Flood: I, the Nine Turns of the Golden Pillar, all want to eat me!
Chapter 9 - Avenue Characteristics, Transformation Characteristics

Chapter 9: Avenue Characteristics, Transformation Characteristics

“What about space?” Xuan Qing asked, unable to hide his frustration.

“Space is the same,” the Origin Heavenly Father responded. “Some have already cultivated it and stepped into the Mixed World. In addition, avenues such as Creation, Killing… and many other herculean great days already have cultivators. Even if you try to catch up, surpassing them will be difficult.”

Xuan Qing felt a deep sense of dismay. How could all the great avenues have already been taken? It seemed unfair—was it just because he was born later? How had all the good avenues been chosen before he even had a chance?

Many of the great avenues had already been occupied. If he chose to cultivate one, he would inevitably become the target of those who had claimed them first, destined to face constant suppression. Achieving the Mixed Yuan in his lifetime would be nearly impossible.

Bitter, absolutely bitter.

Tongtian, on the other hand, laughed. “Little Xuan Qing… The great dao you seek already has its name. It cannot be helped—you were born too late. Had you existed during the Dao-Devil Contest, you might have had a chance to choose freely.”

“Apprentice… You were transformed from a dan, and your cultivation follows the dan evolution system. I suggest that you cultivate the Avenue of Dan. By focusing on this path, your progress will be remarkably swift. Also, do not underestimate the Great Dao of Dan. Among the three thousand great days, none are simple,” Laozi said, stroking his beard.

Xuan Qing furrowed his brows. “Master, the Great Dao of Dan—what is so special about it?”

“Naturally, there is something unique about it. Among the three thousand great days, none are inherently superior or inferior. When cultivated to their peak, all of them are incomparably powerful. Additionally, each dao contains distinct characteristics. Take the Way of the Sword, for instance. It possesses a carrying nature, allowing it to incorporate other daos and transform them into sword techniques. If the Sword Dao carries the Great Dao of Killing, it can manifest as a Sword Skill of Killing. If it carries Yin and Yang, it can form Yin-Yang sword techniques. Other great avenues can also rely on the Way of the Sword to incorporate their characteristics.

“The Great Dao of Water is inclusive, capable of perfectly integrating various days into its flow, turning them into divine waters. If the Great Dao of Creation is merged into the water, it becomes the Water of Creation. If Killing is merged, it transforms into the Water of Killing.

“Similarly, the Avenue of Fire has a burning nature. It can ignite all avenues, converting them into various flames imbued with different properties. If it ignites the Great Dao of Thunder, it forms Thunder Flame. If it ignites the Dao of Killing, it transforms into Killing Flames.

“Now, the Dao of Dan also has a characteristic—transformation. It is one of the most special among the three thousand great days. It does not conflict with any other dao and can complement all of them. Thus, the Dao of Dan can perfectly transform into various days. Simply put, cultivating the Dao of Dan allows one to transform it into the Dao of Thunder, the Dao of Water, the Dao of Wind…” Laozi trailed off, sighing with admiration.

“Hiss… The Dao of Dan is that incredible?!” Xuan Qing exclaimed, astonished.

“Indeed,” Laozi confirmed. “The Dao of Dan was originally known for healing wounds, aiding cultivation, and providing battle support. Rumor has it that at a high enough level, it can even repair dao injuries. This healing ability stems from its transformative nature—it can shift into the specific data needed to mend another’s wounds.”

Xuan Qing was stunned. Who would have thought that something as unassuming as the Great Dao of Dan could be so miraculous? By its name alone, it did not sound particularly powerful—more like a support-oriented path. Yet, learning that every day held unique characteristics and that Dan’s characteristic was transformation, left him in awe. To be able to rely on one avenue and convert it into all others—this was beyond extraordinary.

“Senior, if that is the case… wouldn’t cultivating the Dao of Dan be equivalent to cultivating all three thousand great days?” Xuan Qing asked, his shock growing.

“Disciple, you are oversimplifying it,” Laozi corrected. “Although the Great Dao of Dan, like the Great Dao of Sword, has its characteristics, you must first comprehend the days you wish to transform into. Take the Sword Dao, for example. Even though it can integrate other avenues into its techniques, without understanding those avenues, it would be impossible to wield them effectively.

“The same applies to the Dao of Dan. To transform it into other days, you must first comprehend those days. Furthermore, the deeper your comprehension, the higher the level at which you can transform. Without sufficient enlightenment, even with a basic understanding, transformation will be difficult.”

“So that is how it is… But even so, it does not change the miraculous nature of the Dao of Dan,” Xuan Qing admitted. “But if it is so powerful, why do so few cultivate it?”

Laozi sighed. “This is where the constraints of the Dao of Dan come into play. It can certainly transform into other days, but one must first attain comprehension of those days, which is no easy feat. Comprehending just one dao is difficult; to understand multiple days to a significant degree is even more arduous.

“Additionally, before one reaches a high level of understanding, the Dao of Dan is primarily focused on alchemy. It lacks offensive capabilities, making self-defense difficult. But above all… those who cultivate the Dao of Dan bear the greatest risk.”

Laozi hesitated for a moment, as if unwilling to speak further.

Xuan Qing’s curiosity was piqued. “The greatest risk?”

Tongtian smirked. “Little Xuan Qing… Cultivators of the Dao of Dan make for the best supplements to others. Since the Dao of Dan can transform into different days and heal dao injuries, it is also the most valuable resource for breaking through cultivation bottlenecks. Many cultivators struggle with advancing their comprehension of a dao. But if they were to consume a cultivator of the Dao of Dan, they could absorb that Dao’s essence and forcefully improve their understanding. It is no different from refining an elixir to aid cultivation.”

“T-this…!” Xuan Qing was horrified. No wonder there are so few practitioners of the Dao of Dan! It made sense—if one reached a bottleneck, swallowing a cultivator of the Dao of Dan could forcibly push them past it. How could it not be dangerous?

Tongtian chuckled. “Among the three thousand great days, the Dao of Dan is unique. It integrates seamlessly with all other days, making it the perfect supplement. It is a day that seems powerful, yet makes its cultivators an easy target. However, very few practice it because of this very danger.”

Xuan Qing fell silent, contemplating his path. Every great dao has its conflicts and enemies. Each carries its unique characteristics. The Dao of Dan was the most distinct, allowing for the essential transformation of one Dao into another. Yet, because of this, it also made its practitioners the most sought-after prey.

Even so, Xuan Qing felt excitement rising within him. Others struggled to comprehend multiple days, but with Ziyun’s ability to imprint and record various days, Xuan Qing had an unparalleled advantage. He could cultivate the Dao of Dan, imprint countless days, and transform them at will.

Laozi stroked his beard. “Disciple… Have you decided?”

Xuan Qing took a deep breath. “Master, I have decided to cultivate the Dao of Dan.”

Laozi nodded. “Very well. Do not worry—with me as your master, no one will threaten your safety.”

Tongtian smirked. “Little Xuan Qing… just cultivate in peace. If anyone dares to harm you, my sword will cut them down.”

Yuanshi Tianzun, usually stern, looked upon Xuan Qing with rare warmth. With the protection of the Three Purities, Xuan Qing knew he could navigate the dangers ahead. I will master the Dao of Dan.

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