Everlasting Renown Chapter 318: Bian Ruxue, the Holy Maiden (Part Three) (Part 2) - Novel Cool

Chapter 318: Bian Ruxue, the Holy Maiden (Part Three) (Part 2)

Chapter 318: Bian Ruxue, the Holy Maiden (Part Three) (Part 2)

Occasionally, he would also be invited to assist Zhao Yingzhen, Shi Huajin, and others in purifying the medicinal power for their high-rank divine pills, increasing the success rate of pill formation.

With Li Hao's help in Purification, their success rate for high-grade Elixirs greatly improved, rising from a mere thirty percent to a solid seventy percent.

This made Li Hao a highly sought-after figure in the Sword Ancestor Sanctuary's Alchemy circles, earning him widespread fame.

...

Days turned into weeks, and another month passed.

Li Hao had thoroughly consolidated his Dao Enlightenment True Person Realm, restoring his strength to its previous levels.

To be precise, his current strength had even surpassed his previous levels.

The conversion of Dao Power in the Land of Sages was much faster than in the Mortal World. In just five days, his body was completely filled with Dao Power. For the remaining twenty days, Li Hao did not rest, continuing to refine and solidify his power.

Now, his Physical Body was even harder than the Holy Heart Treasure.

Dao Power permeated his entire body, making him a supreme treasure in his own right. Every move he made carried immense destructive power.

Moreover, his Sword Dao had reached the eighth stage, and he had mastered Sword Momentum and Sword Intent. If he were to attack again, his strikes would be even more formidable and terrifying.

However, after his battle with the Virtual Sage Incarnation, Li Hao had come to fully understand the existence of the Sage Realm. He realized that despite his current strength, he still had a significant gap to bridge to reach the level of a Sage.

During this time, Li Hao had also probed Lin Shanhai for information, gaining a clearer understanding of Sages.

The Sage Realm was a general term, but within it, there were varying levels. A Sage had to endure the Three Calamities, and each time they overcame a calamity, their strength would leap to a new level.

When a Sage successfully overcame the most challenging Heavenly Tribulation, they became a Supreme Sage.

These were the pinnacle beings in the Sage Realm, true rulers of the Land of Sages.

According to Lin Shanhai, there were only about ten Supreme Sages, each possessing the power to overshadow the heavens and earth, unmatched in the world.

Li Hao had also inquired about the Virtual Sage who had attempted to assassinate him. Although the Canglan World and the Cloud Mist World were far apart, the names of Sages were well-known throughout the Thirty-Three Realms, known to all.

Lin Shanhai knew of the Virtual Sage, but he was not a Supreme Sage.

The process of a Sage overcoming the Heavenly Tribulation was a grand event, and Supreme Sages were generally figures of great renown.

...

"Qingfeng Alchemist, here are today's Fire Dragon Liver, Hundred Fragrance Lingzhi, and Purple Coral Dew..."

On Herb Mountain, Li Hao sat in a pavilion outside the Alchemy Room, idly playing with a Go stone.

Jiang Xiaohui, the direct disciple of Shi Huajin, respectfully handed over various alchemical ingredients to Li Hao. She was extremely humble and courteous toward the young man before her. Within the Holy Land's Alchemy circles, Qingfeng Alchemist's name was well-known. Although Li Hao did not hold an official position as an Alchemist, many treated him as one, even considering him to be on par with a Senior Alchemist.

After all, Li Hao had too many connections in the Alchemy world. Besides Shi Huajin and his circle, other Alchemists also sought Li Hao's help, sending gifts repeatedly just to have him Purify their medicinal power and help them refine high-grade Divine Pills.

"Alright, you can put them there."

Li Hao acknowledged her with a casual nod.

Jiang Xiaohui sneaked a glance at Li Hao, envying his legendary skill in Purifying Medicine Power, which she had heard was a secret art passed down through his family, one that, despite his demonstrations, was clearly not something that could be mastered in a short time and would require his meticulous guidance to learn.

But such a supreme technique would not be passed on to outsiders without significant benefit.

Soon, a metallic clinking sound came from inside the Alchemy Room.

Li Hao looked over, catching a whiff of a peculiar medicinal fragrance, indicating that the pills were complete.

Shortly after, the door to the Alchemy Room opened, and the barrier inside was lifted. This barrier was not to prevent Li Hao from peeking but to keep out other Alchemist's Apprentices, even Shi Huajin's direct disciples.

Today's task was to refine high-grade Divine Pills, one of Shi Huajin's signature skills. Even his direct disciples were not easily taught this technique, as it required careful consideration of their character and other factors. It was a closely guarded secret, reserved for passing down to the next generation.

"Clear Wind, come and take a look."

Shi Huajin pushed open the door and saw Li Hao, who was idly lounging in the pavilion. She smiled, recalling how Li Hao had refused her earlier invitation to come inside, claiming it was too stuffy, which almost made her want to faint.

Her disciples, upon hearing Li Hao's refusal, had all stared with wide eyes, unsure of his motives. Was he playing hard to get?

"Hmm."

Li Hao tossed the Go stone back into the chess box and got up, entering the alchemy room. There, he saw a jade-colored tray holding seven elixirs, each radiating a gentle, mystical aura.

"These are Dao Condensing Pills. Even those at the Fourth Establishment Realm can take them to condense a sliver of Dao Power within their bodies, allowing them to suppress peers of the same realm!"

Shi Huajin smiled as she introduced her specialized elixir formula to Li Hao. "I was invited to refine these for a Holy Maiden, who is at the Enlightened Realm. For someone at that level, taking one of these elixirs is more valuable than years of arduous cultivation!"

Li Hao couldn't help but whistle in amazement. Indeed, the high status of alchemists was not undeserved.

A single elixir could enable a Fourth Establishment Realm cultivator to condense Dao Power, giving them an edge over their peers. This made both natural talent and hard work seem almost laughable.

However, this was the foundation and accumulation of a great power.

In the Great Yu Divine Dynasty, the old alchemy master of the Alchemy Academy was only of moderate skill. Yet, the elixirs he refined were considered divine pills in the Mortal World. Apart from supplying the imperial clan, other factions had to offer all sorts of favors to get him to refine even once.

The Five Divine General Manors had to rely on strong connections to get a chance to jump the queue.

If these Dao Condensing Pills were taken to Dayu, they would likely drive all Fourth Establishment Realm cultivators to madness, and Shi Huajin's status would be undeniable.

"If you want to learn, I can teach you."

Shi Huajin said to Li Hao with a half-smile.

Li Hao shook his head.

He could learn and refine elixirs for others, but he had already memorized the ingredients for this elixir. Using his cooking techniques, he could create a similar effect, though slightly weaker. The advantage was that his dishes had no dan poison and could be consumed daily.

However, the ingredients for this elixir were rare. Even Shi Huajin would feel a pang of pain if she failed once. That's why she had invited him to help with the purification process to increase the success rate.

In the Mortal World, it would be nearly impossible to gather these ingredients, so even if he learned the formula, he would be like a skilled cook without ingredients.

"Are you worried I'm testing you? I'm being sincere."

Shi Huajin smiled sweetly. "If you learn, all you have to do is agree to become my disciple."

"Senior Sister, don't tease me. I really have no interest in alchemy."

Li Hao said with a helpless sigh.

Shi Huajin rolled her eyes. If anyone else had heard this, they would have been trembling with excitement by now.

"I really don't understand you. Do I have to beg you?"

She felt even more helpless than Li Hao. The elixir formula that alchemists treasured so much was something others would kill to learn, yet she was begging Li Hao to take it up, hoping he would carry on their legacy and become a Pill Dao Grandmaster. But Li Hao just couldn't be bothered, which was absurd.

"Fine, I'm a bit tired from alchemy today. These are the Dao Condensing Pills I refined for Holy Maiden Xue'er. Take them with Little Hui and deliver them for me."

Shi Huajin said, a hint of weariness in her eyes. Alchemy was extremely draining, and if not for the excitement of a successful refinement, she would have gone to sleep long ago.

"Alright."

Seeing her state, Li Hao agreed.

Outside the door, Jiang Xiaohui heard their conversation and her lips trembled. She wished she could cover the Qingfeng Alchemist's mouth and shout for him to say, "I'll learn, I want to learn!"

Shi Huajin stored the Dao Condensing Pills in a precious gourd and handed it to Li Hao, then waved her hand wearily.

Li Hao took the gourd without a word and gestured to Jiang Xiaohui to lead the way.

Jiang Xiaohui knew that her master didn't trust her with such a valuable elixir, and she felt a bitter smile. Despite being her master's direct disciple for many years, it seemed her master trusted the Qingfeng Alchemist more.

"Qingfeng Alchemist, please."

Jiang Xiaohui suppressed her thoughts and respectfully invited Li Hao.

The two of them soon took flight from Herb Mountain, heading toward the Disciple Area of the Sword Ancestor Sanctuary.

This was Li Hao's first time leaving the Alchemist's living area to visit the places where Disciples cultivated.

The Sword Ancestor Sanctuary was vast, with the Disciple Cultivation area occupying a significant portion of it.

After flying for several thousand miles, they entered a mountain range with undulating peaks. Most of these peaks were adorned with arrays, emitting a radiant aura, and many Disciples could be seen moving about on them.

After flying for over ten thousand miles, they finally arrived at a towering mountain peak.

This peak soared to the heavens, its grandeur dwarfing the surrounding mountains.

Rivers encircled the mountain, and several smaller peaks formed a pentagon shape, resembling some kind of array. This array seemed to gather and transmit the energy of heaven and earth to the towering mountain peak. This was clearly not a natural formation but a result of deliberate changes to the earth's veins to form the array.

The effort and resources invested in this indicated that the person residing on the mountain was of no ordinary status.

Jiang Xiaohui led Li Hao in a swift flight, landing at the steps of the gatehouse at the mountain's summit, where attendants were on guard.

"By the order of my master, I have come to deliver medicine to the Holy Maiden."

Jiang Xiaohui presented Shi Huajin's token.

Upon seeing it, the attendants' previously stern expressions immediately softened into amiable smiles. One of them hurriedly said, "It's the esteemed disciple of Master Alchemist. Thank you for your hard work."

Jiang Xiaohui nodded slightly, declining any formalities, and asked for a guide.

They crossed the square and soon arrived at a grand and magnificent building complex at the mountain's summit.

Li Hao looked at the central building and was slightly surprised.

The structure of this building was somewhat similar to the entrance of the Divine General Manor.

"The Holy Maiden is waiting inside. Please, follow me", the attendant at the door said respectfully.

Upon entering the gate, Li Hao's gaze swept the area, and he was momentarily stunned.

The long walkway and the structure inside were familiar to him.

Following the servant, they soon arrived at a courtyard.

As they entered the courtyard, Li Hao noticed that it was laid out like a Mountain and River Courtyard.

Lotus ponds, catalpa trees, the main hall, side pavilions, and even the firewood shed—all were arranged in the same way, with no significant changes in size.

The pavilion in the courtyard was in the same position, along with the stone path.

Li Hao's gaze flickered, and he looked around. He then saw a familiar figure in white practicing sword techniques slowly.

Her movements were similar to Lin Qingying's, graceful and flowing like a dance.

But Li Hao could tell that it was Cultivation Sword Intent.

When she occasionally turned her side, Li Hao's eyes widened slightly, and he understood why.

He hadn't expected to see an acquaintance here.

Before rushing to the Imperial City's Imperial Palace, he had encountered the Mortal Sword Saint, Jian Wudao, who mentioned that she had been chosen by a Sage and brought to the world within the Immortal Gate.

So, this was where she was.

The Sage of the Sword Ancestor Sanctuary was known as the Sword Saint.

This was a true Sword Saint, and only such a person would be interested in someone who wielded a sword like Bian Ruxue.

Jian Wudao had said she had Dusty Sword Bone, which the Sage had detected...

"The Holy Maiden, the Alchemist has come to deliver your medicine", the servant said, bowing respectfully to the woman.

The white-clad figure stopped her sword practice, raising her head slightly to look at Li Hao and Jiang Xiaohui.

Time had left its mark on her appearance, but the familiar contours were still there.

Li Hao didn't mistake her; it was indeed Bian Ruxue.

However, she was no longer the sword-wielding girl he remembered. Now, she exuded a tranquil and ethereal aura, a beauty of exquisite refinement.

Her eyes were like lakes on a snowy mountain, calm and deep, reflecting an extraordinary sense of peace.

This peace often stemmed from a deep, inner confidence.

"Meeting you, Holy Maiden", Jiang Xiaohui approached, bowing respectfully.

Although she was a Direct Disciple of Shi Huajin, she was just one of many. The Holy Maiden, on the other hand, held a position even slightly higher than her master. More importantly, the Holy Maiden was being groomed to potentially become a Sage.

Whether she would Ascend was unknown, but at least she had the potential.

Out of millions of Martial Artists in the world, not one had even a sliver of such potential.

"Hmm? Who is he?"

Bian Ruxue's gaze swept over the woman in front of her, and the faint herbal scent from her made her slightly uncomfortable, though she didn't show it. Her eyes then landed on the man in his twenties standing behind her.

She had already noticed the way he was looking at her, which made her feel a bit puzzled.

His gaze was different from the hidden greed and admiration she usually saw in others' eyes. It was a feeling she couldn't quite describe, but it felt familiar.

"He is Qingfeng Alchemist. He came with me to deliver the medicine to the Holy Maiden", Jiang Xiaohui quickly explained.

"Are you a High Alchemist? Why didn’t you bow to the Holy Maiden? How dare you look directly at her! Do you want your eyes gouged out?"

The guide servant, who had been smiling at them earlier, now seemed like a different person as she angrily berated Li Hao.

"Clear Wind is new here and doesn’t know the rules. Please forgive him, Holy Maiden", Jiang Xiaohui quickly said, pulling on Li Hao’s sleeve to get him to bow and apologize to the Holy Maiden.

Li Hao retracted his gaze. Hearing the servant’s angry rebuke, he couldn’t help but find it a bit amusing. People who act like dogs in front of their masters, baring their fangs and showing off, can change their faces so quickly it’s astonishing.

"Clear Wind greets the Holy Maiden."

Li Hao gave a slight bow, acknowledging her.

At the moment, he didn’t intend to reveal his true identity to avoid any trouble.

Besides, the little tail from back then wasn’t the same little tail he knew anymore.

Seven years had passed since he left the Sword Hut, changing everything. Now, over ten years had gone by, and there was no telling if the person he once knew was still the same.

"Your attitude is unacceptable..."

The servant, seeing Li Hao’s simple bow, was about to scold him, but Bian Ruxue gestured for her to stop. Then, she turned to Li Hao and asked, "Have we met before?"

Li Hao’s eyes flickered, and he replied, "Why would you say that, Holy Maiden?"

"You look a lot like someone I know."

Bian Ruxue softly said, though she didn’t understand why she had this feeling. The person in front of her looked very different from the one in her memory, and their aura was completely changed. Yet, she couldn’t help but think of that person.

"There are many people in the world, and many who look alike. Holy Maiden must be mistaken."

Li Hao said.

Bian Ruxue gazed at him for a moment, then fell silent.

Yes, the person she knew was in the Mortal World, while she had been brought to this Land of Sages by her master. They were now separated by a vast gap between the sacred and the mundane.

Thinking of their last farewell, the words by the campfire, her lips tightened. Now, she finally had the chance to reach the peak of the Sword Dao and see what lay at the summit.

If she could grasp the ultimate sword technique, she wanted to show it to him, just as they had agreed.

But would he truly be amazed by that sword technique?

At this thought, Bian Ruxue sighed inwardly. The peak of the Sword Dao was only a fatal attraction to swordsmen. Just like how that brother always stood out, favoring useless arts and neglecting his talent.

Even if she demonstrated it, he might not understand it.

He might not appreciate the subtleties and the rarity of achieving such a sword technique.

Such sharing was destined to be one-sided, just like their relationship. She couldn’t understand what he wanted or desired, and he didn’t understand her love for the Sword Dao.

However, no matter what, she had promised to climb to the top and tell him what she saw there.

"Are you an alchemist?"

Bian Ruxue asked softly.

"...I suppose so."

Bian Ruxue withdrew her gaze, knowing the person in front of her couldn’t be Li Hao. When her master brought her to the Land of Sages, he was still at Heavenly Gate Pass.

Now, over ten years had passed, and a century had gone by in the Mortal World.

Thinking of this, she sighed softly. "Leave the elixir. Thank you, both of you, for your efforts."

With that, she turned, picked up her sword, and began to dance again.

Li Hao watched as she displayed the Ice and Snow Sword Intent.

Her first cultivation of a High-Grade Sword Technique was the Falling Snow Sword Technique.

Had she continued to improve in this path?

Li Hao thought of Lin Qingying’s mention of the Sword God Battle. Would the two of them face each other then?

One wielded the Supreme Soft Sword Intent, the other the Ice and Snow Sword Intent. Their Sword Intents were similar, but one was gentle, the other cold and sharp. It was uncertain who would come out victorious.

Li Hao also withdrew his gaze, not wanting to correct her out of habit.

But the little girl wasn’t the same little tail anymore. She had her own master, her own path, and he had no right to offer guidance anymore.

Taking out the treasure gourd, Li Hao handed it to the guide servant and left without another word.

In the courtyard, the two figures from the Mortal World gradually moved farther apart, neither looking back.

After returning from the Holy Maiden’s peak, Li Hao began his own cultivation.

As his True Energy continued to condense, one day, Li Hao suddenly sensed a faint power drifting through the air, entering his body.

This power was different from the Heaven and Earth energy, a mysterious and ungraspable force.

After some contemplation, Li Hao realized it was incense.

(End of Chapter)

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