Chapter Seventeen: The Seed of the Dao

This misunderstanding runs deep.

Luozu gazed at the slender thread of golden light in his hand, within which lay a seed resembling a grain of wheat. This was something brought about by Mu's “ascension.” Yet the object itself was peculiar—neither matter nor qi, but a metaphysical entity of the spirit, containing two kinds of divine abilities. Beyond them, a single intent resided, maintaining the peaceful coexistence of the powers. The intent was pure, devoid of any personal will. Still, this was not what Luozu sought, though it was a pleasant surprise.

The combination of supernatural abilities, closely cooperating, had produced such a remarkable effect. Luozu sensed that the power contained within could rival that of a newborn child in the settlement. This was by no means disparagement. In fact, among the miniature humans of the World-in-a-Pot, their strength paled in comparison to the “Cave Dwellers.” Thus, the strongest among them could only be likened to infants of the Cave Dwellers—a compliment, indeed.

Yet it was but a fleeting moment. Mu’s spiritual will should have returned to his body after forging this “seed,” thereby achieving completeness and ascending to a higher realm. But he blindly believed the ascension rumors circulating in the World-in-a-Pot, and so truly attempted to merge his spirit with the heavens, seeking to transform and ascend. How could his spirit compare to the “heavens,” namely Luozu himself?

Mu’s spirit was shattered by Luozu’s, annihilated on the spot, unable even to return to his body, while the seed he forged was claimed by Luozu. “No ascension? I never told you to ascend,” Luozu muttered helplessly.

Mu let out a final roar in the last moment of his life. It was his swan song. His legend ended there, yet his “golden body” remained, and his story continued to be told among mortals.

“However, Mu’s direction was not mistaken. This seed could be called… yes… a Dao Seed,” Luozu mused. He felt no sorrow for Mu’s death—though Mu had received his guidance, ultimately it was but an experiment. Mu yearned for him, but Luozu had bestowed a great opportunity, enabling Mu’s brilliant life.

He exhaled softly, preparing to analyze the seed. After all, he possessed six supernatural abilities, while this seed contained only two: World-in-a-Pot, Manipulation of Creation, Fire Control, Water Control, Wood Manipulation, and Healing.

Among these, World-in-a-Pot and Manipulation of Creation were too formidable, too advanced, and likely unsuitable for this plan. Thus, only Fire Control, Water Control, Wood Manipulation, and Healing would be used to experiment with Mu’s method.

With the power of Manipulation of Creation, Luozu unraveled the seed’s wondrous abilities and formed a temporary pattern. The pattern emerged instantly, then vanished, but Luozu remembered it, engraving it deep within his mind.

“Still not enough,” Luozu shook his head. This method was a flash of inspiration—Mu’s crystallized wisdom—but it was only a fleeting brilliance. Perhaps, for an instant, it was the pinnacle for the miniature humans, but it was still incomplete.

Luozu wished to fully adapt it to himself, integrate it into his cultivation system. That required many experiments, so it could be replicated by anyone, including himself—like his method of Qi Refinement. He aimed to create a body of experience.

Thus, he continued his experiments in the World-in-a-Pot. The method for forging Dao Seeds would be spread throughout the World-in-a-Pot. The miniature humans would thereby enter their 3.0 era. “Low martial arts” would vanish, and the path of Dao cultivation would begin. This step could not fail.

Luozu first halted the “time acceleration” for the miniature humans, then set to drafting a new experiment. Of course, his own “time acceleration” in the World-in-a-Pot would not stop; otherwise, he could not devise the optimal plan as swiftly as possible.

Thus, a month passed. Luozu employed only a tenfold “time acceleration,” so ten months went by in his experiment. He completed a thorough plan, accounting for all conditions of the miniature humans in the World-in-a-Pot.

Meanwhile, in the Cave Dweller settlement, much had occurred. Fire Child had another offspring. The population of Cave Dwellers surpassed the milestone of four hundred and fifty. It was a cause for celebration.

The hunting teams grew ever busier; large prey around the mountain became scarce, and the Cave Dwellers had to venture further for their hunts.

Yet this meant confronting the Eagle Demon tribe atop the distant peaks. Because traveling from this mountain to other places meant passing through treeless lands—on one side, a low river valley plain, on the other, thickets—neither offered cover for the Cave Dwellers.

“We must eliminate the Eagle Demon tribe,” Luozu convened a midnight meeting and announced his decision to his companions.

Everyone began discussing at once. Yet their unquestioning faith in Luozu meant they were not debating whether to fight the Eagle Demons, but rather how to divide the spoils.

“The Eagle Demons are no simple matter—we must proceed cautiously,” Luozu knew that arrogance led to defeat, so he admonished them.

The group burst into laughter, the atmosphere lively and cheerful.

“We’ll prepare for three days—sharpen stone arrows, adjust bowstrings, craft more spears, and bring out all the unicorn fat. Fire Child, Fire Bull, Fire Pig, you join me in burning their nests, then everyone will shoot stone arrows. Brothers with Metal Element powers, imbue the arrows before launch.

Also, brothers with Wind Element powers, join me to fan the flames.

Furthermore, I’ve observed a massive boulder above the Eagle Demon nests; we’ll have to cut it loose and drop it onto their lair…”

Luozu laid out his plan in detail, instructing everyone to practice in advance.

The settlement was no longer what it had been when Luozu first joined the hunting team as an adult. The spread of the Breathing Method had significantly improved everyone’s physical strength and innate powers. Later, the Qi Refinement method was promoted—not too much progress yet, but it allowed for quicker recovery of spiritual energy when using supernatural abilities.

As for the strength of the Eagle Demon tribe, Luozu had kept a close watch—he knew them thoroughly. There were thirty-three adult Eagle Demons; thirty of them were as powerful as the unicorn and also wielded demonic arts. Three had powers comparable to Luozu when he first broke through to spiritual transformation.

Now, Luozu felt he could best six of his former self at that stage.

This was why Luozu was willing to initiate the war.

“Everyone, go rest. We begin preparations tomorrow,” Luozu ordered.

He had another purpose for provoking this battle.

The settlement needed to evolve; it was time to become an organized tribe.