Chapter 24 Qin Ming Vs. Wu Lin

Qin Ming sat in his dorm room, Icedawn was out and in the flesh providing knowledge when she could. After all, Qin Ming was her one and only disciple, thus she took earnest work in his development. Although this Icedawn is a ghost of her old self. In fact it was because of this reason Qin Ming couldn't bring himself to call her Lu Snow, it felt wrong and dirty on his tongue.

"I am making fast progress on this relic, I feel the very essence of the Dao of Storms in it." Qin Ming was in a lotus position doing his best to gain insights in the first stage. If he could understand the first seal well enough breakinging into the second seal should be easy enough.

"Yes it appears that way, although by the time I picked up the dorje thunderbolt I had already formed my Dao Realm, so I was able to crack the first few seals with little trouble." Icedawn told him.

Qin Ming nodded and closed his eyes once more. He was locked in a deep seeded session. Streams of the Dao floated into Qin Ming's ears; these streams came from the world around him, but mostly from the Dao Relic and the dorje thunderbolt. The dorje thunderbolt held a profound legacy, Qin Ming being its current master but also its seventh master. Each of their lives and their battles came flooding into Qin Ming's mind.

He saw Icedawn and her desperate attempt to save the Frozen Seas. Qin Ming couldn't help but frown, after all he had to relive 'his' homeland being destroyed over and over again. It did bring a tear to his eye, but he had other things to worry about.

Qin Ming entered his mind's palace, this was an ephemeral world he had made in his mind. It took the appearance of a beautiful bamboo forest and in the middle of the forest was a small stone house, the walls were from a patted clay supported by wooden beams. The dannuo was a lime green color. And in the center of his home was a wading pool with lily pads covering the water's surface.

Qin Ming sat in the middle of this pool and began to read a few manuals he had committed to memory. One of which was on his opponent.

This match he had coming up was nothing to sneeze at. His opponent was a youth like him by the name of Wu Lin, he was indoctrinated into the Five Elements Hall sect at the age of four. His talents and Qin Ming's talents were very similar. Wu Lin was a full on human and thus was able to comprehend the Dao much easier than Qin Ming. If it wasn't for his Dao relic he wouldn't be at this level.

Qin Ming had reached the World Level in one Dao, Wu Lin on the other hand had five Daos each of which were at the World Level. Qin Ming could make up for his lack of knowledge with his divine body forged from the sun and moon. However, reaching the World Level couldn't hurt.

What Qin Ming did have a leg up on was the fact that he had mastered the Primordial Daos that made a very firm foundation for him. If being the son of a god and a Celestial Dragon wasn't enough! Even still this would be a very difficult battle to come.

Qin Ming put down the book and continued investigating the Icedawn Pearl and the dorje thunderbolt. Each held a certain property to them, the Icedawn Pearl held the Daos of Ice, the Sword, and Storms, but it also held branches of the Daos of Ice and Storms. The other four Daos contained within it were simply too unfathomable for him to gain insights into. The Dorje thunderbolt as of right now only held one Dao, but when it was in its released state he sensed the other two Daos contained within.

What was the true purpose of these treasures Qin Ming wondered to himself. As it stood Qin Ming was like a child in regards to the Dao of the Sword, this was common of course the Dao of the Sword was simply too profound.

"Hmmmm this is interesting…." Qin Ming hummed to himself.

From the surface level the dorje thunderbolt and the Icedawn pearl both held similar ripples in the Dao. This was most likely the culmination of Icedawn's experiences and the experiences held within the dorje thunderbolt. In terms of the Dao of Storms both Icedawn and Qin Ming drew on inspiration from the dorje thunderbolt so it only makes sense why the two would be similar.

This brought up more questions than it answered. It was true that everyone would interpret the whisperings of the Dao differently from person to person, but the similarities between the two were uncanny. Still this wasn't something for Qin Ming to worry about at the moment so he didn't.

Qin Ming was close to making it to the World Level before his match. Then he will have two Daos at his disposal with World Level power. All he had to do was take the first step. Qin Ming knew what it meant to reach the World Level and what it felt to reach it, but he didn't know how it felt to connect to the world with lightning. To his knowledge it wasn't a constant thing like ice was.

With constant exposure to the Dao he would have his way into the next level, but finding that key would be hard. This was something of an oddity to him, he simply couldn't fathom being connected to the world.

Storm clouds were all over the world, they provided rain and also bared its fangs at times. Lightning was a warning of destruction. This was true, Qin Ming did know that it was also a bearing of good fortune. With every disaster comes a kernel of luck.

Then it all became clear to Qin Ming, storms were a constant thing. It didn't matter where but there was never a moment when a bolt of lightning didn't strike the earth. Whether it was a catalyst of fire it brought something else with it. It wasn't just this sudden meditation session that helped him reach a deeper understanding of the Dao of Storms; it was the past three years of nonstop fighting. It was also because of Icedawn and her guidance he was able to progress this fast.

Qin Ming lifted his hand up and with each movement of his hand it resonated the Dao of Storms. It also resonated with the Dao of Ice. Now each of his 'basic' attacks used World Level energy from two different Daos.

"Hmm even being at the One With the World Level with the Dao of Storms I'm still unable to break this seal." Qin Ming frowned as he realized there was more work to come. At the first level he was unable to undergo the Varja transformation that made Icedawn a world renowned name.

"Don't worry child, the road to the Dao is long and strenuous but all that matters is you don't give up!" Icedawn reassured Qin Ming that his strides were more than significant.

"I guess that's true enough!" Qin Ming refused to let this get him down. He stood up and began to rework the two Daos together; if he was able to merge them, that would also prove a significant accomplishment.

With the Frozen Seas of the Transcendent Heavens being destroyed the Dao of Ice was much weaker than in its hay day, but its power was more than enough. Now that he was finally able to merge the two it's power would skyrocket.

Qin Ming ebbed and eved his arms to mimic waves pushing and pulling, he ran though each of his basic stances. Each movement held the two World Level Daos within them. Each casual movement was harmonious and didn't show a wink out of place. He was flooded with images of Icedawn and how she was a master of the two. If she completed her training she could have become a new storm god, but alas she wasn't and died a mere mortal.

With that said Icedawn was still one of the scariest Celestials of her time. She was so close to reaching the Celestial Immortal stage. If that happened then she would be an immortal and could only be killed by other immortal's and gods.

When it came to merging Daos well that was simply too easy for him and they were able to form together seamlessly. After a few more tries he was able to use his [Wave Arts] at the same time he uses his World Level Daos. This was definitely a show of good fortune.

"Icedawn do you think this is enough?"

"Hard to say really!" Icedawn shook her head.

"Hmm well I guess this will be enough for today, I should head back and try to relax!" Qin Ming stood up and walked out of the room.

"What's this?! Second brother have you really made it to the World Level with another Dao? Most impressive! How about we go a couple rounds, see who's stronger!" Augus bellowed from deep in his gut.

"Hehe we shall see soon enough when I beat that Akuma into the ground!" Qin Ming joked around. He clasped his brother's shoulder.

"Akuma is not so easily beaten! What makes you so confident?" Augus turned a sideways glance at Qin Ming.

This was true he had no real plan of action. No real way to back up his words.

"Let's not discuss those matters yet, let's enjoy what time we have." Qin Ming sat down and whipped his hand. In that moment two beast skull cups and a flagon of wine apperes.

"Fine very well, but we will have that talk. Now let us enjoy what you have prepared!"

Qin Ming nodded and began to pour some wine for the two, "so these people from the Jade Empire, what do you take from them?"

"Well if I had to honestly say… on our first day meeting them the only real one that got my blood pumping was Akuma. The others I had no interest in!" Augus sighed as he wrapped his arm around his junior.

"Hm that's what I thought, still this Wu Lin does seem scary! Is he really that low compared to Akuma?" Qin Ming tilted his head as he posed this question.

"Hard to say! Most of the other members chose to remain low-key. It's not fair of me to judge just off of that." Augus sipped some more out of his cup.

Whenever Qin Ming had asked about Wu Lin he always got the same answer, 'hard to say'. Could he really have remained this low. From what he's read his exploits aren't much, just lowbrow missions given to the weak members of a sect. Like sweeping or pulling up roots. With that in mind how could he have reached the World Level five times if he hadn't risked his life.

"Your right first brother! With that said I should just enjoy myself right now!" Qin Ming continued to share drinks with his closest comrade.

"Haha yes little brother it is best not to worry, let us enjoy these easy moments. Ahhh these are relaxing, but I'd much rather trade blows then drinks with someone!" Augus slammed his fist on the table and laughed so hard his gut started to curl.

"Yes my friend I do see why you have such a joy of combat! Sometimes I feel as though I work to get stronger, but I have no real purpose for it! I wish I was able to get strong like you." Qin Ming sighed as these words left his mouth.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Oh just you get stronger to meet strong people! I have no such goals!"

"So why do you continue to work the way you do?" Augus lifted an eyebrow at Qin Ming.

Qin Ming sighs hard as his gaze shifts to the partly cloudy sky outside. "At first I did it because it was what Lei Laoshi wanted, but now I don't feel such a drive. When I journeyed to the Abyssal Region, I don't know it just felt as thorough as I had to protect Tianlong Xun."

"So you no longer feel that need then? What actually happened to her there? Since she came back she hasn't been the same!" His voice carried a genuine concern.

Qin Ming regaled him with his tales of the Abyssal Region. He had told Augus everything that happened. He told him of the Origin Beasts and the Primordial Daos.

"There are powerful enemies beyond what we've been used to! HAHA YOU MUST SHOW ME AROUND SOMETIME!!" Augus slapped Qin Ming's back and almost threw him to the ground.

"You aren't concerned with your big sister?" Qin Ming looked up to Augus and held the back of his head.

"Well yeah I'm concerned, but that was dealt with. Being faced with death must have been hard, whatever she saw must have scared her, so I made this vow right here and now I will kill the ten yama kings of hell!" Augus's fist flared with a cerulean type of fire.

"When you wage this war against hell I shall ride into combat with you!" Qin Ming smiled and sipped some more of his wine.

Qin Ming stood up and collected his things "it is almost time! When Tianlong and Raya wake up, let's all drink together like this! Oh and before I forget when I win this thing I want my rematch!"

"HAHA OH YEAH YOU THINK YOU CAN TAKE ME!!" Augus stood up and covered his entire body in crimson flames.

"You can count on it!" Qin Ming's lips touched from ear to ear as he walked away, his hands hidden within his black and gold robes.

Not too long after Qin Ming makes it to the stage where his opponent greets him.

"Let this battle be a good one." Wu Lin bowed to him before getting ready.

Qin Ming didn't say anything, he was too focused on this man, Wu Lin was able to guide more of the natural energy of the world then he. Qin Ming could't risk going too easy. In fact he wasn't even holding onto the dorje thunderbolt he left that with Icedawn. After all they would be able to sense that immense power long before the match could start. The more knowledge one's opponent had the more of a disadvantage one was at.

Qin Ming began to walk forward as Wu Lin began to stroll over to him. Then in the blink of an eye the two met.

BOOOOM!!!

A blast wave of pressure made the people in the stands take a few steps back. Wu Lin's fist was pointed centimeters away from Qin Ming. As he also had his fist centimeters away. Both were stopped by the other's defensive arts. At the moment before Wu Lin's fist made contact Qin Ming had executed his second stance, and as for Wu Lin he had his own counters as well.

Qin Ming smiled and took three giant steps back. Over the past three years Qin Ming had made extreme progress in terms of footwork that made most enemies look like bumbling idiots. Wu Lin was no exception.

Qin Ming executed his third stance sending a stream of pressure to attack Wu Lin, this attack held a hint of the true meaning of the Dao. Wu Lin blocked the attack and in the same moment Qin Ming had attacked from underneath Wu Lin's block, uppercutting Wu Lin into the air.

Qin Ming had caught up in no time and sent a spin kick into Wu Lin's back. Wu Lin was sent into the ground at such an extreme speed that the ground beneath him was gobbled up.

Qin Ming continued his onslaught. Right when he went for an attack he was easily blocked by Wu Lin, and Wu Lin's attacks were just as easily blocked.

The two went blow for blow, the others guard not wavering for a second. In the beginning the two were flaunting the other's power, but now the two were serious and kept the power internal. This assured that each attack was as powerful as the last. Each blow looked simple but in reality carried the weight of mountains.

At Qin Ming's current position this was as strong as he could possibly get. A breakthrough in his cultivation now seems unrealistic, and a breakthrough in the Dao is plausible but still hard. After all, Qin Ming was extremely close to reaching the next stage in the Dao of Martial Arts. As for his other Daos? Forget about it he was at such a high level in those that making another advancement in the Dao was merely wishful thinking. When advancing in the Dao of the Sword it was just as hard if not harder than advancing in the Dao of Martial Arts. These two were both very high caliber 'combat' Daos. Both were relative in power.

The Dao of Space was also hard to move up in and thus he remained in the base level. He had little to no insights into that other-worldly Dao. As for the Primordial Daos, those were way too weak to bear any significant changes in this battle.

Qin Ming knew himself extremely well and knew what he was capable of in fact after a few rounds with Wu Lin Qin Ming already knew the outcome of this battle, Wu Lin was also aware of the outcome of this battle.

Qin Ming plants his fist cleanly into Wu Lin's chest the next moment his fingertips exert an insane amount of pressure. Wu Lin's chest was rent apart. Blood spurted from his chest like a fountain of blood.

Wu Lin backed up several steps and flew into the sky. Qin Ming could feel Dao ripples resonate with Wu Lin. Each beat to hit the world ripples were sent back to him. Qin Ming could feel this deep connection Wu Lin shared with the world. Five Element energy swirled around Wu Lin. Although this took time to explain, it was too fast for Qin Ming to even react. If he could he would not have let him get this far.

Qin Ming did his best and flew up at an extreme pace. As he flew up Wu Lin sent down a torrent of pure Five Element energy. This mixture of energy was simply too unfathomable. Wu Lin was a genius above genius. To combine such opposite elements together meant a firm hold of the Dao and oneself.

Qin Ming could only grit his teeth in despair, there was no time to doge, all he could to block the blow.

Three layers of space form a wall in front of the blast. Qin Ming was able to enhance his understanding of the Dao of Space by thoroughly understanding the Dao of Qiankun. These barriers were quite firm but still no match for this attack. Although by the time it hit him all the power was gone. All it did was scuff his clothes a bit.

"Hm as expected, then how about this!" Wu Lin spun his fingers and the power of the world began to coalesce.

The Daos of fire and Earth mixed together and a tsunami of lava came hurtling toward Qin Ming. He shook his head then sent his own World Level Dao at Wu Lin.

A blast of frost slams against the tsunami and turnt it to stone in less than a second. Wu Lin moved his hands and over thirty stone pillars shot from this stone wave. Qin Ming did his best to avoid each of the blows. He danced around each of the stone pillars, one came for his legs which he jumped over and began to run along this pillar.

Wu Lin focused on this pillar and sent branches off this pillar to attack Qin Ming and stop him in his place. Qin Ming did not stop and kept running. He broke through the wall blocking his path and hopped up to Wu Lin.

He fled as fast as he could, Qin Ming chased after him as fast as he could. They were like streaks in the air; 'ordinary' people couldn't follow their movements. Wu Lin sent as many roadblocks as he could. Each of them found a hard time hitting their target. Wu Lin had mastery over the natural world and could send anything at him, the only limitation was Wu Lin's imagination.

Qin Ming on the other hand was an unstoppable beast. Each curtain of water or blast of flame sent his way was blocked with little effort. Qin Ming used his third stance, sending blast waves at Wu Lin. he was able to dodge Qin Ming's attack for some time.

"This is taking forever."

'[Stellar Transformation]'

Qin Ming grew to the size of thirty meters; every physical aspect became nearly tenfold in power. Although this form did consume quite a bit of Immortal power to maintain it was more than enough to finish up this battle.

Qin Ming used the Dao of Space to move him much faster than normal pushing 'new' space behind him and pulling the 'old' space behind Wu Lin.

Thirty… twenty… ten the gap between the two began to close much faster than before. Qin Ming's big meaty hand grabbed a hold of Wu Lin's leg. Qin Ming lifted up his unearthly large hand and tossed Wu Lin to the ground like a piece of discarded trash.

Qin Ming met him before he could touch the ground, Qin Ming twisted his fist and planted it square into Wu Lin's back. He shot into the air like a rocket, Qin Ming lifted up his hand and immediately used each of his fingers to execute the '[First dance, Ice shuttle]'. Ten ice rockets shoot out of his tips and stab into Wu Lin. Each one of these rockets held his uncut basic mortal Ki. in terms of cultivation he was a slightly weaker Ki cultivator. Even so the power was more than enough to finish the job.

Soon after the match was called, declaring Qin Ming the winner. He sent a respectful bow to Wu Lin then walked off to meet his group.

After rejoining he sits down with Augus and Yunshe Li. Not long after Miko and Taotie Zishan came in.

"So Raya and Tianlong are out of commission" Qin Ming leaned his face against his palm.

"Would seem that way, they were weak and could not defend themselves. With that said, if I ever see Jin Wu I will destroy him!" Augus sipped the contents of his cup.

"This is true they have no one to blame but themselves, oh I know when Tianlong wakes up I will take her and beat that out of her!" Taotie Zishan laughed while eating some meat.

"We should let her rest, let her work through whatever problems she is going through." Qin Ming sipped on his tea.

"Why don't we just ask her when she wakes up!" Taotie continued to eat.

Qin Ming exerted his World Level energy and sent waves of it at Taotie "just try it!"

"Fine, fine have it your way" Taotie continued to eat his food and drink his wine.

When Ryu returns I'm going to have to kick his ass!" Agu stood up and looked outside.

"He is out there working as hard as he can to give him a break." Naomi gripped his shoulder.

Augus grumbled under his breath as he watched the sun set.