemed sect earlier.’

Though seemingly an apology, Xian Chengyue instantly saw through the hidden agenda of the old fox.

This old thing simply wanted the Xuan Nv Sect to become a prominent target, hoping to let the whole world know that their sect had produced a great treasure.

By escalating the matter, if Lin Mo were to encounter trouble later, there would be many more people to suspect.

If only a few people knew, then the blame could still be pinned on the Qiu family.

‘Old Ancestor Qiu, you exaggerate.’

Xian Chengyue’s voice was calm but held an invisible power, clearly reaching everyone present.

‘Being young and impetuous, not knowing one’s place, is a stage everyone must pass through on their way to maturity. Our role as elders is to provide a safety net for these juniors, lest they suffer an accident and ruin their future, isn’t it? It is enough that Old Ancestor Qiu has this intention. But—’

She paused slightly.

‘However, Old Ancestor Qiu must also be somewhat aware of the Xuan Nv Sect’s current predicament; we are short on funds and cannot afford to put on airs…’ Xian Chengyue’s words stopped there.

At this point, could Qiu Ku not understand the unsaid meaning? – This was blatant extortion! But the Qiu family was in the wrong first, circumstances were against them, and Empress Ji Fengyi was watching from the platform. What could she do?

‘Pavilion Master Xian, what are you saying!’

Qiu Ku’s tone carried just the right amount of humility and self-reproach. ‘Indeed, my Qiu family juniors were reckless and overprotective, failing to see reason. As this old one said before, compensation will certainly be offered to make up for the losses. This is also an excellent opportunity to frankly communicate with your esteemed sect and mend our past grievances.’

At this moment, Qiu Ku’s words and actions were those of an understanding and remorseful elder.

One, when walking in the world, must prepare several faces to secure their position.

‘Old Ancestor Qiu is truly profound in understanding righteousness,’ Xian Chengyue nodded slightly, a faint, almost imperceptible smile gracing her lips. ‘The Xuan Nv Sect will certainly engrave this in our hearts, never daring to forget it.’

The two exchanged glances across the distance, smiling amicably, their faces radiating a gentle spring breeze. Yet, beneath this superficial harmony, only discerning eyes could perceive the hidden, surging undercurrents.

‘Since Old Ancestor Qiu has personally graced us with her presence, these detailed negotiations,’ Xian Chengyue’s topic shifted, her gaze turning to the side, ‘shall be entrusted to our sect’s Grand Elder Qing You, for full handling.’

A brilliant light suddenly erupted in Qing You’s eyes! In terms of combat prowess, she might have shortcomings; but when it came to finalizing details and securing the maximum benefits for the sect, she was an expert, effortlessly capable!

‘As Pavilion Master commands.’ Qing You stepped forward, her posture respectful, yet her voice conveyed immense confidence and resolve. ‘Qing You will not fail this trust!’

Seeing that both parties had reached a consensus, Empress Ji Fengyi remained high on her dragon throne, her imperial headdress obscuring her world-perceiving gaze. The vast, suffocating imperial dragon qi around her subtly circulated, then swiftly returned to stillness.

At this moment, she needed no further judgment, nor did she need to add another word.

However, just as things seemed settled, her graceful voice slowly sounded, not loud, yet like the voice of law from the nine heavens, imbued with an undeniable authority and the imperial might to command all directions, clearly imprinted deep within the souls of every cultivator present:

‘Since you all have deliberated and decided, I shall not overstep further.’

Her phoenix eyes lifted slightly, then, her tone shifted.

‘Only—’

Just a single word, as if it stirred an invisible rhythm between heaven and earth, instantly elevating the atmosphere in the arena, like the heart-stopping silence before a storm.

‘I still have a few heartfelt words to impart to you all. For such a peerless prodigy to emerge within my dynasty’s borders is both your sect’s fortune and my dynasty’s fortune. In the future, he will surely shake the ages and become the stabilizing force of both the Xuan Nv Sect and my dynasty.’

A few simple words, yet they carried a grand imperial might, firmly binding the future of the Xuan Nv Sect with the Ji Dynasty.

However, the Empress’s tone then became like ten thousand years of profound ice, imbued with undeniable legal authority, and her gaze sharpened like a blade, instantly severing the previous harmonious atmosphere:

‘Nevertheless, no matter how unparalleled his talent, his wings are not yet fully grown. He must not be overly publicized. Regarding this matter, I hope everyone remains silent. Do not spread it outside, do not boast about it. If, within the imperial dynasty, I hear anyone vigorously proclaiming this matter—’

Her gaze slowly swept across the entire venue, and wherever her eyes fell, space itself seemed to congeal, especially lingering on Qiu Ku and the Qiu family’s faces.

The Empress did not finish her sentence, but the deliberately drawn-out, meaningful pause made everyone understand what it implied.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the arena once again returned to calm. Everyone, by tacit agreement, looked back at the secret realm’s projection, seeking to escape the oppressive, murderous ambiance.

They wanted to see what other shocking pronouncements the astonishing Lin Mo might make.