Chapter 167: Stone Lion Centipede (1/2)

The mantis crawled around, its only working eye continued to flicker rapidly. As it searched around, a twig suddenly snapped and the mantis turned towards the source. It chased after, leaving Ming Yue and the others.

They waited silently to see if it would return but Xiao Yin flew down, landing in front of the bushes where her master was hidden.

One by one they emerged from their hiding place, cleaning off any leaves and twigs on them.

Ming Yue looked to her side as Hei Yue popped out, walking cautiously. She couldn't help but snicker when she saw the Mistral Fox.

”Come here”, she said, gesturing the fox towards her.

Hei Yue wasn't sure why she snickered but came to her. With a few quick pats, she took off the many leaves that clung to the fox's dark gray fur. If she didn't do so, Hei Yue resembled more like a bush than an actual fox.

”What was that mantis guarding anyways?” Xukun asked excitedly.

Anqing was equally excited, waiting in anticipation.

”I'll show it to you once we find somewhere safe to rest. But it was a Dao Root!” Ming Yue spoke quietly but that did not hide her excited tone.

”A dao root?! In the second zone!?” Xukun exclaimed before Anqing's hand clamped tightly on his mouth.

”Shhh, talk quietly. Someone might hear us”, she looked at Xukun with serious eyes before taking away her hand.

Xukun paused before talking in a more restrained voice.

”Do you know how old it is? What rank it is?” he asked.

”Rank 4, five hundred years.”

Ming Yue stated bluntly.

”Rank 4...Fi-five hundred...years.”

Xukun slowly repeated her words, unable to believe their luck. A treasure like that was more than enough to boost his ability in the Metal Dao. Perhaps he could also diverge and create his own personal path of the Metal Dao.

After all to convert a Minor Dao into a Major Dao or even a Grand Dao, an increase in power would be enough. But if one truly wanted to elevate their ability, they must forge their own unique understanding of their Dao, to create a True Dao. Qing Lei Jiang's Dao of Unyielding Lightning or Jing Hai's Dao of Stars are such examples. Such things could only be done with good comprehension and a clear vision of what they wanted their dao to be, something that they believe to be true and just.

Strength did not matter here. Even if it was a Minor Dao, making it a True Dao would be possible. It would then be called a True Minor Dao, then True Major and so forth.

However such a thing could not happen so easily. Cultivators could go years without creating a True Dao, even if they've reached the level of a Major Dao. It required timing, luck, and inspiration.

Even Ming Yue's Dao of Everchanging Winds was not considered a True Dao. She had the inspiration but she lacked timing and luck, having no resources to achieve a True Dao.

Xukun continued to be dumbfounded from what he had heard, it took several minutes for him to recover from his stupor.

”We should go. We can take it out later but not here”, said Ming Yue.

Xukun nodded his head and followed.

The group slowly made their way through the second zone before resting in a small space surrounded by trees and shrubbery.

That night, Ming Yue passed the Metal Dao Root to Xukun, who held it in his hands and unwrapped it slightly. The root itself resembled that of steel, as it it were made of it. The aura was dense and sharp. He quickly wrapped it again and placed it within his ring. In his mind, he felt thankful that both Anqing and Ming Yue were helping him.

Anqing seemed equally excited and smiled at Xukun's good fortune. She seemed genuinely happy for him.