Naomi sent a cold gaze his way. Qin Ming sent one just as cold if not colder, he radiated a glacial storm. Ever since he saw the Icedawn Pearl he always felt a slight connection to the Dao of Ice! However he was never actually able to awaken any of its power.
Naomi was not allowed to use any of the Five Elements Elixir's power. Thus she had to fight bare handed. The thing about Naomi was she had no idea what weapons actually suited her best. She would fight with axes, swords, staff, the list goes on! However, she was always able to win because the weapons she used carried such power! When it came to Qin Ming she had lost! She didn't like to play the second fiddle.
The small area around the two became dark and eerie. Tension rose over head, it was thick enough to blind a person. Qin Ming stepped forth, with that single step the dark cloud blew apart.
Naomi charged at him. Qin Ming scoffed and looked at her coldly as she slightly turned his body. She stumbled past him and past him an infuriated glare "bastard!" she yelled as she grit her teeth.
"I knew you relied on the Five Elements Elixir but this is you without it?"
"GRR SHUT UP!!"
He passed a cold nonchalant glance "if that's how you want it."
He appeared right in front of her in a flash. He struck out with his fist straight into her gut. The force behind this push was simply astonishing! Her eyes turned white as she coughed up blood! The ground around her shook too!
He planted two more fists into the base of her diaphragm. She desperately gasped for air. He slammed his leg into the side of her jaw. She was sent flying back. She became a skipping stone on the floor until she ran into a wall. In the next moment her eyes turned red from anger. She quickly turned into a stream of light.
As she moved she destroyed the ground underneath her. She struck out with her fist, Qin Ming just casually moved her fist out of the way. In the next moment he moves forth with his leg carrying a tiny bit of his enlightenment of the Dao of Air.
She was sent upwards with immense force. "Hmm so this is what it feels like. My attacks are a bit faster indeed."
Qin Ming was mumbling to himself. This was the first time he used the Dao of Air with his attacks so the feeling was a bit off to him. He hadn't even gained One With the Fist level of enlightenment, but he had already gained One With the Breeze level of enlightenment. The Dao of Martial Arts was simply too hard to gain insights in! On the other hand the Dao of Air came to him as naturally as saying his own name! After all he was a Celestial Dragon so his body was finely tuned to the Dao of Air.
He could also very vaguely sense the whisperings of another Dao path that was simply too unfathomable for him. He didn't even know what Dao was trying to say to him. If it wasn't for Tianlong Xun he never would have ever been able to use it anyways. Before he could only use the Dao of Air when he was partially transformed, but once you reach One With the Breaze level that Dao was with you forever. Even if he died his body would still resonate with the Dao of Air.
If Qin Ming were to reach a truly astonishing level in the Dao of Air, parts of his body would turn into Dao relics! Like the Icedawn Pearl.
Qin Ming was beating himself up. He could sense himself get closer and closer to actually reaching One With the Fist level. Everytime he tried to grab it, it would slip past his finger tips. What he really needed was to fight true masters. He needed to practice everyday with people leagues ahead of himself.
Naomi was an aimless child. Qin Ming lets out a quick breath of air. In a flash he appears behind Naomi. He thrust his palm into the back of her neck. In less than a second she falls to the floor.
Yunshe Li walks out from around the corner, "how disappointing I heard she was able to give you trouble with a blade. She didn't use a blade even once!"
Qin Ming was in a poor mood, he was just called out by Lei Laoshi. He felt inadequate.
He coldly looked at him "whatever she was too weak what difference did it make!"
Yunshe Li pulled back "what's up with you!"
He looked back at him and Yunshe Li stayed quiet. Yunshe Li definitely didn't like being disrespected by anyone. He ground his teeth "I'm gonna put that kid in his place!"
He kicked Naomi in the chest "get up, I'm going to start training you in the Dao of the Sword."
She groaned a bit then rose to her feet "with me training you he won't be able to stand up next to you!"
Naomi stood up "he disrespected me I want you to help me beat him!"
Yunshe Li smiled, "Come with me then."
Yunshe Li guided Naomi over to Taotie Zishan who was constantly forming his Dao Realm. The more he made it and undid it the better he was able to understand it! Thus making it much more stable.
Yunshe Li was also learning how to remake his Dao Realm, it was quite troubling for him indeed. He instead is training with Taotie Zishan in order to train in the Dao of Shadows. If he was able to reach One with the World level he could essentially merge the Dao of Shadows with the Dao of the Sword. If he did this he could give Tianlong Xun a run for her money!
Yunshe Li took a deep breath and slowly moved his hands to either side of his body. A sword appeared in his hand. With simple movements it looked as though he was gracefully dancing. Soon these movements turned even more complex and profound. Behind him a crescent moon appeared. Yunshe Li let out a soft sigh "the complete first step of my [Jade Rabbit Dance]. Hmmm?"
He quietly muttered to himself. He was trying to devise a second half but his insights weren't quite there yet. At the moment he was only skilled with one sword. In fact he was slightly relieved when Qin Ming destroyed his Dao Realm. This meant he had another chance at applying both swords into his Dao Realm.
Yunshe Li waved his hand and another blood colored sword apperes. He tosses it over to Naomi "here use this our training begins now!"
Qin Ming was grumbling to himself. He pushed open the doors with one hand leading himself in. "Jiangsu do you still have the Icedawn Pearl?"
He notices him walk in then laughs a little bit to himself "I do why? Do you want to see it?"
"I do, ever since I saw it I've heard endless whispering from Dao. I wish to train in the Dao of Ice!"
"Very well, be careful once you touch the Icedawn Pearl you might very well lose your life!"
Qin Ming nodded and he understood very well. When he first saw the Icedawn Pearl he felt his heart shudder in its presence. Jiangsu waved his hands and the Icedawn Pearl came out of nowhere.
Instantly the room fills with a piercing cold. His hair was standing unend. The Icedawn Pearl released a chill that struck his heart. He felt like he was being blown back just from it being out. Qin Ming moved his hand closer to the Icedawn Pearl. As he grew closer and closer he felt his hands grow numb. Once he got within thirty centimeters his hand started to blister. Blood started to leak from his fingernails. Just as quickly the blood started to turn into ice.
Qin Ming pulled his hand back. The cold became too much for him to handle. He had gained even more respect for his big brother who was actually able to hold onto the Icedawn Pearl with his bare hands!
Qin Ming sat down in a lotus position. Although he had to pull his hand away it didn't represent a loss he still was able to gain massive insights into the Dao of Ice. "Hmm, why is reaching One with Ice so difficult?"
He was still fingertips away from gaining a slight enlightenment into the Dao of Martial Arts and the Dao of Ice. if he was able to reach both then he would naturally be able to merge the two!
When merging Daos one would have to make sure each of the Daos both had equal power. If one was slightly stronger it wouldn't merge perfectly. Worst case scenario is that you lose all your insights in both Daos. Yunshe Li was at One With the World level in the Dao of the Sword. When his Dao Realm broke he was sent back two levels! This was why he needed the Dao of Shadows to reach the World level too!
"Miko with flames that cold. Do you ever hope to get stronger?!"
"GRR I'LL SHOW YOU!!!"
Augus laughs coldly "oh and just how do you plan on that?"
Miko Yang put her hands together and pushed them forward. From the pits of her hands a giant typhoon of violet fire poured out of her palms! The spiraling flames splintered apart the ground. It greedily ate the earth under it as it charged forth. Augus shook his head "how weak!"
He put his finger out and created a small wisp of sapphire flames. He sent his finger forth and the small wisp left his fingers.
BOOOM!
The wisp collided with the torrent of flames. The small wisp quickly ate up this massive maelstrom. When the wisp finished its meal a blast of air escaped that blew Miko Yang back. Augus had continued to grow on the Dao of Fire, and soon he totally eclipsed Miko Yang. When they first met they were equal. Now? Well it's like heaven and earth!
Most people when using the Dao of Fire would treat it as a secondary Dao. they would use it to empower their combat Daos like the Dao of the Sword. However Augus was special; he used the Dao of Fire all on its own and used the Dao of Martial Arts as a secondary Dao!
This was simply because at the moment he had much higher insights in the Dao of Fire and couldn't mix them well. He was very close to the World level! Once he reached that level he would be explosively stronger! However, this feat is much harder to accomplish.
Ryu saw her get blown back so simply "let me give it a try."
He mimicked Augus's movements and created a small wisp of colorless fire. "Hmm, interesting!"
He walked over to Augus and he sent this small wisp at Augus. Augus smirked and blew the fire out. "Try a little harder then that apprentice-brother!"
Ryu's patience was running thin "MIKO GET OVER HERE!!" he loudly barked.
"We're taking this ass down together!" his face became crazed as he lit up with anger!
She quickly made it over to him "AHAH YES, YES A CHALLENGE DO WELL NOT TO DISAPPOINT!!"
Naomi was sweating and lying face first on the ground huffing loudly. Yunshe Li took this opportunity and struck down with his blade. Naomi was very close to being run through however she dodged at the last second. "Did I say you could rest and stand up!!" he barked loudly.
"It's not my fault I'm tired!"
Yunshe Li shook his head then charged at her once more.
Deep in the Mountains
Raya was silently meditating on top of a boulder. She was at the One with Stone level of insights, however she was at an early stage. She was attempting to make a breakthrough to the mid-stage! She remained ever so silent listening to the ground move beneath her. The earth was constantly moving whether anyone realizes. Tectonic plates converge on each other and cause earthquakes all the time!
Drip…..drip…..drip
Water gently dripped onto the floor from the roof of the cave. She could hear the stalagmites form with each drop of water. With each second she learned more and more. The hidden mysteries that were keeping her at this level were slowly being uncovered.
One second the ground was stable in the next it was a sinkhole! One moment you are sitting on a hillside delightfully chatting with friends. In the next you are crushed by an avalanche! Earth was tempestuous, it was also lifegiving. Trees, water, metals, all of it came from the Dao of Earth. Earth generates metal, which generates water. Water generates wood. They all came from earth!
Back at the School
Tianlong Xun was looking in every direction. "Little sister, what are you looking for?"
Tianlong Xun turns around "ah big brother, have you seen Qin Ming?"
"Oh what do you need him for?"
She looks to her side "well he is the only person to ever give me a challenge!"
Jiangsu smiled "well why don't you give me a try, he's a bit caught up with the Icedawn Pearl."
Tianlong Xun smiles back "as you wish big brother."
She charges at Jiangsu. He laughs lightly and catches her palm with one finger. Tianlong Xun's expression changes dramatically. She could sense when one partially transforms and he hasn't at all! Nor has he awakened his Dao Realm or shown any hints of the Dao. he blocked her strongest blow that was backed by the Dao of Martial Arts, the Dao of Space, and the Dao of Air with one finger!
"What kind of monster are you!?"
Jiangsu opened his eyes and calmly moved his fingers over to her. As he pulled closer she felt her heart sink. Jiangsu lightly taps her and sends her flying.
Qin Ming slowly opened his eyes "ice can be cold, but it can also be hot. Ice can be essential for life, but it can also be the cause of death."
He lightly chuckled "so this is what One With Ice is!"
He became excited. So excited in fact he tried to grab the Icedawn Pearl again! The cold energy it gave off became so much less than before. In fact he couldn't feel it anymore! He felt warm and cozy.
As he reached the Icedawn Pearl he felt his fingers get a bit chilly. Thirty centimeters, they started to feel cold. Twenty centimeters, they felt numb. Ten, nine…five he finally touched it! The Icedawn Pearl was covered in Qin Ming's frozen blood! Whatever it didn't matter, he touched it. That's all that mattered.
Qin Ming's eyes flared up, his eyes became white as snow. He looked soulless as he aimlessly gazed into the sky.
The world was dark and still. A bright shining light flashes across the room.
WAAAHH! WAAHH!
A big burly man gripped the tried and panting woman in his arms. "LU JIA, FATHER I'M A FATHER!!"
He was excitedly jumping up and down "LOOK AT OUR DAUGHTER SHE HAS YOUR BEAUTIFUL EYES!!"
She laughs lightly and grabs his hands " Lu Xinyue.." She began to cry, her eyes welled up as she started to sob and hold her face.
Lu Xinyue held his wife in his arms as he started to cry too! They were both extremely happy "our child" Lu Jia softly spoke.
Lu Xinyue looked at his wife and child, this was truly the happiest moment of his life. "She needs a name!"
Lu Jia sat up "oh that's right a name I got so caught up in. Lu Xinyue, you name her!"
"But darling this is your child too!"
Lu Jia shook her head "whatever name you chose will be what I want!"
"Well I won't choose one till you decide!"
She had been crying ever since she was born, but all of a sudden a single snowflake appeared out of nowhere. This snowflake was so defined you could look at the intricate pattern with the naked eye. The snowflake slowly and softly landed on the youths head. It melted from the heat of her body and a pool of water slowly rolled off of her head.
Once the snowflake landed her crying ceased all at once. Lu Jia and Lu Xinyue both looked at eachother "LU SNOW!!"
They both grabbed each other from excitement. They quickly laid the youth down and wrapped him in a warm blanket. She was a child born of snow! Lu Snow had a very close connection to the Dao of Ice since birth. A couple of years passed by and the youth was finally four years old.
Lu Snow was sitting down and quietly babbling to herself. She was clad in furs. Her parents were also clad in puffy fur coats. The father had furs that appeared to be wreathed in fire. The mother had one that appeared to be wreathed in ice! The father lifted Lu Snow off of the ground. He held her in the back of his basket. He tightly grabbed his wife "well I'm off"
Lu Xinyue was the local beast hunter inside of their small hut they had several beast heads mounted. One was a snake, another one was a wolf with an X over its eye. If it was a danger to the town he took care of it!
He patted Lu Snow on her small delicate head "Are you okay back there. Do you need any blankets?"
Lu Xinyue was very protective of his daughter. It was his only child! He naturally doted upon her heavily. While her mother was very hard on her and pushed studies on her at the age of three. The two of them loved their daughter very much, and each had a very unique way of showing it.
Lu Jia wanted her to be much smarter than anyone in this village and be a scholar for the imperial college. Lu Xinyue wanted her to be a beast hunter as well. Lu Snow loved to fight more than anything; it's where she felt the most natural. She would go on monster hunting expositions like this all the time!
Lu Snow nodded "yes papa."
Lu Xinyue smiled then he picked up his sword from the corner of the room. He swung open the door and waved goodbye. They lived on the Frozen Seas of the Transcendent Heavens; it was one of the biggest towns in the north! The town was bustling with many people. The smell of smoked fish filled Lu Snow's nose. "Wow it smells so good!"
Her stomach started to growl. Lu Xinyue bursted into laughter "do you want something to eat before we go out?"
Lu Snow nodded several times with a drool rolling down her mouth. He laughed and brought her over. Lu Xinyue was quite loved by the villageres so they gladly gave him a slab of fish. He bowed respectfully "thank you Qian Zhi I don't know what I'd do without you"
The old fisherman lifted his hand in the air "na na you don't have to give me thanks. It's because your family Even has a job!"
It was true when a beastwave came, who do you think fended it off?
Lu Xinyue took his leave and split the slab in half. He gave one to little Lu Snow, who quickly ate it and fell asleep. She was gently sucking on her thumb. Lu Xinyue let out a soft aw. Lu Xinyue picked up the pace a little bit. He turned into a streak of light. He appeared in the middle of a barren landscape. Here the snow was the heaviest however Lu Snow just casually slept it off.
Her body was naturally attuned to snow and ice! She never felt cold. She could be out here in robes instead of furs and she would still feel just as warm.
Lu Xinyue set down the basket and gently woke her up. She gently rubbed her eyes and yawned. Her fur dropped a bit revealing some of her shoulder. She quickly stepped out of the basket. Somehow the snow made her feel warm and safe. She started to jump around and excitedly play in the snow. She started to clumsily dance but the snow moved as though she was controlling it.
Lu Xinyue was wide mouthed "Lu Snow, are you..?"
Lu Snow felt embarrassed and the snow around her dropped and created a few piles. Lu Xinyue quickly fell to his knees "no, no you were doing fine, in fact amazing! You can control a Dao!"
He was excitedly lifting her up in the air and started to spin her around. "You learned a Dao! AHAH yes, yes this is exciting indeed!"
Lu Snow started to blush at her father's praise. But she felt endlessly happy as well. She lifted her finger in the air and a small glass of ice started to form. Lu Xinyue threw her up in the air and quickly caught her "yes, yes that's my girl!"
He set Lu Snow down and he waved his hand, causing two items to appear. One was a wooden sword, the other was a small jade ring. "Here take this, the jade ring is a spirit treasure, it can hold several items in it. This one has a couple of sword-art manuals, it also contains a spirit cultivation manual!"
"Father you mean I can start cultivating like you and mother!"
He laughed gently "yes, yes that's exactly what it means!"
Lu Xinyue absolutely refused to teach her any cultivation methods until he deemed her ready! The sword manual read [Avalanche] it was a snow based sword-art! This one in particular suited her perfectly since it taught how to merge the Dao of Ice with the Dao of the Sword. She had no talent in the Dao of the Sword, but with her father's guidance she definitely could master it!
The cultivation manual read [Frigid Star] this was also an ice based technique! She quickly opened the cultivation manual, after all she saw her father use [Avalanche] before. What was new was this cultivation technique!
After a couple of minutes of reading her eyes glowed with anticipation! "This is cultivation!"
Lu Xinyue smiled, "here, here you'll have time for that later read [Avalanche] so we can begin our training."
Lu Snow nodded quickly "yes of course!"
She opened that sword-art manual and began to read and memorize its contents. After a couple of hours she thoroughly understood it. Lu Snow looked up to her father then closed the book "ah you're finished then let's begin".
Lu Xinyue began to run through each of the eighteen basic stances. He looked as though the snow was dancing around him, when he struck out with his blade a cone of snow went with it. The air around them snapped as he thrusted and pierced. When he slashed down, a mountain of snow fell down with it. In the Frozen Seas of the Transcendent Heavens the Dao of Ice was the strongest! The Dao of the Sword was built for combat but in the Frozen Seas of the Transcendent Heavens it was a bit weaker than the Dao of Ice.
When you cut down a tree the Dao of Wood lessens in power. When you destroy water then the Dao of Water is a bit weaker. This was how the Dao worked! In the seas the Dao of Water was unbeatable. In a volcano the Dao of Fire and Earth are unbeatable!
The Frozen Seas of the Transcendent Heavens made up ninety percent of all ice on the Oldjade major world!
After he finished all the movements he waved to Lu Snow "now you try."
Lu Snow nodded then picked up her sword made of wood.