https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-148-Borrowing-a-Breath-from-Heaven-and-Earth/13450172/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-150-Battle-of-the-Four-Foundations/13450178/
Chapter 149: A Single Sword Splits the Heavens
Chapter 149: A Single Sword Splits the Heavens
As the Immortal Qi entered his body, Li Hao's pores emitted a myriad of brilliant lights, as if a resplendent Divine Flame Sun had been engulfed within him.
The snow around his body rapidly evaporated and melted away.
His flesh and blood began to wriggle and transform, refining and purifying, exuding a silvery-white glow from his pores, enveloping him in a mist of divine light.
His physical body was transforming, and so was his True Energy. Even Li Hao's Divine Soul Manifestation transcended due to this Immortal Qi, contracting from the form of a young man to that of an infant.
Then, the infant grew and transformed back into the form of a young man.
However, the originally robust and yang divine soul now possessed a more ethereal and transcendent aura.
Little White Fox jumped out of Li Hao's embrace, startled by the vast Immortal aura. Her eyes showed fear, and she hesitated, wanting to approach but not daring to.
She raised her tiny paw and cautiously touched the mist.
But the divine mist seemed like a mere illusion, showing no change when touched by her small paw, as if it were untouchable.
The transformation continued, and the snow on the mountain peak evaporated and melted, turning into clear mountain springs that flowed down the mountain's gullies. The entire mountain peak seemed to come back to life.
The fierce cold wind that swept through the area transformed into gentle rain, which changed course just a few yards away from Li Hao's body, falling elsewhere.
Only the area where the young man sat remained clean and quiet.
The rain, like a spiritual shower, fell on the mountain peak, which had shed its snow and regained its luster. The earth slowly sprouted with a green sheen, and tiny buds emerged, drawing strength from something, pushing their way out of the solid mountain.
Nourished by the rain, they grew rapidly.
In the midst of Mid-Winter, this mountain peak flowed with hot springs, starkly contrasting with the snow-covered surroundings, standing out like a solitary peak.
The divine white mist surrounding Li Hao gradually dissipated, returning to his body and contracting through his pores. When all the white light had vanished, Li Hao slowly opened his eyes.
His eyes seemed to emit a gentle silver glow, his skin as smooth as jade, pale and radiant, with an inner light that shimmered subtly. Every pore seemed full and brimming with boundless power.
Li Hao understood that this was the limit of the Grandmaster realm.
After more than half a year of effort, he had finally taken this step.
He looked at the mountain peak where he sat, now dotted with clusters of green grass and old trees, which had sprouted new green buds on their branches.
This was the manifestation of his current strength. Previously, his Qi Power was merely raw force, devoid of any attributes. Only through prolonged cultivation using various techniques with different attributes—like cold, fiery, or others—could his Qi Power gain some unique hidden forces.
For example, Song Qiumo's attacks carried an intensely cold force, which could freeze an enemy's body and slow down their Qi Power circulation over time.
Li Hao had previously mastered various cultivation techniques, and his Qi Power contained these hidden forces. However, most of the time, he didn't need them, as his battles were swift and decisive, often ending in a few strikes.
But now, all these characteristics had merged into this single Immortal Qi.
All transformations arise from the heart!
His strength could encompass all these characteristics and freely switch between any of them.
A profound realization emerged within him.
"Whatever I lose is not truly mine. Whatever I seek entraps me."
"Everything can be used by me, but nothing truly belongs to me."
"A gentleman uses things but is not used by them."
"The Great Way is simple, and without desire, one becomes strong."
"By non-action, everything is achieved!"
At this moment, Li Hao's Grandmaster Mindset reached its pinnacle of perfection.
From Self-Realization to World-Realization, and then to All-Beings-Realization, he understood the simplicity of the Great Way and the unity of all things!
His understanding and application of power had surpassed that of ordinary Grandmasters. The new growth on the mountain peak was not because his power had the effect of reviving plants. He had merely cleared the snow from the mountain.
This transformed the mountain from Mid-Winter into spring and autumn.
Thus, the plants and flowers grew on their own.
Though the effect was the same, the application of power was different.
This shift in ideology was extremely important. Typically, a Tian Ren Master Realm cultivator absorbs the power of heaven and earth into their body to use against enemies.
But how much can one's body truly contain?
Li Hao had dispersed all his Qi Power, leaving only this single Immortal Qi within his body.
When he needed power, he could draw it from the vast expanse of heaven and earth. This was the concept of "Everything can be used by me, but nothing truly belongs to me."
He no longer absorbed the power of heaven and earth into his body. Instead, he left it in the heavens and earth, borrowing what he needed when required.
This was the principle of "A gentleman uses things but is not used by them", mastering the power without being constrained by it.
If one greedily absorbed this power into their body, they would be limited by it and by their body's capacity, for the body is like a container that can only hold so much before it overflows.
Li Hao raised his hand, slowly assuming a stance, his fists and feet moving as he cultivated his Mindset.
What is the essence of heaven and earth?
Between his fists and feet lies the essence of heaven and earth.
With a constant flow of Immortal Qi, one can establish their own realm of heaven and earth.
Li Hao's Martial Dao Realm had transcended the Grandmaster Realm, surpassing even the Three Immortalities, though he had not yet reached them.
He summoned a withered branch, using it as a sword, and between the tip of the blade and his chest lay the essence of heaven and earth.
With each step, the space between his feet also embodied the essence of heaven and earth.
Li Hao casually swung the withered branch, releasing a Sword Qi.
In an instant, the snowfall seemed to split apart as the Sword Qi, invisible and light, pierced through dozens of miles, extending further and further until it reached a hundred miles away, tearing through the dense cloud layer and splitting the sky.
A single sword stroke split the heavens!
The cloud layer parted, revealing a brilliant sky like the sunrise, and the heavy snowfall ceased.
Li Hao casually thrust out a punch, and an endless gust of wind swept across, blowing away the snow from the surrounding mountains. The snow swirled and rolled, forming an avalanche that spread for dozens of miles.
Without the snow, the temperature in the area seemed to rise.
The ground slowly revealed a hint of spring.
Li Hao smiled, feeling a sense of grandeur and power.
With ten thousand pounds of spring breeze, I dare to transform the world!
He casually discarded the withered branch, bent down, and picked up the stunned Little White Fox, rubbing its ears and smiling, "Did you learn it?"
Learned nothing... The Little White Fox's eyes were blank.
Li Hao laughed, holding it as he turned and walked away. With each step, it seemed as if he carried the essence of heaven and earth within him, covering ten miles with a single stride, his speed faster than flying.
After a few steps, Li Hao returned to Heavenly Gate Pass, entering the small courtyard.
Feng Boping lay on the Master's chair, gently swaying. Hearing the commotion, he opened one eye and looked at Li Hao.
Then, he slowly opened the other eye, sat up straight, and said in surprise, "Have you reached the Three Immortalities?"
"Not yet", Li Hao replied, setting the Little White Fox down.
"Grandmaster Realm?"
Feng Boping looked at Li Hao again, sensing that even his casual movements had a sense of Perfection, as if he could react to any attack at any moment. This was the aura of a Grandmaster.
Li Hao nodded slightly.
Feng Boping was speechless. What a kid! When Li Hao suppressed the Grandmasters of the world, Feng Boping himself hadn't even reached the Grandmaster Realm.
But then again, Li Hao had only entered the Heavenly Being Realm after the battle in Qingzhou, and it had only been a little over half a year... Feng Boping felt a pang of envy. Although he had long been aware of Li Hao's cultivation speed, reaching Perfection in the Heavenly Being Realm in just over half a year was still quite impressive.
This kid, he hadn't even seen how he cultivated... Feng Boping mused. If he hadn't known Li Hao since he was a child, he might have felt a bit jealous.
But at Li Hao's current pace, Feng Boping sensed that it wouldn't be long before this little rat would stand on equal footing with the old timers.
The next decade of the Great Yu Divine Dynasty would belong to this kid.
Thinking of this, Feng Boping's lips curved into a slight smile, but then he frowned, thinking of the approaching Myriad Mountains Demon King.
"If anything happens, we'll leave immediately."
Feng Boping said to Li Hao with a serious tone.
Li Hao nodded slightly. Although he had reached the Grandmaster limit and was considered a Land Immortal, he had no confidence in facing a Demon King of the Fourth Establishment Realm.
He had heard Old Feng describe the vast differences of the Fourth Establishment Realm.
The Fourth Establishment Realm, while considered a single realm, actually consisted of four stages, each with its own step.
The first step was the Dao Mind Realm, the second step was the Fate Reversal Realm, the third step was the Ultimate Mastery Realm, and the final step was the Great Peace Dao Realm, where one could open a Dao gate and possess the power to ask the sage.
Each step was vastly different. Old Feng belonged to the second step, the Fate Reversal Realm, which granted the ability to defy heaven and alter fate once, for oneself or others.
This power to defy heaven and alter fate wasn't just about transforming a weak constitution into that of a prodigious talent.
One can even reverse their fate when facing an absolute crisis, thus securing a glimmer of hope for survival!
In other words, reaching the Fate Reversal Realm grants one a chance to survive an otherwise fatal situation.
Most cultivators in the Fate Reversal Realm keep this opportunity for themselves, but many of the elders in the Five Divine General Manors have passed it on to their successors, ensuring the continuation of the Incense Lineage.
Like Second Uncle, who is in the Ultimate Mastery Realm, he can sit as a Pillar of the Sea, stabilizing the Divine General Manor.
The final step, the Great Peace Dao Realm, represents the pinnacle of the Great Yu Divine Dynasty, with only a few individuals achieving it. Currently, the most well-known is the Buddhist Master of Wuliang Mountain, who has attained this realm.
The rest are either obscure or have long since perished.
For instance, the Ancestors of the Five Divine General Manors were all in the Great Peace Dao Realm, ensuring the Great Yu Divine Dynasty's eternal peace and prosperity!
The Demon King Old Feng previously fought was only in the Dao Mind Realm, but he was skilled in evasion. Old Feng, concerned about Li Hao's safety, did not pursue him further.
This time, if the Myriad Mountains Demon King were to attack, Old Feng speculates that he is likely in the Fate Reversal Realm. Combined with the previous Dao Mind Realm Demon King, that makes two. If the Myriad Mountains Demon King were to hold Old Feng back, the previous Demon King could attack Li Hao, who would find it extremely difficult to defend himself.
A being in the Dao Mind Realm wields attacks imbued with the principles of the Dao, ensuring they always hit their mark.
In other words, once the opponent strikes, Li Hao will inevitably have to endure the attack.
Currently, Li Hao is only in the Heavenly Being Realm, and even the Indestructible Realm of the Three Immortalities would struggle to withstand such an assault. A single strike could cripple him.
The Indestructible Realm could barely withstand a couple of blows, assuming the opponent doesn't use their full strength.
"Hopefully, they'll come a bit later", Li Hao said.
If he could enter the Mindset Spiritual Immersion, he could directly advance to the Three Eternities Realm.
Feng Boping glanced at Li Hao, his heart stirring. If given time, Li Hao would not find it difficult to reach the Three Eternities Realm in the future.
Although the transition from the Heavenly Being Realm to the Three Immortalities is an extremely difficult hurdle, countless geniuses who entered the Heavenly Being Realm at a young age took over a hundred years to reach the Three Immortalities. This is a common occurrence, but Feng Boping had great confidence in Li Hao.
However, even if Li Hao reaches the Three Eternities Realm, the gap between it and the Fourth Establishment Realm remains vast.
Moreover, with the Water Qilin's departure, these Demon Kings might not be patient for long.
"Regardless, focus on your cultivation, and leave the rest to me", Feng Boping said.
Li Hao nodded, then gathered some ingredients to make a simple barbecue. He then took out his Painting Boards and began sketching in the courtyard.
Currently, his Art Dao and Fishing Dao were both approaching 100,000 experience points.
Once the experience points are full, he needs a Mindset advancement to continue gaining more. However, he can start exploring the Mindset aspect in advance.
"I must choose one path and focus on it. I can't think about both the Art Dao and Fishing Dao at the same time, or I'll end up wasting time by not fully committing to either", Li Hao thought, understanding the importance of concentration.
He originally planned to use Fishing Spiritual Immersion, but with the demons around Beyond the Pass cleared, he lacked fishing targets, slowing his progress. On the other hand, the Art Dao allowed him to sketch freely.
Snowflakes fell heavily.
Li Hao sketched the snow scene in the courtyard.
Feng Boping initially thought Li Hao would go into cultivation, but seeing him immersed in his usual activities, he was somewhat surprised.
However, he seemed to sense something. Li Hao's rapid cultivation speed might be related to his daily play, though he couldn't quite figure out how.
He didn't pressure Li Hao to cultivate, allowing him to follow his whims.
Time passed.
Another month went by at Beyond the Pass.
The snowstorm seemed to be gradually subsiding, and in another month, it would be spring.
In the courtyard, Li Hao held a bowl, eating slices of meat from the pot.
His Art Dao experience is now full, granting him one Art Skill Point, but his Mindset has yet to reach the Transcendence realm.
His painting skills have reached their peak, but they still remain within the mundane, able to capture the essence of things, yet unable to transcend.
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, Li Hao sensed that the Hidden Threads he had set up in the air a hundred miles away seemed to be brushed by the wind.
This was not a natural breeze, but rather something passing by.
His eyes narrowed slightly, and he immediately looked toward Feng Boping.
At the same time, Feng Boping also looked at Li Hao. Without a word, both of them instantly read each other's thoughts.
They're here!
"Actually appearing a hundred miles away, it seems... there are three of them!"
Feng Boping's Hidden Threads were also set up around the area. Although he had been Fishing for years, his skills might not match Li Hao's. Li Hao had the experience boost from his panel and the insights from Sixth Rank Fishing, mastering various Fishing techniques and gaining special attributes from the *River Snow Painting*.
Hidden Threads are an Object Manipulation Power that can remain hidden and disappear, something Feng Boping couldn't achieve.
Therefore, Feng Boping's Hidden Threads were only triggered by one, while Li Hao's were triggered by four or five.
But even with just one, he could sense three forces.
"This old thing, he really did bring help. Let's go!"
Feng Boping immediately enveloped Li Hao and Little White Fox in his sleeve and used his body technique, the Heaven and Earth Traceless Technique.
If it were just the two Demon Kings from the Myriad Mountains, Li Hao and Old Feng had discussed staying to resist them, using the Sacred Heart Amulet to scare them off.
After all, defending Border Pass also involves strategy, not just brute force.
But with three Demon Kings, trouble was inevitable.
As the three Demon Kings drew closer, most of the Hidden Threads Li Hao had set up within a hundred miles, like a dense spider web, were touched and snapped by their bodies!
[Fishing experience +546, +523, +632...]
Even though the Hidden Threads were torn, he still gained experience. A long string of notifications appeared, but Li Hao blocked them out.
His experience points rapidly increased, and by the time the Demon Kings reached the Camp's perimeter, Li Hao's experience was almost at Sixth Rank Perfection.
Just then, a figure suddenly flew over from another direction.
Li Hao and Feng Boping immediately looked over and saw a woman in a deep blue dress, with water-blue hair, her figure graceful and enchanting. It was Song Qiumo.
"What are you doing here!"
Li Hao's face changed abruptly, and he couldn't help but shout.
Song Qiumo smiled calmly and said, "Of course, I came to see how these guys plan to take revenge on you."
"You never left?!" Li Hao was furious.
"Now isn't the time for this. Do you plan to retreat or stay and fight? I'll stay with you", Song Qiumo said with a gentle smile.
Seeing her like this, Li Hao couldn't help but feel moved, his emotions complex. What did he do to deserve such favor, just for giving her a few Fried Sesame Pancakes?
But given the situation, Li Hao knew it wasn't the time to talk about it. He gritted his teeth, took a deep breath, and, feeling the three Demon Kings rapidly approaching through his Hidden Threads, said, "If it's three against three, we can give it a try. If we can't scare them off, we'll retreat later."
With Song Qiumo and Old Feng protecting him, and the Sacred Heart Amulet, Li Hao felt he had some leverage to negotiate.
"I have no problem with that", Song Qiumo smiled.
Feng Boping smiled faintly, "Let's talk then."
They had just flown out of the Camp but quickly returned.
Meanwhile, the three Demon Kings had already appeared inside the Camp. Sensing that Li Hao had left, the tall, dark-golden-haired old man standing in the center let out an angry roar, his voice like a lion or a dragon, shaking the entire Heavenly Gate Pass.
In his fury, he slapped out a palm, and the small walled courtyard, still emitting wisps of smoke, was instantly covered by a massive Divine Palm, about to be shattered.
Suddenly, a water light darted forward, colliding with the Divine Palm. A large water curtain swept across, forming a protective dome around the courtyard.
"Let's fight, but don't destroy this place."
Song Qiumo stepped out, a faint smile on her face, "I like this little courtyard, so don't break it."
The dark-golden-haired old man's eyes flashed with cold light.
Beside him, another elder in a Daoist robe, with white hair and beard, stroked his beard and narrowed his eyes, "You didn't leave? Perfect, we can settle what we didn't finish last time."
(End of Chapter)
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