Flood: I, the Nine Turns of the Golden Pillar, all want to eat me!
Chapter 8 - The Battle of the Great Dao, Cruel and Unusual

Chapter 8: The Battle of the Great Dao, Cruel and Unusual

Xuan Qing possessed the Great Dao Treasure Pearl and, relying on his divine ability was able to brand various Great Dao. As long as he obtained the corresponding cultivation method or divine ability, he could easily inscribe the Great Dao and perceive its mysteries.

Because of this, Xuan Qing had many choices, leaving him hesitant to decide.

The First Heavenly Father stroked his beard. “Xuan Qing was formed from Dan, and the cultivation system we have recreated originates from the Great Dao of Dan. The best choice is to cultivate this Dao, as it aligns perfectly with him and will allow him to reach greater heights. Aside from that, cultivating the Great Dao of Poison is also a viable option. After all, medicine contains three parts poison, and its toxicity can be used to kill enemies.”

“The Dao of the Sword is also a fine choice. If one fuses the Sword Dao into the Golden Dan, transforming it into a Sword Pill, it can be an extremely powerful path,” Tong Tian interjected, showing a clear preference for the Sword Dao.

“Tong Tian, do not mislead Xuan Qing. In cultivation, one must avoid conflicts between Great Dao. If Xuan Qing truly chooses the Way of the Sword, who then will achieve Mixed Yuan in the future?” The First Heavenly Father spoke with seriousness, cautioning Tong Tian.

Realizing his mistake, Tong Tian quickly relented. “Right, right… That was my fault. I should not have suggested that little Xuan Qing cultivate the Way of the Sword.”

Xuan Qing, however, was puzzled. “Uncle Yuan Shi, why can I not cultivate the Way of the Sword? Also, what is a Great Dao Conflict?”

Laozi’s expression grew solemn. “Disciple… The Great Dao may seem countless, but they have a fixed number. Because of this, it is easy for cultivators to create conflicts over the same Dao. If many highly talented cultivators pursue the same Dao, they become natural enemies—eternal rivals.

“To attain mastery over a Great Dao and use it to achieve Mixed Yuan, one must eliminate all other contenders. Only one may remain, for a single Great Dao can only bear one who reaches the Realm of Mixed Yuan. Simply put, those who cultivate the same Dao will inevitably be locked in battle.

“Since the ancient Flood Era, many powerful cultivators have reached a point where they are forced to engage in merciless slaughter against others who walk the same path. The last one standing claims the right to ascend. Because of this, many cultivators seek out lesser-tread paths or more specialized avenues.”

Xuan Qing’s expression shifted as he absorbed the revelation. He had not considered that cultivating the Great Dao in the Floodlands would involve such ruthless competition.

If cultivating the same Dao meant becoming mortal enemies…

If a single Great Dao could only support one Mixed Yuan expert…

With so many cultivators in the Floodlands, countless bitter rivalries would inevitably arise.

Xuan Qing fell into a brief silence before speaking, his tone tinged with disbelief. “Master, does this mean that, at most, only three thousand Mixed Yuan beings can be born in the Floodlands?”

“Not quite,” Laozi replied. “While there are three thousand Great Dao, they are further divided into many branches. For example, the Great Dao of Fire has sub-branches like the Dao of Burning and the Dao of Heat. One can still attain Mixed Yuan through these sub-branches. However, if one cultivates a sub-branch and encounters another who has mastered the primary Dao, all else being equal, the cultivator of the main Dao will always be stronger. That is why those with greater ambition seek to cultivate the principal Great Dao.”

“I see. Then, what Great Dao does Master cultivate?” Xuan Qing asked curiously.

“I cultivate the Yin-Yang Great Dao, one of the Three Thousand Great Dao. This Dao is both profound and widely pursued, leading to many conflicts throughout history. There was once a powerful cultivator known as the Yin-Yang Ancestor who sought to achieve Mixed Yuan through this path. His ambition led to countless battles against others who also cultivated Yin-Yang.

“In the end, after an endless struggle, the Yin-Yang Ancestor emerged victorious and reached Mixed Yuan. However, during the war between righteous and demonic forces, he perished. It was only then that I seized the opportunity to cultivate the Yin-Yang Great Dao and strive for Mixed Yuan myself. If the Yin-Yang Ancestor had still been alive, I would have had no chance at all.

“Thus, in the Floodlands, once a cultivator attains Mixed Yuan through a Great Dao, no other can follow. Only upon their fall does another gain the opportunity. This is the brutal reality of the Battle of the Great Dao. Choosing one’s path is of utmost importance.”

The First Heavenly Father sighed, stroking his beard. “Alas… The battle for the Great Dao is indeed cruel. My master, Granduncle, cultivates the Great Dao of Stars. There was once a Star Ancestor, and if he had not perished in the war between Dao and Demons, Master Granduncle would never have had a chance.”

Tong Tian let out a bitter laugh. “This is even truer for the Sword Dao that Master Granduncle follows. The number of sword cultivators in the Floodlands is countless. The battle for supremacy is even more vicious, and I cannot say how many have perished along the way. Even during the great war, where many Sword Dao cultivators fell, their numbers remain vast.”

Hearing the Three Purities speak in such a manner, Xuan Qing was left in deep contemplation. The Floodlands were a realm of ruthless competition, where attaining Mixed Yuan meant treading upon the bones of one’s predecessors and rivals.

…

Laozi regarded him with a grave expression. “Disciple… Now you understand the weight of choosing your Great Dao. Unless you forsake the pursuit of Mixed Yuan, you must carefully select a Dao that resonates with you, one that is not heavily contested.”

Xuan Qing remained silent for a moment before asking, “Master… How many Great Dao can I cultivate in the current Flood Era? If I cultivate the Great Dao of Force, would it be feasible?”

He recalled that the Nine Revolutions Xuan Gong contained the Great Dao of Force. With his current comprehension, he could integrate this Dao into his Golden Dan and step into the Golden Immortal realm.

Tong Tian chuckled, shaking his head. “Xuan Qing… You are bold indeed, seeking to cultivate the Great Dao of Force and walk the path of invincibility. However, this path is nearly impossible. The Great Dao of Force is incredibly difficult to comprehend and cultivate.

“In all the Flood Era, there is only one true cultivation method based on it—the Nine Revolutions Xuan Gong. Even so, throughout the ages, no cultivator of the Great Dao of Force has surpassed the Tai Yi realm. Not a single one has reached Da Luo. You shouldn’t pursue this path.”

Laozi nodded in agreement. “Indeed, the Great Dao of Force is elusive and should not be taken lightly.”

Xuan Qing was silent before finally speaking. “If that is the case, then I shall cultivate the Dao of Time.”

The First Heavenly Father sighed and shook his head. “Xuan Qing… Someone has already cultivated the Dao of Time and reached Mixed Yuan. At most, you would only attain half-step Mixed Yuan.”