第464章
No Chinese fragment is provided to translate. Please provide the partially translated sentence with the English section and the remaining Chinese portion for me to complete the translation.
"Hmm?"
Lin Mingrong raised an eyebrow and said, "Junior brother, don't speak rashly. Your Master Elder Li didn't mention you just now."
"He whispered it to me."
Li Hao sighed helplessly, "Senior Sister, just go on your way. I'll follow you, and if anything happens, I'll take responsibility."
Seeing Li Hao say this, Lin Mingrong furrowed her brows. His feeble excuse made her unsure how to respond, but since he was not a disciple of her Master, she couldn't be held responsible, so she didn't bother further.
"Be careful."
With that, she turned and walked away.
They passed through a small courtyard filled with fragrant flowers, where a servant stood at the entrance to guide Li Hao and Lin Mingrong.
Behind the courtyard was a palace that resembled a landscape painting. Inside, a barrier enveloped the area, and the Immortal Power was dense, with Dao Power flowing. Just standing there, one could almost feel the Primordial Dao.
As Li Hao stepped onto the long staircase outside the palace, he was stunned by the scenic landscape before him.
When he looked up, he saw the sky filled with colorful clouds, a warm and golden sun that wasn't blinding, and swirling, vibrant clouds. He immediately realized that this was not a palace but a painting!
Everything around the towering palace was part of the painting!
Li Hao was amazed by this level of painting skill. Although he could paint Dragons and Phoenixes to give them combat capabilities, the world before him was so naturally formed, and the painting skill was clearly far superior to his own.
"Hmm?"
Lin Mingrong sensed the footsteps behind her stop and frowned. Seeing Li Hao standing still, she said, "It's not too late to regret it. There's no need to act the hero. You're still young; go back."
Li Hao was taken aback. Hearing her inexplicable words, he realized her suspicions hadn't been dispelled. He shook his head and said, "You go ahead."
Ignoring her furrowed brow, he turned and walked toward the nearby pond and trees.
The pond's surface rippled, and fish swam in the water, looking lifelike.
But Li Hao could tell at a glance that this was all painted.
The leaves on the trees were yellowing, fluttering in the breeze, struggling to stay on the branches before reluctantly falling.
This, too, was painted.
The painting had come to life.
At this moment, Li Hao felt like a devout apprentice, a sword enthusiast who revered the Sword Dao, standing before the strongest Sword Saint, filled with admiration and awe.
He was at the 1st Rank of the Art Dao and could barely sense the power and skill in the paintings before him.
The space, Water Origin, Earth Origin, and even a hint of the essence of time were all integrated into the paintings.
To incorporate so much Primordial Dao into a painting alone, the Great Dream Master's strength must be unfathomable and terrifying.
Moreover, Li Hao vaguely sensed that the dense Immortal Power surrounding the palace seemed to be painted as well.
If that were true, it would be nothing short of miraculous!
Li Hao stood by the pond, like a casual visitor, gazing at the beautiful scenery around him, his eyes filled with nothing but admiration and fascination.
Meanwhile, everything in the palace and the painting realm was visible to a pair of dreamlike eyes at the highest point of the palace.
She sat in a pavilion atop the palace, her face veiled by a thin, light veil. Her eyes, like auroras, were dreamily lively as she looked down at all the disciples who had entered her painting realm. Among them, the young man standing by the pond, peering around, was the most noticeable.
The young man's eyes were filled with admiration and fascination, causing these eyes, which had been calm for thousands of years, to ripple for the first time.
A gentle breeze lifted the veil from her face, as if forming a smile.
After a long while.
Outside the palace, disciples from the various depths gradually arrived in the painting realm and entered the palace.
The servant standing at the palace entrance noticed the young man still gazing at the pond from a distance. His face showed a peculiar expression as he approached and invited the young man into the palace.
Li Hao snapped back to reality, remembering his task. Reluctantly, he followed the servant into the palace.
The palace was grand and towering, about a thousand zhang high. Standing at the entrance, Li Hao felt like an ant entering a giant's world, like a speck of dust.
"Hmm?"
Lin Mingrong raised an eyebrow and said, "Junior brother, don't speak rashly. Your Master Elder Li didn't mention you just now."
"He whispered it to me."
Li Hao sighed helplessly, "Senior Sister, just go on your way. I'll follow you, and if anything happens, I'll take responsibility."
Seeing Li Hao say this, Lin Mingrong furrowed her brows. His feeble excuse made her unsure how to respond, but since he was not a disciple of her Master, she couldn't be held responsible, so she didn't bother further.
"Be careful."
With that, she turned and walked away.
They passed through a small courtyard filled with fragrant flowers, where a servant stood at the entrance to guide Li Hao and Lin Mingrong.
Behind the courtyard was a palace that resembled a landscape painting. Inside, a barrier enveloped the area, and the Immortal Power was dense, with Dao Power flowing. Just standing there, one could almost feel the Primordial Dao.
As Li Hao stepped onto the long staircase outside the palace, he was stunned by the scenic landscape before him.
When he looked up, he saw the sky filled with colorful clouds, a warm and golden sun that wasn't blinding, and swirling, vibrant clouds. He immediately realized that this was not a palace but a painting!
Everything around the towering palace was part of the painting!
Li Hao was amazed by this level of painting skill. Although he could paint Dragons and Phoenixes to give them combat capabilities, the world before him was so naturally formed, and the painting skill was clearly far superior to his own.
"Hmm?"
Lin Mingrong sensed the footsteps behind her stop and frowned. Seeing Li Hao standing still, she said, "It's not too late to regret it. There's no need to act the hero. You're still young; go back."
Li Hao was taken aback. Hearing her inexplicable words, he realized her suspicions hadn't been dispelled. He shook his head and said, "You go ahead."
Ignoring her furrowed brow, he turned and walked toward the nearby pond and trees.
The pond's surface rippled, and fish swam in the water, looking lifelike.
But Li Hao could tell at a glance that this was all painted.
The leaves on the trees were yellowing, fluttering in the breeze, struggling to stay on the branches before reluctantly falling.
This, too, was painted.
The painting had come to life.
At this moment, Li Hao felt like a devout apprentice, a sword enthusiast who revered the Sword Dao, standing before the strongest Sword Saint, filled with admiration and awe.
He was at the 1st Rank of the Art Dao and could barely sense the power and skill in the paintings before him.
The space, Water Origin, Earth Origin, and even a hint of the essence of time were all integrated into the paintings.
To incorporate so much Primordial Dao into a painting alone, the Great Dream Master's strength must be unfathomable and terrifying.
Moreover, Li Hao vaguely sensed that the dense Immortal Power surrounding the palace seemed to be painted as well.
If that were true, it would be nothing short of miraculous!
Li Hao stood by the pond, like a casual visitor, gazing at the beautiful scenery around him, his eyes filled with nothing but admiration and fascination.
Meanwhile, everything in the palace and the painting realm was visible to a pair of dreamlike eyes at the highest point of the palace.
She sat in a pavilion atop the palace, her face veiled by a thin, light veil. Her eyes, like auroras, were dreamily lively as she looked down at all the disciples who had entered her painting realm. Among them, the young man standing by the pond, peering around, was the most noticeable.
The young man's eyes were filled with admiration and fascination, causing these eyes, which had been calm for thousands of years, to ripple for the first time.
A gentle breeze lifted the veil from her face, as if forming a smile.
After a long while.
Outside the palace, disciples from the various depths gradually arrived in the painting realm and entered the palace.
The servant standing at the palace entrance noticed the young man still gazing at the pond from a distance. His face showed a peculiar expression as he approached and invited the young man into the palace.
Li Hao snapped back to reality, remembering his task. Reluctantly, he followed the servant into the palace.
The palace was grand and towering, about a thousand zhang high. Standing at the entrance, Li Hao felt like an ant entering a giant's world, like a speck of dust.
Just ahead, twelve figures stood, and with Li Hao, they made a total of thirteen people.
This was the number of people from the Nine Depths of the Great Dream who managed to rank within the top thousand in the Ancient Immortal Realm.
Seeing Li Hao actually dare to come forward, Lin Mingrong frowned but said no more.
As Li Hao arrived, the palace, which was dimly lit, suddenly radiated a hazy, misty glow. Then, a projection appeared, a figure as if formed from a congregation of stars, floating in the palace. It was the Great Dream Master.
She wore a light veil, her figure was exquisite, like a transcendent fairy, yet also like a queen who ruled over heaven and earth, looking down upon all.
"You have passed the trial of the Yan Chu Imperial Clan, and I am pleased. The future of the Nine Depths of the Great Dream lies in your hands."
The Great Dream Master's voice was gentle, like rain seeping into the hearts of the disciples, yet it carried an undeniable air of authority that made them bow their heads:
"You have three years. Do not slack off, or you will be overtaken by others. The world is not yet settled, and all can strive to rise!"
The disciples bowed their heads, feeling the warmth and kindness, as well as the untouchable sacred authority.
"These are thirteen Flying Immortal Pills. I’m sure you know their effects. In the True Immortal Realm, one can only consume two pills, and each pill can directly elevate your cultivation by one level!"
Instantly, thirteen snow-white, crystal-clear Immortal Pills flew to Li Hao and the others.
The rich aroma of the Immortal Pills spread around, invigorating the senses and making the pores feel open.
Li Hao was surprised. He hadn’t expected such a top-tier Immortal Pill that could directly elevate one’s cultivation by a level.
Two pills in total… meaning that reaching the eighth level of the True Immortal Realm and then taking the pills would bring one to the tenth level of perfection?
However, such Immortal Pills were bound to be extremely precious and in short supply. Only major powers could afford to distribute them as rewards.
Seeing the Flying Immortal Pills, Lin Mingrong and the other disciples were all somewhat moved. Many of them were at the seventh to ninth levels of the Immortal Realm. If they received the Immortal Pills, their strength would surely advance further.
After all, each step in cultivation was a significant leap. Elevating a level meant doubling the Immortal Power one could control!
As the Immortal Pills were distributed, Lin Mingrong quickly extended her hand to receive and thank the Great Dream Master. At the same time, she noticed that Li Hao also accepted the allocated Immortal Pill.
She couldn’t help but be slightly taken aback. The Great Dream Master’s reward was undoubtedly genuine. Could it be that the junior brother was telling the truth?
However, she had heard about the arrival of the others, but Elder Li had not reported this junior brother’s arrival, which was a bit strange.
"You can cultivate here in the Lángyá Dream, where the Immortal Power is dense and the Primordial Dao flows through it; if you grasp the Primordial Dao in your cultivation, I will elaborate on the Dao to help you advance more rapidly."
The Great Dream Master gently added, "All other cultivation resources are at your disposal. You only need to do your utmost to improve yourselves within these three years!"
Hearing her words, Lin Mingrong and the others looked up, their expressions filled with excitement.
In the Nine Depths of the Great Dream, the best cultivation holy land was this legendary Lángyá Dream!
It was said that cultivating here for one year was equivalent to a hundred years outside!
"Thank you, Great Dream Master!"
They all said in unison.
Li Hao also thanked her, mentally noting the name of this dream realm.
"If you can achieve a good ranking in the Southern Domain Battle three years from now, there will be even more rewards. Just focus on becoming as strong as possible, and remember, do not slack off!"
Great Dream Master repeated his instructions.
Everyone responded in unison.
Then, Great Dream Master waved his hand, dismissing the group. Someone would lead them to their designated cultivation sites within the Langya Dream Realm.
Li Hao stood there, hesitating, unsure if he should speak up.
The other disciples had already turned to leave when Great Dream Master's gaze fell on the young man. He spoke softly, "What is your name?"
Hearing this, the other disciples were surprised and turned to look. They saw that Great Dream Master was addressing a young man they did not recognize.
"Disciple Hao Tian", Li Hao replied, bowing.
"You stay. The rest of you, please leave."
Great Dream Master said gently.
Upon hearing this, Lin Mingrong's eyes flickered, and she fixed her gaze on Li Hao. Earlier, when Great Dream Master had bestowed the elixir, it confirmed that Li Hao had not lied. Now, being singled out to stay, she began to find this junior brother somewhat mysterious.
"Great Dream Master, I counted earlier. There are twelve of us who made it into the top thousand. How is there one more?"
A tall young man suddenly bowed and asked, his eyes on Li Hao. He had been keeping track of the numbers and found it strange that this young man was being kept by Great Dream Master. His question was also a test.
Hearing this, the other disciples also turned to look at Li Hao.
All present were sharp-minded and had noticed this discrepancy, but no one had spoken up.
"Hao Tian also made it into the top thousand, but his rank is too high to be announced publicly. You must keep this a secret."
Great Dream Master said softly.
Upon hearing this, the hall fell into a brief silence. Lin Mingrong, the tall young man who had spoken, and the other disciples all turned to look at Li Hao, their bodies tensing.
To make it into the top thousand and have a rank so high that it needed to be kept secret?
The tall young man who had bowed was the chief disciple of Spear Abyss, the lineage with the most disciples and the most intense competition within the Nine Depths of the Great Dream. He had stood out among them, ranking the highest among the Spear Abyss disciples in the Ancient Immortal Realm, placing him in the top six hundred and reaching the Tenth Wasteland!
With such an achievement, he was almost certain to secure a battle order in three years.
Even so, his rank had not been hidden, yet this unknown young man's rank needed to be concealed?
The young man couldn't help but ask, "May I ask, Great Dream Master, what is his rank?"
Though his tone was cautious, he couldn't hide his disbelief.
Great Dream Master seemed to understand their thoughts and continued in his gentle voice, "Hao Tian ranks within the top hundred. The exact rank will be revealed in three years."
Top hundred?
Lin Mingrong and the young man's pupils dilated, and the other disciples stared at Li Hao in shock.
This young man, ranking within the top hundred?!
How could that be!
They all knew that those in the top hundred, aside from the Immortal Lord Realm monsters who had already broken through the Tenth Wasteland, were the ones who had endured the longest within it!
And this young man was one of those who had lasted the longest?
The young man, Lin Mingrong, and the other disciples' expressions changed. Making it into the top thousand meant they had all reached the Tenth Wasteland.
The difference was how long they had managed to stay.
Because of this, they all understood the terrifying nature of the Tenth Wasteland, with its endless Primordial Dao and Primordial Immortal Art attacks, which were both powerful and unpredictable. Those who could endure were truly exceptional!
"This..."
Lin Mingrong’s mouth slightly opened, her beautiful eyes widening in shock. There was actually such a monster in the Sword Abyss besides her?
A hundred... she repeated in her mind, somewhat dazed.
Then she suddenly remembered her earlier words, and her face turned bright red, feeling as if it was on fire.
Great Dream Master softly said, "You should go now. Time is precious; don’t delay."
The disciples all snapped back to reality, their eyes filled with complex emotions. They took a deep look at the young man who appeared so calm and collected, then one by one, they left the grand hall.
Once they were all gone, Great Dream Master turned to Li Hao, her gaze softening. "What were you looking at by the pond earlier?"
Li Hao was taken aback, thinking she might have some special reward for him. He hadn’t expected her to ask about that.
His eyes immediately lit up with intense interest. "Great Dream Master, did you paint the Langya Dream yourself?"
Seeing the inexplicable excitement and enthusiasm in the young man’s eyes, Great Dream Master’s expression subtly changed. When he had received the Immortal Pill earlier, he had shown only a hint of surprise beneath his calm demeanor, with no trace of joy. But now, it was as if he had hit a switch and suddenly became invigorated.
"To be able to see that it’s a painting, that’s quite an achievement."
Great Dream Master said softly.
Li Hao’s eyes sparkled. "Did you paint it yourself, Great Dream Master? It’s amazing!"
Hearing the young man’s heartfelt exclamation and praise, the corners of Great Dream Master’s mouth, hidden behind her veil, seemed to curve into a slight smile.
"Tell me, how did you figure it out?"
Her voice remained as calm as before, asking without revealing any emotion.
Without hesitation, Li Hao replied, "Being inside the painting, the Primordial Dao in your painting guided me to see its path. I believe this was your deliberate intention, right?"
A hint of surprise flickered in Great Dream Master’s eyes. Indeed, it was her deliberate intention, like leaving a subtle gap in the brushwork. But for the young man to capture the Primordial Dao’s guidance in her painting was truly remarkable.
"Are you skilled in painting as well?"
"Somewhat."
"Could you show me a bit?"
"Very well, I’ll give it a try."
Mentioning painting, Li Hao’s enthusiasm was instantly ignited. He didn’t hesitate, using the space in front of him as a canvas and the surrounding Immortal Power as ink. With his fingers as the brush, he deftly traced a few strokes in the air. The Immortal Power gathered like Spirit Light, tracing graceful arcs, and in a moment, a Jiaolong coalesced in the void.
Accompanied by a low, resonant dragon roar, the Jiaolong suddenly spun around, coiling itself around Li Hao’s body, exuding a formidable aura.
Seeing this, a look of astonishment appeared in Great Dream Master’s eyes. The Art Dao skill displayed was quite profound, surpassing her expectations. Moreover, it incorporated spatial and water origin Dao Resonance. Although she couldn’t determine the exact depth, it was at least at the first level of origin!
Her gaze, rarely so focused, suddenly sharpened. "You are a Sword Abyss disciple, right? Have you seen the Divine Sword?"
"Divine Sword?"
Li Hao was surprised.
Great Dream Master softly said, "The Southern Domain Battle restricts weapons and treasure armors. After the Southern Domain Battle, come and try to pull out that Divine Sword. If you can, it will be yours as a gift."
Li Hao was somewhat bewildered but understood that this was a good thing. "Thank you, Great Dream Master."
At the same time, on the Emperor Sword Mountain in the Sword Abyss.
Yun Wumian, sitting by his thatched cottage, suddenly sneezed. He rubbed his nose, puzzled. "Who’s talking about me behind my back?"
(End of Chapter)(End of Chapter)
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