Upon hearing Xuanming's words, the Earthly Dao fell silent.
It truly had not expected Xuanming to be so resolute, without even the slightest intention of considering it further.
But soon, the Earthly Dao understood.
Xuanming had likely already made her decision on the way here. After all, having reached the Half-Step Dao Ancestor level, how could she possibly be willing to become its Dao-merger?
Although becoming a Dao-merger came with many benefits, the restrictions it entailed were also immense. That would have been one thing if she lacked sufficient strength.
But with her own power having risen so drastically, Xuanming indeed had the confidence to make such a choice.
Especially since it could clearly sense that Xuanming's Half-Step Dao Ancestor strength came from her physical body. That meant there was a great chance she had inherited Pangu's legacy.
Under such circumstances, it was all but certain that her Nascent Soul Cultivation would also reach the Half-Step Dao Ancestor level.
With both her body and Nascent Soul at the Half-Step Dao Ancestor level, once she completed that step, Xuanming might not stand shoulder to shoulder with a Dao Ancestor, but she would not fall far short either. There was indeed no need for her to become a Dao-merger.
After all, once one became a Dao-merger, there would be all sorts of restrictions, and one would even have to pay a considerable price.
With that thought, the Earthly Dao spoke at once. "Since that is the case, what are your plans?"
"Who do you have in mind to take your place afterward?"
At those words, Xuanming's spirits rose.
She truly had not expected the Earthly Dao to say such a thing.
What did that signify?
It signified its recognition of her—its genuine recognition of what she had said—and that it had some