Chapter 122 – Dao Body

  Mu Yanyu stared at Jun De for what felt like an eternity, her eyes sharp but thoughtful. She finally drew in a deep breath before lowering herself to sit at the table as though preparing to give him a formal lecture.

  Her composure made Shen Ruolan and Lin Yue join them, their curiosity over what she had to say overcoming their unease.

  “Jun De, there are certain rare physiques in this world, special constitutions that are so rare and sought after, that they have been termed ‘Dao Bodies’ for the belief that the heavens themselves have bestowed them on mortals.”

  “They stand apart from common, and even exceptional, bloodlines. So much so that they are said to be Heaven’s chosen, walking the path of immortality that few can imagine. Sometimes, extremely rarely, these individuals not only benefit themselves, but their presence alone can alter the fate of those around them.” Mu Yanyu explained.

  Shen Ruolan’s eyes opened wide, and she found herself speaking before she could get her thoughts in order.

  “Dao Child!” Shen Ruolan exclaimed, and Lin Yue shot her a confused look. Even Jun De was at a loss, not understanding what she was talking about.

  “It’s..something that my grandfather told me about. A Dao Child is a cultivator who is born with extraordinary destiny and talent.” Shen Ruolan said hesitantly as Mu Yanyu’s eyes bore into hers.

  “They are more than that; they can be harbingers of calamity or bring great fortune upon a Clan or Sect. Each Dao Child possesses the fate to shake the world, whether for good or ill.” Mu Yanyu finished, shaking her head.

  “I do not know if Jun De is such a person, but what I am sure of is that he possesses a Dao Body.”

  “How can you know that? It could be a coincidence or some effect of a bloodline.” Jun De replied, although he didn’t sound very convincing, as even he didn’t believe his words.

  “You have the traits associated with the ones I know of. For instance, the Serene Lotus Body. Those who have it exude a calming Qi that nurtures the meridians of others, allowing their companions to cultivate faster, as though they were meditating near a Spirit Vein.”

  Lin Yue’s eyes widened as her mind flashed back to her own sudden leap in progress over the past year.

  “Another example is the Vermilion Heart Body.” Mu Yanyu continued.

  “Those with it stir passion and vitality in anyone they grow close to, especially through intimacy. It is said that even the act of standing near them can awaken hidden potential in others.”

  Shen Ruolan’s cheeks reddened, and she looked away as her lips pressed into a firm line, as though she refused to be embarrassed by what she and Jun De had done. She failed, and Lin Yue took some satisfaction in seeing how uncomfortable the other woman was at the topic.

  While she was normally shy, calm and forgiving, Lin Yue wouldn’t soon forget that while she was being interrogated by Mu Yanyu, Shen Ruolan had been spending time alone with Jun De.

  “Then there is the Eternal Harmonization Body.” Mu Yanyu’s voice grew softer, and it was tinged with reverence.

  “It’s Qi doesn’t merely strengthen others, but it entwines with their own and subtly alters it. It will weave their cultivation paths together with its own, and those that are bound to it can’t help but grow stronger.”

  “Incredible.” Lin Yue whispered, and Shen Ruolan couldn’t help but nod her head at the statement.

  “Although the consequences of such bonds can be unpredictable. Sharing the fate of another can lead to tragedy for all.” Mu Yanyu finished.

  The room went utterly silent as they all felt the weight of Mu Yanyu’s words settle on them like a dark cloud.

  ‘Is my Golden Finger a Dao Body? Is that what the Cheat I was given in this new life will be?’

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  Jun De thought, recalling the stories from his old world where people would Iskai into cultivation novels and receive rings with old masters in them, systems that granted gifts and abilities for doing mundane activities, or signing into locations for years on end.

  “The fact is, we can’t determine what’s going on until we get more information.” Jun De said, shaking the thought of Cheats and Systems from his mind. He wanted to live a long, ordinary life here, and he doubted a Dao Body would help him achieve that.

  “You are correct. Only the Sect Master may know for certain, but we have to prepare for the idea that many may covet your gifts if they find out about them.” Mu Yanyu warned, and the silence returned once more as the four thought about the consequences of others learning about it.

  Jun De raised his hands slowly, palms outward in a calming motion.

  “That’s enough. We don’t know anything about what kind of constitution I have, if it's true at all. What you are saying makes sense, but we can’t do anything rash until we learn more.” Jun De said.

  Jun De exhaled and lowered his hands as his voice fell into barely a whisper.

  “I want to live my life honestly and freely. That means facing what’s in front of me, not hiding from it.”

  Mu Yanyu drew herself up with the commanding presence of the Elder that she was. She swept her eyes across the three of them before speaking.

  “This matter cannot leave this room. Until we know for certain, and even after, this knowledge is dangerous.” Mu Yanyu said sharply.

  “If word spreads that Jun De can potentially accelerate cultivation, or awaken potential in others, then the Sects, Clans, and even wandering Cultivators will come for him. Some will simply try to claim him, or lock him in a cage for their private use.”

  “But others will try to eliminate him just to prevent him from falling into another’s hands. Even within our own Sect, ambition and greed could drive people to act rashly.” Mu Yanyu said.

  Shen Ruolan scowled.

  “You mean to say that even the Tranquil Mountain Sect can not be trusted?”

  Mu Yanyu gave her a steady look, neither confirming nor denying her words, but the silence was answer enough.

  “Until I speak with the Sect Master and we determine what we are dealing with, not a word to anyone. No hints or careless slips of tongue. If even a rumour were to spread, it could mean disaster for not just Jun De, but everyone connected to him.”

  Lin Yue nodded immediately. Her usual brightness was dimmed by the weight of the warning.

  “I won’t let anyone take him.” She said, biting her lip and speaking fiercely.

  Shen Ruolan hesitated, then gave a sharp nod of her own.

  “Fine, although my grandfather could assist us, I will wait until you have spoken to the Sect Master.”

  Several days later, the chill northern wind whipped against Jun De’s robes as he stepped onto the top deck of the flying ship. The endless blue sky stretched in every direction, but far ahead of them was a faint shimmer in the distance that showed the location of the Secret Realm they were rapidly approaching.

  After his tense conversation with Mu Yanyu, both Lin Yue and Shen Ruolan had returned to their own rooms, leaving Jun De some time alone to collect his thoughts. But rather than think things through, he found that it only made him feel more confused.

  He found himself wishing that he had a System, one with a ‘Help’ function that could explain exactly what was going on. But unfortunately, Jun De was utterly alone and had no idea what to do about it.

  Thankfully, before he drove himself mad with worry about things he couldn’t control, the time had come to gather for the initial stages of the Inner Sect Competition that would take place in the Secret Realm.

  When he arrived on the deck, Jun De found Ren Qiu standing at the railing, his arms folded as he stared out at the landscape without really seeing it. His eyes were as cold as the landscape below, and Jun De had no doubt that his friend was thinking about his brother.

  Before Jun De could approach him, Zhao Wuxian strode up beside him. The man was still shirtless even in the cold wind coming off the ocean, but Jun De could see that he had taken the time to apply the copious amounts of oils and elixirs that made his muscles gleam in the sun.

  It seemed as if Zhao Wuxian had been spending his time on the upper deck, as his tan was even darker than usual, making his white teeth stand out as he smiled.

  “Junior Brother Jun De!” Zhao Wuxian declared proudly, once again ignoring that Jun De’s cultivation was higher than his own.

  “When we step into the Secret Realm, I’ll show you what real strength looks like. You had better keep up with me, I wouldn’t want to leave you behind!”

  Jun De forced a thin smile onto his face as he tried to decide if Zhao Wuxian’s friendship was better or worse than being his rival.

  Shen Weifeng arrived to spare him from any more of Zhao Wuxian’s bragging. The former Elder walked with his hands clasped behind his back as his eyes swept across the Disciples gathered on the deck, before looking toward the distant Secret Realm.

  “The competition is going to be fierce. Remember, Jun De, you’re going to be fighting against your peers as well as any Spirit Beasts we find within.”

  Jun De nodded as he felt the weight behind his mentor’s words.

  It was at that moment that he caught sight of Bai Xuelian, the Sect Master’s Personal Disciple, and he quickly bowed, joined a moment later by Ren Qiu and a grudgingly respectful Zhao Wuxian.

  “Senior Sister Bai. Long time no see.” Jun De called out politely.

  Bai Xuelian’s platinum blond hair shone in the sun, and she tucked a stray strand behind her ear that had come loose in the wind. Her blue eyes met his, and her cold expression melted slightly as she smiled at him.

  “Junior Brother Jun De, I have come to wish you good luck.” She said simply.

  “Senior Sister, what about me? I will slay a hundred spirit beasts for you in the Secret Realm!” Zhao Wuxian interrupted.

  Bai Xuelian gave him a single, cold look before walking away.

  “Two hundred?”